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Iremide Ogunyemi Wins Fidelity Bank’s ‘Read2Lead’ Writing Competition
A student of The Ambassadors’ College, Ota, Ogun State, Miss Iremide Ogunyemi, has won N2 million cash, a publishing deal worth N2 million and another N2 million to upgrade her school’s library after emerging the star prize winner of the inaugural edition of the Fidelity Bank organized Read2Lead writing competition.
This was disclosed at the competition’s prize presentation event held in Lagos over the weekend.
Welcoming guests to the event, Mrs. Pamela Shodipo, the Executive Director of South Directorate, Fidelity Bank Plc, who represented Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe,OON, the bank’s Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, said the initiative was created to unlock the creative potentials of students and help them become better positioned for successful careers.

L – R: Winner, Miss Iremide Ogunyemi of The Ambassadors’ College, Ota, Ogun State; and Executive Director, South Business, Fidelity Bank Plc, Mrs. Pamela Shodipo; at the prize presentation ceremony of the Fidelity Bank-organised Read2Lead Writing Competition held in Lagos recently.
“All over the world, young people are driving change through innovation and Nigeria is no exception. As a Bank, we believe in the transformative power of education in changing the fortunes of any nation. It is this belief that led us to organize the Read2Lead initiative. By fostering the fundamental yet crucial skill of reading and writing from a young age, we aim to empower children to face academic challenges confidently and solve life problems skillfully.
“The Read2Lead initiative, therefore, encapsulates our approach to instilling a culture of reading and writing among young people. As highlighted by the esteemed American journalist, critic, and social reformer, Margaret Fuller, “Today a reader, tomorrow a leader”; we believe that igniting our youths’ imagination early can unlock their potential and set them on a path to success”, explained Onyeali-Ikpe.
The prize presentation ceremony had in attendance the representative of the Ogun State Commissioner of Education, management staff of Fidelity Bank Plc, the top 30 students from the competition, their parents, teachers, colleagues and media personalities.
“When I started, I didn’t know I would emerge a finalist in the competition. I just decided to participate because I love writing. This was the first competition that I saw that asked for a fictional essay. As that is what I like, I decided to write. I want to thank Fidelity Bank for coming up with this initiative as it is a really good and creative competition”, disclosed an elated Miss Ogunyemi.
In a surprising twist of events, Miss Mfeheke Okoko and Miss Daniella Orji, also of The Ambassadors’ College, Ota, Ogun State, took home cash prizes for N1.5million and N1million for emerging the first and second-runners up respectively in the competition which saw students from across Nigeria compete in three phases of writing challenges.
In the first stage of the initiative, tagged, “The National Writing Showdown”, over 3,000 students were tasked with a creative writing task for a spot among the top 150 writers.
In the second stage known as “The Sweeta Writing Mastery”, the top 150 participants were given a novel to read and requested to write an alternate ending for the book for chance to join the top 30 finalists.
In the third and final stage themed, “The Author’s Workshop”, the top 30 students were enrolled in an immersive writing boot camp anchored by experienced writers and facilitators who selected the top three finalists.
News
Court Sets Feb 25 For El-Rufai’s Arraignment In DSS Cybercrime Case
The Department of State Services (DSS) will arraign former Governnor of Kaduna state, Nasir El-Rufai, on February 25 over alleged cybercrime and breach of national security.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court has fixed the date for the arraignment of the former Governor on a three-count criminal charge filed by the Department of State Services (DSS) after the Chief Judge, Justice John Tsoho assigned the case to her.
NAN earlier reported that the DSS, on Monday, filed a three-count criminal charge against El-Rufai following his alleged involvement in wiretapping the telephone lines of the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.
The charge, instituted by the Nigerian secret police, is marked FHC/ABJ/CR/99/2026.
The service accused El-Rufai of breaching the Cybercrimes Prohibition Act (2024) and the Nigerian Communications Act (2003.)
In court, El-Rufai was alleged to have, on Feb. 13, while appearing as a guest on Arise TV station’s Prime Time Programme in Abuja, admitted during the interview that he and his cohorts unlawfully intercepted the phone communications of the NSA, Mr Ribadu.
The offence is said to be contrary to and punishable under Section 12(1) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024.
News
Maureen Badejo To Appear Before Federal High Court Tomorrow On Defamation, Cybercrime Charges
Maureen Omorinola Badejo is scheduled to appear before the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, on February 20, 2026, following charges filed by the Inspector-General of Police over allegations bordering on defamation, cyberstalking, and related offences.
The charges arise from online publications made in November 2021, in which Ms. Badejo allegedly transmitted statements and videos on YouTube and Facebook concerning Apostle Johnson Suleman and his associate Dickson Omodiale Osajie.
According to the charge sheet, the prosecution alleges that:
Ms. Badejo conspired with others to publish defamatory content against Apostle Suleman.
She allegedly portrayed him as a cultist, rapist, assassin, ritualist, and other criminal labels, knowing the claims to be false.
She is accused of sending false messages via computer networks intended to cause annoyance, hatred, intimidation, and injury to reputation.
Additional allegations state that defamatory statements were also made against Mr. Dickson Osajie, claiming involvement in crimes such as rape and ritual killing.
Authorities further allege that the publications caused fear for safety and threatened bodily harm to the complainants.
The offences cited fall under provisions of the Criminal Code Act (Cap C38, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004) and the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015.
The case follows a formal petition submitted to the Nigeria Police Force by Mr. Osajie, who alleged persistent cyberstalking, harassment, invasion of privacy, threats to life, and dissemination of false information affecting himself, Apostle Suleman, and their families.
Statement from Maureen Badejo
Ms. Badejo maintains her readiness to face the court and present her defense, expressing confidence in the Nigerian judicial system to ensure fairness and justice.
“I will appear in court as required and trust that the truth will prevail through due legal process,” she stated.
However Ms. Badejo is expected to be formally arraigned before the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, where the charges will be read and she will enter her plea.
News
Rivers Assembly Suspends Impeachment Move Against Fubara After Tinubu’s Intervention
The Rivers State House of Assembly has officially suspended impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, following President Bola Tinubu’s intervention.
The House moved the motion to halt the impeachment process on Thursday at its resumed sitting in Port Harcourt, the state capital.
JomogNews had reported that during its first sitting of 2026, the House had begun impeachment proceedings against the governor and his deputy over allegations of gross misconduct, including the demolition of the State Assembly complex and alleged spending without legislative approval, among other claims.
More details later….
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