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11-year-old Nigerian student leads $11.5M initiative in Connecticut schools

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1 year ago

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Eniola Shokunbi, a middle-schooler with big dreams in Middletown, Connecticut has already left her mark on the community with a groundbreaking invention aimed at improving health and safety in classrooms.

Shokunbi, who is of Nigerian descent, has her sights set on one day becoming president of the United States. She led a team of classmates to create a low-cost air filtration system capable of removing airborne viruses, including COVID-19, from classrooms.

“She’s phenomenal,” said State Senator Matt Lesser . “Eniola commands every room she’s in—she’s a true rock star.” Shokunbi’s design, created at the Commodore MacDonough STEM Academy, uses a box fan, four furnace filters, duct tape, and cardboard to construct an effective air purifier. The project, a collaboration with the University of Connecticut and environmental scientists, cost only $60 per unit. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) tested the device in North Carolina, where it was confirmed to remove over 99% of viruses from the air.

“The air goes through all the sides, and it comes out of the top, fully filtered,” Shokunbi explained. “It’s simple, but it works.”

Shokunbi’s leadership and ingenuity were showcased at a meeting of the State Bond Commission , which approved $11.5 million in funding to produce and install the air filter system in schools across Connecticut. The funding, allocated to UConn’s Supplemental Air Filtration for Education Program, aims to bring enhanced safety measures to classrooms statewide.

“People don’t always realize that science is sometimes the only thing standing between them and illness,” Shokunbi said. “If we’re not investing in that, we’re not investing in kids’ futures.”

The air filters Shokunbi helped design have proven particularly relevant in the wake of COVID-19, highlighting the need for improved air quality in learning environments. Amid rising concerns over air-borne diseases, the filters offer a cost-effective solution for schools facing budget constraints. Each unit, assembled by students at Shokunbi’s school, has been an example of how simple engineering can yield powerful results.

As part of UConn’s initiative, Shokunbi’s design could see widespread use, marking a new chapter in student-led innovation and public health safety. School administrators and state officials have praised the young inventor, whose goal is to extend this safety measure nationwide.

“My goal is to see these filters in every classroom across America,” Shokunbi said. “I want kids to go to school knowing they’re safe, healthy, and ready to learn.”

The State Bond Commission’s investment, which UConn will manage as part of its Supplemental Air Filtration for Education Program, not only honors Shokunbi’s contribution but also addresses a critical public health need. With rising concerns over the lingering impacts of COVID-19 and other airborne viruses, the new filtration system offers a tangible safeguard.

For Shokunbi, the journey is just beginning. Passionate about science and innovation, she hopes to use her talent to create broader solutions that improve lives. “I really love explaining the project to people and seeing their faces light up,” Shokunbi said. “Seeing them realize that something so simple can change so many lives—it makes me believe even more in what science can do.”

In a field where young voices are often underrepresented, Shokunbi’s determination is already inspiring others, including her classmates and local officials. As she continues to grow her knowledge and impact, her story stands as a testament to the power of young minds in shaping the future .

Shokunbi’s vision—combining scientific innovation with a deep commitment to public welfare—highlights the potential for youth-led change in tackling complex issues. The Connecticut school system’s embrace of her filter design suggests that with proper support, local ingenuity can indeed reach a national audience.

As one of the youngest leaders spearheading health innovation , Shokunbi sees her work as part of a larger journey toward positive change. “This is just the start,” she said with a smile. “There’s so much more we can do.”

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Burbank Marriage Unravels After Woman Allegedly Used Tracking Devices to Monitor Husband

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2 weeks ago

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December 27, 2025

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Burbank, Calif. — What began as a seemingly happy two-year marriage ended in confrontation and police involvement after a Burbank woman allegedly used multiple electronic tracking devices to monitor her husband’s movements, authorities and sources familiar with the situation said.

According to information obtained by this outlet, the marriage between Amos and Yolanda deteriorated after Yolanda allegedly placed Apple AirTags, Tile trackers, and a GPS tracking device on Amos’ vehicle and personal belongings without his knowledge. The devices reportedly allowed her to monitor his location in real time and reconstruct his daily movements across the city.

Friends of the couple said the marriage appeared stable during its early years, with the pair often seen together at community events and social gatherings. However, tensions reportedly escalated when Yolanda began confronting Amos about his whereabouts, referencing locations and timelines he had not shared with her.

The situation reached a breaking point when Yolanda allegedly tracked Amos to an apartment complex in Burbank, where she believed he had gone without informing her. Sources say she arrived at the location shortly after he did, leading to a heated confrontation in the parking area of the building. Neighbors, alarmed by raised voices, contacted local authorities.

