Ace Journalist's Wife Mrs. Mary Nwaeke Charges Graduates of ICC in Benin to be Determined in Making a Difference

Mrs. Mary Efekhoba Nwaeke, who is the Guest Speaker at the 2021 Graduation Day ceremony of Immaculate Conception College (ICC) Benin City, Edo State, has encourage the graduating students not to be discouraged with what the society holds for them after schooling but rather to be determined to make a difference despite all odds. The wife of Delta State born Ace TV Reporter, Mr. Nkem Nwaeke, urges the graduating students on the power to find their own path lies ahead of them just as she inspired them with her experiences upon completion of college about three decades ago. Mrs. Mary Nwaeke further urges the graduating students to remain good ambassadors of their alma-mata while reflecting on what they have acquired over the years in the four walls of the college, and premises where the event is held in Benin city the Edo State capital. "She further stated Junior and Senior Secondary School's curricula are to equip students in advancing to higher institutions of learning or to join the workforce as some of us did after our Secondary School examinations. Should you choose either way, remember that what lies ahead will be exciting, new, challenging and achievable." Mrs. Nwaeke reminded the graduant's that how prepared they are to face challenges of life matters, stressing that there was nothing wrong for them to be anxious, uncertain and scared as they proceed with life, but they should progress in line with the sound foundation from their upbringing and lessons acquired from their teachers. "Let me tell you that I too felt anxious when I got the invitation to be the Guest Speaker of this event. My first thought was, why me? And then I asked myself, am I worthy of this responsibility? What can I say to inspire these highly intelligent and impressionable graduates? These young men from one of the most reputable, respectable, distinguished and character-building Secondary Schools in South South Nigeria, whose alumni are amongst the finest breed of professionals in all spheres of human endeavour within and outside this country." "As these questions and doubts ran through my mind, an answer came to me in a quote from the Book of 1 Timothy 4:12 which my father, late John Domen Omoaregba, persistently instilled in and reiterated to my siblings and I while we were growing up: 'Don't let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers (even to unbelievers), in what you say, how you live, in your love, your faith and your purity." "These words which sounded as if my father was saying them anew, opened up a flood in me, a flood filled with many lessons and experiences that have sharpened my life, culminating in the right direction to the privilege to stand before you all today in my full capacity as a wife, mother, mentor, an administrator, an intriguing voice worthy of speaking, affirming and inspiring others", she emphasized. In her motivational speech, Mrs. Nwaeke boosted the morale of the graduating students while challenging them to avoid living other people's dreams but to find their passion and follow it. "And so, to be the very best both for yourself, society and the world at large, is a decision for you to make and persistently work at in order to achieve your goals. I encourage you to believe in yourselves and your dreams while navigating the ways through success not undermining the challenges that life after now provides." "Avoid living other people's dreams: Find your passion and act on it today. Your passion must be something that is exacting and satisfying to you as it is important to the world. Your passion should be something that matters, it should be what adds value, alleviates suffering, restores hope, solves a problem or proffers answers to a fundamental question. Your passion should inspire people to say, 'Perhaps this is the moment for which you have been created." In continuation she stated, "There will be ups and downs, highs and lows. There will be times when you will struggle with the rightness of an action, when you will try to justify a particular cause in the face of its obviously being wrong. There will be times when you will almost believe those who make statements like, 'who school epp?, last last, school na scam', 'the end justifies the means'. There still will be times when you will doubt what you have been told by everyone who mattered to you in your life's journey and experiences. When you get to such points in your life, let the Book of Mark 11:23-24 guide you. It says, "But you must really believe it will happen and have no doubt in your heart, you can pray for anything and if you believe that you have received it, it will be yours." Mrs. Nwaeke commended the management of ICC Benin for equipping the students with the fundamentals, basic knowledge, skills and attitude to boost their confidence and to help them achieve their dreams, even as she challenged the young graduates to remain the pride of their parents and alma-mata. "Today, I sum up all of these experiences as my punch-line: You Have The Power to Create Your Own Path! My dear graduant's, the world needs your will, it needs your imagination, your courage, your appetite for adventure and healthy competitiveness. The world needs your hands, minds and your hearts. More than ever before, make your every action count." "I Congratulate all of you for achieving this feat in your lives as graduates of ICC Benin City. I enjoin you all to remain good ambassadors of this worthy institution. Let it be a task for fulfillment", she concluded. The Principal of the School, Rev Fr. (Dr) Anthony Ekhaisomi and others in their remarks commended the topic for the lecture and the brilliant presentation of the Guest Speaker, saying that issues raised and explained were very impressive and impactful.

