GANUX, Author at SocietyGazette.com

VIDEO: Lagos names Mandy Kiss anti-drug abuse ambassador

Social media personality Ayomiposi Oluwadahunsi, known online as “Mandy Kiss,” has been unveiled as a brand ambassador for Lagos State Kick Against Drug and Substance Abuse.

In a viral video posted by a X user, #dammiedammie35, on Tuesday, Lagos Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mr Mobolaji Ogunlende, conferred the ambassadorship on Mandy Kiss, at an event organised by LASKADA.

He urged citizens to join the fight against substance misuse.

He said, “We’re here with Mandy Kiss, and you know, she’s actually agreed to become one of our LASKADA brand ambassadors, Lagos State Kicks Against Drug Abuse.

“Drugs are a pandemic that is hitting our streets, it is a pandemic that is hitting our society, it is a pandemic that is hitting our community.

“The government cannot fight it alone. We must work in collaboration with those that can reach as many people as possible, and we know Mandy Kiss has a large followership, 402,000. We’ve had conversations and we’re trying to do things differently.”

He said, “With the powers conferred on me, I make her one of our brand ambassadors. So, say no to drugs. Say what? Say no to drugs.”

PUNCH Online reports the development comes after the social media influencer fixed September 30 to stage a marathon sex act with 100 men in a single day.

She said the event, aimed at registering her name in the Guinness World Records, will take place in Ikorodu, Lagos.

The GWR, however, has issued a statement clarifying that it does not monitor or endorse sexual activity as a record category and has therefore distanced itself from the proposed event.

While she later said the declaration was a joke, it caused public outrage, with some quarters urging Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, to punish her.

Speaking at Mandy Kiss’ conferment, the Commissioner hope the influencer can help take the anti-drug message into Lagos communities.

“Everybody has a past, nobody’s perfect, but again, as a brand ambassador to Legal State Kicks Against Drug Abuse, we hope Mandy Kiss will be able to reach the nooks and crannies, you know, of Lagos to assist us in fighting this pandemic.”

He did not give details on the scope of Mandy Kiss’s duties or any planned campaigns.

LASKADA is saddled with the responsibility of coordinating a multi-sectoral, evidence-based response to the growing menace of drug and substance abuse in Lagos State by leading sustained advocacy, public education, community engagement, policy influence, and research.

I’m not one of you again, Olubadan tells Atiku

The 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rasheed Ladoja, revealed that he had withdrawn from active politics to focus on his role as monarch.

Oba Ladoja stated this when Ex-Vice President Atiku Abubakar, alongside a former Senate President, Iyorchia Ayu, ex-governors Nasir El-Rufai (Kaduna), Liyel Imoke (Cross River), and other prominent politicians, paid him homage at his private residence in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, following his coronation.

He stated, “I’m not one of you again. I am the Olubadan of Ibadanland. So, I am for everybody now. I am not a politician anymore. Welcome to my house.

“Now that I am the Olubadan, I am no more interested in any other than the Olubadan. You are welcome to my house.”

Recounting his political journey with Atiku, he explained, “We started from the Social Democratic Party, we were in exile together, we were in the Peoples Democratic Party together. When I wanted to create an identity, I went to the Accord Party, which became a household name here. I know you politicians have a way of coming back.

“All the religious leaders said that the only thing the leaders can do is to promote justice and fairness. I will serve my people—Ibadan people, the state, Africa and the world at large. I will depend on your support and advice.”

The PUNCH reports that Ladoja was officially presented with the staff and instrument of office last Friday by Governor Seyi Makinde, who cut short his annual leave to personally attend the historic event.

The event marked the grand finale of activities celebrating former Oyo State governor, Senator Rashidi Ladoja’s ascension to the revered throne of Olubadan of Ibadanland.

The coronation concluded a week-long celebration that featured a cultural day, a coronation lecture, a praise and worship service, and the monarch’s 81st birthday, which was celebrated in grand style at Liberty Stadium

The new Olubadan ascended the throne following the passing of the 43rd Olubadan, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, who died on July 7, 2025, at the age of 90.

DSS arraigns Sowore over anti-Tinubu post

The Federal Government is set to arraign human rights activist Omoyele Sowore on a five-count charge for allegedly posting false statements about President Bola Tinubu intended to cause a breakdown of law and order, court papers show.

Sowore was sighted at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday ahead of the arraignment.

