Daybreak, Politics, Entertainment, Sport

Category: News

You can add some category description here.

Nigeria’s Telecom Contribution to GDP Hits 16% – Danbatta
Says broadband penetration to hit 50% by year-end
The telecommunications sector’s contribution to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) has increased significantly to 16 per cent in the second quarter of 2023, according to the data reported by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) based on the computation by the Nigeria Bureau of Statistics (NBS).
The Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, Prof. Umar Danbatta, stated this in a keynote address delivered at the annual Telecom Executives and Regulators Forum (TERF) hosted by the Association of Telecom Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) in Lagos on Thursday (today).
According to Danbatta, from a 14.13 per cent contribution in the first quarter of 2023, and up from the hitherto 15 per cent all-time-high record contributed in the second quarter of 2022, the telecommunications sector added 16 per cent to the national GDP in the second quarter of 2023 to set a new record.
Danbatta, while speaking on the theme: “Success Factors and Barriers to National Broadband and Digital Economy Aspirations”, took the audience, promising executives of telecom companies and other industry stakeholders, through the giant strides being made by the Commission.
From about 8 per cent contribution to GDP in 2015, when Danbatta came on board as the EVC of NCC, he said quarterly GDP has increased significantly to reach its current threshold of 16 per cent and that this has continued to positively impact all aspects of the economy.
“Through sustained regulatory excellence and operational efficiency by the Commission, the industry has grown in leaps and bounds over the past two decades and this has impacted on all other sectors of the economy. The effective regulatory regime emplaced by the NCC and with the support from all stakeholders has been our major success factor as an industry,” Danbatta said.
The EVC stated that while there are barriers to broadband deployment in the country, ranging from the issue of right of way (RoW), fibre cuts, high capital requirement for deployment, multiple taxations and regulations, among other challenges, the NCC is navigating regulatory complexities, digital divide and literacy, security concerns with firmness and increased collaborations with necessary stakeholders such as ATCON to create measures towards tackling the challenges.
On the RoW challenge, the EVC said there are about 46 different taxes directed at the telecom sector at the moment. Such charges and levels, coming in various names, are imposed on telecom operators by some agencies and tiers of government, especially at the state and local levels. Danbatta said the challenge translates into greater economic burdens on telecom subscribers in the country.
Speaking about connectivity, Danbatta said, “Over the years, we have identified some clusters of access gaps all over the country but we have recorded a significant drop in the number of access gaps, as we continue to drive initiatives that boost access to telecommunications services.”
He stated that the Commission does this by enlisting government commitment to a digital economy with robust policy frameworks, promotion of investment and funding, stimulation of infrastructure development, digital inclusion and literacy, promotion of competition and market liberalization, effective allocation of spectrum, as well as driving the e-government ecosystem.
Danbatta said with various ongoing regulatory efforts, “The NCC is confident that we are going to reach 50 per cent broadband penetration threshold by the end of 2023 and by 2025, we would have met and possibly surpassed the 70 per cent broadband penetration target, as contained in the Nigerian National Broadband Plan (NNBP), 2020-2025.”
The EVC particularly commended ATCON and its members for being partners in progress and for constantly engaging the Commission in constructive ways towards finding solutions to the myriad of challenges confronting the industry. The EVC said a national broadband network and a thriving digital economy are not without their challenges.
“However, these challenges can be overcome through determination, innovation, and strategic planning. By focusing on the success factors and addressing the barriers, we can create a future where every Nigerian have access to the opportunities that the digital world offers,” he added.
Danbatta also stated that the success of the nation’s digital aspirations is beyond technological advancements but also about transforming lives, driving economic growth, and ensuring that a nation remains competitive on the global stage.
“As we work together to navigate this path, I enjoin all our stakeholders in the public and private sectors to remain committed to building a brighter and more connected future for our country,” he said.
