Independence anniversary: Nigeria far from citizens’ expectations – Atiku

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar on Monday lamented the slow pace of development in the country, 59 years after the attainment of political independence.

Atiku, who decried Nigeria democratic experiment in a statement issued to mark the nation’s 59th independence anniversary, said Nigeria’s founding fathers would be disappointed at how bad things have turned, despite the end of military rule in 1999.

The statement read: “On October 1, 1960, our nation’s founding fathers could never have fathomed that 59 years after birthing the largest black nation on earth, we would be facing a situation where we do not have a free press, our judiciary being under attack, and our youths and activists, who should ordinarily be the future of Nigeria, would be facing the very real threat of arrest and intimidation should they speak out about the state of the nation.


 “My dear citizens of Nigeria, I could go with the flow and the cliche and say all is well with Nigeria, but as the late Chinua Achebe once wrote, ‘when an adult is in the house, the she-goat is not left to suffer the pain of parturition on its tether”. “

I could call for prayers, as others would indeed call for today. I could also call on Nigerians to show more understanding, as indeed many have said in the past and will undoubtedly say again today.

 But I am mindful of the fact that the time for rhetoric has long since passed and now is the time for all lovers of Nigeria to take concrete steps to aid Nigeria’s progress, by not just praying and showing understanding, but also to take democratic action to ensure that the ideals of our founding fathers – Unity and Faith, Peace and Progress – are not set aside on the altar of tyranny.”

 The ex-Vice President also lamented what he called the persecution of judges even as he blamed political leadership for the depth of poverty in the land.

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Oyo returns 43% out-of-school children to class

Oyo State government says it has returned 43 per cent of its out-of-school children population back to class.

It added that it was working towards mopping the rest of the population outside classroom back before the end of the year.

The state commissioner for education, science and technology, Prof Kehinde Sangodoyin made this known at the launching and dedication of projects embarked upon by old students of Ibadan City Academy, Ibadan.


Sangodoyin said teachers on level 16 and 17 would assume the title of ‘tutor generals’ while government would start paying running cost for the upkeep of public schools from Monday, September 30th (today).

Parts of the state education policy is to improve access and participation of our students in academic activities at all levels, be it primary or secondary and since the governor has removed levies hitherto paid by our students and has just approved the payment of running cost to our primary and secondary schools.

“Also we are equally working on providing furniture to schools. 64,000 units will soon be distributed to all schools across the state.”

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Niger State government uncovers 1,000 ghost workers

Niger state government has uncovered one thousand ghost workers from the State Civil Service. The state reported it saved more than one hundred million naira (N100m) following the result of the exercise.

Chairman of the Committee on Civil Servants Salary Management and Verification, Engr. Ibrahim Mohammed Panti who made this known while speaking with Journalists in Minna, Niger State said a lot of discrepancies and malpractices were discovered during the verification exercise of the workers especially in the payment of salaries.

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Father, son sentenced to death by hanging in Zamfara

A high court in Zamfara State has sentenced a father and his son to death by hanging for committing culpable homicide in the state.

Culpable homicide is an act which has resulted in a person’s death but is held not to amount to murder.

The convicted father Hamida Ibrahim and his son and Ashiru Ibrahim had stabbed Rabiu Tudu with a knife following a dispute between them which resulted in the death of the victim.

 In his ruling, the presiding judge, Justice Muktar Yushau, said the convicts were arraigned in 2018 on two count charges of criminal conspiracy and culpable homicide.


He explained that culpable homicide is punishable under Section 221 of the Penal Code.

The presiding judge ruled that both the father and his son were guilty, “They are sentenced to death by hanging until they are confirmed dead.” he ruled.

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Gunmen kill policeman, steal two riffles,

Gunmen attacked a three-man team of policemen on patrol in Aba, Abia State, on Friday and killed one of them, injured one, while the other escaped.

It was learnt that the driver of a minibus that was used for the patrol also died in the incident that happened on Ibadan Street, in the Ndiegoro area of Aba.

