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Transparency Coalition Writes Ministry of Art Over Alleged N4bn Office Rent, DG Gallery of Arts, 50 aides

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Transparency Coalition Writes Ministry of Art Over Alleged N4bn Office Rent, DG Gallery of Arts, 50 aides

Transparency Coalition Writes Ministry of Art Over Alleged N4bn Office Rent, DG Gallery of Arts, 50 aides

 

The Coalition for Transparency Equity and Justice, a CSO group agitating for human rights, transparency, equity and justice, has beamed its search light on the activities of the Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy under the watch of Hannatu Musa Musawa.

 

Transparency Coalition Writes Ministry of Art Over Alleged N4bn Office Rent, DG Gallery of Arts, 50 aides

The coalition relying on the Freedom of Information Act wants the ministry to clarify why four billion naira was earmarked for renting of office.

The Freedom of Information Act (FOI) was passed in 2011 to make public records and information more accessible. The FOI gives people the right to request information from public institutions, companies with government control, and private companies that provide public services.

In a letter signed by the Executive Secretary of the Coalition, Dr. Chima Chibuike to the Ministry, the coalition requires more information on the sum of N3billion which had been allegedly paid to the landlord of the property in instalments.

The coalition seeks information on why the ministry paid a sum of N3billion out of the N4billion as rent without getting approval from the Federal Executive Council (FEC) for the glass house office which is located along ICPC Road Abuja, despite being above its threshold.

The said sum was allegedly split in segments to avoid detection and for a year and four months the rent is on.

The minister allegedly relieved experienced top officials of their duties and replaced them with neophyte and inexperienced personel. She was allegedly instrumental to the appointment of the 32-year-old Director General (DG) of the National Gallery of Arts, Ahmed Sodangi, who’s said to be her step son.

Sodangi is said to be a level 9 staff of Bank of Industry before he was appointed DG.

The coalition asserted that “its instructive that the Bank of Industry where Sodangi last worked before emerging as DG NGA sponsored major Arts exhibition in London and Nigeria but that should not be a yardstick for his appointment.”

The minister also recommended the appointment of about 50 aides, a move seen by the coalition as outrageous and on the high side.

Stakeholders within the ministry advised the minister against paying that whopping sum without the approval of FEC for renting the the glass house office. They are stiff worried and curious to know how the five billion take off grant for the ministry and another five billion take off grant from the the former Ministry of Tourism, under the watch of Lola Ade-John were expended.

Recall that the minister had faced criticism for failing to provide evidence of her participation in the mandatory National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme during her Senate confirmation screening.

However, in April 2024, a Federal High Court in Abuja dismissed the case against her, with Justice James Omotosho ruling that the plaintiffs lacked the legal standing to bring the matter before the court.

On account of this ruling, Musawa declared that ‘the issue has been settled legally.’

Speaking on the matter with a popular television station, Musawa said “her intention is to focus on her responsibilities in office rather than engaging with the controversy.

“The matter had been adjudicated and one day, I will come out with my account. I have probably done more NYSC than you (presenter). I have done at least two NYSCs in my life.

“I think what I owe Nigerians is to say that I didn’t do anything wrong. I didn’t break the law. The NYSC I did and finished. That is the much I can tell you. Everything I did was by the law.

Those close to Musawa squealed that just like the NYSC saga, where came out unscathed, nothing will come out of these issues because Musawa is close to the power brokers.

The Special Assistant Media and Publicity to the Minister, Dr. Nneka Ikem-Anibeze, while reacting to the allegations said she was not aware of the office rented by the ministry. She added that “the ministry operates from the Federal Secretariat, Abuja.”

“We are located at the Federal Secretariat, Head of Service , First Floor.
We have not rented any office for 4b”.

On the appointment of of the DG NGA, she said she was not aware of him being the minister’s step son.

Reacting to the allegation of 50 aides employed by the minister, Ikem-Anibeze said “Come to the office. That’s why I gave you the address. Come. No insults here. I haven’t been able to verify a single accusation. The Hon minister operates from the Federal secretariat. All meetings from here. One million aides all operate from the Federal secretariat . I’m expecting you”

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Ramadan 2026: Let’s Be United, Shina Akanni Urges Muslims.

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Ramadan 2026: Let’s Be United, Shina Akanni Urges Muslims.

 

As Muslims all over the world begins the 30 days compulsory fasting and prayer today,top Fuji Musician Aare Sir Shina Akanni Aroworeyin Scorpido has congratulates them for witnessing another month of Ramadan.

 

Akanni advised them to follow the teachings of the the Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW) which is peaceful co existence among themselves and their neighbor ‘because Islam is Religion of peace”.

 

He said the month of Ramadan is an holy month therefore Muslims should try as much as they can to maintain peaceful coexistence among themselves and others and that they should see themselves as ambassador of peace.

