CampusLife
Final year varsity student shot dead at her birthday party
A final year student of the Imo State University (IMSU), Miss Kelechi Assumpta Ibeh, marked her 23rd birthday in a big way last Thursday. It was her last.
The Banking and Finance student was shot dead by suspected secret cult members, who allegedly stormed her hostel where she held a party to mark the day.
The incident happened on Douglas Road in Owerri, the Imo State capital.
It was gathered that Kelechi was shot at close range as she was about cutting her birthday cake. The motive for the killing has been a subject of controversy. Some speculated that she was targeted allegedly because of her boyfriend’s involvement in a deadly fight between two cult groups in the school.
Some eyewitnesses said the assailants were armed robbers. The late Kelechi was said to have been shot after she refused to submit her mobile phone to the assailants.
The Department of Banking and Finance was thrown into mourning when the news of her death broke. Her colleagues were shocked because the late Kelechi was said to have posted pictures of her birthday party on the social media moments before she was killed.
CAMPUSLIFE gathered that there was a fight between members of two cult groups on Douglas Road on Wednesday evening. It was learnt that members of a rival group returned to the area in search of their opponents, unleashing terror on residents and passersby.
Traders hurriedly closed their shops when the armed hoodlums moved to Nwaorie Lane, off Douglas Road, robbing residents at gun point. The hoodlums invaded Edede Street, beside Eastern Basic Nursery and Primary School, also on Douglas Road.
An eyewitness said the assailants pointed a gun at Kelechi, ordering her to submit all her valuables. But, the deceased was said to have refused to drop her phone.
The eyewitness said many of the party guests were injured as they ran for safety. The witness said the hoodlums used coded language, suggesting that they were cult members.
The late Kelechi’s family members were still in shock when CAMPUSLIFE visited them. Her elder brother, Stanley, who graduated from the Faculty of Humanities, said the family had reported the matter to the police. The family, he said, wanted the perpetrators brought to book.
Stanley cautioned people against speculations about his sister’s death, urging them to wait for the police investigation. He said the funeral of the deceased had not been fixed, because “we are still in shock”.
Stanley said: “I am not supposed to be speaking to you (reporters), because we have not got over the shock of the death of my sister. We want people to stop speculating that she was having an affair with a cult member, which is why she was targeted. This is all lies. The fact is that, the true story around my sister’s death would be revealed and those who killed her will be brought to justice. She was supposed to graduate this year and some people who have no conscience picked guns, pulled the trigger and killed her on her 23rd birthday. It is painful.”
Some of her colleagues recalled how she encouraged them to read during the recently- concluded first semester examination.
“The late Kelechi was the one telling some of us to study hard for our first semester examination, because she didn’t want anyone to be delayed in school due to carryover. She read all through the night in preparation for the examination. She didn’t come to school for some days because she had been running around for her final year project,” her colleague, who gave her name as Chinyere, told CAMPUSLIFE.
President of the IMSU chapter of the National Association of Banking and Finance Students Victor Adiele said: “The news of the death of Kelechi hit us like a stray bullet. It is really a sad period for all graduating Banking and Finance students, our department and the university community at large. In tears and agony, we mourn the death of our colleague murdered by unknown gunmen.”
Victor said the late Kelechi could not have been the target of the assailants, noting that she was not known to be a troublemaker.
He said: “She was friendly and played with everyone. She was never known to be a troublemaker. We are still surprised why she became a victim of this gruesome murder.”
Stanley Nwakurume, her colleague, said he could have been at the birthday party but for his busy schedule on the fateful day. He described the late Kelechi as a “gentle soul”, saying her death should be atoned by bringing the assailants to justice.
The class representative, Obizuo Chibuzo Shedrack, said her colleagues had been in pain since the incident.
He said: “To every one of us, it came as a mystery for her to die on her birthday. The most painful part is that, she died when she was about to graduate after four years in the university. It is a great loss to us.”
•CAMPUSLIFE is a pullout in The Nation.
CampusLife
A Joyous Milestone: Pamela Iweze Celebrates Daughter’s Graduation with Pride, Purpose, and a Message of Hope
Reporter: SANDRA ANI
In a heartfelt celebration filled with joy, pride, and inspiration, Ms Pamela Iweze—renowned advocate and founder of Olivedoor Community CIC and the Pamela Iweze Kingdom Children Foundation (PIKCF)—witnessed a deeply personal milestone as her daughter, Princess Christiana Adebisi a Classical trained Music Scholar from the famous London Music Fund, graduated from the prestigious Royal Alexandra and Albert School.
The graduation ceremony was a proud and emotional moment not only for the family but for a broader community that has watched Ms Iweze dedicate her life to advocating for children, empowering women, and building bridges of support between Nigeria and the UK. For the many who gathered—family, friends, and well-wishers from both sides of the Atlantic—it was a celebration of legacy, resilience, and the fulfilment of a mother’s dream.
“It’s an incredible blessing to see my daughter achieve this milestone,” Ms Iweze shared emotionally. “Over the years, I’ve stood beside so many families celebrating their children’s growth. Today, I’m grateful to be the one celebrating mine.”
