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Siemens CEO, Family Perish in Helicopter Crash

Fola Badmus5 months ago5 months ago04 mins

Agustin Escobar, his wife, Merce Camprubi Montal, and their children have been identified as victims in the crash along with the pilot, aged 36, law enforcement sources told ABC News. An executive of Siemens, a European technology company, his wife and young children were aboard the tourist helicopter that plunged into New York City’s Hudson River on Thursday, leaving no survivors. Agustin Escobar, his wife, Merce Camprubi Montal, and their children — ages 4, 8 and 10 — have been identified as victims in the crash along with the pilot, aged 36, law enforcement sources told ABC News. The crash was one day before the 8-year-old’s birthday, New York City Mayor Eric Adams said. The sightseeing tour was also part of a celebration for Montal’s 40th birthday, according to Jersey City Mayor Fulop. “Our hearts go out to the family and those on board,” Adams said at a briefing. In this screen grab from a video, first responders are shown at the scene of a helicopter crash in the Hudson River on April 10, 2025, in New York.WABC Escobar’s title was Global CEO Rail Infrastructure at Siemens Mobility. His wife also worked at the company and was a global commercialization manager for Team Digital with Siemens Energy. Siemens said in a statement, “We are deeply saddened by the tragic helicopter crash in which Agustin Escobar and his family lost their lives. Our heartfelt condolences go out to all their loved ones.” First responders walk along Pier 40, on April 10, 2025, in New York, across from where a helicopter went down in the Hudson River in Jersey City, N.J. The identity of the pilot, who was flying the New York Helicopters chartered chopper, has not yet been released. The family was visiting New York City from Barcelona, Spain, two Spanish officials told ABC News. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said in a post to X that the news was “devastating.” He added, “Five Spaniards from the same family, three of them children, and the pilot have lost their lives. An unimaginable tragedy. I sympathize with the victims’ loved ones at this heartbreaking time.” The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating what led to Thursday’s deadly crash in the Hudson, between Lower Manhattan and Hoboken, New Jersey. The crash occurred at 3:17 p.m., just over 15 minutes into the flight, officials said. The helicopter reached the George Washington Bridge before turning south and crashing, officials said.

FG Reaffirms Commitment to Fair Representation in Appointments

Fola Badmus5 months ago5 months ago02 mins

The Federal Government has refuted claims of lop-sidedness regarding the composition of Federal appointments, just as its emphasizes unwavering commitment to the principles of fairness, equity, and national unity. Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF) in a statement on Friday urged the public to discard the recent insinuations circulating, particularly on social media. “All appointments are made in strict adherence to federal character principle, as enshrined in Section 14 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as Altered). “It is notable to mention that, His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, believes strongly in the unity of Nigeria and is guided by the ideals of fairness and tenets of justice in all appointments. “This Administration is dedicated to ensuring that all regions and demographics of the country are adequately represented in its institutions and agencies. “Inquiries with respect to this matter can be channeled through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation which is the official custodian of such appointments,” the statement read. The OSGF therefore, urged the public to disregard unfounded speculations and rely on official Government sources for accurate information, stressing that the Government remains steadfast in its pursuit of a prosperous, united and equitable Nigeria, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of this Administration. Pokers of embers of hate and disunity who carry tendentious and unfounded allegations should never be taken seriously by Nigerians.

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Internet Fraudster Surrenders Voluntarily to EFCC in Benin

Fola Badmus5 months ago5 months ago02 mins

An internet fraudster on Monday April 8, 2025 surrendered himself to the Acting Zonal Director of the Benin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Assistant Commander of the EFCC, ACEI Effam Okim The 28-year-old fraudster who hails from Oredo Local government area of Edo State explained that he turned himself in because he did not want to continue with the fraudulent practice for fear of being apprehended by Operatives of the Commission. “I reported myself because I wanted to stop and turn a new leaf”, he said. Prior to surrendering, the fraudster was a specialist in romance scam variants of internet fraud. “I tell my victims that I am from China and that I work as a medical doctor in a war- torn country. My victims are foreigners who I deceive into love relationships. I communicate with them in Chinese using a mobile app translator. I profess love for them by telling them how beautiful and attractive they are”, he said.