It was gathered that the gunmen, after the attack, escaped with two rifles assigned to the policemen.

The affected policemen were attached to the Ndiegoro Police Station, a source said.


One of the sources said the gunmen also used machetes on one of the policemen, leaving him badly injured.

A source said, “The gunmen sent everyone into hiding as they shot indiscriminately before attacking the policemen.”

When contacted, Abia State Commissioner of Police, Ene Okon, confirmed the story.

He said that police have arrested two suspects in connection with the incident.

“The officers were on normal patrol when they were ambushed by robbers who shot at them, killing one in the process,” he said.

Okon said  two rifles were snatched from the officers.

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Again, infection breaks out in Queen’s College, hundreds of pupils affected

Just two years after three pupils of Queen’s College, Yaba, Lagos, died from water-borne infections, another related disease has broken out in the school.

Punch correspondent gathered from some parents on Monday that no fewer than 700 pupils had taken permission to go home on health grounds.

The school’s sick bay was said to be overcrowded with pupils, as many were also laid on benches to create extensions.

The Punch learnt that more and more parents were being telephoned to come and pick their children as the situation worsened.


This is barely two weeks after the school resumed a new academic session.

A parent, who refused to have her name in print, said she has since withdrawn her child from the school.

She confided that when the PTA chairman visited the sick bay and asked to see the register of affected students, his demand was turned down.

The Chairman of the Parent Teacher Association, John Ofoke, said the situation was worse, adding that 900 pupils had left on health grounds.

He alleged that the school management was planning to cover up the crisis.

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WAEC workers threaten to begin strike October 14

The Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions members working in Nigeria offices of the West Africans Examination Council will withdraw their services as from October 14.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that General Secretary of NASU, Peters Adeyemi, in a statement on Sunday, said the action became necessary following WAEC management’s delay in responding to the union’s previous letters.

In the letters NASU listed review of scheme of service, the need to create more establishments for its members and the refusal of the management to implement the policy on ex-grata, among others.


Adeyemi said none of the union’s letters to WAEC management had been responded to so far.

“I therefore express concerns about the nonchalance of WAEC management in their treatment of these important lingering issues, which could put the global campaign for decent work policy and well-being of workers in WAEC Nigeria in jeopardy.

“It is on this premise that your management is hereby given a period of 21 days from the date herein to positively resolve all the issues listed above.

“Failing to do this would leave the union with no other option but to direct our members in WAEC throughout Nigeria to proceed on total strike by Monday, October 14,” the statement read in part.

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Kaduna slave house: Government unites 140 victims with their families

The Kaduna State Government has taken custody of the over 300 rescued inmates of an Illegal Islamic school in Rigasa area of the state.

The Commissioner for Human Services and Social Development in the state, Hafsat Baba, said of the figure, 140 have been re-united with their families.

Baba who gave the update on the incident on Sunday, said that the remaining victims including 77 children and 113 adults were taken to a secured facility at the Mando Hajj Camp in the state capital.

She noted that the motive is for proper profiling before uniting them with  their families upon proper identification.


“They were rescued and brought to Ranchers Bees Stadium and then they stayed there overnight. We provided food for them.

“On Friday, they were relocated to this facility, the Hajj Camp. And that was when we did the head count to find out and separate the children from the adults. Even though some of them ran away because of the freedom they got, we were able to 190 on ground.

“77 of them are children, the youngest being the age of six. There are some that are 7, 8, 9 and 10. We also have adults as old as 30 and even up to 50. We have 113 adults as at that time (Friday),” she said.

Speaking further, the Commissioner explained that upon the handing over of the victims by the Police Command in the state, Governor Nasiru El-Rufai ordered the ministry to provide succour for them.

On their welfare, she explained: “On that same Friday, there were about 15 children that were really sick. We had to take them to the hospital. About three of the adults were on admission where they are being taken care of.”

She also commended officials of the Nigeria Police, United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF, the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and media practitioners for the various roles they played in the exercise.