Princess Christiana’s achievement stands as a testament not only to her dedication but to the enduring value that Nigerians in the diaspora continue to bring to their host communities.
Her success adds to the growing number of Nigerian youths abroad who are making meaningful contributions—academically, socially, and professionally—putting Nigeria in a positive global spotlight.
This moment is also a powerful reminder of the intellectual excellence that Nigerians have long demonstrated across the world. It reinforces the importance of education, particularly for the girl child, and affirms that given the right support and encouragement, Nigerian girls can rise to the highest levels of academic and personal success.
For Ms Iweze, the occasion was more than a graduation—it was the embodiment of everything she has worked for: creating opportunities, nurturing potential, and promoting the importance of strong family and community values.
In a joint congratulatory message, Olivedoor Community CIC UK and PIKCF Nigeria commended Princess Christiana for exemplifying the very principles they stand for: excellence, integrity, and service.
Her journey, they noted, reflects the hope of a new generation of Nigerians shaping the future with courage and conviction.
As the celebrations continue, this milestone reminds us all that the empowerment of one child—especially a girl—can echo across nations, inspire communities, and transform futures.
There are times when you begin to observe somebody in your neighborhood, office, church or place of business. It might be someone you are beginning to like or someone you have interest in.
If it is any those reasons then you are likely to observe and decipher the person’s personality. However, here are some of the clues or things you need to look out for:
Observe the way they treat common people out there, e.g. Beggars, homeless people, waitress, cleaners etc. You can use this to measure their level of sympathy and empathy.
How do they talk about other people, do they mock, belittle and gossip about them? Such people cannot be trusted.
During difficulties and challenges in life, observe their behaviour. Are they calm or do they let their emotion overwhelm them? It’s either the person has the confidence or lacks confidence.
Anytime you are having a conversation with them: can they maintain eye contact or do they avoid eye contact?
Do you have a friend that remembers you only anytime he or she needs your assistance? It is a sign that the person doesn’t value a deep relationship and he or she is just using you.
- In this era, sorting isn’t a way out. If you run out of money, you’ll give your body and if they get tired what then do you give? – Ebube
BY: Sandra Ani
Nineteen year-old (19) Ebube Rebecca Okeke has emerged the Best Graduating Students (Department of Economic) and Best Graduating Student from the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences with a CGPA of 4:71, at the Federal University Lokoja, Kogi State.
She attributed the feat to the mentorship by her mother, hard-work and prayers, stressing that she learnt a lot, not just academically but also about the environment.
GrassRoots.ng has a chat with Ebube…enjoy the dialogue
Can we meet you
My name is Ebube Rebecca Okeke, a graduate of Economics from Federal University Lokoja. I am 19 years old and I hail from Enugu State; Isi-Uzo Local Government Area to be precise.
Tell us about this big win of yours
To the glory of God; I emerged the Best graduating student from the Department of Economics and the Best graduating student from the Faculty of Arts and Social sciences with a CGPA of 4:71.
I particularly want to thank God for the grace, wisdom and strength. I also want to specially appreciate my mom; my best friend, mentor, role model and teacher. She thought me the value of hard-work, goal setting and goal getting. I’m grateful mom. To all of my lecturers, the entire staff of federal university Lokoja, my friends and family, Thank you for the support
I started this journey in the year 2015 and made straight A’s with a GP of 5.00 during my first semester in the university. That semester was tough and amazing. I learnt a lot, not just academically but also about the environment I found myself and how to make proper and beneficial decisions. I learnt the importance of relationships and diligence too. I made some pretty amazing friends, not just with students alone but with lecturers too and I’m grateful.
Every success story has bumps, but with the help of God, my family and friends I overcame. To everyone reading this, in which ever field you might be in you’ll definitely encounter challenges but don’t let it stop you, keep pushing.
To every student, read like it all depends on you, pray like it all depends on God and get a skill or develop your passion. Improve yourself mentally and other wise. The world’s changing, you should too.
How was it like growing up
I had an amazing child hood; went to the best primary and secondary schools; Spring Nursery and Primary school and Harmony Secondary school. Mom was very strict about the kind of movies and TV shows I watched; my social media activities and all that. It was annoying then, but now I’m grateful
Was there a time when teachers or mom had to force you to read?
Teachers; No. Mom; No. She basically just encouraged me, advised me and helped me through it. She was my lesson teacher. We did all my assignments together. During my undergraduate days, there were courses I didn’t really understand like Philosophy, Mom would read them and make notes/summaries for me.
In this era, some students believe it’s all about sorting, how can one stand out?
In this era, sorting isn’t a way out. If you run out of money, you’ll give your body and if they get tired what then do you give? Be diligent, don’t give the lecturers to put a negative tab on you. Attend classes, write all of your tests and assignments and submit on due dates
What’s your next plan?
To begin the real journey towards greatness. To start living and working towards my dreams and make impacts.
Congratulation, Ebube.
Thank you so much for this great opportunity and the feature.
A Joyous Milestone: Pamela Iweze Celebrates Daughter’s Graduation with Pride, Purpose, and a Message of Hope
My CFR National Honours Award
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