Fola Badmus, Author at Trendbrio.com

FG Declares 31st March And 1st April As Public Holidays To Mark Eid EL-Fitr

Fola Badmus6 months ago6 months ago02 mins

The Federal Government of Nigeria has declared Monday, 31st March and Tuesday, 1st April, 2025, as public holidays to mark the Eid-el-Fitr celebration.The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government extended warm congratulations to the Muslim Ummah on the successful completion of the Ramadan fast.Dr. Tunji-Ojo urged all Muslims to embrace the virtues of self-discipline, compassion, generosity and peace, emphasising the importance of love, forgiveness, and solidarity in building a harmonious society.Furthermore, the Minister called on Nigerians to use this festive period to pray for peace, stability, and prosperity in the nation. He expressed hope that the joyous occasion of Eid-el-Fitr would inspire unity and cooperation across religious and ethnic lines.Dr. Tunji-Ojo also encouraged citizens to celebrate safely and responsibly, while remembering the less privileged through acts of kindness and charity, in keeping with the true spirit of Ramadan and Eid.On behalf of the Federal Government, he extended heartfelt Eid Mubarak wishes to all Muslim faithful and prayed that the blessings of the season bring happiness, success, and fulfillment to everyone.Signed:Dr. Magdalene Ajani Permanent Secretary26th March, 2025

Max Air Resumes Domestic Flight Operations

Fola Badmus6 months ago6 months ago02 mins

Max Air is pleased to announce the resumption of its domestic flight operations following a successful internal operational evaluation. Effective from 21st March 2025, we are back in service, ready to provide our esteemed passengers with safe, reliable, and top-quality air travel across Nigeria.This strategic pause allowed us to reinforce our commitment to safety, compliance, and operational excellence. During this period, we worked closely with aviation authorities to ensure that all statutory requirements were met while enhancing our service delivery standards.As we return to the skies, passengers can expect improved travel experiences, increased efficiency, and the unwavering hospitality that Max Air is known for. We sincerely appreciate the patience and support of our valued customers during the temporary suspension.All previously booked passengers whose flights were affected will be given priority rebooking options. Our customer service team is available to assist with inquiries and reservations.For flight schedules, bookings, and more updates, visit our website and follow our verified social media channels. We are excited to welcome you back on board!Signed, Management@fx@maxairltd

Alleged N33.2b Fraud: EFCC Re-Arraigns Dasuki, Three Others

Fola Badmus6 months ago6 months ago06 mins

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Tuesday, has re-arraigned former National Security Adviser, Colonel Sambo Dasuki (retd) before Justice Charles Agbaza of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Abuja, for fraud. He was re-arraigned alongside a former General Manager of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, Aminu Baba Kusa, Acacia Holdings, Limited and Reliance Referral Hospital Limited. They are being prosecuted on a 32-count charge, bordering on breach of trust and dishonesty to the tune of N33,200,000,000 (Thirty-three billion, Two Hundred Million Naira). Count one reads: “That you COL. MOHAMMED SAMBO DASUKI (RTD.) whilst being the National Security Adviser, on or about 27th November, 2014 in Abuja, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, entrusted with dominion over certain properties, to wit: the sum of N10, 000, 000, 000 (Ten Billion Naira) being part of the funds in the account of National Security Adviser with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the equivalent of which sum you received from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in foreign currencies to wit: $47,000,000 (Forty Seven Million Dollars) and 5.6 million Euros purporting same to be for special security service, committed criminal breach of trust in respect of the said property when you dishonestly released the said amount for the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Presidential primary election and you thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 315 of the Penal Code Act, Cap 532, Vol. 4, LFN 2004.” Count five reads: “That you COL. MOHAMMED SAMBO DASUKI (RTD.) whilst being the National Security Adviser, between 9th October, 2014 and 17th April, 2015 in Abuja, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, dishonestly misappropriated certain property, to wit: an aggregate sum of N1, 450,000,000 (One Billion, Four Hundred and Fifty Million Naira) belonging to the Federal Republic of Nigeria which sum was transferred to ACACIA HOLDINGS LIMITED’S bank account controlled by one Aminu Baba-Kusa purporting same to be payment for organizing prayers and you thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 309 of the Penal Code Act, Cap 532, Vol. 4, LFN 2004.” Count 19 reads: “That you COL. MOHAMMED SAMBO DASUKI (RTD.) whilst being the National Security Adviser, between 4th April, 2014 and 30th November, 2014 in Abuja, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, entrusted with dominion over certain properties, to wit: an aggregate sum of N4, 685,000,000 (Four Billion, Six Hundred and Eighty-Five Million Naira) being part of the funds in the account of the office of the National Security Adviser with the Central Bank of Nigeria, committed criminal breach of trust in respect of the said property when you dishonestly transferred same into the bank account of SYVAN MCNAMARA LIMITED purporting the said sum to be payment for physical security infrastructure whereas the said amount was released for the Peoples’ Democratic Party’s gubernatorial elections campaign in Ekiti and Osun States and you thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 315 of the Penal Code Act, Cap 532, Vol. 4, LFN 2004.” They pleaded “not guilty” when the charges were read to them, prompting prosecution counsel, Oluwaleke Atolagbe to ask the court for a trial date, while the defence counsel prayed the court to allow Dasuki and Kusa to continue to enjoy their existing bail. The prosecution counsel who did not object to the prayer, however, sought assurance for the defendants’ regular presence in court throughout the trial. Justice Agbaza adjourned the matter till July 1, 2025 for hearing. It could be recalled that the trial was initially before Justice Hussain Baba-Yusuf of the FCT High Court, but now reassigned to Justice Agbaza.