BREAKING: The Leader of IPOB Brought to Court Today

Today the 21st day of October 2021, the leader of the federal government of Nigeria proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra's (IPOB) Mazi Nnamdi Kanu was brought to court by DSS for his trial. There was a series of uproar as strict security personnel barred lot's of journalists, lawyers, activists, traditional rulers/chiefs, and as well concerned Nigerians were all deprived access into the court where the trial is to be held. The situation led to much anger as most Nigerians grip with the disbelief that the trial is nothing but a secret trial.

Representatives from Ohaneze Ndigbo, the social cultural organization of the Igbo people were also denied access into the court. Nnamdi Kanu pleaded not guilty to all charges, as Justice Binta Nyanko adjourned the trial to 10 November 2021. Also Kanu was pronounced to be returned to the DSS custody instead of Kuje Correctional Center in Abuja as an earlier filing request made by the led Counsel of Mr. Kanu to transfer him from the DSS cell. At the end of today's trial, Mr. Kanu led counsel Barr. Ejiofor told newsmen that they will be returning to court again on 10th November 2021, he aired his displeasure for security not allowing people and some Igbo leaders access into the court, as he said he hopes that will change in the next court seating as scheduled.

PHOTO-NEWS: From The Memorial Walk For End Sars Protester

Popular Nigerian activist Omoyele Sowore, Deji Adeyanju, Nigerian comedian popularly known as Real Warri Pikin and many other Nigerians took part in the peaceful walk starting from the unity fountain Abuja. As they processed from the unity fountain towards the National Assembly gate, they were met with a large number of police personnels who blocked the road and made them turn back from heading towards the Nigeria National Assembly on Wednesday 20th October, 2021. Below are some of the images taken by "SR" emerging from the peaceful walk.

Today Marks One Year Since #EndSars Lekki Tollgate Shooting

The Nigerian youths on 20th October, 2020 gathered at the ever busy Lekki Tollgate to call upon the Nigerian Government under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari. The protesting youths came up with five key demands, some of which are better welfare for the police, and the highly brutalized unit of the police called Special Anti Robbery Squad (SARS) to be disbanded. Today Wednesday 20th 2021, commemorate one year since the lekki tollgate shooting, and young Nigerians have taken it upon themselves to march in remembrance of those that were allegedly killed, injured and still arrested since last year. The one year commemoration work took place in Lagos State, Abuja the capital of Nigeria and some other States as lot’s of Nigerian youths carried out a peaceful walk as the remembrance to the October 20 2020 protest.

Pulev Squares Off With Anthony Joshua Ahead Of Showdown On Saturday

Joshua vs Pulev

Nigerian-born British boxer, Anthony Joshua warned his opponent Kubrat Pulev, he faces "the real one" in Saturday's world heavyweight title bout in London as the pair almost came to blows at the weigh-in.

Mr. Joshua the former Olympic champion will be defending his IBF, WBA and WBO belts at Wembley Arena against his Bulgarian veteran counterpart before the allowed 1,000 fans due to coronavirus regulations.

The two men have been scheduled to fight twice in the past, but was both postponed in 2017 when Pulev was injured and in 2019 when the Covid-19 just started and everything was on lockdown and halted the planned paid fight that was to be held in June, 2019.

Although, the thirty nine (39) years old, who is nicknamed "The Cobra", boasts of his impressive 28-1 boxing record, his only defeat was in the hands of Wladimir Klitschko for the world title fight in 2014.

"Many years I've been in boxing and seen a lot fighters talk a lot of rubbish, then they get smacked up," said by Joshua to Sky Sports.

"I know what he's like, I have studied him. He thinks he's a warrior. I said 'don't let the guys you've fought gas you up, you're in with a real one now'.

"When people come in the ring with me, they are confident and then after a few rounds their soul gets destroyed. When I see that I can take them out."

Pulev tipped the scales at 239 pounds (108 kilograms), six pounds lighter than before his last bout with Rydell Brooker in November 2019.

Anthony Joshua was then roundly booed by Pulev's entourage before he weighed in at 240 pounds, three pounds more than when he gained revenge on Andy Ruiz Jr in December 2019 to reclaim his titles.

A bump of their fists appeared to be the end of a fiery weigh-in, only for Pulev to state: "Tomorrow I show you buddy. I like you, respect you but tomorrow I show you because I am better than you."

Much of the focus ahead of Saturday has been on a potential "Battle of Britain" between Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua in 2021.

An agreement in principle for Joshua and WBC champion Fury to finally go ahead-to-head has been in place since earlier this year.

A Zambian Woman Sues Boyfriend of 8yrs To Court For Not Marrying Her

ZAMBIA: Woman who has been in a long relationship with her boyfriend running for about eight years, drags the boyfriend to court for not marrying her.

The twenty six (26) years old Zambian national, Gertrude Ngoma, sues Herbert Salaliki, a twenty eight (28) years old, who had earlier promised to marry her and had even made a down-payment dowry, according to Sunday Times of Zambia.