The suit dated 16th September,2025, was lodged after Sowore allegedly refused to delete the controversial posts about the President.

The Sahara Reporters publisher was accused of using his official X handle to make the post, “This criminal @ official PBAT Actually went to Brazil to state that there is no more corruption under his regime in Nigeria. What audacity to lie shamelessly!”

The alleged offending post, said to be contrary to Section 24(2) (b) of the Cybercrimes Prohibition and Prevention Act 2024, was said to have been made on August 25 within the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court.

The charges were brought on behalf of the DSS and the Federal Government by M.B. Abubakar, Director of Public Prosecutions at the Federal Ministry of Justice, alongside four other counsel to the DSS –M.E. Ernest, U.B. Bulla, Dr. C.S. Eze, and E.G. Orubor.

Social media companies X Inc. and Meta Platforms Inc. are listed as co-defendants.

Confirming the legal action in a Facebook post last week, Sowore wrote, “The State Security Service, alias @OfficialDSSNG today filed a 5-count charge at the Federal High Court in Abuja against ‘X’ (formerly Twitter Facebook, and myself. They claimed that because I called Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu a criminal, I have somehow committed a set of ‘novel’ offences they invented and spread across five counts.

“It’s hard to believe there’s anyone sensible left in these offices that should be making Nigeria work. Regardless, I will be present whenever this case is assigned for trial. #RevolutionNow.”

PUNCH Online had earlier reported that the human rights activist and African Action Congress candidate in the 2023 election vowed not to delete the controversial tweet, despite a request from the DSS to X demanding its removal.

Restating his stance, Sowore wrote, “This morning, X (formerly Twitter) officially contacted me about the despicable threat letter they received from the lawless DSS over my Tweet on Tinubu. One option I will NOT be taking is deleting that Tweet. Thank you, @X.”

ECOWAS parliament adopts $26m 2026 budget

The ECOWAS Parliament has adopted a budget of 19,636,030 Units of Account (26 million dollars) for the 2026 fiscal year, and announced plans to commemorate its 25th anniversary in November.

The Speaker of the Parliament, Hadjia Memounatou Ibrahima, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday.

Ibrahima said the development followed the recent conclusion of its 2025 Second Extraordinary Session in Port Harcourt, Nigeria.

She said the budget was adopted by the Parliament during plenary, stressing that, beyond being a mere accounting act, it was the engine of parliament’s commitment to West Africans.

”It will enable us to carry out our priority missions, including implementing the conclusions of the seminar on AI, while ensuring virtuous and transparent management of public funds entrusted to us.

”This budget represents a five per cent increase compared to the 2025 fiscal year budget, reflecting an upward adjustment of UA 939,233 from last year’s UA 18,996,897.

”Out of the budget of UA 19,636,030 for 2026, the sum of UA19, 368,394 representing 98.64 per cent is expected to be financed through the proceeds from the Community Levy, while UA257,636, equivalent to 1.36 per cent, will accrue from other sources,” Ibrahima said.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the ECOWAS Community Levy is a mandatory 0.5 per cent tax imposed on goods imported into ECOWAS member states from non-ECOWAS countries.

Member states are under a statutory obligation to pay the community levy, which is the main source of funding for ECOWAS institutions and their activities.

She, however, expressed dismay that some members of the community were still defaulting on the payment of the levy, and warned that, going forward, such would be met with sanctions.

Ibrahima also said that the commemoration of its 25th anniversary in November would highlight the ECOWAS Parliament’s achievements in deepening regional democracy, cooperation and growth, amid formidable challenges.

The Speaker describes the forthcoming anniversary as “a chance to showcase resilience and chart a more innovative, youth-focused future for the community”.

NAN

Niger gov hails Speaker Abbas at 60

Niger State Governor, Umaru Bago, has congratulated the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, on the occasion of his 60th birthday.

Bago, in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, on Tuesday, said clocking 60 was a milestone that calls for celebration.

“60 years is a milestone; it is a diamond jubilee, a significant age that marks a life well lived, and this calls for celebration,” the governor was quoted as saying.

He described Abbas as “a calm, humble, passionate and intelligent lawmaker who has been making significant contributions to the National Assembly from 2011 to date.”

The governor commended the Speaker for providing exemplary leadership in the House, saying “it is a testament to his experience, competence, and commitment to fostering vibrant legislatures.”

He added, “The leadership of the Speaker of the 10th House of Representatives has been characterised by peace and unity regardless of party affiliations for the common good of the people.”

