An Air Force helicopter belonging to the Nigerian Air Force in the early hours of Monday crashed in Tami village, located in the Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

Eyewitness said the incident occurred at approximately 5:00 am, causing significant alarm among residents.

The helicopter said to be on a routine operational flight, experienced technical difficulties that led to the crash. Fortunately, the pilot managed to execute emergency protocols effectively, ensuring his survival.

Eyewitnesses at the scene reported that the pilot emerged from the wreckage largely unscathed.

Residents of Tami village quickly gathered at the crash site, offering assistance where possible and expressing relief that no lives were lost.

“We heard a loud noise and rushed to the scene. We were surprised and relieved to see the pilot alive,” said a local villager who witnessed the crash.

It was gathered that a team of military officers from the Nigerian Air Force swiftly arrived at the scene to secure the area and conduct an initial investigation.

They cordoned off the crash site to prevent unauthorised access and to ensure the safety of the villagers. The officers also began preliminary assessments to determine the cause of the crash, which remains unknown at this time.

As of the time of filling the report the Nigerian Air Force has not released an official statement regarding the incident, but an investigation is expected to be launched to ascertain the factors leading to the crash.

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Ayobami Adedeji Society 2024-07-01

The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, has summoned the Chief Judges of the Federal High Court and the Kano State High Court in response to the recent legal turmoil surrounding the Kano Emirate.

This summons follows the issuance of conflicting interim injunctions by the two courts, which have created significant uncertainty and tension within the state.

The conflicting rulings have intensified the ongoing legal and political disputes over the Kano Emirate, prompting the CJN to intervene to restore order and coherence.

At the heart of the disputes is the status and authority within the Kano Emirate, leading to divergent court orders that have further complicated the situation.In his summons on Wednesday, Justice Ariwoola emphasized the importance of “judicial coordination and the necessity for the judiciary to present a unified front, particularly in cases of substantial public interest.

“The upcoming meeting with the chief judges aims to clarify jurisdictional boundaries and prevent future occurrences of conflicting judicial orders.

“The situation in Kano has garnered national attention, with many stakeholders calling for a swift resolution following the state government’s decision to sack Emir Ado Bayero and reinstate Emir Sanusi Lamido Sanusi II.”

Since the tussle began,there has been heavy presence of security personnel, including policemen, soldiers, and officials of the Department of State Services, among others, at the Gidan Sarki Nasarawa, which is home to the dethroned Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero, so also, at the residence of the current Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi II; the Kano State Government House and some strategic places within the metropolis as part of efforts to beef up security,in the emirate.

Following a new law repealing four emirates earlier created by a former governor, Abdullahi Ganduje, Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano installed Sanusi as the 16th Emir of the state.

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Ayobami Adedeji Society 2024-05-29

Sanusi Lamido Sanusi II,has been reinstated as the Emir of Kano.This decision followed the Kano State House of Assembly’s resolution to dethrone the current Emir and also dismantle the four new Emirates in the State established under a controversial 2019 law.

Though it has not been officially announced,it is on good authority that Sanusi II has been reinstated, and is expected in Kano on Friday.

According to credible inside sources, “So certainly with the passage of the Bill, Sanusi automatically stands reinstated. No need for confirmation, the thing to is wait for the Governor to assent to it.”

The then restructuring of the Kano Emirate is seen as a political manoeuvre to diminish the influence of then Emir Sanusi II, a vocal critic of the former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje administration. The creation of the new emirates fragmented the authority of the old Kano Emirate Council, diluting its power and influence.

Meanwhile, the Majority Leader of the Kano State House of Assembly, Lawan Hussaini Chediyar Yan Gurasa, who sponsored the Amendment Bill, shortly after Thursday’s session, revealed to journalists that, “the bill has been sent to the governor for assent, now there is no longer an active Emir in Kano in all the five Emirates; Kano, Bichi, Gaya, Rano and Karaye. The law now provides the governor to call on the traditional kingmakers to choose a new king.”

Earlier, the Deputy Speaker, Muhammad Butu, explained that repealing the law would revive the lost glory of Kano as the division of Kano emirate to five reduced the capacity and dignity of the state at national level.The Majority Leader, Alhaji Lawan Dala, said that the emirate council served as a custodian of culture which was distorted by the creation of the four additional emirates.

With the amendment of the law, all four new emirate councils were abolished leaving only the Kano Emirate.

The House also adopted a motion to create a new second-class emirate council in the state.If you recall,in May,the House initiated steps to amend the Kano State Emirs (Appointment and Deposition) Law.