September 8, 2023
A’Ibom bemoans low workers’ benefit from NHF Contribution
By Ogenyi Ogenyi,Uyo
Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom has expressed concern over the lack of benefits for Akwa Ibom workers from the National Housing Fund despite their contributions to the Fund over time.
But he has commended the Federal Mortgage Bank, FMB, for partnering the state government in the building of the 250 units Arise City Housing Estate project and promised that his administration would continue to partner the Bank towards addressing the housing deficit in the state
Eno attributed the state government’s intervention to narrow the housing deficit in the state to the establishmnt of the ARISE City estate, low cost housing estate project for Civil Servants in Ibiono Ibom and the Housing Estate for Doctors in Nsit Ibom Local Councils.
“I met a team from the Federal Mortgage Bank led by their Executive Director, so we spoke and I told them I will like Akwa Ibom workers to benefit from the fund and they promised that if we give them land they will finance the project. I like to thank them for keeping to their words. I want to also thank them for promising to finance even the buyers at a single digit interest rate loan.” He said.
The Governor pointed out that siting various housing projects in the outskirts of Uyo was a strategic plan to open up local government areas close to the state capital to decongest traffic in Uyo urban, explaining that as people come to live in those suburbs, population would build up and attract development to those areas.
He paid glowing tributes to the former governor and elder statesman from the area, Obong Victor Attah, whose fight for resource control birthed the 13% derivation revenue the state is currently enjoying.
General Manager of FMB in charge of Southern Nigeria, Mr. Simeon Agada, described Eno’s commitment to the housing project as exemplary, explaining that with provision of land and other support by the state government, the cost of getting a house in the estate would be reduced by 40%.
Agada said the bank would finance the building and provide funding for acquisition of property in the estate with interest as low as 7%, adding that with such government gesture, the bank would be willing to undertake more of such projects in the state.
Over viewing the project, the Commissioner for Housing, Mr Raphael Bassey, said that the project comprised of 100 units of one bedroom expandable terrace bungalows, 78 units of semi-detached expandable bungalows, 72 units of 3 bedroom terrace duplexes, seated on 20 hectares of land, assuring that with the able hands in the Ministry the project would be supervised to ensure compliance with standards and timely completion.
September 8, 2023
Tribunal judgment further legitimises Tinubu’s electoral victory – Speaker Abbas
The Speaker of the House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D, has congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on his victory at the Presidential Election Petitions Tribunal.
Speaker Abbas said the dismissal of the petitions against Tinubu’s victory in the February 25, 2023 presidential election has only added more legitimacy and credibility to his government and administration.
The Speaker noted that while the petitioners have duly exercised their rights by approaching the tribunal to table their grievances, the court has also duly weighed the arguments and evidence presented before it before arriving at the judgment.
The judiciary, the Speaker added, has lived up to its name as the true arbiter in any case, based on the way it adjudicated on the presidential election petitions before it.
Speaker Abbas hailed the judiciary for its critical role in the sustenance of democracy in Nigeria, noting that the tribunal’s judgment has strengthened democratic processes in the country.
He said the judgment has vindicated the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which duly declared Tinubu the winner of the presidential poll based on the votes the president received from Nigerians.
The Speaker urged presisent’s opponents in the presidential election as well as all Nigerians across political, religious and ethnic lines to support the Tinubu administration towards achieving a safe and prosperous country for all.
September 8, 2023
Empowering women, girls on nutrition will tackle issues of Nigeria’s 2.5m stunted children – CS SUNN
By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
The Civil Society Scaling Up Nutrition in Nigeria, CS SUNN, has stated that the empowerment of women and girls would tackle issues of stunting of the over 2.5 million children in Nigeria, end malnutrition and secure a better generation of healthy children.
The CS SUNN Executive Secretary, Sunday Okoronkwo said this on Thursday during a Media Roundtable on Promoting Women and Girls Empowerment for Optimal Nutrition in Nigeria held at Abuja.
