Examination Hall Collapses on WAEC students during midnights Exams in Taraba

 

By Godwin Agia, Jalingo

An examination hall at the Government Secondary School Namnai, Gassol local government area of Taraba State on Wednesday collapsed during the West African Examination Certificate exercise.

Our Correspondent gathered that the hall collapsed on the students, the examination invigilator and corps members co-invigilating the Exams.

Reports indicate that the incident occurred during the midnight rain that came with heavy wind, when the examination was on going.

A resident, Alhaji DanAzumi Lauris, told our Correspondent that, "the incident occurred during the midnight rain when the students were writing the WAEC exams.

"The students and teachers were trapped under the rubble, and it took hours of effort from residents to rescue them. Many students sustained serious injuries, and they were taken to a nearby Primary Healthcare center for medical attention. He narrated.

WAEC Exam Chaos: Taraba Students Sit for English Paper at 8:25pm

 

By Godwin Agia, Taraba 

In a bizarre incident, students in Taraba State last night sited for their WAEC English language exam at 8:25pm, over 12 hours after the scheduled start time of 8:00am on Wednesday. 

Our Correspondent reports that the delay has sparked confusion and concern among parents and guardians, who question the reasons behind the unprecedented postponement.

The situation is particularly worrisome given the ongoing insecurity issues in the region. With no official explanation from WAEC, students and parents are left wondering what caused the delay and how it will impact the remaining papers.

This unusual incident has raised more questions than answers, and stakeholders eagerly await an official statement from WAEC to clarify the situation.

Taraba Polytechnic Student Electrocuted, Pleads for Government Assistance

 

From Godwin Agia, Jalingo 

A Taraba State Polytechnic student, Iorhee Saanmoyol Paul, has been hospitalized after being electrocuted while displaying a People's Democratic Party (PDP) flag to welcome Vice President Kashim Shettima to the Taraba State International Investment Summit in Jalingo. 

Paul, a student of the School of Basic and Applied Sciences studying Epidemiology and Disease Control, is currently undergoing treatment at Gilead Hospital in Jalingo.

According to Paul, "I was flying the party's flag to welcome our vice president, senator Kashim Shettima, just like a dream I discovered myself here in the hospital with this severe condition," he said.

Paul, who is battling for his life, has appealed to the State government for assistance, citing the need for urgent transfer from the hospital for a better medical attention 

Our Correspondent reports that, students and residents are urging the government to take immediate action to assist Paul and ensure that he receives the necessary medical attention.

The coordinator PDP Youths Movement who is also in charge of the mobilization for PDP Flying Flags (PDPFF) Hon. Iliya Kefas confirmed the incident to our correspondent.

Kefas said the Paul was electrocuted while flying the PDP flag opposite Taraba State Polytechnic gate during the occasion of TARAVEST on Wednesday.

"Yes, the boy by name Paul was electrocuted during our exercise, he was rushed to a hospital, the government has taken over the hospital bill and is our prayers that he will survive from the accident," he said.

Taraba correspondents' Chapel passes vote of no confidence in the Information Commissioner, boycotts government activities.

 

From Godwin Agia, Jalingo

The Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Taraba state chapter, on Tuesday passed a vote of no confidence in the state Commissioner for information and re-orientation, Barr. Zainabe Usman Jalingo.

In an emergency Congress meeting held at the chapel Secretariat in Jalingo, the union also resolved to boycott all Taraba state government activities henceforth.

In the Congress resolution signed by the Resolution Drafting Committee chairman Mr Charles Akpeji, the union decried what they described as a neglect of journalists and the profession, sighting the commissioner's deliberate and continue sidelining of the press during major state functions.

The Chapel also expressed outrage over the government’s failure to accredit its members for coverage of the high-profile upcoming Taraba State International Investment Summit (TARAVEST) and the visit of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the state.

"Following the high level of incompetence displayed by the Taraba state Commissioner for information, Barr. Zainabe Usman Jalingo, we the correspondent' chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), have unanimously passed a vote of no confidence in her, and ask governor Agbu Kefas to remove her for the interest of good governance.

"Barr. Usman Jalingo has continuously failed in discharging her duty as Commissioner for information, making the government of governor Agbu Kefas unprojected.

"Her deliberate and continue sidelining of the press during major state functions, and the government failure to accredit correspondent' members for coverage of the high-profile upcoming Taraba State International Investment Summit (TARAVEST) and the visit of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the state on Wednesday calls for a stick action.

"We have seen this action as a calculated attempt to gag the press, and we unequivocally condemned the blatant disregard for press freedom and transparency. We hereby announced an immediate and indefinite boycott of all Taraba State Government activities.

"Followed a statement credited to Commissioner regarding the invitation of accredited journalists for a road walk—an event from which members of the Correspondents’ Chapel were excluded, we wish to inform the general public that henceforth, the correspondent' chapel would no longer report any government activities.

"However, we wish to reassured residents of Taraba State of our unwavering commitment to our watchdog role. We will continue to report on issues affecting citizens and will hold the government accountable—regardless of intimidation or exclusion. The chapel resolved.

Taraba govt Pledges Support for Alternative Child Care

 

From Godwin Agia, Jalingo 

      The Taraba State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Child Development, Hon. Mary Sinjen has yesterday pledged to support the implementation of the National Guidelines on Alternative Care for Children in the State.

        Mary made the pledge during an advocacy visit by the Consortium for Child Protection Network Nigeria (CPNN) held at the ministry in Jalingo.

     Our Correspondent reports that the CPNN team was led by Mr Olakunle Sanni, National Coordinator and his team to discuss the importance of alternative care for children in the Taraba state. 

       She emphasized the need for a child-centred approach that prioritizes the best interests of the child.

        Represented by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Pastor Eric Juyoh Madu, Mrs Sinjen expressed the Ministry's commitment to supporting the implementation of the National Guidelines on Alternative Care. 

"The Ministry's full support in implementing the National Guidelines on Alternative Care is assured," she said.

       Earlier in his address, Mr Olakunle Sanni, CPNN national coordinator represented by the zonal coordinator, Yibis Sylvester, Sanni emphasized the importance of prioritizing the best interests of the child.

"The best interest of the child must be the primary consideration, ensuring the necessary protection and care for their wellbeing," he said.

       He noted that the advocacy visit marked a significant step towards strengthening alternative care systems for children in Taraba State. 

       He further explained that the partnership between CPNN and the Ministry of Women Affairs and Child Development is expected to improve the lives of children in the state.

      Amb. Boniface Koson, State coordinator of the CPNN, opined that the implementation of the National Guidelines on Alternative Care will go a long way to improve the welfare of children in Taraba State. 

"The Ministry's commitment to supporting the initiative is a positive step towards achieving this goal". He said.