Ifunanya Okafor - Edupreneur Select

Ifunanya Okafor19 January 2025

Police in Ondo State have apprehended a three-person syndicate specializing in child stealing and trafficking. The group includes a 62-year-old woman, Sabira Izuorah, and a couple, Isiaka Lukman (42) and Abosede Lukman (23). Ondo State Commissioner of Police, Wilfred Afolabi, disclosed this in Akure while speaking to the press. A total of 14 children were rescued, including four babies aged between one week ‍and two months, and 10 children aged two to seven years. Investigations revealed that Izuorah, from Ihiala, Anambra State, served as the buyer, while the Lukman couple from Ibadan, Oyo State, acted as sellers. The couple reportedly sold each child to Izuorah for N1 million. The syndicate was uncovered through intelligence-led policing, leading to the couple’s arrest in Ottah Village, Edo State. Further investigation resulted in Izuorah’s arrest in Ihiala, where four babies were found in her custody. The police report also indicated that the couple had abducted children from Ondo and Osun States. A complainant stated that the suspects had disguised themselves as siblings at her shop before carrying out one of their abductions. Authorities are continuing investigations and working on reuniting the rescued children with their families.

Ifunanya Okafor19 January 2025

A devastating petrol tanker explosion in Niger State, northern Nigeria, has left at least 70 people dead and 56 others injured, according to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA). The incident occurred on Saturday when the tanker overturned, spilling fuel that ignited a massive fire. The explosion also destroyed more than 15 shops, causing extensive damage in the area. Kumar Tsukwam, the Federal Road Safety Corps sector commander for Niger State, revealed that most of the victims were local residents who had rushed to collect the spilled petrol before the fire erupted. This tragedy echoes a similar incident in Jigawa State last October, where 147 lives were lost in one of Nigeria’s worst fuel-related disasters. Authorities are urging caution and public awareness to prevent further occurrences.

Ifunanya Okafor18 January 2025

In a move to boost the local economy, Wardiere Oakmount, a leading real estate company, has announced plans to construct a N2.9 billion shopping mall in Kuje, a growing commercial hub in Abuja. The company’s Founder and Chairman, Kunle Ilori, revealed this during the week, describing the development as a game-changer for the area. The mall will feature a variety of retail outlets and commercial units, creating jobs and enhancing shopping experiences for residents. Ilori noted the strong support of the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), which has committed to building a new fire station and deploying fire-fighting trucks near the estate’s entrance to ensure safety. Located just four minutes from a 1,000-unit housing project commissioned by former FCT Minister Nasir El-Rufai, the mall’s strategic position is expected to attract significant commercial activity. The project is set to be commissioned by the current FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, in March 2025.

Ifunanya Okafor18 January 2025

In a significant diplomatic move, Brazil announced on Friday that Nigeria has been accepted as a partner country in the multinational bloc of nations known as BRICS. As the current president of BRICS for 2025, Brazil highlighted Nigeria’s growing role in strengthening Global South cooperation and pushing for reforms in global governance priorities closely aligned with the bloc’s goals. With a population ranking as the 6th largest globally and the largest in Africa, Nigeria’s economic influence and strategic interests resonate with the existing BRICS members. This was emphasized in a statement by Brazil’s Foreign Ministry, Itamaraty. Nigeria’s partnership status places it alongside eight other nations across Latin America, Eastern Europe, and Asia, further solidifying its presence on the global stage. Stay tuned for updates on what this partnership could mean for Nigeria’s economy and international relations