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Photos/video: Hailings, smiles welcome Sowore as he arrives court this morning

Sahara Reporters publisher, Omoyele Sowore, has arrived the Federal High Court in Abuja for his arraignment on charges of treasonable felony and other offences instituted against him by the Federal Government. His supporters were in court to welcome him as they hugged and exchange pleasantries with him. More photos and video below…

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I'm marrying my best friend! Actress Chizzy Alichi gushes over her engagement to her man (photos)

Nollywood actress, Chizzy Alichi is engaged. The very happy lady shared the good news on her IG saying she is getting married to her heartbeat and best friend!

We pray she finds love and peace! Congrats!

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Qur’an in sewage: Zamfara Governor promises N2m reward for information

The Zamfara State Government has launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the situation where some pages of the Qur’an were found in the sewage in a primary school on Friday.

The discovery at Shattima Primary School, Gusau, led to the immediate closure of the school and the indefinite suspension of the teachers on the orders of the state governor, Bello Matawalle.

The governor, currently attending the Africa Investment Summit in the U.S., directed the Universal Basic Education Board to set up a committee to investigate the matter.


In a statement issued by the Secretary to the State Government, Bala Maru, in Gusau on Sunday, the government announced a 23-member committee, headed by Jafaru Makau

Other members of the committee are senior Islamic scholars, representatives of security agencies, relevant ministries and associations, including Nigeria Union of Journalists.

The government promised to reward anyone with useful information about those involved in the act with N2m.

It urged members of the public, especially in Gusau, to report any sinister or suspicious movement in their surroundings to the nearest security agency for prompt action.

“The state government will not take it lightly with anyone found to have a hand in this ungodly act however highly placed such a person or persons may be in the society.

“Security agents from various security agencies have been deployed to monitor people’s movements and arrest anyone found attempting to abuse the holy book in any form.

“Similarly, the state government appeals to the citizenry to continue to pray for Allah’s intervention in exposing all those behind these acts of desecrating our Holy Book,’ the government said.

(NAN)

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Dino Melaye visits Atiku Abubakar (Photos)

Two PDP giants!!! One more photo of them below...

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Seyi Law's daughter is 3... see birthday photos

Nigerian comedian Seyi Law is celebrating his daughter, Tiwaloluwa as she turns 3 today. Sharing photos of the birthday girl, the comedian wrote;

''It's your number 3. You've got the world at your feet. Conquer, live and enjoy all the goodness. Happy Birthday My Dearest Tiwaloluwa''.

More colourful photos below...

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Again, phone explodes and kills girl in bed (photos)

A 14-year-old schoolgirl has died after her charging smartphone exploded on her pillow as she slept.

Alua Asetkyzy Abzalbek went to bed listening to music at her village home in Bastobe, Kazakhstan.

Next morning she was tragically found dead with the phone’s battery having burst into flames next to her head.

Her device had been plugged in to a power socket, said police.


She is believed to have suffered severe head injuries and died on the spot during the explosion.

When paramedics were called by her devastated relatives they said she had already died.

Forensic experts later confirmed that the mobile exploded in the early morning after overheating as it charged and this was the cause of death, said local reports.

Her death was described as a "tragic accident".

The brand of smartphone was not disclosed.

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Photos from Rio Ferdinand's wedding + he cried too

Rio Ferdinand was left in tears when he watched Kate Wright walk down the aisle.

The happy couple exchanged vows in front of close family and friends at the five-star luxury D Maris Bay hotel, in Turkey on Friday.

In the first interview about the wedding, the dad-of-three, 40, admitted he got "so emotional" when he saw his daughter Tia, eight, walk down the aisle before seeing his stunning new bride, 27.

He told OK! magazine: “I cried as soon as the day started. Seeing Tia walk up the aisle before Kate set me off. It was just so emotional.

"There was just no going back on the emotion, that’s why I had to keep my shades on! Seeing Tate and Lorenz walk Kate down the aisle was particularly poignant and we wouldn’t have wanted to do it any other way. They were so proud and they couldn’t wait to do that, they felt important."

