The Executive Director of Olotu and Ekuogbe Rowland Akpodiete Foundation (OERAF), Dr. Olotu Otemu Akpodiete, held a memorial lecture on the benefits of debate competitions for students in Ughelli, Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State.

The event took place, April 10, 2025, in honor of the remembrance of the passing of his grandfather, the late Chief Ekuogbe Rowland Akpodiete, Ph.D.

In his opening remarks, Dr. Olotu Akpodiete encouraged the students to take their academic activities very seriously, assuring them that his foundation would continue to provide support for quality education in Nigeria.

Olorogun Dr. Chris Oharisi, Chairman of the Board of Governing Council at Delta State College of Health Science and Technology, Ofuoma-Ughelli, who chaired the occasion, advised the students to be optimistic.

He emphasized the importance of debate to students, stressing that it helps them excel in public speaking.

On his part, Mr. Samson Obor, Principal of Government College Ughelli, thanked the organizers (OERAF) for their good work and encouraged the students to take their studies seriously.

He added that the importance of debate can never be overemphasized.

Presenting the lecture, Olorogun (Mrs.) Grace Akpodiete highlighted several benefits of debate for students.

She mentioned four major benefits: academic benefits, personal benefits, career benefits, and life skills benefits.

She concluded that by participating in debate competitions, students can develop a wide range of skills that benefit them academically, personally, and professionally.

During her speech about the life of the late Chief Ekuogbe Rowland Akpodiete, Barrister (Mrs.) Agboka Akpodiete-Omale highlighted his integrity and commitment to philanthropy.

She praised him as a great disciplinarian, dedicated community leader, lawyer, and known for his generosity.

Chief Dr. Linda Ikpuri, in her closing remarks, expressed satisfaction with the great job that Olotu and Ekuogbe Rowland Akpodiete Foundation is doing, assuring that she would collaborate with OERAF to build a better society.

Other highlights of the event included the presentation of cash prizes to various schools in attendance.

The schools included Lulu Schools, Government College Ughelli, Otovwodo Grammar School, Oharisi Secondary School, Transcorp Secondary School, Ekakpamre, Girls Model Secondary School, Evwreni, Divine Fire School, and Ekiugbo Grammar School.

A group of constituents from Kogi Central Senatorial District have dragged the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, and the Nigerian Senate before the Federal High Court in Abuja over the suspension of their senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

The legal action, filed under suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/654/2025, is challenging the six-month suspension of Akpoti-Uduaghan, which the Senate imposed following a rejected sexual harassment petition she filed against Akpabio. The suit, led by prominent human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN), argues that the suspension violates the constituents’ constitutional right to representation.

Neda Imaseun, chairman of the Senate Committee on Public Conduct, Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, had announced the suspension in March, citing what he called a “total violation of Senate rules” by Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan.

However, the plaintiffs argue that the Senate’s decision lacks lawful justification and contravenes democratic principles. They are invoking Article 13(1) of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, which guarantees citizens the right to freely participate in government through elected representatives.

“The suspension has effectively silenced the voice of Kogi Central in national debates and legislative processes,” the suit states, accusing the Senate of overreaching its powers.

The applicants — Ovavu Iliyasu, Isah Otini, Onivehu Amoto, Isah Mediant, Ogunmola Samuel, Umar Oyiza, Megida Sadiq, Siyaka Akinlade, Michael Ademola, and Ananyi Omeiza — are seeking a court declaration that the Senate acted beyond its constitutional powers.

They are asking the court to nullify the suspension and restore all of Akpoti-Uduaghan’s rights and privileges, including access to her office, full participation in Senate proceedings, and payment of her entitlements. Additionally, they are seeking an injunction to prevent the Senate from taking any further actions that could infringe on their fundamental rights.

As of press time, no date has been fixed for the hearing.

By Gloria Ikibah

Nigeria and China have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral ties and advancing their comprehensive strategic partnership.

The Vice Chairman of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), His Excellency Hu Chunhua, restated this when he led a high-level Chinese delegation on a visit to the Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar in Abuja, Nigeria on Friday.

Hu who conveyed warm greetings from Chinese President Xi Jinping and Vice President Han Zheng to Nigeria’s Vice President Kashim Shettima, praised the strong diplomatic relations between the two nations and reiterated China’s commitment to working closely with Nigeria in implementing the outcomes of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) and furthering the achievements of the Beijing Summit.

“China is willing to work together with Nigeria to implement the important consensus reached by our leaders and promote new and greater achievements in the China-Nigeria comprehensive strategic partnership,” Hu stated.

He also acknowledged the efforts of Nigerian Foreign Minister Yusuf Maitama Tuggar in strengthening China-Nigeria relations through past engagements, including bilateral committee meetings and high-level visits.

Responding, Minister Tuggar warmly welcomed the Chinese delegation on behalf of the Federal Government and Vice President Shettima, who was unavoidably absent.

Tuggar congratulated Hu on his assumption of duties as Vice Chairman of the CPPCC, acknowledging the important role the body plays in China’s political system.

He also expressed Nigeria’s appreciation for China’s ongoing partnership, especially in the areas of infrastructure development, trade, and investment.

“We thank you for the continuing partnership in actualizing our ambition of infrastructure development, increased trade and investment, and building a 21st century nation in Nigeria. Relationships and partnerships such as the one that exists between Nigeria and China are ones that we should continue to hold dear to our hearts and ensure they continue not just to exist but to excel”, he stated.

The Minister also praised China for successfully hosting the recent FOCAC summit and emphasised the importance of the relationship, describing it as one to be cherished and nurtured.

“Relationships and partnerships such as the one that exists between Nigeria and China are ones that we should continue to hold dear to our hearts and ensure they continue not just to exist but to excel.

“We want to continue to assure you of our commitment to the one China principle, and at the same time we want to thank you and commend you for recognizing Nigeria’s leadership in West Africa within the fold of the economic community of West African states and on the African continent as a whole.

“Although it is evident that we are not as large demographically as China, we are the largest country on the continent, and like China, we pay close attention and importance to consultation, consulting people and deliberation in the exigencies of governance and leadership.

“So we recognize the work that you are doing and reassure that this is something that we also do in our country to ensure that a largely demographic nation such as Nigeria and a diverse one”, he added.

As Africa’s most populous nation and a key regional leader, Nigeria reaffirmed its dedication to dialogue and inclusive governance, values it shares with China. Both countries pledged to continue working closely to ensure mutual benefits from their strategic cooperation.

The visit is expected to further strengthen diplomatic, economic, and cultural ties between Nigeria and China, building on decades of strong bilateral relations.