NationalUpdate Woman
Premiere Academy’s N500 Million Defamation Suit Against Dr. Lemmy Ughegbe Adjourned
An Abuja High Court has adjourned the suit filed by Premiere Academy against Dr. Lemmy Ughegbe, a child rights advocate, to November 12, 2024.
The school is seeking to stop Dr. Ughegbe from seeking justice for Keren-Happuch Akpagher, a 14-year-old student who was allegedly raped and died due to health complications.
Premiere Academy accused Dr. Ughegbe of defamation for referring to the school as “prime suspects” in the abuse and death of Keren-Happuch.
The school is claiming N500 million in damages and seeking a court order to bar Dr. Ughegbe from making further public statements about the case.
Dr. Ughegbe has been advocating for justice for Keren-Happuch and her family since her death in 2021.
He has spoken out against the school and the system’s failure to hold perpetrators accountable. The case has sparked widespread public outcry and calls for accountability.
The adjurnment followed the request made by counsel to Dr. Ughegbe, Barrister Johnbull Adaghe for an adjournment owing to earlier engagements fixed since June 2024 at the National Industrial Court. Hearing notice in the Premiere Academy case was served last Thursday, …October 2024.
The application for adjournment by defence counsel reads: We are counsel to the defendant in this suit, and in that stead, we write to pray for an adjournment of this suit coming up today, the 14th day of October, 2024, to another date. Today’s date incidentally coincides with our Suit No. NICN/ABJ/137/2023, Broad Hospitality Solutions Ltd & Anr vs Akoquip Global Resources Ltd, which has since June, 2024, been fixed for hearing before Court No. 2, of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria.”
“Even as we regret any inconvenience this application may cause, we suggest that the suit be adjourned to any of the following dates, subject to the convenience of the court, that is: the 12th or 13th or 19th of November, 2024.
Counsel to the plaintiff, Olajide Olaleye-Kumuyi said “even though we got the request for adjournment late on our way to court, we will concede to it.
Accordingly, the Judge, Kayode Agunloye adjourned hearing to 12th November 2024.
Premiere Academy had accused Dr. Ughegbe of defamation for referring to the school as prime suspects in the abuse and subsequent death of 14-year-old Keren-Happuch Akpagher.
On the 22nd of June 2024, Keren died as a result of condom left inside her by a killer-rapist, which infected her with sepsis, spiked her blood sugar, being a diabetic, leading to her death from hyperglycemia.
It would be recalled that following disclosure by doctors at the hospital, Keren’s mother, Mrs Vivien Vihimga Akpagher had filed a complaint at the FCT Police Command, alleging that her child, a boarding student was raped in the school, which compromised her health, leading to death.
Since Keren’s demise, Ughegbe has been in the forefront of seeking justice for the deceased and her family.
Speaking as a panelists at the 2021 Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Dr. Ughegbe sought to rally lawyers to get involved in holding accountable the school, which he termed “prime suspects.”
Vexed by Ughegbe’s audacity to raise the issues at the NBA Law Week, the school decided to sue for defamation, claiming N500 Million as damages.
In the suit filed by Premiere Academy’s legal team headed by Asiwaju Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), which includes his wife, Chief (Mrs) Victoria Awomolo (SAN) and Eyitayo Fatogun (SAN) and w team of lawyers, the school is asking the court to bar the Child and Gender Rights Advocate (Ughegbe) from making further public statements with regards to the alleged rape and death of Keren-Happuch till further notice.
In the said suit, Premiere Academy argued that “if the court fails to bar Ughegbe, it (Premiere Academy, Lugbe) will suffer irreparable damage to its character.”
In a-26 paragraph affidavit deposed to by Mr Christopher Akinsowon, who was acting Principal of Premiere Academy before and after Keren died on 22nd of June 2021 and now the school’s Director of Academics and Administration, he complained about the speech delivered by the Coalition Leader at the NBA Abuja Branch (Unity Bar) 2021 Law Week while attending as a guest panellist.
He said the speech delivered by Ughegbe on 30th of August 2021 defamed Premiere Academy and that was the reason the school instructed its lawyers to sue him for defamation in other to stop him from further damaging its image.
