Demal School Students Learn Smart Money Habits with First Bank, Chivita & Indomie.

By Jumoke Owoola 

On a crisp morning at Demal School in Ijede , Ikorodu, Lagos State, the Centre for Indigenous Knowledge, Development and Sustainability (CIKDAS) organised a vibrant Smart Money Habit Awareness event for students. 

The air buzzed with excitement as Jumoke Owoola, representing CIKDAS, welcomed everyone with open arms, emphasising the importance of equipping young minds with financial wisdom in today’s fast-paced world. According to her, "Building smart money habits early is not just about saving money , it’s about shaping futures," she said.

In collaboration with Lambell and Goldmark Ventures, the event featured Mr. Temitope Olatunji, a seasoned financial  literacy advocate and school teacher, who took the stage to sensitise students on the power of saving. With engaging anecdotes and practical tips, he encouraged the students to view money management not as a chore, but as a superpower for achieving dreams. 

He walked them through simple strategies like the 50-30-20 rule  50% for savings, 30% for fun, 10-20% for sharing, and sparked curiosity about exploring small businesses.

The school’s proprietor, Mr. Adebayo Olugbenga echoed this sentiment, stressing that instilling these habits early is a gift that lasts a lifetime. 

"In a world of wants, it’s the ability to save that turns possibilities into realities," he noted, urging students to be mindful of their choices.

The students were all ears, their faces lighting up as they absorbed concepts like budgeting allowances, starting piggy banks, and even dipping toes into mini-businesses. 

“This is fun and useful!” one student exclaimed, voicing the collective delight of her peers. Some even shared plans to start selling crafts or tutoring younger kids, a testament to the seeds of entrepreneurship sowing.

The event was made even more delightful with generous support from First Bank, Indomie, and Chivita. Refreshments were served, interactive quizzes sparked laughter, and giveaways added a playful twist, turning learning into a memorable experience.

As the session wrapped up, CIKDAS handed out savings challenge cards, encouraging students to track their progress. With laughter, insights, and a newfound spark of financial curiosity, the students of Demal School, Ijede, Ikorodu, Lagos State stepped into a brighter tomorrow, ready to save, dream, and grow. 

The advocacy, aimed at nurturing responsible and resourceful young Nigerians, marked a joyful start to a conversation that CIKDAS hopes to expand across more schools. After all, smart money habits are a stepping stone to bigger dreams.

School Production: A Celebration of Talent, By Abiola Oyebade

... Featuring “Dance Queen” — Adapted from Lekan Balogun’s Play

By Abiola Oyebade 

Presented by Eaglesflight Nursery and Primary School

 

Eaglesflight Nursery and Primary School once again shone brilliantly on stage with its colourful, inspiring, and culturally rich production titled “Dance Queen.” Adapted from Lekan Balogun’s play and inspired by the timeless Cinderella story, this year’s performance brought together vibrant culture, expressive storytelling, and exceptional creativity displayed by the pupils.

Set in the Western region of Nigeria, the play tells the emotional and uplifting story of a kind-hearted orphan girl who lives with her stepmother and two stepsisters. Though she is treated unfairly and burdened with difficult household chores, her gentle spirit remains unbroken.

One afternoon, as she sits in sorrow by the riverside, the sea goddess appears before her. Touched by her humility, the goddess blesses her with a magical cloth that transforms her into a radiant maiden. With this gift, she attends the grand village dance contest where the most graceful maidens gather to dance before the Prince.

Scene of the Sea Goddess and Dance Queen

Her charm, elegance, and captivating dance amaze everyone present, including the Prince. She wins the contest, becomes the Prince’s chosen bride, and brings pride, joy, and renewed hope to her community. The play closes with the powerful message that kindness, patience, and humility are virtues that always lead to greatness.

Wedding Ceremony of the Crowned Prince 

Celebrating Culture and Creativity

This year’s production was much more than a school play, it was a full celebration of African culture, creativity, and expressive learning.
The Yoruba cultural theme was beautifully showcased through traditional costumes, rhythmic songs, graceful dance steps, and the use of indigenous language. The children brought the story to life with their vibrant performances, demonstrating confidence and pride in representing their cultural heritage.

Stage Dance Performance by the Children

How the Production Developed the Pupils’ Talent

Participating in Dance Queen offered the pupils a unique learning experience that helped shape different aspects of their talent and character.

1. Confidence Building

Being on stage gave the children an opportunity to express themselves boldly. Even the shyest pupils learned to stand tall, speak clearly, and perform in front of a large audience. This boost in confidence will continue to help them in their academic work and future activities.

2. Teamwork and Cooperation

The production required pupils to work together—learning lines, timing dance steps, and supporting one another during rehearsals. This reinforced the value of collaboration, patience, and helping classmates for the success of the whole team.

3. Creativity and Imagination

From acting and dancing to costume design and prop handling, Dance Queen opened the door for pupils to express their imagination freely. They learned how to interpret characters, create emotional expressions, and bring a story to life using movement, voice, and creativity.