 

While praying for Nigeria,Aare Sir Shina Akanni Aroworeyin Scorpido said he believes that there will be an economic turnaround soon because what’s is happening now are signs of thought times that never last “if we can pecevere things will get better”.

 

The Scorpido crooner who recently released a hip hop single titled “Magbelo” said he is currently working on a complete album which will be released before the end of the year.

 

Aare Sir Shina Akanni Aroworeyin Scorpido whose last album ‘ABCD” is still in hot demand said that his next album will be a pot pouri of all kinds of music because his brand of Fuji music is a blend Fuji , Hip-hop,Apala ,Highlife and others.

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Ajiran Youth Protest Over Deaths of Two Residents, Demand Justice

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Ajiran Youth Protest Over Deaths of Two Residents, Demand Justice

 

The Ajiran community of Lagos State erupted in a powerful protest on Tuesday as local youths took to the streets to express their grief and anger over the tragic murders of Prince Ademola Akintoye and Sherrif Agboworin. The demonstration follows the recent decision to reopen the murder case, an investigation that has already led to the arrest of over nine suspects in connection with the heinous crimes committed more than a year ago.

Carrying vibrant banners and poignant posters featuring the faces of the deceased, the protesters marched through the heart of their community while singing somber dirges to honor their memory. With chants of unity and justice ringing in the air, they called on both the Lagos State Government and the Lagos State Police Command to ensure that those responsible are swiftly and decisively brought to justice.

The youth leaders emphasized that peace and normalcy will remain elusive in Ajiran until all those complicit in the killings are held accountable. They articulated that true justice is the only way to restore tranquility and honor the lives of Akintoye and Agboworin, whom they described as innocent victims of a grave injustice.

Speaking on behalf of the demonstrators, youth leader Mr. Kehinde Oladele urged law enforcement to conduct a thorough and fair investigation. He asserted that every individual involved including the nine arrested suspects must face the full extent of the law. Especially Hammed Tajudeen, the principal suspect mentioned by others in custody, whom they believe should not escape scrutiny.

“The reopening of this case after more than a year is a critical first step towards achieving justice and fairness for our brothers,” Oladele said. “We urge the police to get to the root of the matter. Those mentioned during the investigation, especially Hammed Tajudeen, should not be spared.”

The atmosphere in the community grew increasingly tense last week following speculation that prominent businessman Aare Bashir Olawale Fakorede was implicated in the unrest. The speculation appeared to stem from his alleged influence on the reopening of the murder investigation. This misunderstanding escalated when a group of protesters targeted his filling station in Ikate, vandalizing his properties and disrupting business operations in the gas station based on the false assumption that Fakorede was behind the police’s renewed inquiries.

In response to the rising tensions and misinformation, Fakorede’s spokesperson, Ola Muhammed, issued a comprehensive statement denying any connection between Fakorede and the unrest. The spokesperson emphasized that rumors suggesting the businessman orchestrated the revival of the murder case were completely unfounded.

“I feel it is crucial to clarify, for the sake of transparency and historical accuracy, that this entire ordeal is in no way related to me,” Fakorede stated. “I am also very interested to see that the culprits are brought to book. I categorically affirm that I have never been involved in any business dealings with Mr. Hammed Tajudeen.”

Fakorede further elaborated that the recent protests which led to the destruction of his property were reportedly instigated by Tajudeen and others who seem determined to manipulate the narrative and cast suspicion upon him. Fakorede expressed his own strong commitment to uncovering the truth surrounding the deaths.

As the police investigation progresses, it has become increasingly apparent that all accusing fingers are pointing to Hammed Tajudeen who is currently evading capture, adding another layer of complexity and urgency to the ongoing situation. Community members have questioned why he remains at large instead of submitting himself to the police for questioning if he is truly innocent of the allegations against him.

Community leaders are now emphasizing the need for dialogue to address the root causes of the unrest and work toward restoring harmony within Ajiran, even as the demand for justice remains at the forefront of public consciousness.

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Ramadan: Al-Yusuff International Travels and Tours Boss Greets Muslims

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Ramadan: Al-Yusuff International Travels and Tours Boss Greets Muslims

 

As the holy month of Ramadan begins across the globe, the Chief Executive Officer of Al-Yusuff International Travels and Tours Limited, Dr. Abdulmajeed Oladele, has extended his heartfelt greetings to Muslims worldwide.

In his message, the respected business mogul expressed gratitude to Almighty Allah for the privilege of witnessing this year’s sacred month.

“We glorify Allah for granting us the grace and opportunity to witness this year’s month of blessings. Ramadan is a sacred and special month for all Muslims, a month greater than many others, filled with piety, mercy, and abundant blessings.

I congratulate all Muslims across the world. Let us faithfully observe the requirements of Ramadan. May Allah (SWT) grant our heart’s desires and make this period easy and rewarding for us all.”

Dr. Oladele urged Muslims to embrace the spiritual significance of Ramadan through devotion, charity, self-discipline, and prayers for peace and prosperity.

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