The move paved the way for the return of the deposed Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi II.

Former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje had split the Kano emirate into five and dethroned the then Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi II.

Following the victory of the New Nigerian Peoples Party in last year’s election, Kwankwaso had said the government of Abba Kabir Yusuf would review the dethronement and balkanisation of the emirate.

Meanwhile,some operatives of the Department of State Services were seen at the palace of the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, on Thursday, amid growing rumours of the Bayero's imminent deposition and  the return of Sanusi Lamido.

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Ayobami Adedeji Society 2024-05-23

The Nigeria Business and Disability Network (NBDN) is set to hold the second edition of The Nigeria Diversity and Inclusion Conference onWednesday, May 29, 2024.To be hosted by Access Holdings, the conference will serve as a platform foremployers to enhance disability confidence, foster inclusion practices, and promote job readiness for people with disabilities in the workplace. Under the theme ‘Disability Inclusion in Corporate Sustainability,’ the event aims to highlight the economic value of disability inclusion and its significance in achieving sustainable business practices. NBDN, an employer-led initiative, recognises that disability inclusion is not only a matter of social responsibility, but also makes good business sense. By creating a disability-smart business environment, employers can tap into the potential and capabilities of over 30 million Nigerians with disabilities, thereby increasing business revenue, growth, and enhancing brand reputation. The International Labour Organisation (ILO) established the Global Business and Disability Network (GBDN) to champion disability mainstreaming within the framework of workplace diversity and inclusion. NBDN, as the national body of employers in Nigeria championing disability inclusion, is an offshoot of this global network. Incubated by Sightsavers Nigeria and the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management in 2020, NBDN is currently chaired by Access Holdings.
The conference will feature a lineup of esteemed speakers, including Omobolanle Victor-Laniyan, Head, Group Sustainability, Access Holdings PLC; Dr. Joy Shuaibu, Country Director, Sightsavers; Dr. Toyin Aderemi, Senior Global Advisor, Save the Children International; Rotimi Odusola, Corporate Affairs Director, Guinness Nigeria; Godfrey Adejumo, Head of Corporate Affairs and Sustainable Business, Unilever; Tonye Osifo, CSR Manager, Total Energies Nigeria; Dr. James David Lalu, Executive Secretary/CEO, National Disability Commission; Olaitan Olatunde, Sustainability Manager, Standard Chartered, and more.

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Ayobami Adedeji Society 2024-05-29

Ijebuland has once again, been thrown into mourning as the news of the passing of Chief Shakirudeen Olanrewaju Kassim,the chairman of Shokas Textile Industries, the Bobagunwa of Ijebuland,a renowned philanthropist and veteran socialite filtered out.According to a statement released by Bolaji Odusanya,the chairman of Ijebu North Local government, 'On behalf of the good people of Ijebu North Local Government,i sincerely sympathise with the Kassim family,following the news of the death of High Chief Sakiru Olanrewaju Kassim aka SHOKAS.

Aare Bobagunwa of Ijebuland is a foremost indigenous industralist,philantropist,religious and community leader.He was a notable socialite and worthy son of Ijebu igbo.He will be sorely missed"

In 1978,Alhaji Kassim founded Shokas Lace industry along with his bossom friend Alhaji M O Shote,who died in 2001.He told Tribune Newspaper,about the now moribound company,years back,

"One day, I was planning to travel to Austria as usual and a friend of mine, Alhaji Shote, whom we are in the same business came to me and said he wanted to follow me to Austria and I took him along. On getting to Austria, my partners welcomed us very well, but at night I was invited alone for a meeting. They told me their plans that they wanted to come and establish a textile company in Nigeria and they wanted me to be their partner. In the long run, we agreed on 50/50 per cent share of the company, since I believed was a good business. That was how I took the textile industry (Sokas Textile Industries) to Ijebu-Igbo in Ogun State. And since then, aside from textile business, I never gambled into any other businesses because of the risk associated with running many businesses at a time'.

He was a notable socialite,who bestrode the Nigerian social scene,in the 80's,that King Sunny Ade,had to wax an album,in his honour,singing his praise as the owner of SHOKAS Industry and how he  lives in opulence at his sprawling Bobagunwa Castle,Ijebu Igbo.Alhaji Shakirudeen Olanrewaju Kassim,was born in June,1936,he would have been 88years in June,2024

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Ayobami Adedeji Society 2024-05-17

The Federal Government has declared Monday, June 17 and Tuesday, June 18, 2024, public holidays to mark this year’s Eid-el-Kabir festival.

