Virgin Heart Foundation Champions Positive Parenting for Stronger Families and Safer Communities in Imo State

 

Virgin Heart Foundation, a youth-led and women’s rights organization based in Imo State, is calling on parents, caregivers, community leaders, and policymakers to embrace positive parenting practices as a key strategy for raising confident, responsible, and emotionally healthy children especially in the face of the social and economic challenges affecting the state.

The Executive Director of the Organization, Peace Dike stated this during a two day training of 30 Community Volunteers on Positive Parenting, child protection and violence prevention to lead parent’s education sessions in the state.  This she mentions, strengthens children’s self-esteem and resilience, Improves academic performance and decision-making skills, reduces the likelihood of violence, exploitation, and risky behaviors, and Promotes mental well-being and healthy social relationships.

 Positive parenting is an approach that emphasizes love, guidance, communication, respect, and consistent support rather than fear, punishment, or neglect. It focuses on building strong parent-child relationships, fostering open communication, and guiding children with empathy while setting clear boundaries.

 She regretted that most children in the state are growing up in a context marked by insecurity, economic hardship, peer pressure, and harmful cultural norms. Some of these child abuses and negligence ranges out of school children, sexual defilement and exploitation, child prostitution, street hawking and early marriage as a result of teenage pregnancy.

 Speaking at a recent family engagement workshop in Owerri, Representatives of UNICEF Child Specialists, Kenechukwu maintained that the program centered on raising awareness about peace, responsibility, and effective parenting. She also stated that the reason for the training is to empower 30 volunteers in Oru east, Oru West, Nkwere and Nwangele LGAs,  Imo State to identify and train 40 parents and  households on positive parenting (towards prevention and response to sexual violence against children in the state.

 Mr. Victor Atuchukwu re-emphasized on the need for communities to own this program and ensure children are protected, as it is UNICEF mission to see that all children in Imo State are saved from all forms of harmful practices and violence. He reminded the participants of the need for early communication and home schooling with children on their reproductive rights and body autonomy.

He highlights the need for the state to execute the child protection laws in Nigeria. He referenced the Child Rights Act of 2003 and emphasized the importance of both awareness and the need for stronger enforcement mechanisms to safeguard children’s rights.

 Some of the Participants, shared stories of the trauma and hostile experiences during their  childhood, due to poor parenting, poverty and negligence.

Virgin Heart Foundation is a youth-led and women’s rights organization based in Imo State, with focus on Gender Inclusion, Gender Justice, Digital and Civic Space, Research, and Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) and Child Protection.

 

 

Royal Ambassadors Family Marks Wedding of Prince David Nnaemeka and Princess Kosisochukwu Loveth

 By Nightengale Ben-Onyeukwu

The Royal Ambassadors Family on Saturday, August 16, 2025, celebrated the wedding of Prince (Dr.) Amb. David Kingsley Nnaemeka and Princess (Amb.) Kingsley Kosisochukwu Loveth at Living Faith Church, Abata Nsugbe Udoka Estate, Onitsha, Anambra State.

The ceremony drew dignitaries and guests from across the country, including Hon. Amb. Jonathan David Okwudiri, Director General of the Royal Ambassadors Family; members of the Board of Trustees such as Barr. Amb. Precious Adannaya Chukwu and Amb. Ejikeme Uzoamaka Ogechi; and representatives of the Green Revolution Farmers Feed the Nation Foundation (GRFFNF) and the Young Women Rise Empowerment and Support Initiative (YWRESI) from Anambra and Enugu states.

Also present were members of the Royal Ambassadors Family Enlightenment Foundation (RAFEF), Arc. Francis Okechukwu Okonkwo, Chief Ejindu Obiweneti, and all senatorial district coordinators of GRFFNF in Anambra State.

The event was described as a joyful celebration of love and unity, with the couple receiving warm wishes for a happy and prosperous life together.

 

NGO Decries Prevalence of Female Genital Mutilation in Imo State, Inaugurates FGM Survivors Network.

 

By TELEGRAM Correspondent

Virgin Heart Foundation, a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) based in Imo State, has expressed deep concern over the alarming prevalence of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in the state. The Foundation is calling on the Imo State Government and the Ministry of Justice to ensure the full enforcement of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law particularly Section 9—and the state’s domesticated Law Prohibiting FGM.

Speaking during a one-day inaugural meeting with 90 FGM survivors from four local government areas—Oru East, Oru West, Nwangele, and Nkwerre—the Team Lead and Gender Focal Officer of Virgin Heart Foundation, Peace Dike, revealed that an estimated 85% of women and girls aged 0 to 49 in Oru east and west communities have undergone FGM.

She identified Oru East and Oru West as the most affected areas, describing the practice as a harmful tradition that has caused devastating health and psychological consequences. Oru east and West LGAs still practice type 1 FGM clitoridectomy, involving removal or cutting of the clitoris of a girl child .

