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Stakeholders Advocate Stronger School-Parent Collaboration to Address Bullying

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By Cynthia Abah

Education stakeholders have urged closer collaboration between schools and Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs), to combat the rising incidence of bullying in Nigerian schools.

This call follows recent bullying cases, including a troubling incident at the Federal Government College, Enugu.

Dr. Olubukola Dosunmu, a former President of the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools, FCT Chapter, emphasized the critical need for schools and parents to work together to adopt effective anti-bullying measures.

“Bullying is a societal issue that extends beyond schools. Schools and PTAs must adopt stringent measures to deter such behavior.

“Much of this stems from economic challenges and violence that children witness at home,” she stated.

Dosunmu highlighted the role of parents in shaping children’s moral values, warning that school policies alone cannot suffice.

She urged religious and social organizations to promote tolerance and instill good character in children.

Psychologist Mrs. Chidiebere Nwankwo elaborated on the devastating effects of bullying, noting its impact on victims’ emotional, physical, and academic well-being.

“Bullying not only affects children’s mental health but also disrupts educators’ focus on teaching by creating frequent disciplinary distractions,” she said.

Nwankwo advocated for comprehensive strategies by regulatory bodies to eliminate bullying in schools.

A concerned parent expressed frustration with schools’ tendencies to shield bullying perpetrators to protect their reputation.

“Covering up incidents to avoid losing students only perpetuates the issue,” the parent said.

The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, condemned the bullying at a unity college after a distressing video surfaced online.

“Bullying is a gross violation of students’ rights and dignity and must be eradicated,” he stated.

In response, the Minister announced the suspension of the students involved and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring safe learning environments.

New measures include enhanced security protocols and increased law enforcement presence in schools.

Stakeholders continue to emphasize that only a holistic approach involving schools, parents, and regulatory bodies can effectively address the pervasive issue of bullying.

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President Tinubu to Attend Africa Energy Summit in Tanzania

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By Our Correspondent 

President Bola Tinubu will travel to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, on Sunday to participate in the Africa Heads of State Energy Summit, scheduled for January 27-28, 2025.

The summit, co-hosted by the Tanzanian government, the African Development Bank, and the World Bank, seeks to advance “Mission 300,” a continent-wide initiative aimed at providing electricity to 300 million Africans by 2030.

Leaders, private sector stakeholders, and development partners will collaborate on strategies to enhance energy access, renewable energy adoption, energy efficiency, and private sector investments.

President Tinubu will deliver Nigeria’s national statement, reaffirming its commitment to universal energy access and highlighting its clean energy initiatives and leadership in Africa’s energy sector.

The event will also feature the endorsement of the Dar es Salaam Energy Declaration, a roadmap for achieving the summit’s energy goals.

Nigeria’s delegation includes Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu, and Special Adviser on Energy Olu Verheijen.

President Tinubu is expected to return to Abuja after the summit.

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Abuja Reports

Abuja Doctors Suspend Strike After Wike’s Intervention

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By Jesusemen Oratokhai
The Association of Resident Doctors (ARD), in Abuja has ended its warning strike following the intervention of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.
The strike, which began on Wednesday, had paralyzed services in FCTA-owned hospitals, with doctors demanding payment of salary arrears and other entitlements.
Dr. George Ebong, ARD President, announced on Friday that the FCTA had fulfilled key demands, including the payment of six months’ salary arrears, disbursement of accoutrement allowances, approval of a two-year residency bonding program, employment of additional doctors and health workers, and payment of outstanding wages for locum staff.
Doctors are set to resume work on Saturday, January 25, 2025, averting an indefinite shutdown of healthcare services.
While expressing gratitude to Minister Wike for his swift response, Dr. Ebong urged the government to address other lingering issues, including hazard allowances and facility upgrades, to avoid future industrial actions.

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Abuja Reports

Hoodlums Unleash Terror on Saburi Community

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By Patrick Idowu
Residents of Saburi in the Dei-Dei area of Abuja are gripped with fear as hoodlums continue to terrorize the community, carrying out multiple attacks since the start of the year.
The assailants, who reportedly use scavengers to survey the area before striking, have attacked at least three times, stealing valuables worth millions of naira.
The first incident occurred during the New Year crossover night, with subsequent attacks targeting homes on Ikejani Street, Osumeayi Street, Sani Abacha Lane, and other parts of Saburi.
During one attack, the hoodlums severely injured a security guard, Sunday Ogbor, slashing his face with a knife.
Ogbor recounted, “They tied me up, hit me, and cut my face from ear to ear. I can no longer see properly.”
Another resident, Gift Udago, narrated how the robbers, armed with machetes, axes, and guns, invaded his house, broke windows, and demanded money and phones.
“They destroyed everything and took valuables. It was a terrifying experience,” he said.
Princess Amaka Chijioke, the community’s women leader, described how the robbers stormed her home after learning she had withdrawn money.
“They threatened to kill my son and took everything,” she said, urging the government to intervene.
Residents expressed frustration over the slow response of the police, claiming it often takes an hour for officers to arrive after an attack.
Many have resorted to organizing vigilante patrols to protect themselves.
The Vice Chairman of the Saburi residential district, Engr. Gerald Aziegbe, lamented the lack of a strong police presence, saying, “This is the fifth time in over three years that we have been attacked, and no arrest has been made.”
The community is calling on the government and security agencies to address the escalating insecurity in the area.

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