Ukraine drone hits Russian highrise 1,000km from frontline
Kyiv on Saturday staged a major drone attack on the Russian city of Kazan, 1,000 kilometres (620 miles) from the frontier, the latest in a series of escalating aerial attacks in the nearly three-year conflict. A drone smashed into a high-rise apartment building in the city of more than 1.3 million, damaging a skyscraper but leaving no victims, local officials said. Though attacks so far into Russian territory are rare, Kazan and the surrounding oil-rich region of Tatarstan have previously been targeted by Ukrainian drones. Such strikes are seen as embarrassing for Russia, almost three years into its military offensive on Ukraine.“Today Kazan suffered a massive drone attack,” Rustam Minnikhanov, the head of Tatarstan, said in a post on Telegram. “While before industrial enterprises were attacked, now the enemy attacks civilians in the morning,” he added. Videos on Russian social media networks showed drones hitting a high-rise building and setting off fireballs. Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said two drones hit a 37-storey apartment block. She said Ukraine had been targeting an unspecified industrial facility, but that it suffered no damage. Strikes will ‘continue’ Ukraine has escalated its attacks on targets inside Russia over the last few months — particularly after Washington last month gave Kyiv permission to use missiles to strike military targets in Russian areas close to the two countries’ shared border. While not specifically mentioning the strike on Kazan, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Saturday: “We will definitely continue to strike at Russian military targets with drones and missiles.” Russian civil aviation authority Rosaviatsia temporarily closed Kazan international airport, one of the country’s busiest, amid the threat posed by Ukrainian drones. Some residents were evacuated, but authorities did not provide figures, and all major public events in the area were cancelled as a precaution. Alongside the drones that hit the apartment block, three drones were shot down and three were suppressed by air defence systems, Zakharova said. In a post on Telegram, she said Kyiv was taking out its “anger for tangible military defeats on the peaceful population of Russia.” Russia’s defence ministry said Saturday that the army had captured a new village near the key city of Kurakhove in eastern Ukraine where Russian forces have made major advances in recent months. The attack on Kazan comes a day after Russian strikes on the Ukrainian capital Kyiv killed one and wounded 13, and after five were killed by a Ukrainian attack on the Russian border region of Kursk, where its troops have been staging an offensive since August. A Russian strike on the southern Kherson region hit an oncology hospital on Saturday, Zelensky said. There were no casualties as staff and patients were sheltering. Moscow claimed in 2022 to have annexed the Kherson region, part of which is under the control of the Russian army.
Court orders Adele song removal from streaming platforms
A Brazilian court has ruled that Adele’s song “Million Years Ago” must be taken down from all radio stations and streaming platforms worldwide. This decision comes after accusations of copyright infringement by Brazilian composer Toninho Geraes. The legal battle started when Geraes alleged that Adele’s 2015 hit closely resembled his 1996 song, “Mulheres,” famously performed by Martinho da Vila, a celebrated Brazilian artist. According to Geraes, Adele’s song borrowed key elements of his original composition, leading him to file a lawsuit seeking justice. Court’s verdict Judge Victor Torres presided over the case and ruled in favor of Geraes. The court ordered the removal of Adele’s song from all platforms until the matter is fully resolved. The ruling marks a significant development in the ongoing fight against intellectual property violations in the global music industry. Geraes is not just seeking recognition for his work but also financial compensation. He has demanded $160,000 for moral damages, a sum he believes reflects the emotional and professional toll of the alleged plagiarism. Furthermore, he is pushing for a songwriting credit on “Million Years Ago,” which would acknowledge his creative contribution and ensure future royalties. Key details of the case In his complaint, Geraes detailed the similarities between the two songs. He pointed out that both pieces share a similar melody and chord progression. These overlapping elements, he argued, are not coincidental but instead a direct copy of his earlier work. Adele, one of the world’s most successful artists, has not publicly responded to the accusations. Her representatives, including those from Sony Music and Universal Music, have also remained silent on the matter. Financial penalties The court’s ruling did not stop at ordering the song’s removal. Judge Torres issued a stern warning to Sony and Universal’s Brazilian subsidiaries. He imposed a fine of $8,000 for every instance of non-compliance with the court order. This penalty serves as a strong message about the consequences of disregarding copyright laws. Geraes and his legal team expressed satisfaction with the decision, seeing it as a step toward protecting the rights of composers and musicians. They emphasized that the case is not just about financial compensation but also about preserving artistic integrity. A Broader impact This case sheds light on a growing issue in the music industry—allegations of copyright