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Delta’s Otiti Kate Shines Bright, Claims Gold in Women’s 10m Air Rifle at Gateway Games 2024

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene 

The crowd at Stephen Keshi Stadium was on its feet Thursday as Delta’s own Otiti Kate pulled off a stunner, grabbing gold in the women’s 10m air rifle at the 2024 National Sports Festival, better known as the Gateway Games. With a jaw-dropping final score of 211.0, Kate didn’t just win, she smashed a Games and National Record, leaving everyone buzzing.

It was a nail-biter from start to finish. Kate, cool as a cucumber, powered through a stacked field of shooters, earning her spot in the final with laser focus. When it came down to the wire, she held steady, outgunning the competition with every shot. The hometown fans went wild as Kate sealed the deal with a performance that was nothing short of electric.

“I’m still pinching myself,” Kate said with a grin, clutching her medal. “Winning at home, breaking the record, it’s everything I’ve worked for. The crowd’s energy just carried me through.”

Her big win put Delta State front and center, adding serious shine to their Gateway Games campaign. The 10m air rifle isn’t for the faint of heart. it’s all about precision and keeping your cool under pressure. Kate made it look easy, proving she’s got the heart and skill to compete with the best.

Social media lit up with love for the champ. “Otiti Kate is a superstar! Gold and a national record? She’s unstoppable!” tweeted @LISinternationl

Over at @MakingOfChamps , they shared pics of Kate beaming, medal around her neck, soaking in the moment with fans chanting her name.

It wasn’t a cakewalk, though. The event was packed with talent from across Nigeria, each shooter gunning for glory. But Kate stayed locked in, showing the kind of grit that’s got people talking about her as Nigeria’s next big thing in shooting.

With the Gateway Games still rolling, Kate’s win has Delta dreaming big. Will she grab more hardware? For now, she’s the pride of Asaba, a hometown hero who turned hard work into gold and gave fans a moment they won’t forget.

 

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FG Sues Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Over Alleged Defamatory TV Remarks

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By Prosper Mene 

The Federal Government of Nigeria has filed a criminal lawsuit against suspended Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, accusing her of making defamatory statements during a live television interview. The suit, lodged on May 16, 2025, at the Federal Capital Territory High Court and marked CR/297/25, names Akpoti-Uduaghan as the sole defendant.

According to court documents, the charges comes from comments the senator made on Channels Television’s Politics Today on April 3, 2025. The government alleges that her statements were defamatory and intended to harm the reputation of certain individuals, violating Section 391 of the Penal Code, which carries penalties under Section 392. Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello are listed as nominal complainants and are expected to testify against her.

The specific remarks were not detailed in the suit, but sources indicate they relate to ongoing disputes involving Akpoti-Uduaghan, who has been embroiled in multiple legal battles. The senator, currently serving a six-month suspension from the Senate for alleged misconduct, has faced separate defamation lawsuits, including a N250 billion claim by Akpabio’s wife, Ekaette Unoma, over alleged sexual harassment accusations against the Senate President, and a N5 billion suit against Senator Onyekachi Nwaebonyi for remarks made on Channels TV’s Sunrise Daily.

Akpoti-Uduaghan, a prominent figure and the first female senator from Kogi State, has maintained that her suspension and the legal actions against her are attempts to silence her advocacy for women’s rights and good governance. Her legal team has yet to respond publicly to the federal government’s suit, and no court date has been set for the hearing.

The case has kick started a debate, with some Nigerians questioning the timing of the charges, given Akpoti-Uduaghan’s vocal criticism of political figures. Others see it as part of efforts to address defamatory statements in public discourse. From indications, the case is likely to draw significant attention due to the senator’s high-profile status and the involvement of key political figures.

