James Oparaekeocha, a senior staff of the Nigeria Television Authority (NTA) in Enugu, has passed away.

He died on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, after experiencing a relapse of an illness he had previously celebrated overcoming in a thanksgiving ceremony.

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Oparaekeocha, aged 56, had a distinguished career in journalism.

He previously served as the Caretaker Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Enugu Council and was a former Chairman of the NTA Chapel.

Dame Ifeoma Amuta, the Secretary of the Enugu NUJ Council, extended her condolences to his family, the NTA community, and his colleagues.

She also offered prayers for the peaceful repose of his soul.

Wife of Senator Kelvin Chukwu, representing Enugu East Senatorial Zone, Engr. Dr. Mrs. Ngozi Eli-Chukwu, has called for enhanced measures to protect the rights of children across the country.

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In a statement released on Monday to mark this year’s Children’s Day celebration, Dr. Mrs. Chukwu emphasized the critical need to address issues such as child labor, abuse, and lack of access to quality education.

She highlighted the importance of creating a safe and nurturing environment for all children, particularly in the Enugu East Senatorial Zone.

“Every child deserves the right to grow up in a safe, supportive, and educational environment. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that these rights are protected and upheld,” she said.

Engr. Dr. Mrs. Chukwu also called on both the federal and state governments to implement and enforce laws that safeguard children’s rights.

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She further urged for stronger policies to combat child exploitation and trafficking, and for increased funding for child welfare programs.

“Investing in our children is investing in the future of our nation. We must prioritize their well-being and development to ensure a prosperous and just society,” she concluded.

Various activities are expected to be held nationwide to mark this year’s Children’s Day, including parades, educational workshops, and cultural events aimed at raising awareness about children’s rights and welfare.

Parents, educators, and policymakers alike are encouraged to join the efforts in advocating for the protection and development of children.

The call to action by Senator Kelvin Chukwu’s wife comes at a time when numerous reports have shed light on the challenges faced by children in Nigeria, including inadequate access to education, health care, and protection from violence.

A tragic incident unfolded on Sunday when a mosque on Yusuf Street, Papa Ajao, in the Ladipo area of Lagos State collapsed, resulting in three fatalities and seven injuries.

The mosque, bustling with worshippers including children, suddenly gave way just as prayers were about to commence.

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The collapse led to chaos and a desperate rescue effort by sympathizers and emergency responders who rushed to save those trapped under the debris.

According to eyewitnesses, the disaster occurred when an excavator, engaged in clearing silt from the drainages along the road, struck the mosque recklessly.

This impact caused the structure to collapse. The Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Emergency Management Authority (LASEMA), Dr. Femi Oke-Osanyitolu, confirmed the tragic outcome and detailed the rescue efforts.

“Upon arrival at 1:40 PM, we discovered a collapsed storey building. Preliminary investigations indicated that an excavator, in the process of clearing the road, struck the mosque, leading to the collapse,” Dr. Oke-Osanyitolu reported.

Emergency services quickly mobilized to the scene. Four of the injured were transported to the hospital with varying degrees of injuries, while three others received treatment and were discharged on-site.

Unfortunately, three individuals were confirmed dead at the scene.

“One adult was recovered deceased, while others received pre-hospital care from our Pre-Hospital Care Unit,” he said.

“A total of ten people were trapped under the rubble, with one seriously injured victim transferred to the hospital.”

The response team was comprehensive, involving LASEMA, the Lagos State Fire Service, the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), the National Emergency Management Authority (NEMA), the Nigeria Police, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), and the Lagos State Ambulance Service (LASAMBUS).

On Monday, Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State visited the Sapphire Ceramics Company in Obinofia Ndiuno, Ezeagu LGA, emphasizing his commitment to maintaining a conducive business environment under his administration.

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Governor Mbah praised the company’s achievements as evidence of Enugu State’s improved business climate.

He reiterated his administration’s ambitious goal to elevate the state’s economy from $4.4 billion to $30 billion and encouraged both local and international investors to capitalize on the state’s rich mineral resources.

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“This is a testament to our vision of fostering a government-enabled, private sector-driven economic growth,” said Mbah. “With Sapphire Ceramics producing 75,000 square meters of tiles daily and employing over 800 people, we are confident in our target of growing the state’s economy to $30 billion.”

Mbah assured continued support for businesses like Sapphire Ceramics, emphasizing the importance of creating policies that facilitate business expansion and job creation.

He highlighted key factors such as infrastructure, security, and a robust legal and regulatory framework as crucial elements in enhancing the ease of doing business in Enugu.

“Enugu is genuinely open for business. Our commitment is to not only provide a favorable environment but also to mitigate risks for investors, making Enugu a premier investment destination,” Mbah stated.

Mr. Wang Chengfang, Managing Director of Sapphire Ceramics, lauded the Mbah administration for its supportive policies and development initiatives.

He noted the company’s significant growth, having expanded its workforce from 300 to nearly 800 employees, despite economic challenges.

“We are honored to invest in Enugu State and contribute to its economic growth,” Chengfang said.

“Despite challenges such as an unstable Naira exchange rate, we are committed to enhancing our product quality and expanding our operations to create more jobs in Enugu.”

Chengfang called on potential investors to consider Enugu State for their ventures, highlighting the state’s abundant mineral resources and favorable business environment. He pledged Sapphire Ceramics’ continued cooperation with the state government to maximize these resources and support the state’s economic development.

“As part of our investment promotion efforts, we urge more Chinese companies to invest in Enugu State and support the ‘New Enugu City’ development plan,” Chengfang added.