In a statement on Friday signed by the Ministry of Interior’s Permanent Secretary, Dr Aishetu Ndayako, quoted the minister, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, as congratulating all Muslim Ummah both at home and in the Diaspora on the occasion.

Tunji-Ojo called on the Muslim Ummah to continue to imbibe the spirit of peace, kindness and sacrifice, as exemplified by Prophet Ibrahim (Peace be upon Him) and to also use the period to pray for unity, prosperity and the stability of the country.

The statement added, “The minister reiterated that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration was committed to safeguarding the lives and property of all Nigerians.

“He further enjoined all Muslim faithful and Nigerians in general to support, cooperate and join hands with the president in his sustained efforts to diversify the economy and progressively accelerate the pace of the nation’s economic recovery.

“While wishing the Muslim Ummah a happy Eid-el-Kabir celebration, the Minister advised all Nigerians to take responsibility in the resolve to hand over a prosperous Nigeria to the nation’s children.”

 If you recall, the Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar, declared Sunday, June 16, as Eid-el-Kabir day after affirming that Friday is the first day of Dhul Hijjah.

Sultan disclosed this in a statement on Friday by the Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs to the Sultanate Council, Sambo Junaid, in Sokoto State.

“His Eminence, the Sultan felicitates with Nigeria’s Muslim Ummah and wishes them Allah’s guidance and blessings.

“The Sultan, while urging the Muslim Ummah to continue to pray for peace, progress and development of the country, also wishes all Muslims a Happy Eid-El-Kabir. May Allah (SWT) accept our religious deeds, amen,” the Sultanate council said in the statement.

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Ayobami Adedeji Society 2024-06-14

The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, has disclosed that the rise in the price of tomatoes is a result of an infestation known as Tomato Ebola, which reduced its availability.

Kyari stated this in a post on X.com on Monday while responding to a user who asked that something be done as “the cost of tomatoes is out of control; it’s like they are charging us per seed.”

In his post, the minister wrote, “A significant number of our tomato farms have been affected by a severe infestation known as Tomato Ebola or Tomato Leaf Miner. This has drastically reduced the availability of tomatoes and contributed to rising costs.”

Kyari added that the ministry has outlined plans to combat the issue, which include deploying agricultural experts to affected areas to control and eliminate the infestation and supporting farmers with resources and guidance to recover their crops quickly.

“We understand the impact this has on your daily lives and are working tirelessly to resolve the situation and restore the supply of affordable tomatoes. Thank you for your patience and understanding during this challenging time, he added.”

It is no more news, that,in May, the prices of basic food commodities such as rice, beans, maize, plantains, and tomatoes surged by 25.34 per cent to 40.01 percent as of March 2024.

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Ayobami Adedeji Society 2024-05-28

Hon Shina Peller, a well-known philanthropist and politician,obviously has a milk of kindness flowing in him.Instead of rolling out the drums for a gaudy celebration on his 48th birthday,he decided to celebrate with a special group of individuals, the students of the Pacelli School For The Blind & Partially Sighted Children.

For a decade now, Peller has made it a tradition to spend his birthday with the students of this school, bringing joy and inspiration to these young individuals who face unique challenges in their daily lives.

As Hon Peller arrived the premises of the school, he was greeted with cheers and smiles from the students who were excited to spend time with him. The atmosphere was filled with excitement and anticipation as Peller prepared to deliver a speech that would touch the hearts of all those present.

In his address to the students, Peller spoke passionately about the importance of perseverance, determination, and resilience in the face of adversity. He shared personal anecdotes and stories of overcoming obstacles, encouraging the students to never give up on their dreams and always believe in themselves.

Peller’s words resonated deeply with the young audience, inspiring them to strive for excellence and reach for the stars despite their challenges.

One of the key messages that Hon Shina Peller emphasized in his speech was the idea of empowerment. He stressed the importance of education, skill development, and self-confidence in empowering individuals to create a better future for themselves and their communities.

Also, he encouraged the students to work hard, stay focused, and never lose sight of their goals, reminding them that they have the power to achieve anything they set their minds to.

As Peller interacted with the students, he took the time to listen to their stories, dreams, and aspirations. He offered words of encouragement, support, and guidance, instilling in them a sense of hope and belief in their own abilities.

The students were deeply moved by Peller’s genuine interest and care for their well-being, feeling motivated and inspired to pursue their goals with renewed determination.

