LAURETTA ONOCHIE

No, you should not use "allegedly" when there is evidence to support a claim, as it implies that the claim is unproven or doubtful. The word "allegedly" is used to indicate that something has been claimed, but not proven.  Here's why: "Allegedly" implies doubt: The word "allegedly" suggests that the claim being made is not yet confirmed or proven, even if evidence exists. Is there evidence that the young Youth Corper was threatened by a female management staff of the NYSC on the phone? Yes. We heard it. So it's not an allegation, but a fact.   "Allegedly" is used in legal contexts:  In legal contexts, "allegedly" is used to indicate that a person has been accused of something, but has not yet been proven guilty.  Is there evidence that the Lawmakers in Rivers State defected to my Party? Yes, we all saw it and celebrated it. So, its not "Allegedly". Its a fact.  Use "claimed" or "stated" in...

BACKGROUND: On March 20, 1984, the then Chief of Staff, Supreme Headquarters, Major-General Babatunde Idiagbon launched a campaign on ‘National Consciousness and Enlightenment’  at the National Theatre, Igamu, Lagos which lifted the nation into a sphere of national awareness and prepared ground for the then Head of State, Commander-in-Chief, Major-General Muhammadu Buhari’s clarion call that we are all Nigerians and we must fight indiscipline. This formed the basis for the nationalism and patriotism campaign, the third phase of National Consciousness and Enlightenment – the WAI crusade which was launched in Jos, Plateau State, on Monday, August 27, 1984 with emphasis on the National Symbols – the Flag, the National Anthem, the Pledge and the Coat-of-Arms. The War Against Indiscipline (WAI) Brigade was formed therefore to give practical effect to the campaign against indiscipline. It is a uniformed voluntary association of able-bodied young men and women trained and ...

 *From Sokoto to Enugu: The Inspiring Story of Enugu's First Elected Mayor, Mallam Umaru Altine* *Early Life and Background: Mallam Umaru Altine was born in Sifawa, a town in Sokoto Province, northe rn Nigeria. He belonged to the Fulani ethnic group and was initially a cattle rearer.* *He moved to Enugu, the capital of the Eastern Region, during the early 1950s and quickly integrated into the political and social life of the city. Enugu, at the time, was a melting pot of various ethnic groups due to its status as an administrative and industrial hub.* Mallam Umaru Altine was a remarkable figure in Nigerian history, notable for his achievements as the first elected Mayor of Enugu Municipal Council, serving from 1952 to 1958. His story highlights a period in Nigeria's history when ethnic and regional boundaries were less pronounced in political leadership, as Altine, a Fulani man from Sokoto Province in northern Nigeria, rose to political prominence in the Eastern Region. *Politi...

THE CALLS FOR RESTRUCTURING  I chose to speak on the topic: Ignorance, political irrelevance and the persistent quest to re-structure the Nigerian polity, 1999-2021.  I selected this topic because, I think my late friend would have been deeply agitated by what is being aired on many of the private radio and television stations and written as front pageheadlines in most of the private newspapers, especially in the last one year. Then the social media is choked up with all sorts of news, opinions and reports about the division of the people, in the country and its imminent collapse!!  Sometimes, after reading these gloomy materials, you may even feel that the situation is so hopeless that when you go to bed, you may wake up in another country called, Biafra, Oodua or Arewa republic!!  In fact, some foreign countries, like the USA have predicted the collapse of our country by 2015 and they still continue to think that we are a failed state on its way to the final crush!...

We’ve crossed the threshold into a new decade. There’s a lot of resolution advice swirling, but not all of it is evidence-based or realistic. The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared a global mental health crisis. It projects that, by the next turn of the decade in 2030, lifestyle and stress-related illness will surpass communicable diseases. Here are 20 strategies to practice regularly to shield and sustain you: 1. Recognize you are not a robot or machine. Humans are beings, not doings. We’re not meant to be on 24-7. You are not above the laws of science, which emphasize the importance of breaks and replenishment. 2. Practice mindfulness. Be fully present in each moment. Avoid rash judgment of emotions and sensations. Relish in the positive. Recognize negative situations will shift. 3. Prioritize sleep. Sleep deprivation leads to poor moods, concentration, and health. Endless studies point to the critical nature of sleep on outlook, performance, and functioning. 4. Avoid self-...

UNIVERSITY IS FOR ADULTS, NOT FOR CHILDREN Prof. Mamman Tahir, the Minister of Education, stating what we all know but have refused to comply with, has now been turned into a debate by those who do not quite understand the implications of sending children, instead of adults to tertiary institutions. It's not a debate. It's our National Policy On Education. It's called the 6-3-3-4 system.  Let me explain it as one with over 40 years experience in all levels of education. Children have a lot to learn at home before being sent off to Primary School for formal education. My personal opinion had been, and still is that, sending a child away from home BEFORE the age of three , is child abuse. You may decide to send your baby early to Nursery. The child starts Nursery 1 at 3 years, Nursery 2 at 4 years, Transition at 5 years. This means the child starts primary school at 6 years of age. The child spends 6 years and finishes when s/he is  12 years old.  S/he goes to Secondary s...

Every democracy, across the world, has a ruling political party. They also have political parties who presented canditates in the federal, state and/or local elections but failed. In the UK, the opposition party, forms a shadow cabinet, aimed at playing a positive role for the benefit of the United Kingdom. Generally, the opposition has some significant roles to play but such roles must be played in such a manner, that the overall interests of the people, are well protected. Here are some: 1. Constructive criticism: Opposition parties can provide valuable feedback and suggestions to the ruling party on policies, legislation, or government actions. This constructive criticism can help the ruling party improve their decision-making process and avoid potential errors. 2. Bi-partisan collaboration : Opposition parties can work with the ruling party to find common ground and collaborate on specific issues or policies. By putting aside partisan differences, opposition parties can contribute ...