Photo credit: OK! magazine

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Fashion retailer Forever 21 files for bankruptcy protection in the US

Fashion retailer Forever 21 has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the US.

The company said it plans to "exit most international locations in Asia and Europe" but would continue to operate in Mexico and Latin America.

It expects to close up to 350 stores worldwide, a spokesperson said, including as many as 178 US stores.

Forever 21 sells inexpensive, trendy clothes and accessories, and competes against brands such as Zara and H&M.


But some analysts say the retailer, founded in 1984, has lost its way over the past five years, and fallen out of favour with young US shoppers looking for relatively cheap clothing.

The company has also, like many traditional retailers, struggled against rising competition from online rivals.

Chapter 11 protection postpones a US company's obligations to its creditors, giving it time to reorganise its debts or sell parts of the business.

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Saudi prince warns of Iran threat to world oil

Saudi Arabia's crown prince has warned that oil prices could rise to "unimaginably high numbers" if the world does not act to deter Iran.

Mohammed bin Salman said a war between Saudi Arabia and Iran would ruin the global economy, following an attack on its oil facilities two weeks ago which it blames on Tehran.

Speaking to CBS News, he also said he accepted some responsibility for the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

But he denied personally ordering it.


The prince, who is considered the de facto ruler of Saudi Arabia, is suspected of personally targeting Mr Khashoggi, a Saudi journalist critical of the government in Riyadh.

Mr Khashoggi was killed in Saudi Arabia's consulate in Turkey on 2 October 2018.

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19 pregnant girls rescued from Lagos baby factory

The Police in Lagos State have uncovered a baby factory and rescued 19 pregnant girls, with two suspects arrested.

The baby factory was uncovered at Ikotun area of Lagos.

Police Public Relations Officer, Bala Elkana in a statement said acting on the strength of information from a reliable source, detectives from Ishiri Osun Police Station led by the Divisional Police Officer, CSP Chike Ibe stormed a building at No 14 Adisa Street Ayanwale area of Ikotun Lagos, suspected to be used for child trafficking.

He disclosed that 19 pregnant girls ages 15 and 28 were rescued with four kids.


“They were recovered from four different locations. They include: No 32 Owosho Street, Governor Road, Ikotun ; No 29 Olugbeyohun Street, Olakunle Bus Stop Abaranja; No 4/6 Anomo Street, Abaranja and the address mentioned above.

The pregnant women were brought from Rivers, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Abia and Imo States.

“Two suspects, namely Happiness Ukwuoma ‘f’ 40 years old and Sherifat Ipeya ‘f’ 54 years old were arrested in connection with the case.

The suspects did not receive formal medical training but operate as nurses. The suspects are natives of Imo and Epe, Lagos States respectively,” he said.

Elkana said the Command had launched a manhunt of the principal suspect, Madam Oluchi from Mbano, Imo State.

“She is a mother of five. The young women were mostly abducted by the suspects for the purpose of getting them pregnant and selling the babies to potential buyers. The girls were tricked with employment as domestic staff in Lagos.

“The Babies are sold between N300,000 and N500,000 depending on the sex. Boys are sold for N500,000 and girls for N300,000.

The Commissioner of Police Lagos State, CP Zubairu Muazu has visited the scene and ordered the State Criminal Investigation Department to take over the case.

“The Command is working with other Agencies and stakeholders in rehabilitating and resettling the pregnant girls and the Babies. Investigation is ongoing and the suspects will be charged to Court,” he added.

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DSS frees arrested political activist, Chido Onumah

The Department of State Services has released Chido Onumah, the journalist, political activist who was arrested at the Abuja airport on Sunday.

Onumah was released about 10pm at the headquarters of the secret organisation.

According to him, he was interrogated over his book ‘We are all Biafrans’, which he launched three years ago and especially why he wears a T-shirt emblazoned with the title of the book.

He also said he was accused of being part of a plot to cause disaffection in the country.


The interrogation began at the airport, before he was taken to the DSS headquarters.

The activist thanked Nigerians for their concern.