 

 

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Bianca Ojukwu, Uche Azikiwe Call for Support at Ojukwu University’s 25th Anniversary

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By Prosper Mene

Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU) marked its 25th anniversary with a grand silver jubilee celebration, honoring key figures instrumental in its establishment and growth. The event, held on May 22, 2025, saw Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Amb. Bianca Ojukwu, and Prof. Uche Azikiwe, widow of Nigeria’s first civilian President, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, calling for increased support to elevate the institution to global standards.

The university, founded in 2000 by the late former Anambra State Governor, Dr. Chinwoke Mbadinuju, celebrated its legacy with the conferment of the Ojukwu Legacy Award on notable individuals, including Mbadinuju, the university’s pioneer Vice-Chancellor, Emeritus Prof. Cornelius Ezekwe, former Speaker of the Anambra State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Barth Onugbolu, and entrepreneur Chief Emma Bishop Okonkwo. Other distinguished alumni, such as Mr. Ifeanyi Matthew Ihebom and Engr. Paul Okafor, were also recognized for their contributions.

Amb. Bianca Ojukwu, widow of the late Biafran leader Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, after whom the university is named, described the milestone as a celebration of “triumphs, visions, perseverance, and the indomitable Igbo spirit.” She emphasized her late husband’s vision of education as the cornerstone of a nation’s future, noting that COOU embodies his dream of empowering youth to shape their destiny. As a member of the university’s governing council, she commended Acting Vice-Chancellor Prof. Kate Omenugha for her leadership and urged stakeholders to support the institution’s growth.

Prof. Uche Azikiwe applauded the call for support, stressing the need for improvements to ensure COOU reflects the legacy of Ojukwu’s name. Both women praised the university’s progress under past and present administrations but emphasized that more investment is needed to elevate its status.

Prof. Omenugha highlighted COOU’s achievements, noting its growth from humble beginnings to a diverse institution with students from 24 Nigerian states and other African countries. The university now boasts 17 faculties and 73 programs across arts, sciences, technology, law, medicine, pharmacy, engineering, and humanities. She described the jubilee as a celebration of “legacy, valour, excellence, unity, and heritage.”

Chief Emma Bishop Okonkwo, a recipient of the Ojukwu Legacy Award, expressed gratitude for the honor and pledged a N50 million borehole project to address water challenges for students, further demonstrating the commitment of alumni to the university’s development.

The event, attended by prominent figures including Anambra State Governor Charles Soludo, showed the university’s significance as a beacon of education and cultural heritage. Bianca Ojukwu also praised Gov. Soludo for his support, which has drawn national attention, including project commissions by President Bola Tinubu.

The call by Bianca Ojukwu and Prof. Uche Azikiwe for collective support acts as a rallying cry to ensure the university continues to uphold its founding vision while striving for excellence on a global stage.

 

 

 

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Why teenage pregnancy is on the rise in Nigeria – Expert explains

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By Prosper Mene 

A growing crisis of teenage pregnancy in Nigeria has sparked concern, with medical expert Mrs. Roseline Akinlabi, Adolescent Desk Officer at the Osun State Primary Healthcare Board, sounding the alarm on its causes and consequences. Speaking at an enlightenment program organized by The Challenge Initiative (TCI) in Osogbo, Akinlabi attributed the surge to a combination of social, cultural, and systemic factors, urging a comprehensive response to curb the trend.

Akinlabi identified child marriage, peer pressure, early onset of menstruation (menarche), and sexual violence, including rape, as primary drivers of the rising rates. She referenced UNICEF data indicating that Nigeria has one of the highest teenage pregnancy rates globally, with one in ten girls projected to become mothers before age 18, particularly in the North Central and North-West regions like Bauchi and Gombe.

The health risks are severe, with complications such as eclampsia, puerperal endometritis, pregnancy-induced hypertension, gestational diabetes, and systemic infections posing significant threats to young mothers. Beyond physical dangers, teenage pregnancy often leads to school dropouts, limited career prospects, and profound emotional and psychological impacts, including depression, anxiety, and trauma.