Bago prayed that God would grant Abbas more years, sound health, and wisdom as he continues to lead the Green Chamber.

Income earned by ‘runs girls’ taxable – Taiwo Oyedele

The Federal Government has said that all income earned in Nigeria, including money made by ‘runs girls,’ is taxable under the law.

Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, Taiwo Oyedele, stated this in a now-viral video from a tax education session by the Redeemed Christian Church of God, City of David, Lagos.

Oyedele explained that upkeep money sent to dependants or relatives is not taxable, describing such transfers as “non-exchange transactions.”

He said, “You earn a certain amount of money and you have to send upkeep to your cousin, your brother, even a stranger, it doesn’t really matter.

“If the amount you’re sending to someone is money you are giving to them as a gift, that’s not taxable. It is you that should have paid tax before giving them a gift.”

However, he stressed that once payment is made for a service or product, the law requires taxation—regardless of whether the activity itself is legitimate.

He added, “If somebody is doing runs girls, right, they go and look for men to sleep with, you know that’s a service, they will pay tax on it.

“One thing about the tax law is it does not separate between whether what you are doing is legitimate or not. It just asks you whether you have an income.

“Did you get it from rendering a service or providing a good? You pay tax.”

Oyedele, however, urged Nigerians to look at the broader context of the new reforms, which he described as the most far-reaching in the nation’s history.

He said, “The starting point for me is always to give context. And the first thing, the first message, is a proverbial blind man and an elephant.

“Depending on the side of the elephant that they touched, they concluded what it was, maybe a fan, a wall, or a tree. But none of them got the right answer because they didn’t feel the big picture.”

According to him, the same mistake could be made if citizens focus only on one aspect of the sweeping tax changes.

He added, “One thing I can tell you is that the tax reforms enacted into law a few months ago, that will take effect from January next year, is the most transformative, most significant in our nation’s history.

“With over 200 significant changes and more than 400 pages combined, it is very easy and could be tempting to narrow it down to one issue. That would be making the same mistake as the blind man and the elephant.”

The reforms, he said, would impact individuals, business owners, employees, employers, and civil servants, with the aim of simplifying the tax system and improving compliance.

PENGASSAN, Dangote reconciliation meeting continues today

The reconciliation meeting championed by the Federal Ministry of Labour, Employment and Productivity, which is aimed at resolving the rift between the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association and the Management of Dangote Petroleum refinery, will continue Today by 2 pm, according to a notice by the Head of Media and Public Relations of the ministry, Patience Onuobia.

“Conciliation meeting between PENGASSAN and Dangote Refinery continues today, 30 September 2025; Time: 2 pm; Venue: Minister’s Conference Room.”

Recall that the Monday meeting between the delegation of the PENGASSAN and the management of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery over the lingering industrial dispute ended in a deadlock.

The reconciliation meeting called by the Federal Government started at about 4 p.m. on Monday.

The meeting, attended by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Mohammed Dingyadi, and the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkiruka Onyejeocha, lasted for about nine hours into the early hours of Tuesday.

Following the stalemate, Dingyadi said the meeting would reconvene to resolve the deadlock at 2 p.m. on Tuesday.

The Federal Government, worried about the potential impact of the dispute on the nation’s economy and energy security, had summoned both sides to the negotiating table following reports of widespread discontent.

The rift stems from allegations by PENGASSAN that Dangote Refinery had embarked on the mass transfer and sack of union members.

Also, he allegedly replaced some Nigerians with foreign nationals, a claim the company has consistently denied.

The session, originally scheduled for 2 p.m., began around 3:50 p.m. due to the late arrival of key stakeholders, before moving into a closed-door discussion that lasted several hours.

In his opening remarks, Dingyadi underscored the gravity of the situation.

“What’s happening today is very dear to our economy and to the security of the country. We have been informed that PENGASSAN is on strike,” he said.

The Minister appealed to both parties to demonstrate good faith in dialogue, stressing that industrial peace in the oil and gas sector was critical at a time Nigeria is banking on the Dangote Refinery to boost local refining capacity and reduce dependence on imported petroleum products.

The deadlock means tension remains high, with PENGASSAN insisting its members will not return to work until alleged anti-labour practices are reversed, while Dangote Refinery maintains that its restructuring exercise is in line with global best practices.

