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Aisha Buhari apologises to Nigerians over economic hardship

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The First Lady, Dr. Aisha Muhammadu Buhari, on Friday apologised to Nigerians over the harsh economic realities and insecurity experienced under the Buhari-led government.

Speaking during the 62nd Independence Day Special Juma’at prayer and Public Lecture themed Shura: The Islamic Foundation of True Democracy at the National Mosque Conference Hall, Abuja, Dr. Buhari said:

“The regime might not have been a perfect one, but I want to seize this opportunity to seek forgiveness from the Ulamas and Nigerians in general. We all need to work together to achieve a better Nigeria.”

She urged Nigerians to pray for a peaceful transition of power in 2023, adding that citizens must unite to restore normalcy and peace in the most troubled parts of the country.

According to her, “Your Excellencies, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, as you may be aware that this government is making its exit and perhaps witnessing the last anniversary of the regime, I ask Nigerians to pray for a successful election and transition programme.

“The regime might not have been a perfect one, but I want to seize this opportunity to seek forgiveness from the Ulamas and Nigerians in general. We all need to work together to achieve a better Nigeria.

“Your Excellencies, distinguished guests, it is also noticeable that our Naira is being evaluated and the foreign exchange rate has affected our economy causing a lot of hardship and difficulties in terms of education, health and other day-to-day activities of our citizens.”

While lauding the efforts of security agencies in fighting terrorism, she said Nigerians “must unite and fight against security challenges.”

“I’m particularly happy that our security agents have stood up to the challenges of security more than ever before. And at the moment, their efforts have been pushing the effects of banditry, kidnapping and many other ills in society.”

“I commend the efforts of our gallant security men and women and I want to pray for more successes in their operations,” Mrs. Buhari added.

To supplement government’s efforts towards citizens’ welfare, she said her office has put in place many programmes in areas such as agriculture, entrepreneurship, and engagement of youth and women to cushion the effects and provide alternatives.

“I, through my Aisha Buhari and Future Assured Foundation, have put in place deliberate efforts and programmes focused on improving the quality of women, youth and children.

“Through this effect, I have empowered many communities. I appreciate all my partners and collaborators, the wives of the governors, the wives of service chiefs, my associates, well-wishers, and international bodies, that is development partners, I thank them all.”

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American International School of Abuja writes EFCC, seeks to refund $760k of Yahaya Bello’s children fees

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The American International School of Abuja (AISA) has asked the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to provide “authentic banking details” for the refund of fees paid for the children of Yahaya Bello, immediate-past governor of Kogi state.

Bello allegedly paid $720,000 in advance as fees for five of his children from the coffers of the Kogi state government.

The children are in grade level 2 to 8 at the school.

On April 17, EFCC operatives laid siege on Bello’s residence in Abuja in an attempt to arrest him over an alleged N80.2 billion fraud.

While the operatives were at the house, Usman Ododo, governor of Kogi, arrived at the property and reportedly whisked Bello away.

In a letter addressed to the Lagos zonal commander of the EFCC, the school said the sum of $845,852 has been paid in tuition “since the 7th of September 2021 to date”.

AISA said the sum to be refunded is $760,910, because it had deducted educational services already rendered.

“Please forward to us an official written request, with the authentic banking details of the EFCC, for the refund of the above-mentioned funds as previously indicated as part of your investigation into the alleged money laundering activities by the Bello family,” the letter reads.

“Since the 7th September 2021 to date, $845,852.84 (Eight Hundred and Forty Five Thousand, Eight Hundred and Fifty Two US Dollars and eighty four cents) in tuition and other fees has been deposited into our Bank account.

“We have calculated the net amount to be transferred and refunded to the State, after deducting the educational services rendered as $760,910.84. (Seven Hundred and Sixty Thousand, Nine Hundred and Ten US Dollars and Eighty Four cents).

“No further additional fees are expected in respect of tuition as the students’ fees have now been settled until they graduate from ASIA.”

The school said it will draw the attention of the anti-graft agency if there are any further deposits by the Bello family.

In a statement signed by Greg Hughes, AISA also said “Ali Bello contacted the school on Friday 13 August 2021 requesting to pay the family school fees in advance until the students graduate from High School”.

The EFCC has since declared Bello wanted, with the NIS placing the ex-governor on a watchlist.

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‘Betty Akeredolu dumped me after I served for 7 years on N45k monthly pay’ — makeup artist cries out

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Folashade Anu, the beauty expert, has lamented that she was paid N45,000 monthly while working for seven years as a makeup artist for Betty Akeredolu, the former first lady of Ondo.

Anu, in a recent interview with Olujimi Adekanle, the news presenter in Ondo, also said she sometimes worked as a personal assistant to the wife of the late Rotimi Akeredolu, former Ondo governor.

The makeup artiste claimed she was paid N50,000 per month but 10 percent of her salary was automatically deducted as a contribution to the Breast Cancer Association of Nigeria (BRECAN), an organisation founded by Betty.

“I worked for Her Excellency (Mrs Betty Akeredolu) for over seven years. When I was going, she did not give me anything,” said Anu as she broke down in tears.

“I worked with her for seven years as her makeup artist. I used to make her hair and do her pedicure when she was still making her hair.

“I was paid N50,000 then, but I usually gave back N5,000 to BRECAN. They would have deducted the N5,000 before the salary was paid. They called it ‘give back to BRECAN’.

“Another N100 was also usually deducted as charges.”

The makeup artist said she stopped working for Betty after her husband was buried.

Anu claimed that after Akeredolu’s burial, she solicited help from the former first lady but Betty refused, adding “I was no longer in office”.

“I texted Betty Akeredolu that I needed help and that she was my last hope, that she should render help to me, but she said there was no help she could render because she was now out of the office,” she added.

“I usually reach out to her to help me. She once told me that since I have a passport, she would take me out of the country, but till now, nothing.”

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LG polls: Oyo declares today as half-work day for civil servants

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The Oyo state government has declared Friday as a half-work day for all civil and public servants in the state ahead of the LGAs election on Saturday.

In a statement on Thursday, Sulaimon Olanrewaju, special adviser on media to Seyi Makinde, governor of Oyo, said the declaration of the half-work day was to enable workers to participate in the election.

Olanrewaju said government offices would close by noon, noting that workers on essential services are expected to remain at their duty posts.

He said the state government enjoined all civil and public servants to go out and exercise their civic rights on Saturday.

The Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission (OYSIEC) has assured that the LGAs polls would be hitch-free and credible.

Speaking recently during a radio programme, Isiaka Olagunju, OYSIEC Chairman, said only citizens with voter cards are eligible to vote.

He added that no other form of identification would be recognised, noting that additional polling units have been created by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for a smooth exercise.

He also said electoral violence would be prevented, assuring that all LGAs would receive election materials before Friday to guide against incidence of late arrival.

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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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