Ehi Braimah, editor-in-chief of Naija Times, has been honoured with the Chancellor’s Alumni Award at the University of Roehampton in London.

Braimah was honoured alongside two Nigerians, Humphrey Aghoghovbia Jr. and Marian Adejokun, at the event held on October 22 at the university campus.

He was honoured with the Alumni Innovation and Inspiration Award for his contributions to evidence-based reporting in Nigeria.

The institution praised Braimah for “promoting balanced journalism” through the Naija Times, particularly during the 2023 presidential election, and for advocating for societal reforms.

“Braimah is a prominent voice for political and economic reforms, maintaining rigorous standards of journalism and fighting corruption,” his citation reads.

In her welcome remarks, Eleanor Merrick, director of business development, fundraising, and alumni relations, described the event as an opportunity for alumni from different countries to celebrate and build lasting relationships.

On his part, Richard Keogh, the university’s deputy vice-chancellor, who represented Jean-Noel Ezingeard, the vice-chancellor, noted the institution’s commitment to professional education and global engagement, dating back to the 1840s.

“Roehampton is a special place, and I am truly delighted to welcome you to the 2024 Chancellor’s Alumni Awards,” he said.

“We have a rich and vibrant global alumni network that continues to grow.”

Keogh acknowledged the contributions of over 90,000 Roehampton alumni and emphasised the mentoring programme that has benefitted more than 400 students, supported by 500 donors and 400 alumni volunteers.

Braimah launched multiple media platforms and continues to lead Naija Times, contributing to thought leadership and journalism after completing his MBA at Roehampton in 2016,

He also serves as deputy president of the Nigerian-American Chamber of Commerce, strengthening business ties between Nigeria and the US.

He holds leadership roles in Rotary International District 9112, serving as assistant governor and chair of the public image committee.

Braimah’s family and associates including Sam Omatseye, Toni Kan, and Matthew Odu, were at the award ceremony.

After three years of prosecution and suspension, an Edo State High Court sitting in Benin City on Friday, discharged and acquitted a Lecturer with the University of Benin (UNIBEN), Dr. Omowumi Labode Steven of alleged sexual assault of a female student of the University.

The court ruled that the prosecution was not able to prove its case of sexual assault and alleged rape.

Dr Steven, popularly known as “Dr Bode Steve Ekundayo” is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of English and Literature of the university and he was accused of sexually assaulting a final-year female student of the department in his office on October 5, 2021.

The university authority issued him a query and banned him from the school pending the determination of the case in court.

Ruling on the Suit marked B/CD/8CV/22 yesterday, Justice (Mrs.), Mary Itsueli, said that the prosecution team failed to prove their case against the accused.

Justice Itsueli upheld the no-case submission filed by the defence counsel and former Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Edo State, Dr Osagie Obayuwana and maintained that the evidence of the PW 1, that is the Prosecution Witness, Miss Anita Efosa was not corroborated with the evidence of the remaining five prosecution witnesses.

The Judge asserted that even if anyone was to believe the claims of the alleged victim at their face value, there is no substantial required proof or evidence whatsoever to establish sexual intercourse or rape.

The judge also maintained that the prosecution team further failed to tender the University Health Centre Medical Test Report as an exhibit to the court during the trial in addition to the fact that the Report from Vivian Centre which was conducted a day after the alleged incident and tendered as evidence failed to scientifically show the evidence or proofs of rape.

Itsueli maintained that the prosecution team could not establish the three main ingredients of rape which she listed to be penetration, sexual intercourse and no consent, adding that the penetration must be linked with the defendant and telltale signs of rape have to be shown in the medical report and the scene of the alleged crime. These were not established in any way, she said.

Justice Itsueli also relied on the investigation by the Police and Investigation Officers (IPO) who examined both the accused and alleged victims physically and visited the scene of the alleged rape.

According to the jurist, the Police report stated that there were no bruises on her body, no torn clothes and the office of the defendant said to have been broken into to rescue the girl was intact

Justice Itsueli averred that “the prosecution case is bereft of evidence. In a criminal case, the claimant is required to prove his/her case beyond all reasonable doubt. I found no reason to call the defendant to enter the dock for his defence. The No-Case Submission of the defence counsel is hereby upheld.

“The case is hereby dismissed for lack of evidence and the accused is discharged and acquitted”, Justice Itsueli ruled.

The federal government plans to upgrade the colleges of forestry in Ibadan and Jos to degree-awarding institutions.

Lawal Balarabe, the minister of environment, spoke at the Federal College of Forestry in Ibadan, Oyo state on Thursday.

He was at the college for an event marking the institution’s 85th anniversary.

Balarabe said the college has produced experts who have played significant roles in policy-making over the last eight decades.

Represented by the conservator-general of National Park Services Ibrahim Goni, the minister said the government is committed to environmental protection and sustainable development.

He said the federal government looks to invest in programmes that support forestry education and research initiatives.

“This is why plans are ongoing to upgrade the Federal College of Forestry Ibadan and Jos into degree-awarding institutes,” he said.

“Together, we can develop policies that promote sustainable practices while ensuring and securing the livelihood of communities which depend on forestry.”

In his remarks, Bayo Lawal, the deputy governor of Oyo, pledged support to all federal establishments in the state.

Zacharia Yaduma, the DG of the Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria (FRIN), said the college was established in 1939 to train middle-level manpower.

Yaduma said the college had in over eight decades trained more than 10,000 students in forestry and agriculture-related courses.

“This manpower is for the forestry and agriculture sub-sector of the economy. Now, some of them are occupying high-ranking positions in international organisations,” he said.