Okoronkwo who was represented by Dr. Goodness Anyanwu , CS SUNN, Project Manager said that empowered women and girls in areas of decision making, education, business, and leadership can take charge of their nutrition of their families and contribute to the wellbeing of the nation.
Anyanwu said, ” According to recent statistics from the World Health Organization, WHO, nearly 2.5 million children under the age of five in Nigeria are suffering from severe acute malnutrition, SAM”, adding that about 37% of Nigerian children under that age of five years are stunted due to chronic malnutrition.
According to Anyanwu, while speaking on the optimal malnutrition narrative in Nigeria is largely contributed by the low-income status of women in Nigeria.
She said that the Nigerian situation from the National Bureau of Statistics Poverty Inequality Report (2019) reveals that a paltry 25.37% of women are involved in low income generating activities while 74.73% of them were not.
This lack of adequate earning power reduces productivity for women , which in turn affects their nutritional status and that of their families.
She further noted that the roundtable engagement underscores CS SUNN ‘s commitment to contribute to addressing pressing challenges related to nutrition, health, and gender in the nation.
The CS SUNN also restated that empowering women and girls for Optimal Nutrition is the right part on Nigeria’s journey towards a more prosperous and healthier nation.
The Minister of Women Affairs , Mrs. UjunOhaneye , represented by Mrs. Christiana Oliko Deputy Director Child Development/ Nutrition Focal Officer decried the various socio- cultural practicing confronting women and girls, such early marriage , insurgency, displacement, and the consequences on them, including rape, especially during the COVID-19 period.
Oliko noted that the girl -child should be nurtured as mothers of tomorrow, adding that when a girl is empowered she will be more empowered and can compare anywhere.
She decried that women in the rural areas lack nutrition education , adding that even as farmers, they lack nutrition education on how to feed their children.
She also cited disclosed that since 79% of women account for poverty in Nigeria despite the land ownership denied women.
This is to facilitate nutrition diversity , she noted.
CS SUNN FCT Amb. Elizabeth Ogiri, Executive Chairperson, Women and Child Disaster Rescue Initiatives, Representative of CS-SUNN FCT Coordinator enjoined that education on nutrition campaign should start in primary and secondary schools, Universities up to the NYSC camps , given that Nigeria is the second most malnourished county globally.
Ogiri noted that adding nutrition in schools curriculum will help inculcate the importance of nutrition in them when they grew up into adulthood.
Communication Officer , Lilian Okafor, said that the media media roundtable on Promoting Women and girls empowerment Optimal nutrition is to show the media and policymakers that there is a problem with the economic empowerment of nutrition in Nigeria.
Okafor called on the media to collaborate with CS SUNN on prioritizing economic empowerment of women and girls in nutrition.
To get our policymakers to prioritize empowerment of women and nutrition, she emphasized.
September 8, 2023
Labour And Employment Minister Simon Lalong Rejoices Over President Tinubu’s Victory At Tribunal
Minister of Labour and Employment Simon Bako Lalong has congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over his victory at the Presidential Elections Petition Court.
Lalong who was former Director General of the APC Presidential Campaign Council says he is not surprised that the Court affirmed the election of the President and his Vice, Senator Kashim Shettima.
He said as former Director General of the Tinubu/Shettima Campaign Council, he knows how popular the ticket was among the Nigerian electorate who gave the APC and its candidates massive support across the entire country.
Lalong said the judgement of the Election Petition Court has validated the mandate given to the President and his Vice to deliver the Renewed Hope Agenda to the people of Nigeria and put the country in the path of growth and prosperity.
The Minister said the President has already hit the ground running by taking bold decisions that are geared towards building the economy and empowering the citizens.
He said although some of the decisions such as removal of fuel subsidy come with initial pains, the Tinubu administration is taking measures to cushion the negative impact of the policies and also ensure that funds hitherto being wasted are deployed to other critical sectors in order to deliver the dividends of democracy to Nigerians.
He uses the occasion to assure Nigerians that President Tinubu will create job opportunities for the citizens and enhance the working conditions of existing workers by ensuring that they have dignity of their labour and service to the country.
