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Activist-Lawyer, Adesina Ogunlana, Dies After 60th Birthday

Activist-Lawyer, Adesina Ogunlana, Dies After 60th Birthday

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Activist-Lawyer, Adesina Ogunlana, Dies After 60th Birthday
Activist-Lawyer, Adesina Ogunlana, Dies After 60th Birthday

Death cast a sombre shadow on the legal community and the civic space in Nigeria on Wednesday with the devastating news of the demise of one of the most resilient members of the legal profession.

Adesina Ogunlana, popularly known as Serubawon (a colloquial Yoruba word for ‘scare them’ or ‘frighten the oppressors’), has embarked on his final voyage. This time, not to the courtroom to defend helpless, voiceless and oppressed citizens, and not to demonstration grounds to protest anti-people policies by the government; but to the world beyond, to the other side of mortality.

In a similar way to bowing in the courtroom before judges as he argued on behalf of his clients, Ogunlana bowed to death just days after friends and colleagues celebrated his 60th birthday with a lecture late in July.

Known for his pro-people stance on national issues, the radical and outspoken Ogunlana prominently featured in many defining protests in Nigeria. From Occupy Nigeria in January 2012 to the 2020 #EndSARS rallies and the most recent #EndBadGovernance nationwide rallies. He was also the lawyer of #EndSARS petitioners at a panel set up to probe the incident at the Lekki Tollgate in Lagos.

Ogunlana expertly fused activism with his legal practice; he juggled the two constituencies with unparalleled but equal zest. He was a force in the civic space whose vacant seat would be hard to fill.

In a statement, a spokesman for the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Akorede Lawal, expressed sadness over the passing of Ogunlana, who was a former chairman of the Ikeja Branch of the NBA.

Lawal said Ogunlana’s tenure as the Chairman of NBA Ikeja Branch between 2016 and 2018 witnessed “a renaissance of some sort within the Bar, as he actively led the protest against the increase in the Land Use Charge introduced by the Lagos State Government in 2018”.

“In this time, when citizens of this country look up to conscientious members of the legal profession for direction, the passage of Adesina Ogunlana is a monumental loss, as he was an activist in the exact sense of the word.

“Not one to shy away from standing firmly on the side of the people, Mr. Ogunlana actively participated in the Nationwide Hunger Protest in Lagos last week,” the NBA spokesman eulogised.

Ogunlana was “renowned for his active commitment to the rule of law, the effective administration of justice and the protection of human rights”.

Lawal said the NBA and indeed the legal profession would miss Ogunlana and offered deep condolences to the grieving family of the late activist cum lawyer.

Friends and associates of the late legal icon have splattered social media with tears of tribute and the legendary exploits of Ogunlana, whose fighting spirit has challenged many in the civic space.

Source: ChannelsTv

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Tinubu Is Not T-Pain: He Understands Nigerians’ Struggles – Onanuga

Tinubu Is Not T-Pain: He Understands Nigerians’ Struggles – Onanuga

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Tinubu Is Not T-Pain
Tinubu Is Not T-Pain: He Understands Nigerians’ Struggles – Onanuga

Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga has emphasized that President Bola Tinubu is not indifferent to the struggles faced by Nigerians. He stated that Tinubu genuinely feels the pain of Nigerians and is committed to leading the country toward brighter days ahead.

Onanuga made these remarks during an interview on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, addressing the derogatory nickname “T-Pain” that has circulated on social media. He clarified that Tinubu’s intention is not to inflict pain on citizens but to repair the economy and alleviate their struggles.

The spokesman acknowledged that the president is aware of the challenges Nigerians are currently enduring. However, he noted that Tinubu does not engage with social media, and thus is unaware of being labeled as T-Pain. Onanuga stated, “Some people have also responded and called the President a different name. So, as far as I am concerned, it is a non-issue.”

Onanuga continued, “Some people, out of mischief, just say somebody is a T-Pain; he (Tinubu) is not T-Pain.” He stressed that the President remains dedicated to addressing the economic difficulties faced by the populace, ensuring that they receive necessary relief.

Despite the nation grappling with soaring food inflation and a significant rise in energy prices, Onanuga pointed out that Nigeria is experiencing economic growth. He highlighted that revenues have increased even amid rising costs. Many citizens attribute the current hardships to the removal of petrol subsidies and the unification of foreign exchange rates, which have contributed to escalating living expenses.

Nigerians have expressed their dissatisfaction through two major protests, urging the Tinubu administration to reconsider its policies. While citizens have called for a reversal of these reforms, the government has maintained that the changes are essential for the nation’s economic stability.

In summary, Bayo Onanuga’s statements reaffirm that President Bola Tinubu is deeply aware of the pain of Nigerians and is actively working towards improving their situation through economic reforms.

