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Marriage Of 4-Year-Old Child To 54-Year-Old Man

Marriage Of 4-Year-Old Child To 54-Year-Old Man In Bayelsa Conducted To Save Toddler’s Life Says Parents

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Marriage Of 4-Year-Old Child To 54-Year-Old Man In Bayelsa Conducted To Save Toddler’s Life Says Parents—-The Dec. 26, 2023 marriage between a four-year-old ‘bride’ and a 54-year-old man in a Bayelsa community is a traditional rite to save the child’s life, according to her parents.

 

They claimed that the marriage, conducted in Akeddei community in Sagbama Local Government Area of Bayelsa, was a spiritual rite to ‘untie’ the duo who were betrothed in their “previous lives”.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) learnt that the girl’s parents, the 54-year-old man, traditional ruler and others, who participated in the marriage, were summoned by Bayelsa Government following a public outcry.

 

Parents of the ‘bride’ and three others on Thursday appeared before the state government’s Gender Response Initiative Team (GRIT) to explain their roles in the child marriage.

 

The government team comprised the Chairman of GRiT, Dr Dise Ogbise-Goddy and the Bayelsa State Coordinator of the Child Protection Network, Kizito Andah.

 

Others are the Chairman of Bayelsa Non Governmental Forum, Mr Taritei Boco and representatives of DO Foundation,  National Human Rights Commission and Civil Society Groups.

 

The team heard submissions from the father of the toddler, Mr Morris Aboma, the “groom”, Mr Akpos Napoleon and the Paramount ruler, Chief Moneyman Binabo.

 

In their separate submissions before the government team, they all insisted that the purported child marriage was a traditional practice termed “Koripamo” aimed to save the little girl’s life.

 

They explained that it was a cultural practice in Akeddei community, Oyakiri clan, that if a girl child always fell sick, a man would be required to drop a symbolic amount as token to save the little girl from dying.

 

The community representatives said that what transpired  between the little girl and Napoleon was not a marriage but an Ijaw cultural practice called ” Koripamo”.

 

They further explained that whenever the traditional rite of “Koripamo” was conducted, the man who paid the token was not required to take the girl as a wife.

 

“The traditional rite  will also not stop the girl from marrying any man of her choice when she grows up to the age of marriage.

 

According to the Ijaw tradition, this rite can be done on a boy child or girl child.

 

Father of the child, Aboma, who spoke in Ijaw language, said his daughter was always sick to the point of death.

 

He said that according to Akeddei tradition, the only way to save her life is for a man to pay a symbolic price and save the child’s life and that it had nothing to do with a real marriage.

 

According to the “groom”, the outcry that trailed the rite is regrettable as all he did was just to save the child’s life as she is no longer sick again.

 

He said that such tradition had been going on but it had not been elaborately celebrated with fanfare like the Dec. 26, 2023 event which drew widespread reactions and outrage.

 

“But since she says if I don’t do what she says she will die, I had to look for money and do it since it involves life; as it is, I am frustrated by this whole issue,” Napoleon lamented.

 

The paramount ruler of Akeddei community, Binabo said he heard of a marriage in the community during the festivities.

 

The traditional ruler said that he did not, however have full details, not until the DPO of Sagbama Police Station asked him to produce those that got married in the community.

 

Binabo further said he had to invite the parents of the little girl to get detailed information of what happened on the marriage day.

 

He said the parents told him that the little girl had been sick and that one Napoleon had to drop a symbolic amount.

 

He emphasised that what happened in Akeddei community was not a formal marriage but a fulfilment of a cultural practice.

 

He, however, said that what surprised him was the demand of the little girl for an elaborate ceremony involving foods, canopy and a sound system be hired to celebrate the marriage.

 

The paramount ruler noted further that the man  who paid the token on the girl was not expected to take her home to live as husband and wife, nor stop the girl from marrying any other person of her choice when she got old enough to marry.

 

On their parts, Andah and Boco said from the submission of the parents of the little girl, the ‘husband’ and the paramount ruler of Akeddei community, what happened was not a formal marriage but a cultural practice known as “Koripamo”.

 

The duo noted that from the information gathered, the little girl had not been sexually abused as confirmed by Dr James Omietimi  at  GRIT office and that the child was living a normal life with no  relationship with the 54-year-old.

 

Immediately after the meeting, Chairman of GRIT ,  Ogbise-Goddy stated that the  deliberation was frank and fruitful and promised to give further update on the matter.

 

She said that the Bayelsa Ministry of Women Affairs, Children and  Social Development and all stakeholders would review the situation and take a decision.

 

“Like I had stated earlier, the Bayelsa State Government is child-friendly and will do anything to  protect all the children of the state from any form of perceived abuse,” Ogbise-Goddy said

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BREAKING: Ferran Torres the Hero as Spain Beat Argentina to Capture 2026 FIFA World Cup

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BREAKING: Ferran Torres the Hero as Spain Beat Argentina to Capture 2026 FIFA World Cup—-Substitute Ferran Torres struck the decisive extra-time winner as Spain edged defending champions Argentina 1-0 to lift their second FIFA World Cup title and complete a historic double as reigning men’s European and world champions.