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Mercy Aigbe's tailor, Luminee cloths Queen Naomi Adewusi

Mercy Aigbe's tailor, CEO Luminee now has one of the biggest Queens in Nigeria as a client. She recently just clothed the Olori of Ooni of Ife and as usual she did a good job. Check out a video of the Queen showing off her wonderfully made dress below..

View this post on Instagram

Ready to gooooooooooo💃💃💃💃💃💃 1st beautiful COMMENT here tonight 💸💰More ANOINTING my PROPHETESS, HRH QUEEN SHILEKUNOLA MORONKE NAOMI OGUNWUSI 👸👸👸👸👸👸👸@queen_silekunolanaomi_ogunwusi YEYELUWA OF THE SOURCE My GREETING lya wa🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌 ____ Outfit made by the baddest designer @ceolumineeofficial ______ Gele @abydouz_gele Photography @hayoor Leggoooooooo #baddestdesignerworldwide🌎

A post shared by ABIODUNSHADESANDRA (@ceolumineeofficial) on Sep 29, 2019 at 11:00am PDT

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Taraba INEC commissioner Baba Abba is dead

Alhaji Baba Abba Yusuf, the Taraba State Resident Electoral Commissioner is dead.

He died Saturday night in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital after a protracted illness. He was buried on Sunday, in accordance with Islamic rites.

A statement on Sunday by INEC Secretary, Rose Oriarian-Anthony, said the REC died on Saturday at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital.

Abba, who was deployed to the state in May 2018, took ill before the Governorship election on 9 March. He never recovered. RIP!

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Army arrests alleged logistics supplier to Boko Haram

The Nigerian Army in Borno has arrested a suspected Boko Haram insurgents’ logistic supplier and seized a car stacked with motorcycle used tyres.

Brig.-Gen. AK Ibrahim, the Acting General Officer Commanding (GOC) 7 Division, paraded the suspect at the Gubio Super Camp in Maiduguri.

Ibrahim disclosed that the suspect, Samuel Chukwudon, was arrested on Sept. 27, by a joint team of troops of Operation Lafiya Dole (OPLD) and personnel of the Nigeria Custom Service (NCS), while travelling along Baga-Monguno Road.

He said that the troops seized items which included a car, 136 used motorcycle tyres, 200 new tubes and a number of rubber gum.

“The arrest is based on the subsisting ban on motorcycle in the theatre of operation due to the security challenges.

“We know that the insurgents use motorcycles in their operations; nobody is allowed to ride motorcycle, the suspect is arrested with the banned items heading toward Lake Chad basin.

“Boko Haram insurgents are around the area and we felt that something was fishy. He made several attempts to bribe our men at the time of the arrest and during interrogation,“ Ibrahim said.

The officer said that the seized car and items would be destroyed and warned people in the area against trading in motorcycles and motorcycle spare parts.

The suspect, however, told newsmen that he sells used motorcycle tyres to cart pushers such as water vendors and firewood sellers in Monguno.

“I reside in Monguno since 1990; I have a shop and everybody in the town knows me, I engaged in the used tyres trade because they told us not to sell new tyres,“ the suspect said.

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Iyabo Ojo shows off her massive backside (photos)

Massive massive massive! Lol, Who knew the mom of two was this endowed?

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Lamborghini, Ferrari, 23 other cars owned by a President’s son is auctioned to fetch the country $18.5m

An auction house in Switzerland is set to sell 25 luxury cars including Ferraris, Rolls-Royces and Lamborghinis that Geneva authorities seized from Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue, son of Equatorial Guinea’s president for-life in a money-laundering probe.

Swiss authorities say the sale Sunday by auctioneer Bonhams is expected to fetch some 18.5 million Swiss francs (dollars), with the proceeds going to a charity to benefit the people of oil-rich Equatorial Guinea.

The auction comes after the Geneva prosecutor’s office announced in February it had closed a case against the son of President Teodoro Obiang, and two others following a probe of money laundering and mismanagement of public assets.