Ifunanya Okafor17 January 2025

CES 2025 was a spectacle of innovation, with tech enthusiasts and industry leaders gathering to witness the unveiling of groundbreaking technologies. Among the myriad of innovations, the spotlight shone brightly on educational technology (EdTech), promising to reshape the future of learning for educators and students alike. Here’s a look at some of the most exciting EdTech developments revealed at this year’s event. Seomjae’s AI Learning Platform ‘CHALK’ One of the standout innovations was Seomjae’s AI-driven learning platform, CHALK. This platform leverages ONTOLOS, an ontology-based AI system, to personalize learning experiences in real-time. By analyzing students’ goals, habits, and preferences, CHALK dynamically adjusts lesson content and difficulty, ensuring an engaging and tailored educational journey. CHALK also introduces a 3D gamified Learning Management System (LMS), where students can set goals, earn points, and collaborate with peers. This interactive approach transforms learning from traditional rote memorization into an immersive experience that fosters critical thinking and active participation. Hihaho’s Interactive Video Platform Hihaho brought a revolutionary approach to video-based learning with their AI-powered interactive video platform. This technology allows educators to convert any video into an engaging, interactive lesson. The platform’s AI Assistant aids teachers in creating personalized content effortlessly, adapting materials to suit individual learning needs. Hihaho’s analytics feature provides valuable insights into student engagement and learning outcomes, enabling educators to refine their teaching strategies. With this innovation, educators can elevate their content delivery, making learning more interactive and impactful. SkillsNation’s Workforce Development Engine Addressing the critical need for workforce readiness, SkillsNation, powered by BuildWithin and led by the DC Department of Employment Services, showcased technologies designed to enhance career development. Key features include: Celeste, an AI agent conducting interviews to identify job seekers’ transferable skills. A skills-matching algorithm that connects individuals with customized employment opportunities. Maestro, an AI co-pilot for career development, automating tasks such as resume creation and job search optimization. These tools not only prepare students for the workforce but also empower educators to integrate career readiness into their curricula. The Impact on Educators and Students The EdTech innovations unveiled at CES 2025 hold immense potential to revolutionize education. For educators, these technologies offer tools to create more personalized, engaging, and effective learning experiences. For students, they promise a more interactive and tailored educational journey, catering to individual learning styles and needs. As we look to the future, the integration of AI, gamification, and interactive content will play a pivotal role in shaping the education landscape. These advancements are not just about enhancing learning outcomes but also about preparing students for a rapidly evolving world. Conclusion The future of education is here, and it’s powered by innovative technologies that promise to transform how we teach and learn. CES 2025 has set the stage for a new era in education, where technology and pedagogy converge to create a more engaging and effective learning environment. Stay tuned as Edupreneur continues to explore and bring you the latest developments in educational technology. The future is bright, and it’s just beginning!

Ifunanya Okafor17 January 2025

The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has announced that 1,629 women have successfully received treatment for obstetric fistula through the ongoing Fistula-Free Programme. Dr. Kelechi Ohiri, Director General of the NHIA, shared this update during the second steering committee meeting of the programme, held on Thursday evening in Abuja. The meeting was chaired by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare. Launched in June 2024, the Fistula-Free Programme aims to provide treatment for women suffering from obstetric fistula across Nigeria. Dr. Ohiri revealed that, within the programme’s first six months, the NHIA received 1,898 applications and enrolled 922 beneficiaries in the health insurance scheme, marking significant milestones for the initiative. He explained, “As of now, 1,629 beneficiaries have been verified and paid for, and the number of claims submitted is approaching 2,000. With continued awareness, we hope no woman will suffer from fistula.” Dr. Ohiri also highlighted that the programme addresses both the clinical and non-clinical needs of women affected by obstetric fistula, aiming to improve their overall well-being.

Ifunanya Okafor17 January 2025

A violent knife attack at a high school in Spisska Stara Ves, eastern Slovakia, has resulted in the deaths of two women and left a third woman injured. The victims included two students and a teacher, according to local authorities. The suspect, an 18-year-old student from the gymnasium, initially fled the scene. Police issued a warning, advising people not to approach the teenager. However, the suspect was apprehended shortly after. Authorities assured the public that all necessary safety measures were being taken. The attack occurred around 1:00 PM local time in the small village, located near the Polish border. Emergency medical teams were quickly dispatched to the school, where they provided aid to the wounded. In response to the tragedy, a Slovak student union expressed its shock, stating that “schools should be a place where young people grow, learn, and dream of a better future.” The union condemned the violence, noting the growing presence of hatred and aggression in schools.

