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Five students get eStar awards as UK platform partner Chrisland Schools
Five students from Chrisland Schools have emerged first in Africa to receive an eStars award.
Estars is an innovative educational esports platform in the United Kingdom.The students, Khadijah Alege, Khalid Olatunji, Brian Leghemo, Adeolu Adewumi, and Ayomide Ojo were recognised at the launch of Estars in Nigeria, which was held at the British High Commission in Lagos on Tuesday.Eleven-year-old Alege, a Year 7 student, earned a star award as the top of five students honoured by eStars at an event marking the launch of a strategic partnership between Chrisland Schools Limited and eStars.The stellar performances of Chrisland Schools’ students globally explain why platforms like eStars introduce innovative academic and game-changing initiatives to the school.It would be recalled that Chrisland Schools’ Mmesomachukwu Okonkwo emerged as the top candidate in the world in English as a Second Language (Speaking Endorsement) at the 2022 Cambridge IGCSE, while Oluwabukolami Adeyemi secured the top spot in the world in law and received the High Achievement Award for Cambridge AS Level Psychology in 2022.Also, recently, Zara Sule emerged as the Gold Medalist at the Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition 2023 (Senior Category).The Managing Director of Chrisland Schools Limited, Mrs. Ibironke Adeyemi at the official launch, applauded the timely partnership with eStars, noting that education in this current century should be forward-thinking, innovative, engaging, and fascinating.Hosting the eStars team to a dinner on Wednesday, Mrs. Adeyemi, on behalf of the founder and chairman of Chrisland Schools, High Chief Dr. (Mrs.) Winifred Awosika, welcomed the team to Nigeria and extolled the enduring legacy of the school over 47 years.She said, “We are proud of our brand and proud that we are contributing tremendously to education in Nigeria and Africa.”At the dinner, 10-year-old Falomo Ernest (Year 7), who had interacted with the platform, described it as having a beautiful outlook and sectors from which a player can choose. He noted that the platform includes sections where a player can see their progress, average score, and time spent on the game.
“The platform has taught me cooperative skills as I have had to play football with a team online, quick decision-making, and how to explore more,” he said, recommending the platform to all young people as it boosts every aspect of education.The school’s PTA chairman, Reverend ThankGod Oganwo, commended the initiative and assured the school of maximum cooperation from parents.
Founder and Chief Executive Officer of eStars, Mags Byrne, affirmed that Chrisland was the first school approached by the team for the pilot programme in Nigeria.According to Byrne, eStars aims to revolutionise education and equip students for prosperous careers in the rapidly growing gaming industry by integrating eSports into school curricula.
This, she said, offers students a unique and engaging way to learn essential skills such as teamwork, innovation, leadership, and time management.
“We are not just teaching them to be gamers. We are teaching them about business, jobs, and career prospects, using our qualifications as reference points for universities.
This approach ensures that students not only develop gaming skills but also acquire valuable transferable skills applicable to various other fields.“eStars’ commitment to education extends beyond the classroom, as the platform is actively collaborating with stakeholders across different sectors, including government, education, and business, to establish Nigeria as a leading eSports hub in Africa,” she said.She expressed her team’s desire to see the platform adopted by all schools across the country, whether privately or publicly owned.
“Nigeria is the first place, and we want to use Nigeria as the hub for Africa.”Commenting further on the partnership, the Executive Head of School Academics, Mr. Segun Ogunsola, expressed satisfaction with the partnership, stating that eStars uses gaming to teach skills, while Chrisland ensures learners develop the competitive skills needed to excel globally.
According to him, the school, in its quest to provide the best education and a leading edge to learners, has embraced technology, highlighting that eStars aligns with the school’s pursuits and programme.
He explained that through eStars e-sport, learners are exposed to technology-driven games that develop 21st-century skills like teamwork, collaboration, critical thinking, strategic thinking, and planning.
Ogunsola emphasised that child protection and safeguarding are key focuses of the school, with policies and strategies in place. He assured that while the school is aware of cyberbullying and harmful online activities, eStars has incorporated security measures to control and protect learners’ online activities.“It is restricted to what learners are supposed to benefit from the platform.
So it is a controlled platform with access limitations, ensuring everyone is safe,” he said.
An IT expert and member of the advisory board of Chrisland Schools, Mr. Adeniyi Olowoniyi, described eStars as a platform where learners can use gaming to learn.On whether gaming can distract learners, Olowoniyi, an alumnus of the school, explained that games enhance coordination, time management, and critical thinking.“For you to understand how to play a game, it means you can think properly and coordinate, which is very critical for students,” he added.
The Oyo State Police Command on Tuesday said that the video of the alleged invasion of the state by suspected Boko Haram currently circulating on social media was recycled.
The command’s spokesman, CSP Adewale Osifeso, stated this in a statement made available to newsmen on Tuesday in Ibadan, the state capital.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that a video clip is currently being circulated on social media alleging the arrest of suspected Boko Haram members who invaded the state along the Ibadan Expressway.