4. Cultural Appreciation and Awareness

Through the play’s Yoruba setting, pupils deepened their understanding of Nigerian culture, traditions, and storytelling. This helped them appreciate their roots and express cultural pride with confidence.

5. Communication and Public Speaking Skills

The children improved their communication skills by memorizing lines, using correct expressions, and projecting their voices. Many learned how to communicate feelings through body language, tone, and clarity, skills that will greatly support their academic growth.

6. Critical and Creative Thinking

Rehearsals encouraged pupils to think outside the box; imagining scenes, adjusting actions, and solving small problems as they arose. This strengthened their ability to think creatively, make decisions, and express original ideas.

Mrs. Abiola Oyebade, Making-up the Children for the stage Performance 

Students, Actors, and Parents in the Audience: A Meaningful Relationship

One of the most heartwarming aspects of the production was the bond between the young actors and their parents in the audience. This relationship added depth and excitement to the entire experience.

Support and Encouragement

Parents played a big role by encouraging their children, helping them rehearse at home, and motivating them to give their best. Seeing familiar faces in the audience boosted the children’s confidence and made them feel valued.

Shared Pride and Achievement

As the pupils performed beautifully on stage, parents watched with pride, cheering and applauding every scene. This created a strong emotional connection: children were excited to showcase their talent, and parents were thrilled to witness their growth.

Strengthening Family and School Bonds

The production brought families and the school community together in celebration of creativity. The presence of parents inspired many pupils to take their roles seriously, knowing they were performing not just for the school, but for their loved ones too.

Parents/Audience watching with excitement as their children perform

Nurturing Hidden Talents

Many parents were surprised and delighted to discover hidden talents; acting, dancing, singing, storytelling, that their children possessed. This experience encouraged parents to support these talents further, both at home and in future school activities.

A Truly Memorable Experience

The performance of Dance Queen was filled with music, colour, culture, and joy. It offered pupils a chance to grow creatively, express themselves confidently, and learn important life skills. Eaglesflight Nursery and Primary School proudly celebrates the dedication, hard work, and bright talent of every child who took part in this remarkable production.

Participants Taking A Bow After The Play

It was truly a production to remember: one that will inspire even greater creativity in the years to come.

Villagers Celebrating the new Bride

Dance at the Market Square 

The Wicked Step-mother and her Daughters 

Abiola Oyebade is a versatile theatre and creative artist, who is deeply committed to the power of creativity.

Judge Brought 20 Armed Policemen To Court To Intimidate Me - Lawyer

... Vows to report incident to CJN  FCT CJ

By Peter Dansu 

Human Rights lawyer, Barrister Victor Giwa has said a judge, Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory sitting in Apo, brought in about 20armed policemen to court to intimidated him during his trial. 

He vowed to report the incident to the Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN and the Chief Judge of the FCT high court, through a letter. 

He said, "The judge brought 20 armed policemen to the court today because of me. Ten of those policemen were inside the courtroom. A Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, had to ask the judge, " My Lord, what is happening, why do we have policemen in the court"? 

"There were armed men inside the courtroom. When I saw the policemen,  I was thinking they came to arrest me, so, I hid inside my car. It was Justice Jude and Asabe Waziri, a staff of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL, that made that arrangement. 

"The judge is intimidating me in the court, I cannot get justice. I am writing a letter to the CJ and the CJN that I am not even safe in the court of Justice Jude because he has taken the case personal against me."

Giwa while attempting to make submission before the court urged the court to give him audience. 

The police had accused Giwa of forging letterhead paper of a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Chief Awa Kalu.   

But Awa Kalu, in a letter to the Inspector General of Police, Mr Kayode. Egebtolun, put a lie to the allegation of the police against Ibitade and Giwa.   

Despite the letter of Prof. Awa Kalu to the Inspector-General of Police, formally distancing himself from the allegation of forgery and impersonation against Giwa and Ibitade, the police have gone ahead to press charge against Giwa.   

Chief Kalu, in a letter to the Inspector-General of Police, Mr Kayode Egbetokun, had said his letterhead was never forged and that he had not at anytime lodged any complaint to the police about forgery of his document.   

Professor Kalu, in a letter dated May 30, 2025, addressed to the Inspector General of Police, clarified that he neither filed a complaint nor reported Mr. Giwa for allegedly forging his firm’s letterhead. 

 During the proceedings, Thursday, Giwa broughta medical report that he was indisposed and would not be able to proceed with the matter. 

He also added that he had e gaged a new lawyer who is supposed to argue his case for him before the court. 

But the judge insisted that he must go on with the case. 

Giwa had filed an application urging the judge to recuse himself from the matter. 

The court was ready to begin hearing of the motion when Giwa told the court that he had a medical report from the hospital amd would not be able to proceed on the ground if ill-health. 

But the judge insisted that he must proceed and move his application. 

He later told the court that he was just served with the amended coubter-motion of the Police and had not had the opportunity to go through it. 

It was at that point that the court adjourned the case to December 10, 2025.

In the application, Barrister Giwa asked the judge to recuse himself from the matter on the ground of bias and partisanship.   

He said that he has no chance of getting justice before the court.