Burbank police responded to the scene and separated the parties. While no arrests were immediately announced, the incident marked the effective end of the couple’s marriage, according to individuals close to Amos.

Legal experts note that the unauthorized use of tracking devices may raise serious privacy and stalking concerns under California law, depending on intent and consent. Law enforcement officials have not publicly disclosed whether an investigation remains ongoing.

The case underscores growing concerns about the misuse of consumer tracking technology, originally designed to help locate lost items, but increasingly implicated in domestic disputes and surveillance-related allegations.

As of publication, neither Amos nor Yolanda had publicly commented on the incident.

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Kaduna Governor Commissions Nigeria’s First 100-Building Prefabricated Housing Estate

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2 months ago

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November 14, 2025

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Kaduna, Nigeria – November 6, 2025 — In a major milestone for Nigeria’s housing sector, the Governor of Kaduna State has commissioned a 100-unit mass housing estate developed by Family Homes and executed by Karmod Nigeria, marking the first-ever large-scale prefabricated housing project in the country.

Completed in under six months, the innovative project demonstrates the power of modern prefabricated construction to deliver high-quality, affordable homes at record speed — a sharp contrast to traditional building methods that often take years.

Each of the 100 units in the estate is designed for a lifespan exceeding 50 years with routine maintenance. The development features tarred access roads, efficient drainage systems, clean water supply, and steady electricity, ensuring a modern and comfortable living environment for residents.

According to Family Homes, the project represents a new era in Nigeria’s mass housing delivery, proving that cutting-edge technology can accelerate the provision of sustainable and cost-effective homes for Nigerians.

“With prefabricated technology, we can drastically reduce construction time while maintaining top-quality standards,” said a spokesperson for Family Homes. “This project is a clear demonstration of what’s possible when innovation meets commitment to solving Nigeria’s housing deficit.”

Reinforcing this commitment, Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State emphasized the alignment between the initiative and the state’s broader vision for affordable housing.

“The Family Homes Funds Social Housing Project aligns with our administration’s commitment to the provision of affordable houses for Kaduna State citizens. Access to safe, affordable and secure housing is the foundation of human dignity. We have been partnering with local and international investors to frontally address our housing deficit,” he said.

Also speaking at the event, Mr. Ademola Adebise, Chairman of Family Homes Funds Limited, noted that the project embodies inclusivity and social progress.

“The Social Housing Project also reflects our shared vision of inclusive growth, where affordable housing becomes a foundation for economic participation and improved quality of life.”

Karmod Nigeria, the technical partner behind the project, utilized its extensive expertise in prefabricated technology to localize the process, employing local artisans and materials to enhance community participation and job creation.

Industry experts have described the Kaduna project as a blueprint for future housing initiatives nationwide, capable of addressing the country’s housing shortfall more efficiently and sustainably.

With this pioneering development, Kaduna State takes a leading role in introducing modern housing technologies that promise to reshape Nigeria’s urban landscape.

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Houston and Owerri Community Mourn the Passing of Beloved Icon, Lawrence Mike Obinna Anozie

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3 months ago

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October 3, 2025

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Houston was thrown into mourning on September 19, 2025, following the sudden passing of businessman and community advocate Lawrence Mike Obinna Anozie, who peacefully joined his ancestors. Immediate family member in Houston, Nick Anozie, confirmed his untimely death and expressed gratitude for the outpouring of love and condolences from both the Houston and Owerri communities.

Lawrence was born to Chief Alexander and Lolo Ether Anozie of Owerri in Imo State, Nigeria, and will be dearly remembered by family members, friends, and the entire Houston community.

An accomplished accountant, the late Lawrence incorporated and successfully managed three major companies: Universal Insurance Company, LLC, Universal Mortgage LLC, and Universal Financial Services. Through these enterprises, he not only built a thriving business career but also created opportunities for countless individuals to achieve financial stability. His contributions to entrepreneurship and community development will remain a lasting legacy.

According to the family, arrangements for his final funeral rites are in progress and will be announced in due course.

Lawrence will forever be remembered as a loving and compassionate man who dedicated much of his life to uplifting others. He helped countless young Nigerians and African Americans overcome economic challenges by providing mentorship, financial guidance, and career opportunities. His generosity touched the lives of many who otherwise might not have found their footing. A devout Catholic, he was unwavering in his faith and never missed Mass, drawing strength and inspiration from his church community. To those who knew him, Lawrence was not only a successful businessman but also a pillar of kindness, humility, and faith whose legacy of service and compassion will continue to inspire generations.

For more information, please contact Nick Anozie – 832-891-2213

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