infringement involving global superstars and lesser-known artists. Geraes, a respected figure in Brazilian music, hopes his actions will inspire others to defend their creative works. The music industry has seen a rise in similar disputes in recent years. In some cases, courts have sided with smaller artists, while in others, they have ruled in favor of the more prominent names. These lawsuits highlight the challenges of drawing a clear line between inspiration and infringement. Global repercussions The decision to remove Adele’s song globally underscores the far-reaching impact of copyright disputes. If the ruling is enforced, it could affect millions of listeners and disrupt Adele’s extensive fan base. The case may also serve as a precedent for future legal battles in the music world. Looking ahead While the ruling is a victory for Geraes, the legal journey is far from over. Adele’s representatives may choose to appeal the decision, potentially prolonging the dispute. If they do, the case could escalate to higher courts, bringing even more attention to the issue. For now, the spotlight remains on the importance of respecting intellectual property rights. Artists and composers, regardless of their fame, deserve recognition and credit for their creations. This case serves as a reminder that even the most celebrated musicians are not above the law. As the music industry evolves, these disputes highlight the need for clearer guidelines on copyright. Collaboration, transparency, and respect for creativity are essential to fostering an environment where artists can thrive. With millions of fans worldwide, Adele’s music has brought joy to countless listeners. However, this case shows that even the most beloved songs can face scrutiny. The resolution of this dispute will likely set a precedent for how copyright claims are handled in the future. For now, the music world watches closely as the case unfolds, eager to see how justice will balance the scales between inspiration and originality. Read Also: AMMA 2024: Full List of Best Film and Leading Role Nominees Released
Biden signs funding bill, avoids government shutdown
President Joe Biden signed a critical funding bill on Saturday, narrowly averting a government shutdown that threatened to disrupt operations during the holiday season. The deal was finalized after tense, last-minute negotiations in Congress, which extended into the early hours of Saturday morning. The eleventh-hour legislative efforts were sparked by unexpected political maneuvering. Former President Donald Trump, along with influential billionaire Elon Musk, had pressured Republican lawmakers to abandon an earlier bipartisan compromise on government funding. Their intervention led to days of impasse, with federal services and workers caught in the crossfire. Facing a Friday midnight deadline, lawmakers scrambled to find common ground. As the clock struck midnight, the Senate expedited procedural rules to push the revised funding package to a vote, ultimately securing funding for the government until mid-March. In a statement issued after signing the bill, President Biden highlighted the necessity of compromise. “This agreement represents a middle ground—neither side got everything it wanted. However, it firmly rejects the accelerated pathway to a tax cut for billionaires that some Republicans pursued,” he said. The funding package had already cleared the House of Representatives earlier on Friday, with Democratic support proving crucial in helping the Republican majority overcome internal divisions. With the Senate under Democratic control, there was little doubt that the measure would pass, though the legislative process faced delays due to lingering disagreements. The prolonged debate raised concerns about a potential shutdown spilling into the following week. The specter of halting government services during the Christmas period added pressure on both parties to reach an agreement. Essential programs, federal worker salaries, and broader economic stability hung in the balance. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer praised the eventual resolution, calling it a win for bipartisanship and responsible governance. “Americans deserve a government that works for them, especially during the holidays. This funding ensures continuity of services and reflects our commitment to the people,” Schumer said. While the funding bill averts immediate crisis, it sets the stage for renewed debates in mid-March when the temporary measure expires. Key points of contention, such as tax cuts and spending priorities, are likely to resurface, with both parties gearing up for broader fiscal battles in the months ahead. The unusual political intervention by Trump and Musk raised eyebrows in Washington. Critics accused the duo of using their influence to derail necessary governance for personal or ideological gain. “This was a stark reminder of how external forces can disrupt the legislative process,” a senior Democratic aide remarked. For now, however, federal workers and agencies can breathe a sigh of relief as the holiday season proceeds without interruption. Biden’s signature ensures that essential services remain operational, providing stability for millions of Americans during a critical time of year. As the nation moves forward, the events surrounding the funding bill underscore the challenges of governing in a deeply divided political landscape. The deal serves as a reminder that, despite ideological differences, compromise remains a cornerstone of effective leadership.