INEC Makes U-turn, Accepts Senator Natasha Recall Petition

Fola Badmus6 months ago6 months ago02 mins

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has confirmed that the contacts of the petitioners for the recall of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan have been provided. The National Commissioner and Chairman, Information & Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun stated this in a statement issued on Wednesday. “Further to the statement issued yesterday, Tuesday 25th March 2025, the Commission hereby confirms that the contact address of representatives of the petitioners, their telephone numbers and e-mail addresses have now been provided in a letter addressed to the Chairman of the Commission dated today Wednesday 26th March 2025. “As provided in Clause 2(a) of the Commission’s Regulations and Guidelines for Recall 2024, a letter has been written to notify the Senator sought to be recalled about the receipt of the petition and delivered to her official address. The same letter has been copied to the presiding officer of the Senate and published on the Commission’s website. “The next step is to scrutinise the list of signatories submitted by the petitioners to ascertain that the petition is signed by more than one half (over 50%) of the registered voters in the Constituency. This will be done in the coming days. The outcome, which will be made public, shall determine the next step to be taken by the Commission. “We once again reassure Nigerians that the process will be open and transparent,” the statement reads.

Pasuma, Taiye Currency end dispute in Saudi

Fola Badmus6 months ago6 months ago01 mins

Fuji Music act, Wasiu Alabi popularly known as Pasuma has ended the dispute with his godson, Taiwo Akande Adebisi aka Taye Currency in Saudi Arabia. The Ibadan-based musician Currency was seen appealling to Pasuma in a viral video on Wednesday. Taiye Currency in the video acknowledged Pasuma as his boss, saying Pasuma was instrumental to his success in the entertainment industry. “I have been with Pasuma since 1993 and I accorded him respect since then and I don’t expect upcoming ones to disrespect me also. “Paso is my godfather in music industry, just as King Wasiu Ayinde is the godfather to Pasuma. “So, I want to appeal to our fans to forget about what happened in the past,” Taiye Currency said in Yoruba language. Both musicans embrassed each others in the video to signify the end of the quamire.

Jimi Agbaje buries mother in Lagos

Fola Badmus6 months ago6 months ago05 mins

On a somber day in Abuja, President Bola Tinubu reached out with a heartfelt message of condolence that reverberated across Nigeria. The occasion was the passing of Mrs. Margaret Agbaje, a woman whose life had woven a rich tapestry of influence through education, faith, and community leadership. She departed this world on March 5, leaving behind a legacy cherished by her sons, Jimi and Segun Agbaje, and the sprawling Agbaje family. Through his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu painted a vivid portrait of a remarkable woman—a distinguished educator, a community stalwart, and the former President of the Catholic Women Organization (CWO) in the Lagos Ecclesiastical Province. Mrs. Agbaje wasn’t just a name in the annals of Nigerian education; she was a force of nature. Imagine a classroom in the 1950s at Holy Child College, Lagos, where young minds wrestled with the mysteries of mathematics under her sharp, guiding eye. From 1953 to 1959, she didn’t just teach numbers—she ignited curiosity. Then, at St. Joseph’s Teacher Training College in Surulere from 1960 to 1971, she molded future educators, planting seeds that would blossom into generations of knowledge. Her crowning achievement came as Headmistress of St. Catherine’s Model School in Surulere from 1971 to 1982, where she ruled with a blend of discipline and warmth that left an indelible mark on her students. Tinubu’s words captured it perfectly: her influence was “profound and lasting,” a ripple effect that touched countless lives. But her story doesn’t end at the chalkboard. Mrs. Agbaje was a beacon beyond the classroom, a woman whose dedication to nation-building shone as brightly as her academic prowess. The President hailed her as a symbol of teaching, learning, and discipline—a lighthouse guiding ships through stormy seas. Her legacy, he noted, wasn’t confined to dusty textbooks or faded report cards. It lived on in the success of those she mentored, including her own children—Jimi and Segun among them—and a legion of others who climbed to great heights under her tutelage. She was a mother not just to her family, but to a community that leaned on her wisdom and strength. And then there was her faith. In the Catholic community, Mrs. Agbaje was a titan. As President of the CWO in Lagos, she didn’t just lead—she inspired. Her leadership spilled over into numerous church societies, where her kindness and humility turned her into a pillar people could rely on. Picture her organizing events, offering counsel, or simply lending a listening ear—always with that quiet grace that made her so beloved. Tinubu called her life “a testament to kindness, humility, and unwavering dedication,” and it’s hard to argue with that. In his message, the President didn’t just mourn her loss—he celebrated her life. He invited the Agbaje family, their friends, the Catholic faithful, and all those grieving to find comfort in her enduring impact. Faith, he suggested, could be their anchor, just as it had been hers. And as he closed with prayers for her soul’s peaceful repose, you could almost feel the collective nod of a nation agreeing: Mrs. Margaret Agbaje had lived well, loved deeply, and left behind a legacy that would echo for years to come.

