Video: Helen Paul Receives Georgia Citizen Award

Popular entertainer and educationist, Prof Helen Paul has climbed another ladder of achievement as she received the prestigious Honorary Georgia Citizen Award in the United States of America.

The award certificate issued by Brad Raffensperger, Secretary of State of the State of Georgia, reads: “May this outstanding citizen be offered every courtesy as a Goodwill Ambassador from Georgia in her travels to other states, to nations beyond the borders of the United States of America, or wherever she may hereafter travel or reside. Thank you for your service to our state.”

A female Senator representing Georgia, who presented the award, described Helen Paul who just finished training as a Substitute Teacher an asset to the people of Georgia. She said “Everybody is touched by a professor or someone who creates an atmosphere for learning. Thank you so much for being a public servant to a point that you pour out so much to educate people.”

Prof Helen, an ambassador of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) received the award shortly after joining the Nigerian delegation to observe the US presidential election won by Donald Trump. Prince Ero, the CEO of Waterlight Initiative was also part of the team.

Tears as Lagbaja buried in Abuja

Emotions ran high as the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, was laid to rest at the National Military Cemetery in Abuja, on Friday.

The ceremony brought together family, colleagues, and dignitaries to bid a final farewell to the late army chief.

The grief-stricken family members and colleagues struggled to contain their tears.

Even the nose mask worn by his widow, Mariya, couldn’t conceal the steady stream of tears that dropped from her eyes.

The procession began at precisely 3:00 p.m. when Lagbaja’s remains arrived at the cemetery.

President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, and the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, each took turns laying wreaths at the grave.

Speaking at the event, the Chief of Defence Staff, Musa, assured Nigerians that Lagbaja’s death would inspire the military to defeat the nation’s enemies wherever they may be.

Musa stated that the military took solace in the fact that the late army chief lived a purposeful life, urging the troops to honour his memory by committing themselves to the ideals he stood for.

Musa said, “We will not leave you alone. We know your loss is immeasurable, but please take solace in knowing that he lived a life of purpose and left behind a legacy that will never fade. To my fellow officers and men, let us use this moment to recommit ourselves to the ideas for which General Labaja stood for.

“Let us ensure that his sacrifice and service continue to guide our steps as we defend this great nation. We are going to use his passing away to resolve further to defeat all enemies of the state, wherever they are, whether within or outside. As we lower him today into the embrace of the earth, let us raise our voices in prayer and gratitude for a life well lived. “

Reflecting on Lagbaja’s tenure, Musa noted that he took bold and decisive actions against terrorists, bandits, and other threats.

He said, “His tenure was marked by decisive actions against insurgency, banditry, and other threats to our nation’s peace. His efforts significantly enhanced the operational readiness and the morale of the Nigerian Army. But beyond his professional achievement, General Labaja was a man of profound faith, kindness, and humility.

“His commitment to safeguarding our nation’s sovereignty and ensuring the security of our citizens was unwavering. From his early days as a young officer to his ascension to the esteemed office of the Chief of Army Staff, General Lagbaja consistently demonstrated a rare blend of intellect, bravery, and humanity. He understood the complexities of modern warfare and the need for innovation in our strategies.

“Yet, he never lost sight of the human element, the men and women who serve under the flag and the citizens whose freedom they defend.

In his remarks, the Minister of Defence, Muhammed Badaru, said Lagbaja embodied the core values of soldiering and served Nigeria without reservation for over 30 years.

Badaru said the late army chief was not only courageous but also an inspiring leader who lived from the front, exemplifying his tedious dedication to the service of the nation.

At the event, Tinubu conferred a posthumous national honour, Commander of the Federal Republic, on Lagbaja.

Tinubu said the conferment was to appreciate Lagbaja’s service to the nation.

The President described Lagbaja as one of his best appointees.

He said, “Lagabaja was a true soldier, a general and officer who symbolised the best of his profession and whose commitment to the nation he loved was singular and undiluted.

“He was more than I could have hoped for. He was one of my best appointments. Lieutenant General Lagbaja embodied the finest ideas of a patriot and a soldier. He had an abiding faith in the capability and readiness of our armed forces to save and keep us”.

How My South African Partner Duped Me Of $3.5 Million— Murray-Bruce

The founder of the Silverbird Group, Ben Murray-Bruce, has narrated how his South African partner defrauded him of $3.5 million on the purchase of a cinema complex in Kenya.

Though he did not mention his partner’s name, he recalled that by making a bank transfer of the said sum, the South African registered the business in his name.

The former Senator representing Bayelsa East Senatorial District stated this during the fourth edition of the Peace Anyiam-Osigwe Nigeria Digital Content Regulation Conference, held in Victoria Island, Lagos State, on Thursday.

He said, “I was called to buy a cinema complex in Kenya for $3.5 million. I transferred the money and my South African partner registered it in his name. That was how I lost that huge investment.

“I have a studio in Los Angeles and I am battling with litigation with one of the most prominent actors in Hollywood.”

The media business mogul expressed his interest in movie production, adding that while he’s currently working on a movie script, the movie would address fundamental issues in society.

He stressed the significance of promoting creativity as he recalled that some time ago, while he went to the Ajegunle part of Lagos, he saw some kids fighting.

Murray-Bruce noted that the kids — “future leaders” were “learning how to be tough. But some people see them as crooks. Leaders of entertainment in the US today were born in their Ajegunle.

“The entertainment industry is a very successful one. In all the things I have done, I have never made one move about movie making but now, I will. I am working on a script and I know we will get it right. We will deal with fundamental issues.”

The death of Anyiam-Osigwe, a prominent Nigerian filmmaker and founder of the African Movie Academy Awards, was announced on January 10, 2023.

The former lawmaker also paid tribute to the late Anyiam-Osigwe, recalling how she used to visit him in his house on her bicycle.

“Peace came to my house one day and asked me why I abandoned entertainment and became a politician. I have known her since she was six years old. She used to come to our house on her bicycle. Her brothers also used to come riding theirs,” he said.