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We Won’t Pay Ransom to Kidnappers Again, Tinubu Declares

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President Bola Tinubu has, again, directed that on no condition should ransom be paid by government to kidnappers, bandits or other criminal elements for the release of their victims, as he read the country’s security agencies the riot act following incessant kidnap incidents.

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, revealed the directive yesterday in Abuja while briefing newsmen at the end of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, chaired by Tinubu at the State House.

The federal government also said it was still reviewing offers from the United States and other countries to help in rescue missions, saying it would disclose its decision soon.

The comments came as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, assured residents of improved security, including reduction in cases of kidnapping, in the nation’s capital.

At the same time, Commissioner, FCT Police Command, Benedict Igweh, disclosed that the correctional officer, Usman Ishaya Magaji, who shot and killed a convicted offender, Ibrahim Yahaya, at Wuse market on Tuesday, had been arrested for interrogation.

The government’s decision to put a damper on kidnapping for ransom followed recent incidents, particularly in Kaduna State, where some children were kidnapped and held in captivity while their abductors demanded billions of naira for their release.

Idris briefed newsmen on the latest developments at the end of the FEC meeting yesterday.

He stated, “In council today, Mr. President reiterated his directive to the security agencies and the Ministry of Defence to ensure that those our kids that have been abducted by these criminal gangs are brought back to their homes safely.

“Mr President has also reiterated his zero tolerance for payment of ransom. That was also mentioned by Mr. President at the council today. So, the security agencies are working round the clock.

“So, these children and people that have been abducted by criminal elements will be brought back to safety pretty soon. The security agencies are working hard in that direction.

“And Mr. President has also directed that no ransom will be paid by government to any of these criminal elements. It is important that it will be put out there.”

On the rising wave of kidnapping in the country, Idris said, “You’re also asking about the apparent surge in this kidnapping across the country. Now, it is true that some of these are happening, we have seen what has happened in Kaduna, in Borno and then in Sokoto.

“Of course, government is watching that very closely and not just watching, also ensuring that security agencies are taking proactive steps to ensure that this is halted significantly.

“Now, like I said, Mr. President has said it is an unacceptable situation and the government will not condone abductions or kidnappings or any kind of criminality in that direction.

“We’re seeing this happening and government is taking very proactive steps, first, to mitigate that, and also to stop the spread of this apparently.

“We are seeing that the more the security agencies are also hitting these targets or criminals, the more they are pushed to also getting some soft targets. But government is not taking any excuses.

“The president has directed that security agencies must, as a matter of urgency, ensure that these children and all those who have been kidnapped are brought back in safety and also in the process to ensure that not a dime is paid for ransom.

“So, it’s important to underscore that no dime, government is not paying anybody any dime and the government is optimistic that these children and other people that have been abducted will be brought back to their families in safety.”

Asked what specific support the United States was prepared to offer Nigeria in the rescue of the kidnapped children, the minister said other countries had also offered to help.

He stated, “Talking about what support, if any, are we getting from other countries, specifically the US, well, we’re aware that it’s not just the US that has actually offered.

“Other countries have also offered to support Nigeria. But what we can tell you is that government is still reviewing these offers and the position of government will be made known to you.”

Wike Assures of Improved Security in FCT

FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, assured of improved security, including reduction in kidnapping, in the nation’s capital.

Wike gave the assurance yesterday after a closed-door meeting with the FCT Commissioner of Police, Benedict Igweh, and the Senate on the state of security in the territory.

The minister said regarding the meeting, “It’s nothing difficult, just normal interactions, just to brief them on what we have done as regards security in the FCT.

“I am glad they are all happy with what we have done and what we are going to be doing and the suggestion, which they have given to us but which I cannot disclose to the members of public. This is just a very interactive session.

“What is important is what the FCT should expect from now. I will say improved security, more infrastructure. You can see what is going on in the FCT. It has been turned into a construction site and you can also see what has happened in the FCTA.

