Nation
VCDF, SEEPCO Donate Items To Lagos Communities
Vcare for Development Foundation (VCDF) and Sterling Oil Exploration & Energy Production Company Limited (SEEPCO) have collaborated to create transformative events at Ipaja Transit Home and the Ketu Special Children Centre and Correctional Centre for Junior Boys.
The aim was to instil joy and belongingness among underserved communities and it was achieved through the collaboration with the Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development.
At the Ipaja Transit Home, VCDF brought positivity to over 32 exploited and abused residents and six caregivers.
The outreach extended to more than 75 residents and 47 caregivers at the Ketu Special Children Centre and the Correctional Centre for Junior Boys, where thoughtful gifts and educational materials were distributed to support these institutions, offering a gesture of support and care to these vulnerable individuals and their dedicated caretakers. Fifty Six volunteers devoted their quality time engaging in fun activities with the children, fostering positive impact in the lives of the vulnerable children.
The events were graced by esteemed dignitaries from the Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development including Mrs. Adenike Obilana, Deputy Director, Child Development Department; Ms. Caroline Inegbedion, Deputy Director, Correctional and Elderly Care Services; Mr. Fatai Oladayo Salu, Principal, Correctional Centre for Junior Boys; and Ms. Oluwakemi Agoro, Matron, Ketu Special Children Centre.
Speaking at the event,Ms. Caroline Inegbedion said, “Participating in these events fills our hearts with profound pride and joy. We extend our sincere gratitude to VCDF for their steadfast support and authentic compassion toward these special children, who too frequently contend with feelings of exclusion from society.”
According to her, these initiatives are in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), gender equality (SDG 5), focusing on reduced inequalities (SDG 10), and the promotion of peace, justice, and strong institutions (SDG 16).
Mrs. Obilana Adenike said, “Through these programmes, VCDF has empowered individuals facing vulnerabilities, making profound contributions to sustainable development. These transformative events act as a powerful catalyst, actively fostering and promoting equal opportunities for all.”
She said VCDF remains dedicated to planting seeds of inclusion that will blossom as an integral part of the societal fabric, creating a brighter and more compassionate world for all.
The Chief Judge of Katsina State, Justice Musa Danladi, has granted bail to 91 inmates.
He also completely discharged four others during the first-quarter jail delivery exercise for 2025 at the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Katsina.
Speaking at the event yesterday, Justice Danladi explained that the Sub-Committee on Decongestion of Correctional Centres carefully assessed the cases before recommending the inmates for release.
Factors considered included age, length of time spent in custody, and medical conditions.
He further announced that going forward, the personal details and photographs of released inmates would be officially recorded to ensure proper documentation and accountability.
Addressing the freed individuals, he urged them to stay on the right side of the law, emphasising that another chance at clemency might not be available if they reoffend.
The Katsina State Controller of Corrections, CC Umar Baba, praised the initiative, stating that such interventions ease congestion, improve prison conditions, and support rehabilitation efforts.
He also called on judges and magistrates to consider alternative sentencing options to prevent unnecessary detentions and allow correctional facilities to focus on reforming and reintegrating offenders into society.
The Oyo State High Court sitting in Ibadan has struck out murder charges against Ooni of Ife’s ex-wife, Queen Naomi Silekunola; the owner of Agidigbo FM, Oriyomi Hamzat; and principal of Islamic High School, Abdullahi Fasasi.
The Tide’s source recalls that the trio have been facing murder charges following the December 2024 children’s event stampede that led to the death of 35 children.
Justice B. K. Olawoyin delivering judgment yesterday, ruled that holding the defendants liable could discourage the public from engaging in humanitarian activities.
The court dismissed the four count charge, which included acceleration of death, conspiracy, negligent acts causing harm and failure to provide adequate medical facilities and security.
The Nigerian Military high command has stated that it is unaware of any community in the Northwest negotiating or entering peace agreements with bandits and terrorists for protection.
Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja yesterday, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye, dismissed reports suggesting such peace deals.
He questioned why any community would resort to negotiations, given the sustained military offensives against terrorist groups.
“The military is carrying out its operations in line with established protocols for internal security. If any community claims to be seeking peace with bandits, the military does not support that,” Kangye asserted.
He further emphasised that joint military operations, in collaboration with hybrid forces and other security agencies, have remained relentless in tackling terrorism and organised crime.
Throughout the past week, troops conducted a series of combat patrols, raids, ambushes, clearance operations, and search-and-rescue missions, resulting in significant successes.
According to Kangye, several terrorists were neutralised, their collaborators were captured, and kidnapped victims were successfully rescued.