VDM Donates N20M to Bring Back Trafficked Girls From Ivory Coast

Fola Badmus5 months ago5 months ago02 mins

Online human rights activist, Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM) has donated the sum of N20million to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) to facilitate the return of young Nigerian women trafficked to Ivory Coast back to Nigeria. The Controversial activist, who in company of his lawyer, Barrister Deji Adeyanju were at the NAPTIP office in Abuja on Thursday, made the disclosure of the donation on Friday. According to him, the donation was made to ensure the return of the girls back to the country and to also assist with their rehabiliation. “On behalf of the RATEL MOVEMENT, I donated the sum of 20million Naira to NAPTIP through the (MVOI) to help bring the trafficked children from Ivory Coast back to Nigeria and other victims of trafficking and to also help in their rehabilitation. “Furthermore, we urge the immigration to play their parts in protecting our children especially our girl child by securing the borders, their work should not be stop at printing international passports and seizing bags of rice at the borders in the name of contraband. “Help us, help our children,” he pleaded.

Stop Giving Political Interpretation To Judicial Matters, AGF Tells Nigerians

Fola Badmus5 months ago5 months ago03 mins

Reflecting on the ongoing political tensions in Rivers State, Fagbemi said he deliberately maintained neutrality on the matter, as it is currently undergoing judicial review. He noted the controversy surrounding the appointment of Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas as Administrator of Rivers State, warning against public commentary on cases before the courts. “People should stop interpreting the law based on political partisanship,” he said. “Let’s allow the judiciary to make its pronouncement.” The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, has cautioned against politicizing judicial matters, urging Nigerians to interpret legal issues strictly through the lens of the Constitution. Speaking in Lagos on Thursday at the presentation of “Tribulations and Trophies: Bola Ajibola in His Own Words!”—an autobiography of the late former Attorney-General of the Federation—Fagbemi advised stakeholders to set aside emotions and rely on legal principles for clarity on contentious issues. Fagbemi praised the late Bola Ajibola as a reformer and legal icon of great integrity, saying his legacy in justice reform and institution-building remains impactful. “In the Ministry of Justice, the records are there,” he said. “He did so much in terms of law reforms and in advising the authorities at critical times. Every lawyer should strive to emulate this great man who did so much in Nigeria and beyond.” The book event drew several dignitaries, including former President Olusegun Obasanjo, former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, and former Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola. Bola Ajibola, who served as a Judge of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) at The Hague and founded Crescent University in Abeokuta, passed away on April 8, 2023, at the age of 89. Read Also: https://trendbrio.com/stop-giving-political-interpretation-to-judicial-matters-agf-tells-nigerians/

Sterling Bank Unveils Industry-First Zero Transfer Fee Policy on OneBank App

Fola Badmus5 months ago5 months ago05 mins

LAGOS, NIGERIA – Sterling Bank has made a game-changing move in Nigeria’s banking landscape by eliminating transfer fees on its digital banking platform, OneBank. With this bold step, Sterling becomes the first major Nigerian bank to completely waive charges on customer transactions within its own app. The official announcement was made during a press conference held recently in Lagos, where top executives from the bank—including Maurice Igugu (Chief Marketing Officer), Obinna Ukachukwu (Growth Executive, Consumer and Business Banking Directorate), Uti Ellu (Group Head, Customer Experience Strategy), and Abubakar Suleiman (Managing Director/CEO)—gathered to unveil the groundbreaking initiative. “This is not a gimmick. This is the future—and it starts now,” said Abubakar Suleiman, CEO of Sterling Bank. “For too long, Nigerians have paid fees just to move their own money. We’re saying enough is enough.” Suleiman revealed that the decision is a direct result of the bank’s years-long digital transformation journey. Sterling has developed a robust infrastructure capable of supporting a vast user base, including a custom-built callback system that currently serves over five million customers and processes more than 180 million transactions. In addition, the bank has fully transitioned from a legacy European core banking system to a homegrown, scalable platform, hosted in a private cloud environment that can seamlessly support up to 50 times its existing customer base. “We’ve done the work. Now it’s time to pass those benefits on to the people,” Suleiman added. The Zero Transfer Fee Policy is available exclusively to users of OneBank, Sterling’s flagship digital app. As an added incentive, new customers who sign up before April 30 will receive a free AfriGo debit card and enjoy lifetime access to fee-free transfers. “This is more than a product feature—it’s an economic statement,” Suleiman said. “We’re standing with everyday Nigerians, small business owners, and anyone who’s tired of being nickel-and-dimed by the system.” Obinna Ukachukwu, who leads the Consumer and Business Banking Directorate, emphasized that the new policy is both a thank-you to long-time customers and a welcome mat to those seeking a better banking experience. “We owe this to the customers who believed in us and supported our transformation,” Ukachukwu said. “And for those joining us now, you’re family—so you get the same lifelong benefits.” He also hinted at what’s next for Sterling: new features and financial tools tailored to help both individuals and businesses improve financial wellbeing and drive economic growth. “We’re still covering some of the transaction costs, including fees paid to other banks. But we’re doing it because it’s the right thing to do. If more banks take this step, the entire industry—and the Nigerian people—will be better for it,” Ukachukwu concluded.