September 8, 2023
Wike frowns at contracts variation for projects in Abuja
By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Wike has frowned at the alarming rate of blotting of contracts variation for projects in Abuja,insisting that such is not acceptable to the current FCT Administration.
Wike made this known on Thursday during inspection of the on-going repair works at the Lower Usman Dam Water Treatment plant, in Bwari Area Council, which was shutdown for emergency repair last year.
The minister disclosed that the FCTA is going to overhaul the entire system , prioritize and fund ten projects, as part of the measures to check the menace of abandoned and uncompleted projects in the Capital City.
He said, “We are going to overhaul the entire system. I have never seen a thing like this before in my life. What you see in FCDA contract variation from N10bn to N120bn, from N50bn to N200bn. It is alarming and I am not going to accept it. ”
“It was unfortunate that while we went to the Gurara road, it was very embarrassing, and this is not what they are going to take. The job was awarded in 2017 at the cost of N20 billion, in 2020 the revised the contract sum to N50 billion. ”
“As I speak to you, we have paid almost N50bn, what is outstanding from what the man in charge has said is N900m, and now the N900m will not be enough to complete the job that they have donepp about 90percent and thereby we move to another variation. This is what we are not going to accept.”
” Now, having come to the Usman Water System, I was told that the contract has been awarded as an emergency contract. We just heard it now that it has not been awarded fully. Just a mere letter of intent to the contractor since last year August.”
“We know the importance of this, because it supplies water to our people in the city and this environment.”
“Water is very important, so I have directed that it is not an emergency again, If something has happened since last year, you call it an emergency till now, it is no longer an emergency.”
“If at all it was an emergency, we are going to start all over, and we are going to supervise the procurement process and we will allow other companies to bid as far as this project is concerned. So, it is alarming.”
Furthermore, the Minister noted the FCTA is choosing about 10 contracts, for which companies handling them have been called, and agreement have reached.
“We have agreed with some companies for six months, and we have agreed with some companies for 15 months. We do not want any project that without funding, we will not have one project. Depending on the national budget is a problem.”
“Why the Executive Secretary of FCDA is not here is because I directed him not to join us and ensure that all the files are approved since last week, go to the director of Treasury and payment must be made latest tomorrow (Friday). ”
“Then, we are signing with those companies, in essence, we have introduce an ISPO to bind our project to our internally generated revenue. So, at the end of every month, we will know what each company is taking and then we will know the duration of the contract will end.”
“So, we will utilize the IGR to tie it to specific projects, so that will reduce the abandoning of projects in the FCT. On Monday, we are flagging off the resurfacing of most of the roads in Garki, Maitama, because the roads are terribly bad. I will make sure that the contractors are also paid. ”
The minister revealed that projects would be reviewed to ensure they finish one after the other.
We can take up other projects, not carry 100 projects and you cannot complete one. You should take one and finish it, then you go to another one. If not, you will see projects littered all over, he explained.
September 8, 2023
100 Days In Office: Oborevwori inaugurates multiple projects in Delta
By Anne Azuka
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State on Thursday, inaugurated multi-billion naira projects at the Dennis Osadebe University, Anwai-Asaba, as part of activities to mark his first 100 days in office.
The Governor who also commissioned 29 network of roads with 31.45 line drains around Madonna College road in Asaba and Okpanam areas of Oshimili South and Oshimili North Local Government Council areas of the state, blamed the abandonment of projects across the country on failure or refusal of political leaders to continue with projects started by their predecessors.
The projects inaugurated at the Dennis Osadebay University, Anwai-Asaba, include; 500 and double 250 seater auditoriums, faculty building and furnishing of Faculty of Agriculture, Administrative building; Vice-Chancellors lodge; gate entrance and main entrance access road at the University.
Speaking separately during the inauguration of the projects, initiated by the previous administration at the University, Governor Oborevwori noted that government was a continuum and it was the duty of successive administrations to continue and complete projects initiated by their predecessors for the collective good of the people.