In a paragraph, 17, Akinsowon averred thus: “That the respondent (Ughegbe) was seen and heard saying thus: “I seek to leave of Mr Chairman to adopt the protocol as haven been established and deem same as having been observed by yours truly. As it’s traditional for me since June 22nd, 2021, I seize every opportunity of a public forum to do one thing, one pledge that I made to the coalition of Gender-Based Violence Responders which I lead. “
On June 22nd, 2021, the inalienable right of 14-year-old Keren-Happuch Akpagher was taken away because she was raped, condom left inside of her, the condom eventually infected her with sepsis, which triggered her diabetic condition in such a bad way and we eventually lost her. And I have said that at every forum I get, I would spend, at least, two minutes talking about her. She was a boarding house student at Premiere Academy, Lugbe. We are talking Human Rights, so this is even auspicious. Unfortunately, we have issues with systems not being in place.
“If you followed the news very well all this while, you would find that at some point because the coalition said this is one Child Sexual Abuse that will not just be a mere data and we must get the perpetrator, unfortunately, the FCT Police Command misadvised and misdirected itself on this matter, to the point because we started talking and holding them to account, they decided to accuse me of inciting public disturbance.
“The primary suspect – Premiere Academy is allowed to speak and do press conferences, but someone licensed as a Gender and Child Rights Advocate is accused of that? We have fought it using the instrumentality of the media and because of that, we have put petitions in place and today we are making progress with that case and I urge lawyers to join in this effort because in the words of Bishop Desmond Tutu – “if you are neutral in the situation of injustice, then you have taken sides with the oppressor.”
When called by Journalists to respond to the defamation suit filed by the school against him, Ughegbe who could not contain his amusement as he laughed for over five minutes before responding thus: “I’m so sorry for laughing so hard and taking your time. Do they want to use cheap legal action to bully me into silence and breach my constitutional right to hold and express my opinion? Tell them they have made a wrong call and have failed. But this is really laughable. I am yet to receive the court process, but a friend of mine said he received it on my behalf.
“Their case is built primarily on my speech at the NBA Abuja Branch 2021 Law Week. They are unhappy that I am calling lawyers to join us to demand justice. What is defamatory about that?
“It is my considered view that this suit is not just frivolous and lacking in merit, but it is also vexatious and targeted at arm twisting me. But I will not be vexed because I understand their frustrations and therefore what I have for them is sympathy.
“Why will a school be unhappy and jittery that I am calling out stakeholders to join us to seek justice? Clear conscience should not be offended or saddened by my call. The school, more than anyone else, should even be eager to join us to invite scrutiny of its operation vis-à-vis Keren-Happuch.”
He also expressed his eagerness for the Investigative Panel of the House of Representatives to begin a public hearing on the matter, adding that “we shall open a gigantic can of worms. We have credible intelligence and the world will shudder at the revelations during the public hearing meant to commence in January 2022.”
Recall that following pressure from the coalition of activists led by Dr. Ughegbe and public outcry, on the 7th of December 2021, the House of Representatives ordered the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to conduct a DNA test for all the male staff of the school and march DNA each with the dead spermatozoa found in Keren’s urine and resolved to set up an Investigative Panel to conduct a public hearing into the matter.
Sadly, the House headed by the then Speaker, Mr. Femi Gbajabiamilla failed to conduct any public hearing despite several correspondences from Men Against Rape Foundation and Amnesty International, reminding it of it’s own obligation.
Also, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), which received the coalition’s petition, neither called for evidence from petitioners nor briefed them after it met with the school management on account of the petition. The same fate befell their petition at the FCT Social Development Secretariat.
Dr. Ughegbe is well documented to speak of systemic failure and conspiracy of silence and inaction by those who should take the needed steps.
END
NationalUpdate Woman
PENGASSAN Women Commission marks International Day of the Girl Child in FCT
***Focuses on Social Media Influence challenges
The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) Women Commission (PWC) celebrated the International Day of the Girl Child by addressing concerns over the negative influence of social media.
Held at Junior Secondary School, Karomanjigi, in Abuja, the celebration aimed to empower young girls and inspire them to pursue their dreams.
Though the International Day of the Girl Child took place on The 11th of October, 2024, the PWC northern region decided to celebrate it on the 30th of October, 2024.
