The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has arraigned a lecturer of the Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED) for demanding sexual and monetary gratification from a female student of the institution. Dr Balogun Olaniran, who was the Head of the Department of Religious Studies at TASUED, was brought before Hon. Justice Osinuga of the Ijebu-Ode High Court, sitting in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State on a one-count charge for violating Section 8(1) (a) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.

According to the statement by the ICPC’s spokesperson, Mrs Azuka Ogugua on Friday, the defendant was arraigned on Monday 27th March 2023. The ICPC Counsel informed the court how the defendant demanded sexual benefits or a payment of N100,000 from a female student with a promise to alter her academic grades between October and November 2021.

The charge read, “within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, corruptly demanded sexual benefit or payment of the sum of N100,000 for himself from (name withheld), a female student, on account of a favour to be afterwards shown her in the discharge of his official duties as a lecturer and Head of Department of Religious Studies at the Tai Solarin University of Education, Ijagun, Ijebu Ode, to wit, offering to alter her academic grades from fail to pass in courses with codes EDU 311 and EDU 312.”

Despite pleading not guilty, the trial judge, Justice Osinuga admitted the defendant to bail of N500,000 with a surety in like sum. The surety must provide evidence of 3 years of tax clearance and evidence of means. The matter was then adjourned to the 11th of May 2023 for the commencement of trial.

It is important to note that the Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED) had previously suspended Dr Olaniran Balogun, who was declared wanted by the ICPC for allegedly abusing his office and demanding gratification on August 28th, 2022. The university management had relieved Balogun of his position and had placed him on interdiction until he cleared himself of all allegations of misdemeanours brought against him by the anti-graft agency.

This case highlights the rampant issue of sexual harassment and corruption in educational institutions in Nigeria. It is important for authorities to take strong actions against such actions to ensure that students are not subjected to such unethical practices. The ICPC’s action against Dr Olaniran Balogun is a step in the right direction in addressing the issue.

The Canadian government has recently condemned the Anti-Homosexuality Act of 2023, which was passed in Uganda and is now awaiting President Museveni’s assent. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Pierre James Trudeau has strongly denounced the law, calling it “despicable” and stating that it directly violates the rights of LGBTQ communities around the world. He urged world leaders, particularly those in the Commonwealth, to reject the legislation and condemn it in the strongest terms possible.

In response to the passage of the Anti-Homosexuality bill, the Canadian government summoned Uganda’s envoy to Canada, Ambassador Joy Ruth Acheng, who is also the Dean of the African Group. She was grilled for hours by the Canadian authority, and it was demanded that the Ugandan government withdraw the law immediately. The Canadian government threatened to sever all bilateral engagements and partnerships, including suspending visa rights, if the Anti-Homosexuality law is not repealed.

It has also been revealed that the Canadian government has withdrawn various mandates from Acheng as the Dean of the African Group and has revoked her invitation to attend the address by US President Joe Biden to the Canadian parliament. The Canadian authority has further announced the decision to suspend permission to allow Acheng to participate in any subsequent high-level meeting until the law is withdrawn.

The Canadian government is considering options to support the LGBTQ community in Uganda and has warned that no tourists or investors from Canada will come to Uganda if the bill is not withdrawn. Trudeau has asked lawmakers to “reconsider” the bill, which has been described as “appalling and abhorrent.” Canada also intends to cut diplomatic ties with Uganda once the proposed law is not withdrawn by the government.

The US government has also urged Museveni to block the legislation passed by lawmakers, and officials are publicly floating the idea of economic sanctions on Uganda, even if it hampers development dollars aimed at preventing the spread of AIDS. The United States government warned Uganda of dire consequences if the bill is not withdrawn. US President Joe Biden emphasized the need for more synergies to defend human rights across the world during his address to the Canadian parliament last week.

The actions of the Canadian and US governments demonstrate a commitment to protecting the rights of the LGBTQ community and promoting equality worldwide. These countries are leading by example in condemning discriminatory legislation and taking concrete steps to support marginalized communities. It is hoped that other world leaders will follow suit and take similar actions to ensure that the rights of all individuals are protected and upheld.

In a tragic discovery, the corpses of six unidentified persons were found on Thursday in a marshy area near the Canada-US border. According to CBS News, the bodies were recovered from the St Lawrence River, and the Akwesasne Mohawk Police Service has launched an investigation into the matter.

The police are currently awaiting the results of post-mortem and toxicology tests to determine the cause of death. Additionally, they are still working to identify the deceased and their status in Canada, as it is unclear if they were migrants attempting to cross the border.

The first body was found around 5:00 pm in a marsh area in Tsi Snaihne, Akwesasne, Quebec, as stated by the police in a social media statement. They have reassured the public that there is no immediate threat to public safety.

The discovery of the bodies has raised questions about the growing issue of illegal border crossings in the area. The Akwesasne Mohawk Police Service and the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Police reported a recent increase in illegal entries through their lands and waterways. In fact, some migrants have even required hospitalization.

It is worth noting that in January, the police force noted people involved in human smuggling had attempted to utilize shorelines along the St Lawrence River in the area. This underscores the need for continued vigilance and action to prevent such tragedies from occurring.

The incident comes on the heels of a recent announcement by US President Joe Biden and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to sign a treaty restricting thousands of asylum-seeking migrants to move between the two countries along a back road linking New York state to Quebec. The deal, which closed an illegal border crossing point about 66 miles east of Akwesasne, took effect last Saturday.

As the investigation into the six unidentified corpses in Canada-US border continues, it serves as a stark reminder of the need for effective border control measures to prevent such tragedies from happening in the future. It is crucial that law enforcement agencies work together to ensure the safety and security of all citizens, regardless of their immigration status.

Nigerian singer, songwriter, and entrepreneur, Mr Eazi, has made history by becoming the first Nigerian artist to win a Latin GRAMMY and receive nominations in four categories at the 21st edition of the annual Latin GRAMMY awards. His nominations and win were for his contribution to the albums of J Balvin and Bad Bunny.

Eazi was a featured artist on the song Arcoíris off ‘Colores – J Balvin’ which won the Best Urban Album category, and also on ‘Oasis – J Balvin x Bad Bunny’ album in the same category. Mr Eazi’s contributions on both Oasis and Colores were widely acclaimed for their genre-bending sound and innovative approach to Latin music. The featured tracks COMO UN BEBÉ and Acoiris have garnered over 198 Million streams and 54 Million streams respectively on Spotify alone, helping to bring a fresh perspective to the projects.

He has now officially received certificates for being a featured artist on Oasis by J Balvin/ Bad Bunny for Album of the year 2020, being a featured artist on Oasis by J Balvin/ Bad Bunny for Best Urban Album 2020, being a composer on Colores Album of the year 2020, and being a featured artist on Colores by J Balvin – Best Urban Album (Winner) 2020.

Mr Eazi’s success in the Latin music world is a testament to his talent and his commitment to breaking down barriers and creating a truly global sound. He has proven that music transcends borders and that with hard work and dedication, one can achieve anything. His achievements have also served as an inspiration to other African artists seeking to make a mark on the global stage.

In addition to his music career, Mr Eazi has also made significant strides as an entrepreneur, launching emPawa Africa, a talent incubation program that helps emerging artists from Africa to build their careers. His success in both music and entrepreneurship has made him a role model to many young Africans.

Mr Eazi is scheduled to release a new body of work later this year, and fans are eagerly anticipating what promises to be another groundbreaking project from the talented artist. With his recent accomplishments, there is no doubt that he will continue to push the boundaries and cement his place as one of the most innovative and dynamic artists in the industry.