He commended his predecessors in the state for continuing with projects they met while also executing new projects and particularly lauded the immediate past administration of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa for initiating the projects.
Oborevwori said: “My joy knows no bounds as we commission this 500-seater Auditorium, two 250-seater Auditorium, building and furnishing of the Faculty of Agriculture, administrative building, main gate building, and internal roads in this citadel of learning.
“There are two reasons for my happiness today, first is that I promised Deltans in my inaugural speech that I will ensure that all ongoing projects embarked upon by the previous administration would be completed alongside new initiatives.
“Government is a continuum and it is the duty of successive administrations to put the resources of the state to good use by ensuring that projects are completed in a timely and prudent manner”.
He explained that “One of the reasons for abandoned projects in our country is because of the failure or refusal of political leaders to continue with projects started by their predecessors.
“And this is usually informed by the fear that their predecessors will get the credit. However, this should not be the case if the focus of the leader is on the collective good of all.
“I am proud to say that in Delta State, we have had a history of successive governors building on the legacies of their predecessors. It is my honour and privilege to continue with that noble tradition as I give credit to the immediate past Governor of the state, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, for his vision and foresight in initiating these projects.”
While underscoring the importance of education to the growth, development and advancement of modern society, Governor Oborevwori assured that his administration would continue to give moral and institutional support for the development of the three new universities.
“The second reason for my joy is that the completion of these projects underscores our commitment to the educational advancement of our people.
“Education and knowledge are two cornerstones of progress in any modern society. The emplacement of skilled and professional competencies for all the citizens and residents of the state is one of the priorities of this administration.
“It is also gratifying to note that enrollment into the university has continued to grow. This is undeniable proof that the decision to establish this university and two others in Ozoro and Agbor is justified.
“Our people are eager for quality education and we are glad that we have provided more opportunities for them to actualize their dreams.
“This administration shall continue to give the necessary moral and institutional support necessary to transform these institutions to centres of excellence in terms of their overall outlook and scholarship potentials”, he said.
The elated Governor, challenged the University authority to prioritise curriculum development and innovation to make graduates meet up with challenging technological trends.
Governor Oborevwori said: “I implore the Governing Council and the Board of the university to prioritise curriculum development and innovation.
“In a time of rapid economic and technological change, the challenge is to develop courses and programmes that will enable the graduates to forge the strongest career paths, learn new skills, solve real world business problems, and develop the abilities and expertise to be in tune with global trends.
“This calls for hands-on and work-integrated learning as a direct response to the demand for professionals with market-relevant skills.
“Graduates from our universities must be well equipped with business knowledge and competencies in critical thinking, interpersonal skills, communication, ability to work in teams, entrepreneurial skills, as well as self, social, and ethical awareness”.
In his remarks, the State Commissioner for Higher Education, Professor Nyerhovwo Tonukari commended the Governor for transforming a bush into a citadel of learning with seven faculties and 40 programmes to cater for the growing population of the state.
Vice-Chancellor of the University, Professor Benjamin Oghojafor in his welcome address, said the establishment of the three new Universities was born out of the need to grant more access to higher education for Deltans, adding that the university was already filling the gap by providing excellent skills in various areas of learning to curb the high rate of unemployment in the country.
He said the university’s academic programmes were one of the most sought after in the state, pointing out that they were in talks with the NUC to increase the school’s admission quota.
Earlier at the road and erosion control inauguration, Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Comrade Reuben Izeze said that the completion of the project was a great relief to people of the area who had been plagued by massive flooding and erosion challenges.
Chairman Oshimili South Local Government Council, Dr Kelvin Ezenyili and his Oshimili North counterpart, Hon. Innocent Eseweze commended Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for consolidating on the achievements of the past administration in completing ongoing projects across the two local government areas.
They pledged the support and cooperation of the people of Oshimili South and North to the administration’s M.O.R.E Agenda.