Support pours in for Naomi after tragedy
Former Ife queen, Naomi Silekunola, faces a tragic incident as a stampede at her Ibadan charity event claimed lives, leaving many grieving and seeking answers. Currently in police custody, Naomi faces an outpouring of public support from friends, fans, and well-wishers alike. Social media shows unwavering support Social media platforms are flooded with messages of encouragement for her during this challenging time. Many people have called on her to remain strong, offering prayers and heartfelt words of sympathy. Celebrity stylist Luminee took to Instagram with a touching post. She expressed sorrow over the tragedy and sent her prayers for Naomi’s courage and resilience. Luminee’s post read: “Faith. Prayer. Hope! Be strong and courageous… the LORD is with you. He will never forsake you, my QUEEN NAOMI SILEKUNOLA. My heart goes out to you in this sorrowful time. My prayer is with you always. God bless you in this difficult time. My sincere condolences to everyone afflicted by this tragedy.” She also referenced Bible verses, including Isaiah 58:11, Isaiah 41:13, and Romans 8:31, to provide spiritual comfort to Naomi and her followers. Messages of empathy Other fans echoed similar sentiments, sharing words of empathy and hope. A user with the handle @ayinke_olaa wrote, “I can imagine how traumatizing this moment will be for her.” Another user, @bogundipe, added, “God sees her heart. The Lord Almighty will see her through. It is well.” User @mayor1602 shared, “God will come through for her in Jesus’ name.” These heartfelt comments underline the deep respect and affection many have for Naomi, despite the unfortunate circumstances. Support from the Ooni of Ife Naomi’s former husband, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has also extended his support. In a statement, he praised Naomi’s character and offered his condolences to the families who lost loved ones in the incident. The Ooni’s words reflect the unity and shared sorrow within the community. His support for Naomi emphasizes the gravity of the tragedy and the importance of compassion in difficult times. A nation reflects The tragedy has left many reflecting on the need for improved safety measures at public events. While the exact details of the stampede remain unclear, the incident serves as a sobering reminder of the responsibilities involved in organizing large gatherings. Naomi Silekunola, known for her philanthropic efforts and dedication to charitable causes, now faces not just legal scrutiny but also the emotional weight of this tragedy. Her supporters argue that her intentions were pure, emphasizing her history of selfless service to others. A Queen’s grace under pressure Despite the sorrow and uncertainty, Naomi has maintained a dignified silence. Her grace under pressure has further endeared her to her admirers. They believe her faith and resilience will help her navigate this challenging chapter. Moving forward The community’s focus now turns to healing and accountability. As investigations into the incident continue, many hope for clarity and justice. In the meantime, Naomi’s supporters remain steadfast, offering prayers and words of encouragement. This tragedy underscores the importance of unity in times of crisis. For Naomi Silekunola, the road ahead may be daunting, but the unwavering support from her community could provide the strength she needs to move forward. While the pain of the lives lost cannot be undone, the collective empathy and solidarity seen in the aftermath serve as a testament to humanity’s capacity for kindness in the face of sorrow. Read Also: Ibadan Funfair:Detained Ooni’s ex-wife hospitalised
NEMA urges effective crowd control to prevent tragic stampedes
The Director-General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Zubaida Umar, has called for enhanced crowd management strategies during the distribution of palliatives to avert stampedes and the resulting tragic loss of lives. Umar’s plea follows a series of heartbreaking incidents that unfolded within four days in Ibadan (Oyo State), Okija (Anambra State), and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. These events left several people dead and many others injured, casting a shadow over well-meaning initiatives meant to support vulnerable populations. In a statement issued on Saturday, Umar expressed her deep concern about how poor planning and inadequate crowd control measures can transform acts of goodwill into sources of sorrow. She noted that these preventable tragedies undermine the very essence of charitable efforts, which aim to alleviate suffering and uplift communities. “While we sympathize with the families of the deceased and those who sustained injuries in these unfortunate incidents, it is imperative that organizers of similar events take proactive measures to ensure public safety,” Umar stated. She emphasized the need for employing professionals and collaborating with