INEC Rejects Senator Natasha Akpoti Recall

Fola Badmus6 months ago6 months ago05 mins

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has rejected the recall process of Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, a senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District at the 10th Assembly. The Commission’s National Commissioner & Chairman Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, stated this in a statement signed and made available on Tuesday. Olumekun revealed that the Commission held its regular weekly meeting on Tuesday 25th March 2025. Among other issues, the meeting discussed the petition for the recall of the Senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District. “The process of recall is enshrined in the 1999 Constitution, the Electoral Act 2022 as well as the Commission’s detailed Regulations and Guidelines for Recall 2024, available on our website. All petitions will be treated in strict compliance with the legal framework. “The petition from Kogi Central Senatorial District was accompanied by six bags of documents said to be signatures collected from over half of the 474,554 registered voters spread across 902 Polling Units in 57 Registration Areas (Wards) in the five Local Government Areas of Adavi, Ajaokuta, Ogori/Magongo, Okehi and Okene. “The Commission’s immediate observation is that the representatives of the petitioners did not provide their contact address, telephone number(s) and e-mail address(es) in the covering letter forwarding the petition through which they can be contacted as provided in Clause 1(f) of our Regulations and Guidelines. The address given is “Okene, Kogi State”, which is not a definite location for contacting the petitioners. Only the telephone number of “the lead petitioner” is provided as against the numbers of all the other representatives of the petitioners. “The Commission wished to reiterate that the recall of a legislator is the prerogative of registered voters in a constituency who sign a petition indicating loss of confidence in the legislator representing them. Once the petition meets the requirements of submission, as contained in our regulations, the Commission shall commence the verification of the signatures in each Polling Unit in an open process restricted to registered voters that signed the petition only. The petitioners and the member whose recall is sought shall be at liberty to nominate agents to observe the verification, while interested observers and the media will also be accredited. At each Polling Unit, signatories to the petition shall be verified using the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS). “Consequently, if the petitioners fully comply with the requirements of Clause 1(f) of the Regulations and Guidelines regarding the submission of their petition, the Commission will announce the next steps in line with the extant laws, regulations and guidelines. In the absence of a definite contact address, the Commission is making efforts to use other means to notify the representatives of the petitioners of the situation,” the statement reads. The Commission reassured the public that it will be guided by the legal framework for recall. The public should therefore discountenance any speculations and insinuations in the social media.

Congo DR Maxi Munanga Shamba joins Rivers Hoopers

Fola Badmus6 months ago6 months ago02 mins

Rivers Hoopers have completed the signing of Congo DR national team captain Maxi Munanga Shamba ahead of season five of the Basketball Africa League (BAL) which tips off on 5 April in Rabat, Morocco. Since the 2017 Afrobasket tournament in Rwanda, Shamba has been a crucial member of the Congolese national team. The 31 year old point guard also featured in the former club competition for men (FIBA Africa Champions Cup) before it transitioned to the BAL, for Lupopo (DR Congo), Zamalek (Egypt) and Association Sportive de Sale (Morocco) in 2009, 2013 and 2017 respectively. Shamba, who currently plays in France, averaged 12.7 points per game, 3 rebounds per game, and 6.7 assists per game at the 2021 Afrobasket. Shamba guided DR Congo to a remarkable 65-55 victory over Morocco during the 2025 Afrobasket Qualifiers in February. In 20 minutes, he managed to score 15 points and hit 4-of-6 shots from beyond the arc. The new Rivers Hoopers signees can be seen below Maxi Munanga Shamba – Point Guard (Congo DR)Kelvin Amayo – Combo Guard (Nigeria/Canada)Madut Akec – Small Forward (South Sudan)Raphiael Putney – Power Forward (USA)Peter Olisemeka – Center (Nigeria)