The survivors, who were inaugurated during the event, shared deeply distressing personal experiences and long-term health complications, including:

Keloids and lumps in the genital area

Loss of sexual intimacy

High risk of infections

Prolonged labour during childbirth

Depression and PTSD

Painful menstruation and urinary retention

Offensive genital odour and uncontrolled passing of gas

FGM in Imo State is mostly performed on girls between 0 to 14 years with the highest risk period being the first three months after birth.

She hinted that the most common FGM type in Imo State is unclassified, involving pricking, massaging, the use of hot water, herbs, corrosive substances, and vaseline on the genitalia—often conducted by traditional circumcisers and birth attendants.

“The practice is deeply rooted in cultural, moral, and religious beliefs, which continue to perpetuate and normalize FGM across communities,” Dike said.

FGM, defined as the partial or total removal of female external genitalia for non-medical reasons, has no health benefits and is recognized globally as a violation of the human rights of women and girls. The procedure increases the risk of infections, severe pain, excessive bleeding, childbirth complications, and mental trauma.

Virgin Heart Foundation, with support from the UNICEF-UNFPA Joint Programme, is currently implementing the “Movement for Good” initiative across 30 communities in Imo State, aiming to eliminate FGM and other harmful traditional practices in line with SDG Goal 5.3.

During the meeting, the survivors were trained to identify other victims of FGM and sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), link them with service providers for medical and psychosocial support, and conduct community sensitization campaigns.

The Head of Department (HOD), Health, Oru East LGA, Chinwendu Comfort Obileme lamented the continued involvement of traditional birth attendants who clandestinely perform FGM, especially on infants under 3 months old. “Most cases come to light only when complications arise and parents rush their children to health centres. She said.

According to national statistics, 86% of Nigerian women who have undergone FGM experienced the procedure before age five. With over 19.9 million affected, Nigeria accounts for nearly 10% of global FGM survivors.

The South-East zone has the highest prevalence in Nigeria, with Imo State recording the highest rate at 61.7% among women aged 15–49 and Imo state with 38% of women 15-49 years who have been Mutilated.

The organisation observes and warned that Health Officers perpetuating FGM , known as  medicalization of FGM  in these areas will be prosecuted for dangerous violation .

Virgin Heart Foundation is calling for urgent and strict legal action to curb this persistent violation and to protect the rights and health of girls and women in Imo State.

 

THE PRUDENT LEARNING HUB

 

By Nightengale Ben-Onyeukwu

 

THE PRUDENT LEARNING HUB
Aunty Lydia’s School
Old NEPA Office, Ifakala, by Police Junction
School resumes on September 9th, 2025

Helping Children Learn, Grow, and Flourish

The Prudent Learning Hub is a school where children are taught with care, discipline, and respect. We believe every child can succeed if given the right support and learning environment.

We follow both the British and Nigerian curriculum to help our students meet national and global standards. Our classrooms are calm and well-organised. Each child is given attention and encouraged to do their best.

Our teachers use digital tools to make learning interesting and easier to understand. We also have activity rooms where children can learn through play, creativity, and group work.

We understand that many families need flexible payment options, so we allow parents to pay fees in parts. We also have a good security system to keep every child safe while in school.

Registration is free. Parents are welcome to visit and see how we work.

Teaching Vacancies Now Open

We are employing qualified and committed teachers for the new school year. We are looking for teachers who are passionate about helping students grow.

Subjects:

Social Studies / History 
Home Economics / Agricultural Science 
Igbo Language 
Economics / Commerce / Business Studies 
Basic Technology / Physical and Health Education 
Mathematics  
Civic Education / Government
Christian Religious Studies 
Biology / Basic Science 

We provide a respectful working environment and fair treatment for all staff.

For enquiries or applications, call:
09156468476 or 08069016285

The Prudent Learning Hub. Where every child is guided to grow, learn, and flourish.

Registration is free. Don’t wait. Come now and book a space for your child before school resumes.

Kemi Badenoch Says She No Longer Identifies with Nigeria

 

UK Conservative Party politician Kemi Badenoch has said she no longer sees herself as Nigerian and has not renewed her Nigerian passport since the early 2000s.

During an interview on the Rosebud podcast hosted by former MP Gyles Brandreth, Badenoch, who was born in the United Kingdom and spent part of her early life in Nigeria and the United States, spoke about her views on identity, nationality, and her upbringing.

She noted that although her background is Nigerian through her parents, she no longer identifies with the country. "I’m Nigerian through ancestry, by birth, despite not being born there because of my parents, but by identity I’m not really," she said.

Badenoch returned to the UK at age 16 to further her education. She said political and economic difficulties in Nigeria influenced that decision. Despite her family ties and personal interest in the country, she said, “Home is where my now family is.”