security agencies to effectively manage large crowds during palliative distribution and other high-turnout activities. The recent incidents underscore the urgent need for preventive measures. In Ibadan, Oyo State, a stampede during a Christmas funfair resulted in multiple deaths and injuries, sending shockwaves across the nation. Similar tragedies were recorded in Okija, where the chaotic distribution of relief items led to casualties, and in Abuja, where poorly controlled crowds at a charity event caused injuries and loss of life. Umar stressed that these tragic outcomes were avoidable and urged organizers of charitable events to prioritize safety planning. “Proper crowd management is not an optional consideration; it is a critical component of any event involving large gatherings, especially those aimed at distributing resources to vulnerable populations,” she said. She further called on stakeholders, including government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and private entities involved in humanitarian efforts, to adopt a more structured approach. This includes the deployment of crowd control experts, strategic venue selection, clear communication of guidelines, and the presence of security personnel to manage and direct attendees. The NEMA Director-General also emphasized the importance of educating the public about the risks of overcrowding and the need for orderly conduct during such events. “Community leaders and organizers must work together to raise awareness about safety protocols, ensuring that people understand the importance of maintaining order to protect themselves and others,” she added. The call for better crowd control aligns with broader efforts to improve disaster management and public safety in Nigeria. As the nation continues to grapple with economic challenges and rising demands for social support, ensuring the safety of citizens during palliative distributions and similar gatherings is paramount. Umar concluded by reiterating NEMA’s commitment to providing technical support and guidance to organizers of large-scale events. “Our goal is to prevent future occurrences of such tragedies and uphold the integrity of humanitarian efforts,” she said, urging all stakeholders to prioritize the safety and dignity of those they aim to serve. The recent spate of stampedes serves as a sobering reminder that acts of kindness must be paired with meticulous planning and robust safety measures to truly benefit those in need.
Three Nigerians make top 50 Richest Black People in US
Forbes has released the list of top 50 richest black people in the United States. These are the three Nigerians on The list of the most powerful, impactful and wealthiest Black Americans for 2024. Adebayo Ogunlesi A native of Nigeria and now a U.S. citizen, Ogunlesi is a cofounder of New York-based private equity firm Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP). In October, GIP was acquired by BlackRock for $12.5 billion in cash and shares, with Ogunlesi remaining chairman and CEO of GIP. Today, Forbes estimates Ogunlesi, who earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Oxford, a Juris Doctor from Harvard Law School, and an MBA from Harvard Business School, has a net worth of $1.7 billion. After clerking for Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall in the early 1980s, Ogunlesi worked as an attorney at the New York law firm Cravath, Swaine & Moore. Prior to cofounding GIP in 2006, Ogunlesi spent more than 20 years as an investment banker at Credit Suisse. Tope Awotona Awotona is the founder and CEO of the scheduling software startup Calendly, which private investors valued at $3 billion in 2021. Born in Lagos, Nigeria, Awotona moved to Atlanta when he was 15, and studied computer science at the University of Georgia before switching majors to business and management information. After working as a salesman for several tech firms and launching a few failed startups, Awotona cashed in his 401(k) in 2013 to found Calendly because he was frustrated with the number of emails it required to schedule meetings. After bootstrapping the company for several years, in 2021 Awotona raised $350 million to further scale Calendly. Today, he is worth an estimated $1.4 billion. Wemimo Abbey Abbey is cofounder and co-CEO of Esusu, a New York fintech startup that helps renters build their credit histories and scores by reporting rent payments to credit bureaus. More than 20,000 properties currently offer Esusu’s service and some 1.8 million Americans have used Esusu to record a rent payment. The startup also recently launched a direct-to-consumer product, MyEsusu, through which consumers can build credit and monitor their credit scores. In early 2022, Esusu raised $130 million in funding at a $1 billion valuation. Before founding Esusu, Abbey, who grew up in Lagos, Nigeria, worked as a mergers and acquisitions consultant at PWC and cofounded a non-profit and a data analytics startup.
