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Governor Sanwo-Olu rents house, donates N1m to mother of lady killed during ‘Yoruba Nation’ rally

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Babajide Sanwo-Olu, governor of Lagos state, has rented a two-bedroom apartment and donated N1 million to Ifeoluwa Oyeleke and her family over the death of Jumoke, her daughter, during the Yoruba Nation rally.

In a statement issued yesterday, the Lagos state government said Sanwo-Olu, “in his kind gesture”, relocated Jumoke’s mother and three sisters from a shanty in Ojota to a furnished two-bedroom apartment in Ikorodu area of the state.

Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by Titi Oshodi, his senior special assistant on administration, said the gift was to help the Oyelekes “experience a new lease of life, and to alleviate the family’s immediate need”.

Oshodi said a three-year rent has been paid for the apartment pending when “a proper and more formidable arrangement has been made for”.

“Since the time of the incident, we have been following up with her state and we have been to her initial place of abode. Immediately the incident happened, we started to follow up with her to find out how she was doing, especially economically and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu in his compassionate nature has done this to ameliorate the family’s suffering as much as possible,” Oshodi said.

“It is not possible to bring back the dead, but the government is donating a two-bedroom apartment fully furnished to the family to make life easy, as much as possible, for those left behind. We believe this will help them ease into the next phase of life without stress.

“This was not planned but the government had to make quick arrangements in the interim. So this is a temporary arrangement for her to stay with her children, pursuing other actions going forward. The rent has been paid for three years in advance, and the kitchen is stocked with some foodstuff.

“The government will let us know when a proper and more formidable arrangement has been made for her but for now, what we have is because of the immediate need. The apartment is fitted with basic amenities to make life comfortable for the family. She would also get N1 million to start any business of her choice.”

Oyeleke, a domestic help, thanked the state government for the kind gesture.

She appealed to Sanwo-Olu to assist her with permanent employment for her to be able to take adequate care of herself and the children.

“I also want the government to help me find a profitable job so I can train my children properly. My children used to attend a private school but I enrolled them in a government school because I could no longer afford the fees of a private school,” she said.

“This new house is rented and I would not be able to afford the rent when the three years that was paid for expires, so I would love to be employed profitably. I will like to engage in buying and selling foodstuff with the N1 million I was given.”

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‘I didn’t break the law,’ says culture minister Musawa on NYSC certificate saga

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The Minister of Art, Culture and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, on Sunday, spoke about the controversy surrounding her National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificate, asserting her legal standing on the issue.

During an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Musawa stated, “I didn’t break the law,” in response to questions regarding the matter.

Recall the minister faced criticism for failing to provide evidence of her participation in the mandatory NYSC scheme during her Senate confirmation screening.

However, in April 2024, a Federal High Court in Abuja dismissed the case against her, with Justice James Omotosho ruling that the plaintiffs lacked the legal standing to bring the matter before the court. This ruling has led Musawa to declare that the issue has been settled legally.

Speaking on the matter, Musawa said her intention is to focus on her responsibilities in office rather than engaging with the controversy.

“The matter had been adjudicated and one day, I will come out with my account. I have probably done more NYSC than you (presenter). I have done at least two NYSCs in my life.

“I think what I owe Nigerians is to say that I didn’t do anything wrong. I didn’t break the law. The NYSC I did and finished. That is the much I can tell you. Everything I did was by the law.

“That was why I also said that one day I would come out with my account of what happened to set the record straight. As of now, I think it is important for me to focus on giving Nigerians the deliverables,” she said.

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Customs acquires new patrol aircraft for smuggling prevention in Nigeria

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The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has strengthened its air patrol and surveillance capabilities with the acquisition of a Cessna Grand Caravan EX-208B aircraft.

The Comptroller-General of NCS, Adewale Adeniyi, announced this development in a statement issued by the service’s spokesperson, Abdullahi Maiwada, on Sunday in Abuja.

Describing the acquisition as a “game-changer,” Adeniyi emphasized that the aircraft would significantly boost the service’s ability to combat smuggling and enhance border security.

The newly acquired aircraft, registered as 5N-BAA, is equipped with a modern Garmin G 1000 avionics cockpit system, allowing it to operate effectively in various conditions, including day, night, and low visibility. Adeniyi highlighted in the statement that the aircraft’s capacity to carry up to ten officers and its six-hour aerial endurance will greatly improve the NCS’s surveillance operations.

“This aircraft will be a game-changer for the NCS air wing,” Adeniyi stated. “Its ability to carry ten officers, coupled with its six-hour aerial endurance, will significantly enhance our capacity for air surveillance and border patrol.”

The statement further outlined that the aircraft is expected to play a vital role in detecting smuggling routes, deploying armed personnel, and providing swift support for ground operations.

This capability is especially crucial in Nigeria’s vast and often challenging border regions, where rapid response times can be the difference between intercepting illegal activities and missing critical opportunities.

By providing an aerial advantage, the Cessna Grand Caravan allows the NCS to survey difficult terrain and monitor suspicious movements that would be difficult to track from the ground.

The statement emphasized that the Cessna EX-208B, equipped with the reliable PT6 Pratt and Whitney engine, is built to withstand the rigorous demands of border security operations.

Its powerful engine allows for operations on remote airstrips and access to areas that might be challenging for other aircraft.

Adeniyi highlighted the aircraft’s rugged versatility, noting that its design supports short-field take-offs and landings, making it ideal for rapid deployment across varied terrains, from dense forests to open savannas.

This capability is expected to significantly enhance the NCS’s ability to conduct surprise inspections and swiftly address emerging threats.

The statement further described the aircraft as a strategic asset for Nigeria Customs Technical and Hangar Services Ltd, offering not only logistical support but also opportunities for revenue generation.

Its dual role in surveillance and transportation enables it to fulfil multiple functions, aligning with the service’s broader operational objectives.

Additionally, the statement noted that the aircraft’s cost-efficiency, due to its relatively low operational and maintenance expenses compared to similar models, makes it a sustainable choice for long-term air surveillance.

This ensures that the service can fully leverage the aircraft’s capabilities without burdening its budget, allowing for consistent operations over time.

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Former minister Pauline Tallen loses only son

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Richard, the only son of Pauline Tallen, former minister of women affairs, is dead.

According to NAN, the family announced his passing in a statement on Sunday.

Richard, aged 42, reportedly died on Saturday after being hospitalised at Cedar Crest Hospital in Abuja.

“The cause of his death was not immediately known but he was said to have been placed on oxygen in the hospital’s Intensive Care Unit (ICU) on Friday night,” the statement said.

“Burial arrangements will be announced by the Family.

“Eternal rest grant unto him oh Lord, may perpetual light shine upon him, may the soul of Richard and all departed VOBA RIP. Amen”

The deceased was a graduate of computer science from a United States university and was blessed with a wife and three children.

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Bodex F. Hungbo, SPMIIM is a multiple award-winning Nigerian Digital Media Practitioner, Digital Strategist, PR consultant, Brand and Event Expert, Tv Presenter, Tier-A Blogger/Influencer, and a top cobbler in Nigeria.

She has widespread experiences across different professions and skills, which includes experiences in; Marketing, Media, Broadcasting, Brand and Event Management, Administration and Management with prior stints at MTN, NAPIMS-NNPC, GLOBAL FLEET OIL AND GAS, LTV, Silverbird and a host of others

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