The National Chairperson of the PWC, Comrade Engineer Mary-Anne Ada Mbanaso, who served as the event’s special guest of honor emphasized the commission’s commitment to the event, which is marked annually across all four zones: Warri, Port Harcourt, Lagos, and Kaduna. “Each zone celebrates this day to raise awareness and empower girls,” she stated, encouraging the girls to believe in themselves, know their rights under the Child Rights Act, and aspire to any career they choose.
Comrade Mbanasso also discussed the challenges young girls face, particularly due to social media as she urged parents to monitor their children’s online activities and apply parental controls, highlighting the importance of guidance and counseling in today’s technology-driven world.
“Parents must pay close attention and instill strong values to prepare their children for the future,” she said.
In her inspiring message, Mbanasso shared her own journey, recalling her determination to become an engineer despite her father’s wish for her to study medicine. She encouraged the girls to pursue their passions, view challenges as opportunities, and communicate openly with their parents about their goals. “You are the future. Hard work pays off. Believe in your dreams, overcome obstacles, and stay focused,” she urged, emphasizing confidence and resilience.
The National Deputy Chairperson of Pengassan Women Commission who is also the Kaduna Zonal Chairperson, Comrade Yetunde Rufus-Adelakun aka Mama Yetty who organised the event reflected on this year’s theme, “The Future of the Girl Child,” emphasizing the importance of empowering young girls through education, particularly in fields like STEM—Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.
“This day is significant,” she said, “because it’s about investing in the future of young girls. We need to instill the value of education, making sure girls understand its importance. Through STEM, we are opening doors for them in fields that can shape their future and drive innovation.”
Mama Yetty acknowledged the growing concerns around social media and societal pressures that can influence young girls. She stressed the importance of community support, guidance, and positive reinforcement. “The NDLEA and other stakeholders are here to ensure children have the right knowledge about society today. We want our girls and boys to become champions, to stand tall in their goals, and not let negative influences sway them.”
Her message called on young girls to study hard, pursue their dreams, and become leaders who can spread the value of education to other girls, especially in rural areas.
Theme: Girls’ Vision for the Future – Catch Them Young’
The FCT TUCWC Chairperson,Comrade Sandra Nnenna Ogbonna, highlighted the necessity of collective support in nurturing empowered young girls. She pointed out the unique vulnerabilities that girls face and stressed the importance of instilling positive habits and values early on.
Comrade Ogbonna advocated for parental vigilance in the digital age, emphasizing that young girls are increasingly susceptible to the pitfalls of social media. She recommended practical limitations on device usage, encouraging parents to prioritize educational focus before granting access to technology. “Parents should proactively educate their children about the good and the harmful, guiding them toward positive choices,” she stated.
Ogbonna also emphasized the need for a community-driven approach to child-rearing, encouraging parents to be open to input from educators and caregivers. “No one person raises a child alone. Community feedback can significantly shape a child’s behavior and choices,” she remarked, calling for a revival of communal support in nurturing values.
She concluded with a call to action for parents to prioritize open communication within their households and communities to foster positive growth and development in young girls. “Listening to and valuing input from others is crucial for raising children with the right values,” she affirmed.
The event being part of PENGASSAN Women commission outreach in Kaduna Zone, aimed to inspire girls to dream big and recognize the importance of education and self-empowerment for success.
The PWC donated Sanitary towels to firm support for the girls in the school for hygiene and ease of availability.
There were also health talks on Cancer of the breast, Child’s rights, Drug Abuse and gifts of educational materials as well as presents to the overall best students in each set in the GSS Karomanjiji school.
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) was on hand to also guide the children against the dangers in drug abuse and the negative consequences.
The International Federation of Women Lawyers was also represented to exposed the girls to the issues around their rights as well as the Girl Child Right.
NationalUpdate Woman
WABMA Tackles Gender-Based Violence, Convene Town Hall with Faith, Cultural Leaders
Leaders of faith, culture, civil society, and the media are set to converge in Enugu on October 31, 2024, a historic town hall meeting aimed at addressing Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) in Nigeria.
Organized by the West Africa Broadcast & Media Academy (WABMA) Media Development Foundation and supported by the Ford Foundation, the town hall will bring together over 100 leaders from South East Nigeria to create a unified front against SGBV.
The event will be the first of its kind in which such a large-scale gathering of faith and cultural leaders has been dedicated to confronting SGBV in the region.