Spain were crowned 2026 FIFA World Cup champions after defeating defending champions Argentina 1-0 following extra time in a tense and tactical final at New York New Jersey Stadium on Sunday.

After 90 minutes of relentless intensity failed to separate the two footballing giants, substitute Ferran Torres emerged as Spain’s hero, scoring the only goal of the match in the 106th minute to hand La Roja their second World Cup crown, 16 years after their maiden triumph in South Africa.

Luis de la Fuente’s side controlled much of the contest from the outset, dominating possession and creating the better opportunities against an Argentina team chasing back-to-back World Cup titles. Spain finished the match with 15 attempts on goal and won nine corners, while Lionel Scaloni’s men struggled to impose themselves in attack, failing to register a shot on target for long periods of the encounter.

Spain’s patient approach was finally rewarded early in extra time. Following sustained pressure around Argentina’s penalty area, Ferran Torres collected the ball inside the box before unleashing a powerful left-footed strike beneath the crossbar, leaving goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez with no chance and sending the Spanish supporters into wild celebrations.

Argentina’s task became even more difficult after midfielder Enzo Fernández was shown a second yellow card in stoppage time of normal time, forcing the reigning champions to play the remainder of the contest with ten men. Despite the numerical disadvantage, Argentina fought until the final whistle but were unable to break down Spain’s disciplined defence.

Goalkeeper Unai Simón produced another assured performance behind a well-organised back line marshalled by Pau Cubarsí and Aymeric Laporte, while Rodri once again dictated the tempo in midfield. Teenager Lamine Yamal also impressed throughout the tournament, capping a breakthrough World Cup campaign by helping Spain reach the summit of world football.

The victory crowns a remarkable era for Spanish football under Luis de la Fuente. Having already won UEFA Euro 2024 and the UEFA Nations League, Spain now add the FIFA World Cup to their growing list of honours, becoming world champions for the first time since 2010. The triumph also makes Spain the first nation to simultaneously hold both the men’s and women’s FIFA World Cup titles.

For Argentina, the defeat brought an end to their bid to retain the trophy they lifted in Qatar four years earlier. Lionel Messi and his teammates had reached the final after dramatic victories over England and Switzerland in the knockout rounds, but they were ultimately denied by a composed Spanish side whose consistency and tactical discipline proved decisive on football’s biggest stage.

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BREAKING: Chelsea Reach Verbal Agreement for £117m Morgan Rogers Signature From Aston Villa

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BREAKING: Chelsea Reach Verbal Agreement for £117m Morgan Rogers Signature From Aston Villa—-The Blues have reportedly beaten Arsenal to the signing of Aston Villa star Morgan Rogers in a British-record £117 million deal, with the England international set for a medical before completing a long-term move to Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea have reached a verbal agreement with Aston Villa to sign England international Morgan Rogers in a blockbuster deal worth £117 million, bringing them to the brink of completing one of the biggest transfers in Premier League history. The agreement, which is now being finalized, would make Rogers the most expensive English footballer ever if completed.

The 23-year-old attacking midfielder is expected to undergo a medical on Monday before signing a six-year contract running until 2032, with Chelsea holding the option to extend the deal by a further year. Personal terms have already been agreed, with new head coach Xabi Alonso playing a pivotal role in convincing the player that Stamford Bridge was the right destination for the next stage of his career.

Arsenal had identified Rogers as one of their primary attacking targets this summer and were preparing to intensify negotiations with Aston Villa. However, Chelsea moved swiftly to secure a club-to-club agreement before the Gunners could submit a formal offer. Reports indicate that Rogers made it clear Chelsea was his preferred destination after discussions with Alonso and the club’s hierarchy.

Rogers arrives on the back of a sensational campaign for Aston Villa, establishing himself as one of the Premier League’s standout performers. He registered 14 goals and 12 assists in 55 appearances across all competitions, helping Villa lift the UEFA Europa League and qualify for the UEFA Champions League. His impressive club form also earned him a key role in England’s run to the semi-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The proposed £117 million fee surpasses Chelsea’s previous club-record signing of Moisés Caicedo and highlights the club’s determination to build a squad capable of challenging for the Premier League title under Alonso. Rogers is expected to add versatility to Chelsea’s attack, with the ability to operate as a left winger, attacking midfielder or second striker.

For Aston Villa, the transfer represents a remarkable financial return. The Midlands club signed Rogers from Middlesbrough in 2024 for a fee that could rise to around £15 million, meaning they stand to make a profit of more than £100 million. Middlesbrough are also expected to benefit significantly through a sell-on clause included in the original transfer agreement.

While neither Chelsea nor Aston Villa has officially confirmed the transfer, all major terms are understood to have been agreed. Barring any late complications during the medical or final paperwork, Rogers is expected to become Chelsea’s marquee signing of the summer, with an official announcement anticipated in the coming days.

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