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Fadirepo urge continuous support for private school operators by govt
The Federal and state governments have been urged to continue to support school operators in its commitment to the reduction in the population of out of school children.
The United Nations Children Education Fund (UNICEF) had conservatively put the population of out of school children in Nigeria at over 10 million.
Speaking at the 13th graduation and Prize Giving Ceremony of Diamonds Mine Nursery and Primary School, Ifako-Ijaiye, on Tuesday, a businessman Mr Olasoji Isaac Fadirepo, said the government needs to make the sector attractive to investors.
Fadirepo who was Chairman at the event said the federal government needs to continue to support private schools investors who are helping to bridge the gap and ensure more pupils are taken away from the streets and trained to become responsible citizens.
Fadirepo who commended President Muhammadu Buhari for his commitment to increase investment to the education sector by 50 percent, said government must continue to provide an enabling environment to the private investors in the sector for the nation to succeed in the quest to make education available to all.
Addressing the graduands, Fadirepo said the graduands should continue to be a good ambassador of the school wherever they found themselves.
He praised the parents for investing their time and resources on their children, urging them to continue to do more as the secondary level of education to which the pupils aspire is more intensive and would demand more from both parents and pupils.
He commended the school for the quality of academic excellence imparted on the pupils, adding that as a parent himself, he can attest to the quality of sound training and teaching by the school.
“I can say authoritatively that any discerning parent who desires the best for their children needs to come to Diamonds Mine School. Within the short time that I have brought my children here, I have seen the difference in their academic lives. The school is trying and the children are proof of what they are doing in the school.”
Earlier in her speech, the school Proprietress, Mrs Romoke Aderibigbe, said she is proud that all the graduating pupils can hold their own and compete favourably with their peers anywhere in the world.
She said just like their predecessors who from the reports from various schools where they continue to win accolades and top their classes, this set, who have been seasoned by the quality teachers, would continue to make the school proud.
She said during the session, the school competed in Mathematics competition as well as the Lagos State Spelling Bee competition where they were rated 13 overall best school in the state.
This is apart from the various extra curricular activities to which they belonged among them are the Indomitable Club by Indomie, the Little Champions Club by Milo drink and several others, adding that the school had been picked as a centre of excellence by Milo for teens champions club.
Mrs Aderibigbe commended all the parents whose commitment to their children in the payment of school fees and appropriate textbooks have continued to make the difference in the lives of their wards. She urged them not to relent in investing in their children in spite of the trying times as nothing invested in the children is wasted..
“I can only urge you to continue to be a good parent to these kids. Continue to show them you care. Continue to show them that you are interested in their future. Continue to put their needs above yours and continue to find a way of paying their school fees.”
Addressing the graduands, the Proprietress urged them to continue to be good ambassadors of the school. “I want you to know that as you have graduated from here, you have become a member of the alumni of this school. You should know that it is not time to relax in your academics as secondary school requires more and would tax you more. Continue to read your books because readers are leaders.
“Don’t join bad gangs. Don’t allow peer pressure to derail your glorious future. Continue to be good and dutiful children. Show more understanding to your parents. Be good, studious pupils and let us continue to hear good reports from.you and your school.”
Parents were entertained to various presentations by the graduating and other pupils ranging from Bata dance, South African Dance, Ape Dance from Ijebu and a dance drama titled Courage in tough times.
There were other presentations like radio news broadcast, kindergarten presentations and farewell presentations.
Highlights of the event were Prize Giving to selected pupils from kindergarten school and primary schools, as well as cash awards to the overall staff and two runners up.
Serial winner Mrs Temitope Amos, who again emerged winner went home with a commendation letter and N10,000 cash, while the first and second runners up, Mr Akeem Adetunji, (school driver) and Mrs Blessing Alaafia (cleaner), won N5,000 and N3,000 respectively..
Security presence surged around the Federal High Court in Kaduna on Tuesday as operatives from multiple agencies were deployed ahead of the arraignment of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, over alleged corruption-related offences.
By about 7:00 a.m., heavily armed personnel of the Department of State Services, Nigeria Police Force, Mobile Police Force, and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps had taken positions at strategic locations leading to the court complex situated within the old Nigerian Defence Academy area.
Access roads to the venue witnessed restrictions, forcing vehicles into a single lane from the Ungwan Sarki axis through Kawo and triggering early morning gridlock.
The heavy security followed a prior notice by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission that it would arraign El-Rufai on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, before the Federal High Court sitting in Kaduna.