Reflecting on a visit to Nigeria after her father’s passing, Badenoch mentioned needing a visa to travel and described the process as difficult. She added, “I don’t identify with it any more. Most of my life has been in the UK and I’ve just never felt the need to renew my passport.”

She said her early years in Nigeria played a role in shaping her political opinions, including her opposition to socialism. “My early life in Nigeria shaped a lot of what I believe. It’s one of the reasons why I don’t like socialism,” she said.

Badenoch also spoke about feeling out of place as a child in Nigeria. “I remember never quite feeling that I belonged there. Coming back to the UK in 1996, I thought, this is home.”

Her past remarks about life in Nigeria, including references to fear, insecurity, and corruption, drew criticism from some Nigerian officials. Vice President Kashim Shettima responded by saying his government remained proud of her, even though she had spoken critically about the country. A spokesperson for Badenoch later responded to the criticism.

Striking Nurses to Review Government Offer

 

The National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives, Federal Health Institutions Sector, says its leadership will meet today (Saturday) to assess the Federal Government’s response to their demands.

This follows a meeting held on Friday between union representatives and the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Pate.

Despite media reports suggesting the strike had been suspended, the union clarified that its ongoing seven-day warning strike, which began on Wednesday, is still in effect.

Speaking with Saturday PUNCH, the union’s National Public Relations Officer, Omomo Tibiebi, explained that the strike has not been called off. According to him, only the association’s leadership can make such a decision.

“The minister was not the one who declared the strike, so he cannot call it off. The strike is still on,” Tibiebi said.

He noted that the National Executive Council of the union will meet today to review the government’s proposals and decide whether to continue or suspend the industrial action.

The nurses are demanding improvements including increased shift and core duty allowances, adjustments to uniform allowance, a dedicated salary structure for nurses, mass recruitment, and the creation of a nursing department within the Federal Ministry of Health.

Meanwhile, the strike has caused disruptions across hospitals nationwide. With many nurses absent, healthcare services are limited. Some patients have been discharged due to the shortage of staff, and several wards are either operating on a reduced scale or closed entirely.

Gold Holds Steady Amid Market Uncertainty

 

Gold continues to play a key role as a safe-haven asset, particularly during times of economic stress, geopolitical uncertainty, and market instability. When investor confidence weakens, and there is a shift away from riskier assets such as stocks and high-yield bonds, interest in gold generally rises due to its historical reliability as a store of value. Conversely, in more stable periods when markets are optimistic, gold often sees reduced demand as investors focus on higher-yield opportunities.

The relationship between gold and market volatility is complex. Typically, when volatility increases, especially in stock, currency, or credit markets, demand for gold tends to grow. However, this is not always the case. In periods of widespread market sell-offs or liquidity issues, gold can temporarily behave like other risk assets and experience declines. Similarly, significant policy moves such as aggressive interest rate hikes or joint central bank interventions can influence gold’s traditional behaviour.

Investor sentiment plays a major role in shaping gold prices. During times of heightened risk aversion, gold often attracts both institutional and retail investors in a similar way to government bonds or safe-haven currencies such as the Japanese Yen or Swiss Franc. On the other hand, when confidence returns to the market, investors typically redirect their focus to stocks and emerging markets, leading to reduced demand for gold.

As of July 2025, gold is trading above $3,300 per ounce, following a modest recovery after a brief decline in late June. The price remains about 38 percent higher compared to the same period last year, with a record high of over $3,400 reached in April 2025. In the short term, gold appears to be stabilising after strong gains earlier in the year. The broader outlook remains positive, supported by several factors including monetary policy uncertainty, geopolitical tensions, and strong demand from central banks and investors in Asia.

The cautious approach taken by the U.S. Federal Reserve regarding potential interest rate cuts has added to market uncertainty, contributing to recent price consolidation. Although investors anticipate future easing, the lack of clarity on timing has limited immediate upward momentum for gold. Meanwhile, continued geopolitical risks, including tensions in Eastern Europe and the Middle East, have helped maintain demand for safe-haven assets.

Central banks, particularly in emerging economies, continue to increase their gold reserves. China, after a short pause, has resumed purchases, boosting confidence in the market. In addition, economic concerns in parts of Asia, especially in China, have led to rising demand for gold among both retail and institutional investors.

Mixed economic signals from the United States, such as signs of a weakening labour market and persistent inflation, have also added to speculation about a possible shift in monetary policy. These developments are seen as favourable for gold, which often benefits when investors expect lower interest rates.

Concerns over inflation and growing fiscal challenges in the U.S. are further supporting gold’s role as a hedge against long-term financial risks and currency instability. Gold remains resilient, holding near record levels. While prices have paused after recent gains, they may rise again if the U.S. dollar weakens, clearer guidance emerges from the Federal Reserve, or geopolitical tensions intensify.

Gold continues to be more than a passive asset. It serves as an important tool for investors seeking stability in uncertain times. Its performance in the coming months will depend on how key global events and policy decisions unfold.