It aims to empower leaders to speak out against the violence and drive cultural shifts in attitudes toward gender-based violence.
“SGBV remains deeply rooted in societal norms, and addressing it requires changes in our cultural and faith-based practices,” said Mr. Odoh Diego Okenyodo, coordinator of WABMA’s Amplifying the Voices of Leaders of Faith and Culture Project. “We need leaders to be outspoken when it matters and to showcase those who are already actively fighting gender-based violence.”
Dr. Ken Ike Okere, Executive Director of the WABMA Foundation, emphasized the importance of leveraging influential voices to inspire change.
“When leaders of faith and culture take a stand, their voices can spark meaningful social shifts and motivate communities to act against gender-based violence,” Okere said, reaffirming WABMA’s dedication to using media as a powerful tool for societal transformation.
With a history of impactful social change initiatives across West Africa, WABMA has led projects like Project Fact Check Nigeria, a media literacy initiative with the US Consulate, and a collaboration with GIZ to enhance the response capabilities of the Gambia Police Force on SGBV issues.
Through this town hall, WABMA seeks to amplify these efforts, using cultural and faith-based perspectives to address and reduce SGBV across Nigerian communities.
NationalUpdate Woman
World Food Day: SWOFON calls for renewed commitment to women farmers empowerment
***Urges unfettered access to farm inputs, training, credit facilities
By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja.
SMALL Scale Women Farmers Organisation in Nigeria (SWOFON), Kogi State chapter, has called on the government to renew its commitment to empowering Women Farmers by according them unfettered access to farm inputs, training, and credit facilities.
Hajia Rukayat Ahmed, Kogi State Coordinator of SWOFON made the call at the occasion of the 2024 World Food Day Celebration and Interactive Forum organized by the organisation on Wednesday in Lokoja.
The celebration was Organised by SWOFON in collaboration with Kogi State Budget Committee Group (BCG) and Ministry of Agriculture with support from ActionAid Nigeria.
She said that World Food Day event aimed to promote sustainable agriculture, combat hunger, and advocate for small holder farmers, particularly women adding that the theme for this year’s celebration, “Right to Food for a better life and better tomorrow” was particularly significant.
Ahmed said that the event called for collective action and advocacy for the millions of small-holder farmers, especially women, who work tirelessly to feed their families and communities and also nurture the future of our nation.
“It is essential that we recognize and empower women by providing them with access to resources, training, and financial support. When women farmers strive, entire communities flourish”, she said”, she said.
The SWOFON Coordinator expressed her gratitude to the Kogi State Government and the Commissioner of Agriculture and Food Security for their continuous support towards empowering women in agriculture saying , “Your leadership and commitment are vital in driving the change we seek.”A
The state Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr Timothy Ojomah represented by Mr Kunle Agbana, Director, (Agric. Services) said that the state has always and would continue to prioritize food security by supporting farmers.
He said that the World Food Day celebration served as a reminder of the importance of collective action and advocacy for small-holder farmers, especially women.
Amb. Idris Ozovehe Muraina, Chairperson, Kogi Non-Governmental Organizations Network (KONGONET) reiterated the need for states to meet the Maputo and Malabo Declarations of minimum of 10 per cent annual budgetary allocations to the Agriculture sector to ensure food security.
Muraina called for strategic planning to sustain production and ensure that the food chain is not broken because “if we eat what we have today and do not produce for tomorrow, there will be very weak hope of survival.”
In his submission, Dr Bello Ogirima George, Managing Director of Kogi State Agricultural Development Project (ADP) commended the women farmers across the country for taking the lead in agricultural production.
He said that Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo being the son of a farmers and a farmer himself, was committed to advancing the cause of farmers because “He knows where the problems are and how to solve them.”
He however, called on all Nigerians to key into Agricultural production to ensure food sufficiency saying that whoever does not work should not eat as “Food is not the Fundamental Rights of anybody.”
There were goodwill messages from the Ministries of Women Affairs, Budget and planning, Kogi State House of Assembly standing Committee on Agriculture, and various Agriculture-related NGOs at the World Food Day celebration
Highlight of the occasion was the exhibition of variety farm produce from various regions of the three Senatorial Districts of the state. (Ends)
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