Ifunanya Okafor17 January 2025

An Australian influencer from Queensland has been charged with poisoning her baby girl in a bid to gain donations and boost her online following. The 34-year-old woman claimed to be documenting her child’s battle with a terminal illness on social media. However, detectives allege she was administering drugs to the one-year-old, causing “immense distress and pain” which she then filmed. The case came to light after doctors raised concerns in October when the baby was hospitalized with a severe medical condition. Following an extensive investigation, the woman has been charged with torture, administering poison, producing child exploitation material, and fraud. Between August and October, authorities claim the woman gave the child multiple prescription and over-the-counter medications without authorization. She allegedly went to great lengths to acquire the drugs, even using leftover medications meant for another household member to conceal her actions. The investigation began on October 15, when the baby was admitted to the hospital in severe emotional and physical distress. Tests later confirmed the presence of unauthorized medications. Detective Inspector Dalton confirmed that the child is now “safe and doing well.” The influencer had raised A$60,000 through GoFundMe, and the platform is working to refund the donations. While other individuals were investigated, no additional charges have been filed. The woman is scheduled to appear in Brisbane Magistrates Court today.

Ifunanya Okafor17 January 2025

Sierra Leone has recalled its ambassador to Guinea following the discovery of seven suitcases containing suspected cocaine in an embassy vehicle. Guinean authorities seized the vehicle on Monday and detained its occupants on suspicion of drug possession, according to Sierra Leone’s Foreign Minister, Alhaji Musa Timothy Kabba. In response, Ambassador Alimamy Bangura has been summoned back to Freetown to provide a detailed explanation of the incident. The Foreign Minister clarified that the ambassador was not in the vehicle at the time and is not currently under arrest. “There is no evidence proving the ambassador’s involvement in this trafficking,” Kabba stated. Alongside the suspected drugs, approximately $2,000 in cash was found. However, the exact weight of the substances has not been disclosed. The two nations are working together on a comprehensive investigation, with a commitment to hold all responsible parties accountable. “Anyone found guilty of violating Sierra Leonean and international drug trafficking laws will face the full extent of the law,” Kabba affirmed.

Ifunanya Okafor17 January 2025

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted authorization for Zyn nicotine pouches to be sold as an aid to help people quit smoking. This decision permits the sale of 10 different Zyn flavors, including mint, coffee, cinnamon, and menthol. Produced by tobacco giant Phillip Morris, Zyn pouches have been available to US adults for over a decade, pending FDA’s formal approval. Unlike other oral nicotine products, these pouches do not contain actual tobacco and have seen a surge in popularity recently. Used by placing them between the gum and lips, Zyn pouches gradually release nicotine, similar to traditional cessation methods like nicotine patches or gum. These pouches share similarities with snus, a smokeless tobacco product predominantly used in Norway and Sweden. While snus contains tobacco and is banned in the UK and most of the EU, it is legal in the US. The FDA emphasizes that while Zyn is less harmful than traditional tobacco products, it does not mean the pouches are entirely safe. The decision was based on data showing a significant number of adults transitioning from cigarettes or smokeless tobacco to nicotine pouches. Unlike e-cigarettes, which saw a dramatic rise in use among youth, nicotine pouches have not shown the same trend. According to the FDA, less than 2% of American students reported using these pouches last year. The FDA clarified that while Zyn products are now legally marketable in the US, they are not deemed entirely safe or FDA-approved.

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Author: Ifunanya Okafor

Ondo Police Bust Child Trafficking Syndicate, Rescues 14 Children

Tragedy in Niger State: Petrol Tanker Explosion Claims Over 70 Lives

Wardiere Oakmount to Build N2.9 Billion Shopping Mall in Kuje, Abuja

Nigeria Joins BRICS as a Partner Nation, Brazil Confirms

The Future of Education: Groundbreaking EdTech Innovations Unveiled at CES 2025

1,629 Women Treated Under Nigeria’s Fistula-Free Programme, NHIA Reports

Knife Attack at Slovakian High School Leaves Two Dead, One Injured

Australian Influencer Charged with Poisoning Baby for Donations and Followers

Sierra Leone Recalls Ambassador from Guinea Over Suspected Cocaine Scandal

FDA Approves Zyn Nicotine Pouches as a Smoking Cessation Tool

Beyond the Paycheck: How to Build a Digital Platform That Outlasts Your Next Job Title

ZUKKA 26-Inch Folding Tires: The Ultimate All-Rounder for MTB and City Commuting

Best Travel Tech and Creative Reset Essentials for Busy Professionals in 2026

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