German Christmas market attack death toll rises to four
Doctor, 50, held after car smashed through crowd is ‘an ex-Muslim who fled Saudi Arabia in 2006’ The death toll of a deadly Christmas market massacre carried out by an anti-Islam doctor who arrived in Germany in 2006 as a refugee from Saudi Arabia has now risen to four, according to local reports. An adult and a toddler are among those killed after an anti-Islam doctor rammed into a massive crowd of shoppers at a Christmas market in Magdeburg at around 7pm on December 20 with a dark BMW. The initial death toll from the horrific attack on Friday evening had stood at two, although police are now reporting there have been four deaths, according to German newspaper, Bild. It added that 86 people are receiving hospital treatment for serious injuries, while another 78 sustained minor injuries. Police were not immediately available to comment on casualties. MailOnline can reveal that al-Abdulmohsen, a specialist in psychiatry and psychotherapy from the Saudi Arabian city of Hofuf, moved to Germany in 2006 and lives in Bernburg. He has been recognised as a refugee since 2016. Previous media reports suggest he had worked to help ex-Muslims, particularly women, to flee Saudi Arabia after turning their backs on the religion. Analysis of his social media reveals tweets in support of Germany’s anti-immigration party AfD, while he has also made comments supporting Elon Musk, far-right thug Tommy Robinson and conspiracy theorist Alex Jones. Bild reported that the car was driven ‘at least 400m (1,300ft) across the Christmas market’, per a police spokesperson The account’s bio reads: ‘Saudi Military Opposition. Germany chases female Saudi asylum seekers, inside and outside Germany, to destroy their lives. Germany wants to islamize Europe.’ Posts include retweets of graphic videos, including one of a young Muslim woman purportedly being stoned to death ‘because she had an affair with a young man outside of marriage.’ Another was a retweet of a post that simply read: ‘Can you find one positive thing about Islam?’ In videos posted hours before the attack, he claimed that German authorities were opening his mail and stealing items including a USB stick. ‘I consider the Germans, as citizens, responsible for the persecution I am facing’ he said in one video. ‘Currently in this country, the nation that is actively criminally chasing Islam critics is the German nation’, he said in another. He also appears to be a fan of AfD. In June, he retweeted party leader Alice Weidel, writing with typos: ‘The left are crazy. We need the AfD to protect the police from them.’ He also retweeted the right-wing extremist AfD activist Naomi Seibt with the following quote: ‘Tyranny is based on the docility of cowards. I choose to be brave.’ He was arrested following the crash which took place at 7:04pm in the city of Magdeburg, according to unidentified government officials in the state of Saxony-Anhalt, who spoke to the dpa news agency. A search of his name and details of his work revealed he was interviewed by the Frankfurter Rundschau, a regional newspaper, in 2019. The car that was crashed into a crowd of people at the Magdeburg Christmas market is seen on Saturday morning following the attack in Magdeburg, Germany ‘He came to Germany as a visiting doctor during his specialist training as a psychotherapist and later applied for asylum here because he had been threatened with death for turning away from Islam. The 44-year-old is recognized as a political refugee’, the newspaper wrote of him five years ago. In the Frankfurter Rundschau interview, he described his work with the wearesaudis.net website, a group dedicated to providing information on ‘escape routes’ for people living in Saudi Arabia, particularly women. The mangled BMW after the crash He said in the 2019 interview: ‘Nine out of ten people from Saudi Arabia who ask me about the asylum system are women. ‘Other asylum activists report similar figures. This may be because for Saudi Arabian women, asylum is the only path to justice. Even if a woman is not oppressed, her fate depends on her male guardian. ‘There are women who say that they have good husbands who do not oppress them, but they wonder what will happen if the man dies. ‘If the new man beats her, she will not get any help. A woman is only protected if she has powerful men in her family.’ Just five days before carrying out the attack, Al-Abdulmohsen gave an interview with the right-wing RAIR Foundation in which he said: ‘If a Syrian citizen applies for asylum in Germany, the chance to be granted asylum is 99.8%… While if a Saudi citizen applies for asylum in Germany, that chance is only 70%, and I know personally that many of those rejected are ex-Muslims.
UNFPA, agency donates family planning kits to Rivers
To reduce maternal and infant mortality, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), and a health organisation, DKT International, have donated family planning kits to the Rivers State Ministry of Health The State Ministry of Health disclosed yesterday through the X Page, and noted that the handover of kits took place yesterday. Commissioner for Health, Dr. Adaeze Oreh, said this initiative aligns with Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s vision and commitment to delivering a quality healthcare system that ensures equity, resilience, and accessibility for all. Oreh commended the health bodies for their efforts in sustaining and reproductive health, She further noted, “It underscores our determination to ensure that every individual in Rivers State has access to the resources and services needed to lead healthier, more fulfilling lives.”She also highlighted the importance and function of the family health kits on users, stressing that it aims to strengthen and support healthier pregnancies among other health benefits.