Source: ChannelsTv

Last Updated on October 28, 2024 by news

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Betta Edu is Out: Tinubu’s Cabinet Reshuffle Leaves No Room for Her

Betta Edu is Out: Tinubu’s Cabinet Reshuffle Leaves No Room for Her

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Betta Edu is Out
Betta Edu is Out: Tinubu's Cabinet Reshuffle Leaves No Room for Her

In a significant cabinet reshuffle, President Bola Tinubu has made it clear: Betta Edu is out. This announcement comes directly from presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, who confirmed that there is no longer a place for Edu in the government. Edu, previously the suspended Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, has officially lost her ministerial position.

Onanuga stated during an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, “Betta Edu is gone. She was suspended in January, and this is October.

Her position has been taken over by a Plateau-born appointee.” He emphasized that, from the government’s perspective, Edu has no further role in the cabinet. The spokesman also hinted at the possibility that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) provided information that led to her dismissal.

In Edu’s place, President Tinubu has appointed Nentawe Yilwatda, a lecturer at the Federal University of Agriculture in Makurdi, Benue State. The President has formally requested the Senate’s confirmation of Yilwatda’s appointment, along with six others. This reshuffle reflects a broader effort by Tinubu to revitalize his cabinet and respond to ongoing challenges.

In August 2023, Tinubu appointed a total of 48 ministers shortly after taking office. Among these were Heineken Lokpobiri as Minister of State for Oil and Ekperipe Ekpo as Minister of State for Gas. Notably, he retained the senior petroleum minister role, a practice followed by his predecessor, Muhammadu Buhari.

The recent cabinet changes were partly a response to mounting criticism regarding the ministers’ performance, especially in light of Nigeria’s struggling economy, soaring inflation, and deteriorating security. In the past 15 months, Tinubu faced significant scrutiny, prompting him to act on calls for a cabinet overhaul.

As part of this reshuffle, five ministers were disengaged, ten were reassigned, and seven new appointments were made. The recent developments signal a decisive move by the President to align his administration better with the country’s pressing needs.

In summary, Betta Edu’s exit from Tinubu’s cabinet underscores a commitment to reshaping leadership in response to public demands and the challenges faced by Nigeria today.

Source: ChannelsTv

Last Updated on October 28, 2024 by news

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Serena Williams Undergoes Surgery to Remove Grapefruit-Sized Cyst from Neck

Serena Williams Undergoes Surgery to Remove Grapefruit-Sized Cyst from Neck

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Serena Williams Undergoes Surgery
Serena Williams Undergoes Surgery to Remove Grapefruit-Sized Cyst from Neck

Serena Williams Undergoes Surgery: The iconic tennis champion, recently underwent surgery to remove a grapefruit-sized cyst from her neck. This brachial cyst was first discovered by Williams in May, and an MRI confirmed its presence. Williams, a 23-time Grand Slam singles champion, shared her experience in a TikTok video, revealing her relief and gratitude following the procedure.

Initially, Williams did not remove the cyst. However, as it continued to grow, she decided to take action after undergoing several tests and a biopsy. “I found this big mass on my neck. I was mortified by it,” Williams said in her video. She emphasized that health comes first, stating, “I am still recovering, but getting better.”

In the TikTok update, Williams detailed her journey with the brachial cyst. “I got tests done. Everything you could imagine. Everything was negative,” she explained. It wasn’t until the tests that the diagnosis became clear. “Turns out I had what they call a cyst, a brachial cyst to be exact,” she added.

Serena Williams Undergoes Surgery After realizing the cyst’s size, which was comparable to a grapefruit, Williams opted for surgery. “They had to put a drain in it because it was so much, but everything worked out,” she stated. Following the surgery, she expressed her happiness and appreciation for the skilled medical team that assisted her.

Towards the end of her video, Williams shared a sweet moment with her daughter, Olympia. They had promised a shopping trip after the surgery, a plan she was thrilled to fulfill. “I’m feeling so grateful and fortunate everything worked out and, most of all, I’m healthy,” Williams wrote in the video caption.

Serena Williams, who won her first Grand Slam title at the 1999 US Open and her last at the 2017 Australian Open, has inspired millions throughout her career. With seven Australian Open titles, seven Wimbledon titles, six US Open titles, and three French Open victories under her belt, her legacy in tennis is unparalleled. After retiring following the 2022 US Open, Williams continues to inspire both on and off the court.

As she progresses in her recovery, fans worldwide send their best wishes for her health. Williams’s journey highlights the importance of addressing health concerns promptly, encouraging others to prioritize their well-being.

This latest chapter in her life demonstrates her resilience and strength, both as an athlete and as a mother. Her fans eagerly await her next steps and continued recovery.

Source: ChannelsTv

Last Updated on October 18, 2024 by news

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