Atiku Congratulates First Son, Adamu, at 50

Fola Badmus5 months ago5 months ago03 mins

Former Vice President and Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2023 General Elections, Alhaji Abubakar Atiku, has showered encomiums on his first son, Adamu Atiku on the occasion of his 50th birthday. The Veteran Politician took to Twitter now X on Friday to appreciate the businessman, and Commissioner for Works and Energy Development, Adamawa State. His words: “This day, April 11, has always been a special day for me and my entire family. “The birthday date of every child is registered in the memory of the parents. “And so, when Adamu came to us on this day 50 years ago, every passing year has been a beholding memory. “I cannot pretend to simplify the fact that Adamu Atiku is a son with an aura that is not common – as with many of his siblings. “Having come in what I call the first order of Atiku’s progeny, Adamu was born with a natural mantle of leadership in his hands. “My experience of him growing up was special. Like with all those of my children who came about the same time with him, parenting was meant to be with an iron fist. “However, Adamu, in particular, showed that the iron fist was unnecessary. The mien of his polite character inspired his younger siblings to follow a tradition of modest upbringing that continues to be a defining feature amongst my other children. “Adamu is a blessing to my family, for which I will be eternally grateful to Allah. “I am proud that today, I not only have a worthy son in him, he is also a friend and a confidant in whom I am most pleased with. “It gives me joy to celebrate him today on his 50th birthday anniversary and to wish him the fullness of good tidings in the years that lie ahead by the mercy of Almighty Allah.” Honourable Adamu is said to be committed to the infrastructural development in Adamawa State.

MRA Condemns NBC’s Ban on Eedris Abdulkareem’s Song ‘Tell Your Papa’

Fola Badmus5 months ago5 months ago06 mins

Media Rights Agenda (MRA) has condemned the directive issued by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to radio and television stations across the country not to broadcast the song “Tell Your Papa” by Nigerian rapper Eedris Abdulkareem, describing it a blatant abuse of regulatory power, a violation of constitutional rights, and a dangerous affront to freedom of expression. The NBC issued a directive dated April 9, 2025 through its Coordinating Director of Broadcast Monitoring, Ms Susan Obi, titled “Restriction on broadcasting ‘Tell Your Papa’ by Eedris Abdulkareem” and addressed to all broadcast stations, asking them to refrain from airing the song as its content is deemed inappropriate for broadcast due to its alleged objectionable nature. The Commission claimed that the song “is, therefore, classified as Not To Be Broadcast (NTBB), as it violates Section 3.1.8 of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code.” However, in a statement issued in Lagos by its Programme Officer, Ms Ayomide Eweje, MRA described Section 3.1.8 of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code” as nebulous, observing that the provision merely states that “A programme or musical content classified as ‘Not To Be Broadcast’ (NTBB) shall not be broadcast” without stating any basis for such classification, what kind of content qualifies for not to be broadcast status or under what circumstances a programme or musical content can be classified as NTBB. She described this provision of the Code as a recipe for arbitrariness and the directive as a misuse of regulatory authority and powers, saying that the NBC has completely confused its role as a supposedly independent media regulatory body with that of a propaganda agency charged with shielding the government from criticism or embarrassment. Ms Eweje said: “The NBC’s decision to ban the airing of a socially and politically conscious song without a clear legal basis or due process amounts to censorship. It is a clear attempt to stifle artistic expression and silence dissenting voices, both of which are fundamental elements of a democratic society. Such actions violate Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which guarantees the right to freedom of expression, and undermine Nigeria’s obligations under international human rights instruments, including Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, both of which are binding on Nigeria.” She argued that artists have the right and freedom to use their platforms to critique governance and criticize governments, raise awareness, and reflect public sentiment and that the NBC, as a regulatory body, must act within the bounds of the law and not serve as a tool for suppressing uncomfortable truths or politically charged content that challenges the status quo. Ms Eweje called on the Commission to immediately rescind the ban on “Tell Your Papa” and refrain from arbitrary actions that erode public trust in it; infringe on the constitutional rights of Nigerians “to receive and impart ideas and information without interference”; and shrink the civic space, adding “We also urge all stakeholders in the media and creative sectors, as well as civil society, to resist any attempt to muzzle freedom of expression under the guise of regulation.” She stressed that MRA remained committed to defending the rights of all Nigerians, including, journalists, artists, academics and other citizens, to seek, receive and impart information and ideas of all kinds, without fear of censorship, repression or reprisals.