In a statement issued by its Head of Media and Public Communications, John Odey, the commission said the former governor would be docked alongside one Joel Adoga in suit number FHC/KD/73/2026.
The agency explained that the charges against the defendants include alleged conversion, unlawful possession of public property, and money laundering.
“The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission is set to arraign the former Governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasir El-Rufa’i, and one Joel Adoga at the Federal High Court of Nigeria in the Kaduna Judicial Division on Tuesday, March 24, 2026. The charges range from conversion of and possession of public property to money laundering,” the statement read.
It further disclosed that another case, marked KDH/KAD/ICPC/01/26, had been instituted against El-Rufai and one Amadu Sule before a Kaduna State High Court.
According to the commission, the state charges border on abuse of office, fraud, intent to commit fraud, and conferring undue advantage.
“Similarly, another charge against Malam Nasir El-Rufa’i and one Amadu Sule has been filed before a Kaduna State High Court in the Kaduna Judicial Division. The charges range from abuse of office and fraud to intent to commit fraud and conferring undue advantage, among others,” the statement added.
The ICPC said both cases were filed on March 18, 2026, adding that a date for arraignment in the state court would be announced later.
It also insisted that El-Rufai had been properly served, stressing its adherence to due process and the rule of law.
The development came amid growing pressure from stakeholders, including the African Democratic Congress, which called for his immediate release or arraignment, describing his continued detention without formal charges as unconstitutional.
In the same vein, the Muslim Rights Concern criticised his prolonged detention, while members of his family also alleged a breach of his fundamental rights.
El-Rufai was first arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on February 16, 2026, granted bail two days later, and subsequently re-arrested by the ICPC.
He has remained in the custody of the anti-graft agency since then, pending his arraignment.
Senator Ifeanyi Araraume, a prominent chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has extended warm felicitations to Muslims in Nigeria and across the globe on the joyous occasion of Eid-el-Fitr.
In a statement to mark the end of Ramadan, Araraume highlighted the significance of the month long period of spiritual reflection, fasting, and devotion. “As Muslims gather with loved ones to share in the festivities, I join in the cheer, wishing everyone a blessed and peaceful Eid,” he said.
The Senator expressed profound appreciation to Muslim Nigerians for their contributions to the nation’s growth, describing their faith, resilience, and patriotism as beacons of hope. “Your unwavering commitment to Nigeria’s progress is truly commendable,” he stated.
As the country navigates its current challenges, Araraume called for unity, understanding, and collective effort. “Let us embrace the spirit of Eid, forgiveness, generosity, and kindness, to build a brighter future for ourselves and generations to come,” he urged.
Araraume also extended solidarity to President Bola Tinubu, a distinguished Muslim and the leader of APC, praising his visionary leadership and dedication to nation building. “President Tinubu’s commitment to serving Nigeria has been exemplary, and we assure him of our continued support,” he said.
Reaffirming the APC’s commitment to national prosperity, Araraume emphasized that the values of compassion, unity, and progress embodied by Eid align deeply with the party’s ethos. “As we mark this occasion, we reaffirm our dedication to creating a Nigeria where faith and ethnic background are not barriers to success,” he concluded.
President Bola Tinubu is currently meeting with United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer in a high-level bilateral engagement aimed at strengthening ties between Nigeria and Britain.
A statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Monday, said the meeting will culminate in the signing of various Memoranda of Understanding and agreements, including those on trade, investment, defence, and cultural cooperation.
The statement said the meeting reinforces Nigeria’s commitment to deepening bilateral relations, attracting foreign investment, and modernising key infrastructure to support economic growth.
It added that a major highlight of the visit was the signing of a £746 million financing agreement between UK Export Finance, the Nigerian Ports Authority, and the Federal Ministry of Finance.
Morning Recap: Nigeria, Britain set for fresh security alliances, Saudi Arabia declares Friday Eid-el-Fitr, other top stories
The statement said the deal will fund the refurbishment of two key maritime infrastructures — the Lagos Port Complex (Apapa Quays) and the Tin Can Island Port Complex.
The President and the First Lady had earlier been the guests of their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla at Windsor Castle.
Tinubu was accompanied by a high-profile delegation, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio; Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi; Minister of Solid Minerals, Dele Alake; Minister of Information and National Orientation, Idris Mohammed; and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu.
Other members of the delegation include Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun; Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole; Minister of Culture and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa; Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani; Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa; National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu; and Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency, Mohammed Mohammed.
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