As the stalemate lingers, concerns are mounting about the potential disruption of operations at the refinery and the ripple effect on petroleum product supply across the country.

The next round of talks later today is expected to determine whether a compromise can be reached to avert a full-blown industrial crisis in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.

From beauty queen to broadcaster, ARISE TV mourns slain Abuja anchor

Tributes have continued to pour in for ARISE Television anchor, Somtochukwu Maduagwu, whose death during a robbery attack in Abuja on Monday has sparked grief across the country.

In a fresh statement on X on Tuesday, the management of ARISE described the 29-year-old journalist and lawyer as “delectable, intelligent and bold,” noting that her contributions to the station and the nation would not be forgotten.

Maduagwu, fondly called “Sommie” by colleagues, was said to have first appeared on the ARISE screen as a guest after winning the Miss Tourism Nigeria pageant.

She later represented Nigeria at the Miss Tourism World pageant in Quanzhou, China, in 2023, before formally joining ARISE in September 2024.

“In September 2024, she joined the ARISE NEWS team, where she has made her voice count as a News Anchor, News Producer, and a Reporter.

“Through a blend of her legal dexterity and reportorial vigour, Sommie advocated for out-of-school children and campaigned energetically against sexual and gender-based violence,” the statement read.

Her coverage also included the submission of a memorandum for the Reserved Seats for Women Bill at the National Assembly on September 21.

“There, Sommie, alongside millions of other Nigerian women, advocated for a stronger representation for Nigerian women at the National Assembly,” the station said.

“Sommie’s voice is now silent, but her spirit, passion, and legacy will endure as part of our collective memory.”

Confirming the incident, the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, Josephine Adeh, noted that an investigation had begun into the incident.

Viewers and netizens have since flooded social media with tributes, praising Sommie’s courage and professionalism.

Her death has also renewed calls for urgent action against insecurity across the country.

PENGASSAN, Dangote reconciliation meeting ends in deadlock

The meeting between the delegation of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association and the management of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery over the lingering industrial dispute ended in a deadlock.

The reconciliation meeting, called by the Federal Government, started at approximately 4 p.m. on Monday.

Following the stalemate, Dingyadi said the meeting would reconvene to resolve the deadlock at 2 p.m. on Tuesday.

The rift stems from allegations by PENGASSAN that Dangote Refinery had embarked on the mass transfer and sack of union members.

Also, he allegedly replaced some Nigerians with foreign nationals, a claim the company has consistently denied.

The session, originally scheduled for 2 p.m., began around 3:50 p.m. due to the late arrival of key stakeholders, before moving into a closed-door discussion that lasted several hours.

In his opening remarks, Dingyadi underscored the gravity of the situation.

“What’s happening today is very dear to our economy and to the security of the country. We have been informed that PENGASSAN is on strike,” he said.

The minister appealed to both parties to demonstrate good faith in dialogue, stressing that industrial peace in the oil and gas sector was critical at a time Nigeria is banking on the Dangote Refinery to boost local refining capacity and reduce dependence on imported petroleum products.

As the stalemate lingers, concerns are mounting about the potential disruption of operations at the refinery and the ripple effect on petroleum product supply across the country.

The next round of talks later today is expected to determine whether a compromise can be reached to avert a full-blown industrial crisis in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.

Dozens missing, three dead in Indonesia school collapse

Dozens missing, three dead in Indonesia school collapse

Agency report

Searchers raced Tuesday to rescue at least 38 people still believed trapped after the collapse of an Islamic school building in Indonesia that has already left three dead, authorities said.

The building gave way on Monday on Indonesia’s main island, Java, where students were gathered for afternoon prayers, said local reports, citing a witness.

Families desperate for news of their loved ones and rescuers were crowded around the multi-storey building in the town of Sidoarjo.

“The number of victims is 102 people, consisting of 99 survivors, 3 deaths,” National Search and Rescue Agency head Mohammad Syafii said.

He added that rescuers were working urgently to save the lives of survivors who are thought to still be trapped under the rubble.

National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) spokesman Abdul Muhari said rescuers were still searching for 38 people thought to be trapped under the rubble.

Atok Irawan, the head of a local hospital in Sidoarjo, told reporters that two people died of their injuries on Tuesday while they were treated in the hospital’s emergency room.

Lax construction standards have raised widespread concerns about building safety in Indonesia.

Earlier this month, at least three people were killed and dozens were injured after a building hosting a prayer recital collapsed in West Java.

AFP