“Now we have our own Civil Service Commission, now we have our own permanent secretaries, which had never been. There are new things in the FCT and the residents are happy.” Wike added that from the interaction with the senators, it was agreed that security had improved in the FCT.

“Let me also say that there is no part of the world where criminality has been eradicated. We have heard several times in the United States of America, where criminals go to schools and shoot students.

“So, people should not have that impression that you cannot have one crime or the other. What we need is being able to limit or reduce the level of insecurity.

“But if anybody tells you that as societies are concerned, you will not have one crime or the other, that is not correct and we must tell ourselves the simple truth. Also, most of the kidnapping stories you hear, some of them are stage-managed by people.”

Police Nab Killer of Wuse Market Offender

FCT Commissioner of Police, Benedict Igweh, said the correctional officer, Usman Ishaya Magaji, who shot and killed a convicted offender, Ibrahim Yahaya at Wuse market on Tuesday had been arrested for questioning.

Igweh also said sanity had been restored to the market. He assured the people that the FCT Police Command would continue to work for the security of the residents, stating that the force would continue to comb the forests bordering Niger, Kaduna, Nasarawa, and Kogi states.

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Milk of Human Kindness: Glo Foundation Spreads ‘Food Drive’ Joy to More Communities 

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Glo Foundation, the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) arm of Globacom, on Saturday extended its Food Drive Initiative “Giving Back Together” to more communities as thousands of families in Ikota, Ajah, Lagos, received packages of food and household items from the team.

Two Saturdays ago, the foundation was in Bariga where it shared food and other household items to thousands of other vulnerable members of the community.

In a similar vein, Glo Foundation officials and the project partners, the Lagos Food Bank Initiative, last Saturday presented packages containing Rice, Garri, Spaghetti, noodles, tomato paste, tooth brushes, sardines, salt, vegetable oil, bread and seasoning cubes to thousands of beneficiaries, the majority of whom were women, at a ceremony held within the Ikota neighborhood.

Thousands of beneficiaries had assembled at the New Generation Baptist School in Ikota as early as 7 a.m. to await the start of the distribution.

Before the gifts were distributed, Globacom’s Head of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), Jumobi Mofe-Damijo, welcomed the recipients and reaffirmed the company’s dedication to aiding the underprivileged in the society. She pointed out that helping the most disadvantaged members of society nationwide was one of the Foundation’s goals.

“Giving brings joy and smiles to the faces of the beneficiaries as we have seen here today. It also makes us happy that we are able to do something to touch the lives of others in a highly interdependent world,” she noted, adding that the Foundation was working on other projects that would impact various segments across the country.

At the occasion, the beneficiaries, who were mostly women, expressed their happiness and gratitude to Globacom by singing and dancing. Some of them who expressed their opinions were happy that they were able to benefit from the gesture and prayed that Globacom would continue to thrive.

The recipients were ecstatic and unable to control their excitement. After getting their food gifts, a few of them spoke up and thanked and prayed for Globacom for showing their community such love and concern.

Christina Itoro, an Akwa Ibom indigene, who operates a POS business within the community, expressed happiness at the content of the package. “When I opened the carton and saw the content, I was so excited. May God bless the company and the staff,” she said.

For Godwin Mary, who sells Kunu drink, Globacom has come to her aid at a time that her business was crumbling. The native of Benue State thanked Globacom for remembering her and other women in the Ikate neighborhood.

On her part, Sarah Oliseh, who is a housewife, said: “I am very happy and so excited getting this from Globacom. It will definitely go a long way to help me and my family”.

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Palladium Residences: CEO Benjamin Otchere, BDM Jessica Zwennes Speak

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The Palladium Residences, the new mixed-use development in partnership with Construction Logistics Limited and Pegasus Realty Ghana located at ABC Junction in Achimota aims to offer a blend of residential and commercial spaces within a self-sustaining community.

It will feature 24 four-bedroom townhouses alongside a 70-unit apartment complex offering one, two, and three-bedroom options.