“Teenage pregnancy can cause stress and traumatic experiences, potentially leading to mental health issues,” Akinlabi noted, emphasizing additional risks like unsafe abortions and physical abuse. She stressed that preaching abstinence, especially during early adolescence, remains the safest preventive measure.

To address the crisis, Akinlabi advocated for multifaceted solutions, including combating gender-based violence, empowering girls through education, providing comprehensive sex education, and improving access to contraception. She called for a structured, holistic approach to tackle the root causes and mitigate the long-term consequences.

The issue is compounded by systemic challenges in Nigeria, such as limited access to healthcare and education, particularly in rural areas. UNICEF has committed $1 billion over the next five years to address adolescent health issues, including teenage pregnancy, signaling a renewed focus on the crisis.

 

 

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Nurses Protest at UCTH Over Arrest of Colleagues in Calabar

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By Prosper Mene 

The University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH) was thrown into chaos on Monday as over 200 nurses staged a protest, barricading the hospital’s main gate and halting vehicular movement. The demonstration was sparked by the arrest of three nurses, identified as Joy, Mary, and Deborah by the Nigeria Police Force following the death of a patient and the alleged theft of the deceased’s SIM card.

The incident began when a patient, brought to the hospital by an unidentified Good Samaritan, died during the night. According to reports, the nurses failed to record the Good Samaritan’s details, a lapse deemed unethical by some observers. When the patient’s relatives arrived, they discovered the missing SIM card and demanded information about the Good Samaritan. Unable to provide answers, the nurses faced accusations of theft, leading to their arrest.

Outraged by what they called an “unfair” and “humiliating” detention, nurses marched to the Cross River State Police Command, demanding the immediate release of their colleagues. The protest disrupted medical services, leaving patients unable to access treatment and causing tension at the facility. In one reported incident, protesting nurses allegedly assaulted a visitor attempting to enter the hospital morgue.

The UCTH chapter of the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives condemned the arrests, describing the police’s actions as “unlawful” and “dehumanizing.” They called for a full investigation into the conduct of the officers involved and the unconditional release of the detained nurses.

Efforts to obtain a response from UCTH management were unsuccessful, as the chief medical director’s office did not respond to inquiries. The hospital’s silence has fueled frustration among staff, with one nurse, speaking anonymously, expressing dismay at the administration’s failure to address the issue before it escalated.

The protest has raised questions about hospital protocols for patient admission and the treatment of healthcare workers in Nigeria.The public awaits further developments on the nurses’ release and the investigation into the patient’s death

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Zamfara Government Denies False Claims of Sharia Trial for Woman Allegedly Converting to Christianity

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By Prosper Mene 

The Zamfara State Government has strongly refuted viral social media reports claiming that a 22-year-old woman, Zainab Muhamadu, faces trial in a Sharia court for converting from Islam to Christianity. In an official statement released on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, Sulaiman Bala Idris, spokesperson for Governor Dauda Lawal, described the story as “mischievous fake news” spread by individuals aiming to incite religious tension.

The government clarified that no such case exists before any Sharia court in Zamfara State, emphasizing that the claims are entirely fabricated. Authorities, including the Grand Khadi of the Zamfara Sharia Court of Appeal, were consulted to verify the story, which was confirmed to be false. The statement also revealed that the image accompanying the viral report, falsely presented as Zainab, was of an American woman named Aalia from Texas, misappropriated to fuel the narrative.

“The Zamfara State Government has acted swiftly by summoning all relevant authorities and security agencies to verify the authenticity of the story, which ultimately proved to be a blatant falsehood,” Idris said, attributing the report to an online platform notorious for spreading unverified content, specifically naming Sahara Reporters as the source.

The government condemned the spread of misinformation, criticizing media platforms for republishing unverified social media content without due diligence. “This is a clear example of yellow journalism that should be condemned by all well-meaning citizens,” the statement noted, highlighting the potential of such reports to disrupt peace and stir religious tension in Zamfara and Nigeria at large.