Swiss authorities seized the cars and ordered the sequestration of a yacht in 2016.

The yacht was released in the arrangement announced in February, under which Equatorial Guinea agreed to pay Geneva authorities 1.3 million Swiss francs “notably to cover procedural costs,” the prosecutor’s office said.

The standout lot in the auction is a white-and-cream Lamborghini Veneno roadster, one of only nine such versions produced, that has been driven only 325 kilometres (201 miles), Bonhams says.

It is expected to fetch at least 5.2 million francs.

A Ferrari “LaFerrari” – featuring Formula 1 and GT inspiration – is set to fetch at least 2.6 million francs.

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Tunde Bakare speaks on trending video of becoming President in 2023

Senior Pastor, Latter Rain Assembly, Pastor Tunde Bakare has opened up on a trending video on social media about his 2023 presidential ambition.

He said the trending video of him saying he would become Nigeria’s next President was merely an expression of his aspiration.

According to him, what God showed him was his personal business, saying that he had a right to aspire to the highest office.


“It is the true expression of my political ambition. Whatever God has shown me is my private ambition,” Bakare said in a report by the Nation.

He explained that the video was about one year and seven months old.

 Bakare said nothing could change it because he was born for that purpose to be president.

According to him, while Buhari is number 15, he would be the 16th president of Nigeria.

In his words in the trending video, Bakare said: “I will succeed Buhari as President of Nigeria, nothing can change it. I am number 16, Buhari is number 15. I never said it to you before. I am saying it now and nothing can change it.

“In the name of Jesus, he is number 15. I am number 16. To this end was I born and for this purpose came I into the world. I have prepared you for this for more than 30 years.”

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58 years! Joke Silva is a year older today

Veteran actress, Joke Silva is a year older today and she is very thankful to her creator. According to her, it's been 58 years and the journey hasn't been perfect but she is grateful for all the blessings!

''58 years ..the waters did not drown me the fire did not burn me... I smelt of smoke sha....thank you Lord for your many mercies... for your many blessings.🙏🏽💃🏾'', she wrote while sharing the above photo.\

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TBoss regrets her daughter never met her dad

TBoss recently lost her father and now she says the only regret she has now is that her daughter never met her father. According to Tboss the late man would have loved his grandchild if they met.

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I can't marry because i took a blood oat with my ex-lover, Sylvia Ukaatu speaks on her only regret

Fast rising actress, Sylvia Ukaatu, in a chat with pearls news has narrated her only regret in life, saying she took a blood oath with a former lover when she was just 18. According to Sylvia every attempt for her to get married as proved abortive with suitors disappearing on the day of their introduction.

While opening up to Pearls news, she says she wants the youths to learn from her own experience. Hear her;

“It all started when I was 18-year-old,” the role interpreter narrated amidst sobs. “I fell in love, deeply in love. I was so carried away at that tender age. I was lured into taking a blood oath with my then lover. I never knew the repercussions behind such move. I was young, naive and in love.


“We played along. I was happy. I was eager to settle down. Then love became sour. I tried to walk away. I begged to be freed but the guy refused, so I kept to myself and started living life to the fullest. Even when he travelled out of the country, I had so many failed relationships without knowing what was behind it.

''Suitors were coming, but on the day of introduction, they would cancel without explanation. I waited for many years for him to come back. But he never did. I desperately wanted to start a family, but that wasn’t forthcoming. I tried so many relationships but they all failed.”

She continued with tears roling down her cheeks:

“The guy finally came back last year and we spoke at length. I told him we should break the oath if he’s no longer interested in marrying me, but he ignored me. Then, a few months ago, my brother called me and said I should go and search for my fiancé on Facebook, that the guy just got married. I quickly rushed to Facebook and checked. I was shocked to discover that truly he just got married, but I laughed it over. Now, I can still feel the pains deep inside my heart. I want to warn the young ones out there. Love is not enough for blood oath.

The guy deceived and used me. I ignorantly allowed myself to be caged for years. Let the youths learn from my experience.”

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