“The Police Command in Oyo wishes to address the recent circulation of misleading information on social media regarding a video that purportedly shows an attempted invasion of the state by Boko Haram elements intercepted along the Ibadan Express road.
“The video, which allegedly depicts articulated trucks filled with motorcycles and weapons, has been verified as a recycled clip from 2022,” he said.
Osifeso said the re-emergence of the video, particularly during a period of enhanced security in the state, suggests a deliberate attempt by certain individuals with malicious intent, seeking to spread falsehoods and incite fear and unrest.
“The command urges the public to remain vigilant and disregard such antics; we assure that this does not pose any current threat to the safety and security of the state.
“To further substantiate our claim regarding the video’s outdated nature, we note that the Divisional Crime Officer (DCO) at the Ilero Divisional Police Headquarters, DSP. Segun Adeyemo, who appeared briefly in the video, retired from the Nigeria Police Force in August 2024 after a long period of meritorious service,” he added.
Osifeso reaffirmed the command’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding all residents in the state.
He urged the public to avoid circulating outdated video content pertaining to issues that had been previously resolved and encouraged them to thoroughly verify any information before sharing on social media.
NAN
It was an evening of glamour, prestige, and fine living as the crème de la crème of society gathered for the Falcon Aero Jet Night, hosted in collaboration with Glenfiddich Grand Cru. The event, which took place amidst an atmosphere of refined luxury, marked the announcement of a major partnership: Glenfiddich Grand Cru is now the official in-flight spirit and drinks partner for Viva Jets, catering to both local and intercontinental long-haul flights.
The gathering attracted industry heavyweights, top executives, and celebrated Nigerian celebrities, all of whom came out in full support of the union between the two premium brands. Guests and business leaders at the event expressed strong optimism that the partnership would set new standards for luxury travel and sophisticated experiences, aligning with the shared values of excellence and class that both brands embody.
Speaking on the significance of the partnership, Eddie Madaki, the Glenfiddich Grand Cru representative, emphasized that the collaboration with Viva Jets is a testament to the brand’s commitment to offering memorable, world-class experiences. “This partnership with Aero Jet will continue to create unforgettable memories for our patrons. Glenfiddich Grand Cru stands for elegance, tradition, and innovation, and we are excited to bring this spirit of excellence to the skies,” he said.
A representative from Aero Jet also shared insights into their vision for the collaboration, highlighting the importance of selecting Glenfiddich Grand Cru as their official in-flight partner. According to the representative, the choice was driven by Glenfiddich’s reputation for quality and luxury, which perfectly complements the bespoke flying experience Aero Jet is renowned for providing to its discerning clientele.
Glenfiddich Grand Cru is a unique expression from the Glenfiddich distillery, renowned globally for its pioneering spirit and craftsmanship. Aged for 23 years and finished in rare French cuvée casks, Glenfiddich Grand Cru fuses the finest flavours from Scotland and France, delivering an extraordinary drinking experience designed to celebrate life’s most special moments. This latest partnership further cements Glenfiddich’s standing as a beacon of luxury and sophistication.
The Falcon Aero Jet Night was not just a celebration of a new venture, but a true testament to the power of vision, craftsmanship, and shared values, ushering in a new era of premium experiences in aviation and luxury lifestyle.
By Israel Bulus, Kaduna
The Executive Chairman of the Kaduna State Internal Revenue Service (KADIRS), Comrade Jerry Adams, has commended the growing commitment of political leaders to the development of Southern Kaduna, describing it as unprecedented.
Speaking at the Southern Kaduna Solemn Assembly for Restoration held in Bara, Jema’a Local Government Area, Adams attributed the progress to the inclusive governance style of Governor Uba Sani and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, citing several ongoing developmental projects as evidence of their dedication.
The meeting, convened at the instance of the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, brought together traditional rulers, religious leaders, and political figures to strategize on advancing the region’s growth.
Adams noted that Southern Kaduna is witnessing an unparalleled drive for development under the current leadership, and he urged residents to remain politically united ahead of the 2027 elections to consolidate these gains.
“Since the return of democracy, this is the first time we are seeing leaders who are truly passionate about the development of Southern Kaduna,” he said.
“We must learn to love ourselves so that others can love and respect us.”
Highlighting some of the projects the Governor played a pivotal role, Adams mentioned the military barracks under construction in Samaru Kataf, the Federal Medical Centre in Kafanchan, and the Federal University of Applied Sciences in Kachia.
He emphasized that the governor had to reclaim some state-owned properties to facilitate these developments.
“Southern Kaduna is not there yet, but we are firmly on the path to progress,” Adams asserted.
He further called on the people of the region to unite politically and vote strategically in the 2027 elections, stressing that coordinated political action is crucial for attracting greater development.
“We must bring our votes together and negotiate a better deal for our people, rather than voting indiscriminately, which in the past has led to misfortune for the region,” he added.