The both of them is said to having a child together, but Ngoma still lives with her parents even if her lover lives alone. She also accused Salaliki to being involved with another woman.

On the other hand, Salaliki argued his case in court, stating that he did want to marry Ngoma but did not have the money. He also alleged that Ngoma did not give him attention.

The woman was advised to sue for breach of marriage contract by presiding magistrate Evelyn Nalwize, who said that the court's hands were tied since no marriage took place even if dowry was said to be paid.

Tribute To Legendary Chief James Ghoye Emarievbe (PATRON UPU ASIA)

The man, Chief. James Ghoye Emarievbe was a man of many facet, he was different things to different people, a husband, a father, grand-father, brother, uncle, a motivator, a leader, a colleague, a mentor and so on.

To us in Urhobo Progress Union Malaysia (UPU Asia), he was a father, a patron and adviser in every areas where we need his fatherly wisdom to come into play.

Chief. Emarievbe always opened his doors to us, his children to gather and discuss about love, unity, togetherness and future of Urhobos residing in Malaysia and its environs. He always made sure we had food and drinks to eat. He taught us the values and cultures of Urhobo Nation, thought us how to conduct ourselves as Urhobos that we are. He was instrumental in starting and growing the Urhobo Progress Union in Malaysia and made sure we gained recognition back home as well through his positive role play in making sure the union is fully registered with UPU headquarter in Nigeria. But his benevolence was not just restricted to the union, Chief. Emarievbe was also committed to each of us individually, he took time and fatherly patience to teach us and advise us on the path to honor and reconciliation. We have too many numerous cases to attest to this. Not only was Chief. Emarievbe one of the greatest mentors of our time, but he was truly a passionate man who love his people dearly. He was just as dedicated to his family as his career, as also his culture and Urhobo Nation. Even in death, his memory still inspires us to this day.

No matter how much eulogies we attribute to the life of Chief. James Emarievbe, so many of his purer virtues will remain untold because he was a man who did so many good things and only few we have records of, I am talking about those noble traits that marked his achievements, laid buried in the shades of time.

His greatest joy was seeing the growth of all of us his children, he was passionate about a united Urhobo people in Malaysia and globally, thereby fulfilling our great motto of “URHOBO OVUOVO”.

The life of Chief. James Ghoye Emarievbe can only be likened to the sayings of Richard Bach, “What the caterpillar calls the end of the world, the master calls a butterfly.”  

For, from the many lessons we have come to learn from the life of Chief. Emerievbe, we come to understand that life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass; it’s about learning to dance in the rain.

Allow me to draw inspiration from the words of Ben Okri, the most authentic thing about us is our capacity to create, to overcome, to endure, to transform, to love and to be greater than our suffering, yes, because when we have great mentors like Chief. James has been to us, we can only be inspired to become the greater versions of ourselves.

Chief Mrs. Stella Emarievbe has lost a husband, his children have lost a father, Urhobo Nation has lost a general, UPU Malaysia has lost a mentor.

Even to his colleagues, both Nigerians and foreigners alike, Chief. James was a rallying point, from his work ethics, his experience in the work place as well as the exceptional wealth of wisdom deposited in him, he was a man who inspires all.

Chief. Emarievbe always reminded us that we were never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream, he reminds us that death is not just the extinguishing of a light, but the putting out of the lamp because the dawn has come.

Chief. Emarievbe in the brief time he spent with us, has thought us the following lessons we cannot forget, he thought us that there is no foot so small that it cannot leave an imprint on this world. He also thought us to be diligent in all that we do and build our integrity in the journey of life. The lessons are many but the space to write them is so limited. His death came as a shock to us, on a time UPU Asia had already making plans to bring our father, patron Chief. Emarievbe to grace our Urhobo Day, normally scheduled at the end of every calendar year in Malaysia. His passing was so painful to us, to an extent we felt we had loss the steering in our vehicle of a union, but then again, we remember he lived a fulfilled life, we are grateful for the time he spent mentoring us into the global leaders we have become today and that which we will become tomorrow.

People may come to say his death is too painful for them to remember, but we say, he is too precious to forget.

Chief. Emarievbe Sir, softly, you tiptoed into this world, almost silently, but the time you stayed has left so much imprint of memories in our hearts. Thoughts of you will always remain with us your children whom you have mentored in Asia where you spent some time of your life.

In all we say, that our great icon Chief. James Ghoye Emarievbe (The Akarophiyo of Agbarha-Otor Kingdom) strode the earth like a colossus and giant tree with many branches. At this junction, after much tears rolling down our cheeks, remembering all his words to us had braced us together, as we wipe our tears and say daddy goodnight and travel well.

Ose Avware-ijobi Kpori…