Zamfara authorities have called on security agencies to investigate the origins of the false report and prosecute those responsible, aiming to deter future misinformation. The government reiterated its commitment to maintaining peace and urged the public to verify information before sharing.

 

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Senator Natasha Alleges Police Bias in Handling Petitions Against Akpabio, Yahaya Bello

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By Prosper Mene 

Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has accused the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) of bias and favoritism in their handling of multiple petitions she filed against Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello. The allegations, detailed in a letter by her legal team led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria Sen. Ehiogie West-Idahosa, cites what the senator describes as deliberate stalling of investigations into her complaints while the police swiftly acted on a counter-petition against her.

According to the letter, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s petitions include a March 25 report alleging threats to her life, a March 31 complaint regarding the unauthorized withdrawal of her police security detail, and an April 4 petition accusing Akpabio and Bello of conspiring to assassinate her. Despite her cooperation, West-Idahosa claims her original petitions and evidence were excluded from the case file concerning Akpabio’s counter-petition, which alleges defamation by the senator. The legal team was also recently informed that the police had concluded their investigation into Akpabio’s petition without addressing her claims.

“It is obvious that this unwillingness to thoroughly and impartially investigate the petitions may be due to the high political office occupied by Senator Godswill Akpabio,” West-Idahosa stated, adding that Bello, no longer protected by gubernatorial immunity, should also be subject to a full criminal investigation. The senator described the police’s response as “discriminatory” and “preferential,” suggesting their actions were influenced by the political stature of the accused.

Both Akpabio and Bello have filed counter-petitions with the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, accusing the senator of defamation and incitement.

Akpabio, in a petition dated April 3, 2025, called Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations “heinous lies” aimed at tarnishing his reputation and inciting unrest. Bello’s legal team similarly labeled her statements as “false, reckless, and inciting,” demanding her prosecution for criminal defamation. The senator, however, insists she has evidence to support her claims and has urged the police to investigate her petitions thoroughly rather than prioritizing those against her.

The ongoing feud has increased political tensions, with Akpoti-Uduaghan’s six-month Senate suspension, linked to a dispute over seating arrangements, adding fuel to her claims of political victimization. She has also raised concerns about an attack on her family home in Obeiba-Ihima, Kogi State, which she attributes to Akpabio, Bello, and Ododo.

Akpoti-Uduaghan has called on the Inspector General to restore her security detail and conduct an impartial investigation into her allegations. The Nigeria Police Force has yet to respond publicly to the senator’s accusations of bias.

 

 

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Chelsea Women Celebrate FA Cup Triumph with Viral ‘Shake Body’ Dance

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By Prosper Mene 

Chelsea FC Women marked their emphatic 3-0 victory over Manchester United in the Women’s FA Cup final with a vibrant locker room celebration, dancing to the 2014 Nigerian Afrobeats hit “Shake Body” by Skales. The joyous moment, captured in a video shared on the team’s official X page, has gone viral, showcasing the players’ exuberance and camaraderie following their dominant performance at Wembley.

The celebration, which saw the squad grooving to the upbeat track, resonated widely, with fans and media praising the team’s spirit. The choice of “Shake Body” aligns with its recent global resurgence, sparked by Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal incorporating the song’s dance into his celebrations. Nigerian artist Skales, whose real name is Raoul John Njeng-Njeng, expressed delight at the renewed attention, noting his ambition to elevate the song’s global reach.

Chelsea’s FA Cup triumph, sealed with a commanding performance, showing their dominance in women’s football, with the viral dance video adding a lively chapter to their victory narrative. The celebration has also spotlighted Nigerian music’s growing influence, with “Shake Body” becoming an anthem for joyous moments in sport.

 

 

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Nollywood Actress Jumoke George Reunites with Daughter After Four-Year Ordeal in Mali

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By Prosper Mene 

Veteran Yoruba actress Jumoke George has been reunited with her 41-year-old daughter, Adeola, who returned to Nigeria after being trafficked to Mali four years ago. The emotional reunion, facilitated by the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), marks the end of a harrowing chapter for the George family, sparking widespread relief and celebration among fans and well-wishers.