September 8, 2023
Gov. Bello’s Enormous Achievements: Gateway To APC’s Victory at 11/11/2023 POLLS.
By Noah Ocheni
“Governance is a process of social management between the rulers and the ruled in a political community” -The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA).
If one examines the journey of Kogi State from creation on 27th August, 1991 till date, reflecting on the corresponding evidences of development, Gov Bello becomes a golden fish that has no hiding place.
As at today, His Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello who took over the governance of Kogi State from Capt Idris Wada in January 2016 has left indelible mark in the history of the development of Kogi State.
According to Kofi Annan (cited in UNDP 1997;20), “without good governance, without the rule of law, predictable administration, legitimate power and responsive regulation, no amount of funding and charity will set us on the path of prosperity”
Gov Bello embraced the above school of thought, got a comprehensive blue print on insecurity, culture and tourism, Youths and sports development in the state.
Insecurity: In the spirit of if you see something, say something, Governor Yahaya Bello used aggressive diplomacy with tactical influence of security operatives to barricades and curb insecurity in Kogi.
“Kogi State is no longer safe for criminals” – Bello’s crackdown on insecurity has not only made Kogi state a new Haven for the citizenry but won him an award as the best Governor on security matters.
It was summarized by the former Inspector General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba, rtd. that Gov Bello is a dependable ally on in the war against insecurity.
Culture and Tourism:
He has been branded as ‘culture friendly’ due to his untiring efforts at revitalizing culture and tourism. Consequently, Kogi State represented Nigeria at Congo Brazaville (2016) and India (2021) cultural events respectively.
Youths and Sports: In 2019, Gov Bello approved, established and supported the registration and certification of Youth Clubs/Associations and Youth Organizations.
Governor Yahaya Bello sponsored our Youths to attend different Skills Acquisition Training organized by Federal Ministry of Youths and Sports in Plateau and Ogun States respectively.
In the same vein, the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has enjoyed the support of his Excellency through government’s award and employment of two (2) outstanding corp members, under the interpretation and implementation of of the relevant sections of the National Youth Policy for Nigeria (2019-2023) Edition and the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (with amendments 2011).
Just at the closing ceremony of the 2023 Batch ‘B’ Stream 2 of the NYSC held at the State’s Orientation Camp, Asanya, in Kabba Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State, on Tuesday, 4th September 2023,
Governor Yahaya Bello approved 100 per cent increment in the allowance of members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) deployed to Kogi State for their mandatory one-year service.
The Governor also announced a donation of N37.7 million as logistics support for the Youth Corps members as they move to their respective places of primary assignments and called on private sector employers to prioritise their welfare.
He successfully sponsored sensitization and awareness campaign against youth restiveness and cultism, under His Excellency’s New Direction Agenda. Similarly was the free and fair election that produced the leadership of the State Chapter of National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) under his watch.
HEALTH SECTOR: The New Direction Administration of Gov Bello invested hugely in the health sector. In this regards,
government has prioritised the provision of modern medical equipment, supplies, and drugs to healthcare facilities in the state.
The massive health infrastructural development includes, the establishment of The Reference Hospital, Okene, with the state of the art medical equipment of global standard and the clinical complex of Prince Abubakar Audu University Teaching Hospital, Anyigba.
September 8, 2023
APC-IGG Congratulates Tinubu/Shettima On Election Tribunal Verdict
By Jabiru Hassan, Kano.
APC Initiative For Good Governance (APC-IGG) have issued a congratulatory message to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his Vice Senator Kashim Shettima on their recent election victory by the Presidential Election Tribunal held Wednesday.
Speaking to newsmen shortly after the judgement, the national coordinator of the initiative, Ambassador Musa Mohammed Tsoken disclosed that the judiciary remained a backbone of the democracy where the election tribunals are always committed to the protection of the mandate of the electorated.