In addition to delivering an inspiring speech, the event also served as an avenue for the students to exhibit their various artistic talents and brilliance despite having challenges with their sight. From musical performances to dance routines, the atmosphere was filled with laughter, joy, and positivity as Peller and the students celebrated his birthday together.

The children’s faces lit up with excitement and happiness, creating memories that would last a lifetime. As the day came to a close, Peller thanked the students, teachers, and staff of the school for welcoming him with open arms and making his birthday celebration truly special. He expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to spend time with such amazing individuals and pledged to continue supporting and advocating for the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities.

According to the statement, “It is an absolute honor to be here with you again today on this special occasion of my 48th birthday celebration.

“I am filled with joy and gratitude to witness the warmth and love that fills this gathering as we celebrate my birthday together.

“For nearly a decade now, I have made it a tradition to mark my birthday with these wonderful and remarkable students.

“As I always say every year, you, students of Pacelli School, are the reasons we gather here to celebrate; you are the true stars of today’s celebration. Please note that your resilience, courage, and determination always serve as a beacon of light to most of us.

“In your smiles, in your laughter, and in the twinkle of your eyes, we find hope, strength, and boundless potential. Each one of you is a testament to the power of perseverance and the beauty of diversity. So, you must continue to put smiles on our faces by reaching for the Sky notwithstanding any challenge that life may throw up at any point in time.

“No matter how tough the challenge may seem, never give up on your dreams. You must always believe in yourself that you can achieve greatness in life.

“Truly, you are faced with sight challenge, but you can see through your minds, strive for excellence and reach for the stars despite your challenges. Eyes are just for the sight, minds for vison.

“Never lose sight of your goals, as you have the power to achieve anything you set your minds to.

“Once again, I’m happy to have you celebrate with me again this year, and I pray that God grant you the required strength, wisdom and knowledge for you to excel in life beyond human imagination. Amen!”

In conclusion, Hon Peller’s speech at the Pacelli School For The Blind & Partially Sighted Children was a heartwarming and inspiring tribute to the resilience, strength, and potential of the students. His words of wisdom, encouragement, and empowerment touched the hearts of all those present, leaving a lasting impact on the young minds he interacted with.

Peller’s dedication to giving back to the community and spreading love and positivity serves as a shining example for others to follow, inspiring hope, joy, and compassion in the world.

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Ayobami Adedeji Society 2024-05-16

Members of the organised labour, on Friday, declared a nationwide indefinite strike over the Federal Government’s refusal to raise the proposed minimum wage from N60,000.

The President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Joe Ajaero, disclosed this at a press conference in the Labour House, Abuja.

Ajaero said the strike would begin by midnight on Sunday, June 2, 2024.

The NLC leader who read from a jointly prepared speech alongside his Trade Union Congress counterpart, Festus Osifo expressed what it described as, “grave concern and disappointment” over the Federal Government’s failure to conclude and pass into Law a new National Minimum Wage Act and reverse the hike in electricity tariff to N65/kWh.

Ajaero noted that the Friday meeting between the government and Labour further demonstrated the unseriousness and apparent contempt with which the Nigerian state holds the demands of Nigerian workers and people.

“No Governor was present and Ministers absent except the Minister of State for Labour and Employment who doubles as a conciliator. There was none present on the side of the government with the appropriate authority to commit them to any outcome; in essence, the Government abandoned the meeting. We consider this disdainful and shows a lack of commitment to a successful National Minimum Wage negotiation exercise.”

Ajaero noted that during the last May Day celebration on the 1st of May 2024, organised Labour issued an ultimatum to the Federal Government, demanding the conclusion of the minimum wage negotiation exercise by the end of the month.

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Ayobami Adedeji Society 2024-05-31

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has conferred the second highest national honour of the Grand Commander of the Order of Niger (GCON) on the Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebu Land,Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetoan on his 90th birthday celebration.

The President, who was represented by the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, made the announcement during the commissioning of the Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona School of Governance Studies and the presentation of a book titled “Reinventing Governance in Nigeria: The Oba (Dr.) Sikiru Kayode Adetona Model” held at the Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State.

Tinubu said the royal father, who also celebrated his 66th year on the throne, deserved the honour, based on his contribution to nation-building and meritorious service to humanity.

Tinubu noted that the numerous contributions of Oba Adetona to national development, particularly in the education sector, have expanded the sector to optimal delivery through various donations and endowments.

He described the monarch as forthright with exceptional character who stood his ground and confronted injustice in all its ramifications, commending him for his role in ensuring the return of democratic governance in Nigeria.

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Ayobami Adedeji Society 2024-05-10