Jumoke George first brought attention to her daughter’s disappearance during a heartfelt interview on the “Talk to B” YouTube podcast, hosted by actress Biola Adebayo. George revealed that Adeola, who had been living with her grandmother in Ibadan, vanished after informing her family she was traveling to Lagos. Despite exhaustive efforts to locate her, George spent four years without contact, adding to the actress’s ongoing struggles with health and financial challenges.

“I try to find her with any money I get,” a tearful George shared on the podcast, highlighting the toll the search had taken. “I have never ruined anyone’s life. I am tired, I can no longer bear it.”

The breakthrough came when Adebayo, moved by George’s plea, contacted Adeola and confirmed she was in Mali. Adebayo alerted the Nigerian Embassy in Mali and worked with NiDCOM, led by Chairman Abike Dabiri-Erewa, to secure Adeola’s return. On May 19, 2025, Dabiri-Erewa announced on X that Adeola had been safely repatriated, writing, “Breaking! Adeola, daughter of popular actress Jumoke George, is back home from Mali, where she was trafficked to. Just received her, with Biola Adebayo who broke the story and Niyi Johnson.”

In a video shared by Adebayo, a visibly emotional George reunited with her daughter, tearfully asking, “Adeola, what did I do to you?” Adeola revealed she had been trafficked to Mali and sold to another person upon arrival, with demands to pay N1.5 million to her captors. The emotional exchange captured the pain of their separation and the joy of their reunion.

NiDCOM’s swift action, supported by the Nigerian Embassy in Mali, was praised for coordinating Adeola’s rescue. Dabiri-Erewa also issued a warning against deceptive job offers abroad, stating, “They were all a journey to slavery.”

George, currently undergoing medical treatment in Lagos, expressed gratitude to NiDCOM, Adebayo, and all who supported her family’s cause. Fans have flooded social media with messages of support, celebrating the reunion while calling for increased awareness of human trafficking.

 

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Mercy Johnson Debunks Cancer Rumors, Confirms Thyroid Issue Resolved

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By Prosper Mene 

Renowned Nollywood actress and producer Mercy Johnson-Okojie has publicly debunked circulating rumors that she is battling cancer, bringing relief to her millions of fans across Nigeria and beyond. In a heartfelt statement released on her social media platforms, the 40-year-old star clarified that she is in good health, addressing speculations that stemmed from a misinterpretation of a past discussion about a health scare involving a thyroid condition.

The controversy originated from a resurfaced clip from her TV show, where Johnson discussed a previous health challenge. Some viewers misunderstood her remarks, leading to widespread claims on social media that the actress was suffering from cancer. The rumors gained traction in recent weeks, prompting concern among fans and entertainment outlets.

In her response, Mercy Johnson set the record straight: “I do NOT have cancer. I had a thyroid issue, which was a scare at the time, but it has long been resolved. I’m healthy and grateful for life.” She urged fans to revisit the original video for context, emphasizing that the misinformation was a misunderstanding blown out of proportion. “I appreciate the love and prayers, but please, let’s stop the rumors. I’m fine,” she added, reassuring her audience.

Sources close to the actress, confirmed that Johnson’s health scare occurred years ago and was successfully managed. The thyroid issue, which initially raised concerns due to its severity, was treated, and the actress has since maintained her vibrant career and personal life.

Mercy Johnson-Okojie, a household name in Nollywood, is celebrated for her roles in films like Dumebi: The Dirty Girl and The Legend of Inikpi, as well as her work as a producer and TV personality. The mother of four has consistently used her platform to connect with her audience, often sharing glimpses of her family life and professional endeavors.

This is not the first time a Nigerian celebrity has faced health-related rumors, showcasing the challenges of misinformation in the digital age.

Johnson’s swift response has been lauded as a step to curb speculation and reassure her global fanbase.

 

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