NGO pays N10m fine to free 27 Kogi inmates
The Victory Idewele Foundation, a non-governmental organisation (NGO) has paid a N10 million fine to free 27 inmates in Kogi State. The Chief Judge of Kogi, Justice Josiah Majebi, announced the gesture on Saturday during a visit to the state’s correctional centres. The foundation also plans to train the freed inmates for three months in Abuja to help them acquire skills and become self-reliant. The initiative benefited inmates from various centres, including Koton-Karfe, Kabba, and Ankpa. The Chief Judge praised the foundation’s efforts to help reintegrate the inmates into society. Justice Majebi said, “Aside from the payment of fines and compensations made by the foundation, the NGO has also decided to train the freed inmates for three months in Abuja to enable them to acquire skills and become self-reliant in society.” According to him, at the Koton-Karfe Maximum Security Correctional Centre, two inmates, Mustapha Idris, who was fined N50,000, regained his freedom, while Kehinde Amaka, sentenced to one-year imprisonment with a fine of N300,000, benefited from the gesture of the foundation but has to remain in custody until January 15, 2025, to complete his jail term. Also, at the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Kabba, the Chief Judge released 20 inmates, while 5 inmates were released in Ankpa. The Chief Judge, who stated that the essence of the visit was to ensure that no inmate was being detained unjustly, cautioned the magistrates against being used as agents of oppression. He lamented the way and manner in which some prosecutors delay cases unnecessarily, causing awaiting trial inmates to stay long periods in custody. Majebi, who was full of praises to the founder and chairman of the foundation, Mr Innocent Idelewe, for choosing Kogi state for the gesture said the support would go a long way to change the freed inmates positively. “This visit is special and unique because, in the history of the state, this type of additional event during correctional centre visits has never happened before. “Prior to our preparation for this visit, the chairman of the House Committee on Judiciary, Hon. Halidu Adejo, introduced Mr. Innocent Idewele to me, stating that he wanted to pay the fines and compensations of inmates so they could regain their freedom. “I discussed with officers in charge of the correctional centres in Ankpa, Dekina, Idah, Koton-Karfe, Kabba, and Okene, and the inmates in the category amounted to ten million naira, which the foundation paid to the Kogi State government,” he said. The Chief Judge commended the efforts of the chairman of Idah Local Government for the concern shown toward the custodial centre in the town and urged other local government chairmen to do the same in the interest of the state. In his remarks, the founder of the foundation, Innocent Idewele, said the NGO is focused on changing human lives, especially those of the less privileged in society, noting that every need of the citizens should not be left for the government to tackle.
Oyebanji presents N21m donation to PWDs
Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, marked his 57th birthday today by donating N21 million and food items to special schools and centres catering to people with disabilities (PWDs) in the state. According to a statement on the Facebook page of the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, ₦5 million each was gifted to three special schools and a rehabilitation centre, while a therapy centre for children with disabilities received ₦1 million. The beneficiaries included the Special School for the Deaf, Ikoro Ekiti; the Government Special School for the Blind, Ikere Ekiti; the Government Special School for the Mentally Challenged, Ido Ekiti; and the State Relief and Rehabilitation Centre for the Mentally Challenged, Ado Ekiti. Earlier in the week, Governor Oyebanji had requested friends, associates, and the general public to forgo organising birthday celebrations or newspaper advertisements in his honour. Instead, he urged them to channel their resources toward supporting vulnerable children and special schools in the state. At a brief event held at the Oshuntokun Pavilion, Government House, Ado Ekiti, the Governor, represented by his wife, Olayemi Oyebanji, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving the living standards of people with disabilities. He emphasised that their welfare remains a top priority and called on well-meaning individuals and organizations to join his government in creating a more inclusive society. “This gesture aligns with our administration’s developmental agenda to ensure no one is left behind. We are dedicated to implementing programs and policies that provide sustainable livelihoods for the PWD community,” he said. READ ALSO: Gov Oyebanji affirms PWDs as assets, not burdens Mrs Oyebanji expressed the governor’s belief in the power of education and inclusivity. She told the cheering students, “This is why, every year, he ensures that the needs of students in special schools across Ekiti are met. Today’s donation is to support efforts by the government and individuals to improve your living conditions and to remind you that your welfare is of utmost importance to the Governor.” She also encouraged associates of the governor and prominent citizens to channel their intended birthday gifts to the special schools in line with the Governor’s directive. In her remarks, the Special Adviser on Special Education and Social Inclusion, Adetoun Agboola, commended the Governor for his unwavering support for the PWD community. She noted that his initiatives have transformed societal perceptions of children with special needs, making parents more proud of their children’s unique talents. The event featured praise and worship sessions led by the children, who also prayed for the Governor and his family before cutting the birthday cake with the First Lady and members of the State Executive Council.