The development is tailored for middle-class families and professionals, to provide them with an opportunity to own high-quality homes through flexible payment plans.

It will also feature a range of smart home technologies, powered primarily by solar energy, to enhance the convenience, security, and efficiency of everyday living.

The design incorporates green spaces, state-of-the-art amenities, and cutting-edge security systems, ensuring that the development is not just a residence but a vibrant, inclusive community.

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of YADL, Dr Benjamin Otchere, highlighted the company’s vision for the future of housing in Ghana.

He explained that YADL has been at the forefront of Ghana’s real estate sector for over a decade, known for projects such as Painite Residences in Dzorwulu, Strawberry Vale in Abelenkpe, and Platinum Place in Ridge.

These developments, he said, have not only redefined luxury but also transformed their respective neighbourhoods, raising the standard for modern urban living.

The BDM of Pegasus Realty, Jessica Zwennes, emphasized the company’s commitment to bridging Ghana’s housing deficit.

“Our goal is to offer modern, high-quality living spaces that remain accessible to hardworking Ghanaians.

Palladium Residences is designed with affordability, convenience, and long-term value in mind,” she said.

Culled from graphic.com.gh

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The Face Behind the Mask, (Richard) Yaw Addo Devts Ltd

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By Eric Elezuo

Behind most successes is always a brain of articulate importance, and intelligence personified.

As a result, our searchlight beams on the estate guru, whose sole responsibility is to create this palacious edifice and facilities, otherwise known as Palladium Residences. He is Richard Yaw Addo.

His details as well as.his entrepreneurial concerns are captured below:

Richard Yaw Addo Esq is the founder and Chief Executive of TG Holdings. Richard has over 25 years of experience in the fields of law, finance, printing & publishing, travel & tourism, hotel management, property development and real estate management and business development acquired both in Ghana and overseas.

Richard’s relentless hard work and dynamic leadership have inspired phenomenal personal growth for his staff and remarkable corporate growth for his corporate organisations.

As an excerpt from their website, Yaw Addo Developments Ltd was established in 2012, and Lanre Asare is its present Managing Director. The firm has been “shaping landscapes and lives in Ghana, with world class real estate development and luxury residential apartments. Having built a reputation for delivering high quality residential and commercial mid to high-end properties, Yaw Addo Developments is doubtlessly a preferred choice for real estate investment in luxurious apartments, homes, hotels and other commercial developments. Our formula for success lies in our customer oriented approach and delivering projects to the highest possible standards. From the selection of architects, designers, contractors, to the handover of keys, Yaw Addo Developments strives to ensure every detail is flawless.”

It further noted that Yaw Addo Developments has proudly flourished for over 20 YEARS, establishing itself as a privately held luxury real estate group headquartered in Dubai with a global reach.

The firm is renowned for its innovative architectural designs and commitment to excellence, and has created iconic properties worldwide, offering unparalleled luxury living experiences. Their dedication to quality and customer satisfaction has solidified their reputation as a leader in the luxury real estate market.

According to the Founder,  who is the Chairman of Board of Directors, Mr. Richard Yaw Addo, “We are incredibly honoured to have been recognized and awarded by some of the most prestigious awarding bodies. Winning these awards is the ultimate measure of excellence and a testament to the exceptional work of Pegasus Realty from around the globe. Being showcased alongside some of the World’s Best is a source of great pride for us.”

Yaw Addo Developments has become synonymous with luxury living. We bring the first luxury branded residences to Ghana and the wider West African market, contributing to the region’s expanding tourism sector.

Mission

We deliver world-class real estate projects with the highest standards of professionalism, ethics, quality, safety, and customer service. Our commitment is to earn the trust of our clients.

Vision

 To transform the way people perceive real estate quality. We strive to maintain synergy with all stakeholders while remaining environmentally and socially responsible.

Value Proposition

Our success is driven by our dedicated and efficient team working around the clock to deliver projects.

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