He reassured that President Bola Tinubu and his Vice would makes Nigeria great through their collective efforts and readiness to serve their electorates in every sector, where he called on the
good people of Nigeria to gives their utmost contribution towards the development of this great country.
Ambassador Tsoken commended the Secretary to the Government of the federation (SGF) Senator Dr. George Akume for his professionalism towards the progress of this country without bias, adding that “George Akume as our SGF remained our pride and we are certain that Nigeria would go well”. He lamented.
” On behalf of the national executives of our great initiative, the zonal and states coordinators as well as the local governments and wards leaders, I congratulates our President, his Excellency Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and our dynamic Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima for winning in the presidential election tribunal and I called on the well meaning citizens to join our train in Salvaging our fatherland”. He concluded.
In another development, the stakeholders of the Support group, APC Initiative For Good Governance announces thatv APC-IGG is partnering with over 1000 support groups as evidence in her national President massive engagements in galvanising and also to ensure the sustainability of Asiwaju-Shettima APC led administration.
In this respect the Initiative in collaboration with other sister support groups to under the aegis of Asiwaju-Shettima Coalition For Good Governance which the national President Amb Musa Tsoken is coordinating the North-East and Barr Dr Adebayo Abdurraheem Shittu is coordinating in the national level inter alia.
The Good Governance Initiatives therefore call on H.E. Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu to appoint Amb Musa Muhammed Tsoken as Honourable Minister for Youths from Taraba State hence he has large youths coverage in the country and is a true youths activist as can be seen in his numerous activities and campaigns for youths and women empowerment.
September 8, 2023
Married Teacher Accused of Inappropriate Conduct with Teen Students at Christian School
By Milcah Tanimu
In a troubling case, an Alabama math teacher at a private Christian school faces serious allegations of engaging in sexual activity with two teenage boys who had previously been her students, as detailed in an arrest warrant .
The accused, Chrystal Frost, 35, a married mother of three, recently resigned from her position at Crenshaw Christian Academy, which is renowned as the “Home of the Cougars” due to its football team’s moniker. Her resignation followed an alleged incident where explicit photos were exchanged with a student via Snapchat.
The police report indicates that Frost sent an obscene photo and requested a revealing image from the student. Subsequently, the school received an anonymous tip regarding a 15-year-old student, identified as GT, possessing a nude photo of the math teacher on his phone, which he had shared with some classmates.
The situation escalated further when an administrator confronted Frost. During this encounter, she allegedly admitted to sending a different explicit photo, this time to the cheerleaders, wherein she pulled her Nike shorts high, revealing her buttocks, and sent it as a jest.
Frost tendered her resignation on August 24. The school promptly reported the incident to the Luverne Police Department, leading to an official investigation.
In an unsettling twist, GT shared with another student that he had been intimately involved with the teacher, divulging that she had initiated the illicit relationship. In an interview conducted on August 29, GT admitted to receiving the lewd photo from Frost and revealed that she had offered him sexual encounters. These encounters occurred on a piece of land owned by GT’s family in Pike County, with at least four such meetings taking place.
On a separate occasion, during a chore-related visit to feed the dogs, Frost allegedly performed oral sex on GT inside a vehicle. The student claimed to have terminated the disturbing relationship in early summer.
Subsequently, authorities identified a second teenager, a 16-year-old student referred to as AP, who had been Frost’s student during the prior school year. The allegations suggest that Frost employed similar tactics with this student as well.
Following his transition to homeschooling, Frost purportedly sent AP a photo of her breasts and inquired about potential locations for sexual activity. The two met on a farm only once, engaging in oral sex and intercourse. Remarkably, during their encounter, Frost maintained complete silence from arrival to the conclusion of the sexual contact. Afterward, she allegedly sent two additional explicit photos before blocking AP on Snapchat.
Frost now faces multiple charges, including traveling to meet a child for an unlawful sexual act, electronic solicitation of a child, two counts of a school employee engaging in a sex act, and two counts of a school employee distributing obscene material to a student.
September 8, 2023