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Trump organization to sell Washington hotel for $375m

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File photo of the Trump International Hotel. PHOTO: AFP

The Trump Organization has reached a deal to sell its Washington hotel lease for $375 million to CGI Merchant Group, which plans to remove ex-president Donald Trump’s name from the luxury property’s facade, US media reported on Sunday.

The Miami-based investment fund has struck a separate agreement with Hilton Worldwide Holdings to rebrand the Trump International Hotel as a Waldorf Astoria, according to the Wall Street Journal.

Contacted by AFP, CGI declined to comment. The Trump Organization and Hilton group also did not immediately return requests.

The historic building just a short walk from the White House and down Pennsylvania Avenue from the US Capitol is not owned by the Trump Organization.

Once the capital city’s main post office, the structure is owned by the US government which in 2013 leased it to Trump’s real estate company for 60 years, with an option to extend for another 40 years.

The Trump Organization invested some $200 million in the renovation of the building, which was constructed in the late 19th century and is on the National Register of Historic Places.

According to a report by the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, the company created to manage the hotel, Trump Old Post Office LLC, incurred more than $71 million in losses between the hotel’s opening in 2016 and August 2020. It has never turned a profit.

During Trump’s presidency, the establishment — known for its massive atrium and soaring clock tower — served as a meeting place for Republican officials, donors, and lobbyists.

At the time several lawmakers and other figures expressed concern that the 263-room hotel was accommodating foreign dignitaries visiting Washington.

They pointed to a potential conflict of interest for Trump, who was both president of the United States and still a key shareholder in the Trump Organization.

A congressional investigation into the matter is ongoing.

 

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Eid-ul-Fitr: Oseni Urges Muslims to Uphold Ramadan Virtues, Calls for National Unity

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As Muslims around the world celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr, marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan, the lawmaker representing Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Engr. Aderemi Oseni has urged the Muslim faithful to uphold the virtues of Ramadan in their daily lives.

According to a statement on Sunday by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, the lawmaker congratulated the Muslim Ummah on the successful completion of the month-long fasting and encouraged them to reflect on the values of sacrifice, self-discipline, and devotion to God, which Ramadan represents.

He emphasised that Ramadan is not only about fasting but also about fostering compassion, patience, and love for one another—values he described as crucial for national unity and development.

“As we celebrate this year’s Eid-ul-Fitr, I encourage my Muslim brothers and sisters to continue embodying the noble virtues of Ramadan. Let the spirit of sacrifice, empathy, and community service guide our actions beyond this season,” the statement read.

Oseni, who chairs the House Committee on the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), also underscored the importance of national cohesion, urging Nigerians to work together to promote peace and stability. He called on leaders at all levels of government to implement policies that address economic challenges, security concerns, and infrastructural development.

He further reassured his constituents in Ibarapa East/Ido of his commitment to quality representation, pledging to continue advocating for policies that prioritise their welfare and development.

Oseni also appealed to religious leaders to use their platforms to preach unity and patriotism, stating that Nigeria’s progress depends on the collective efforts of its citizens in fostering tolerance and peaceful coexistence.

“Eid is a time of joy, reflection, and gratitude. Let us celebrate responsibly while remembering to extend kindness to the less privileged. May Almighty Allah accept our prayers and grant our nation lasting peace and prosperity,” he added.

 

 

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Eid-el-Fitr: Oyo APC Chieftain, Oladiran Alabi, Greets Muslims, Calls for Unity

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A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State and former House of Assembly candidate for Ibadan South-West Constituency I, Hon. Oladiran Alabi, has congratulated Muslims on the occasion of Eid-el-Fitr, urging Nigerians to embrace unity and peaceful coexistence.

In a statement on Sunday, Alabi commended the Muslim faithful for their devotion and sacrifices during the holy month of Ramadan, stressing the need to uphold the values of love, tolerance, and compassion beyond the fasting period.

He said, “The end of Ramadan is a time for reflection, gratitude, and renewed commitment to the principles of Islam. I felicitate with my Muslim brothers and sisters and pray that Almighty Allah accepts their supplications and rewards them abundantly.”

Alabi also emphasised the importance of unity in addressing Nigeria’s socio-political and economic challenges, urging leaders and citizens alike to foster harmony irrespective of religious and ethnic differences.

“Our strength as a nation lies in our unity. It is imperative that we work together to promote peace and development. I call on all Nigerians to prioritise national interest above personal or sectional gains,” he added.

He further urged political leaders to implement policies that would improve the welfare of the people, enhance economic growth, and strengthen security across the country.

The APC stalwart prayed for a peaceful and prosperous Nigeria, wishing the Muslim community a joyous and spiritually fulfilling Eid celebration.

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Tinubu at 73: FERMA House Committee Chair, Oseni Hails President’s Leadership

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Says Tinubu’s policies shaping Nigeria’s future

 

The Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency, (FERMA), Engr. Aderemi Oseni has congratulated President Bola Tinubu on his 73rd birthday, describing him as a transformative leader whose commitment to national development remains unwavering.

In a statement on Saturday by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele and made available to journalists in Ibadan, the lawmaker, who also represents Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, praised Tinubu for his visionary leadership and dedication to Nigeria’s progress. According to him, the President’s political trajectory and governance philosophy have laid the foundation for a more prosperous nation.

“President Tinubu’s contributions to Nigeria’s political and economic development are unparalleled. His leadership has inspired a new era of governance rooted in progressive ideals and economic transformation,” Oseni said.

The lawmaker highlighted the President’s role in fostering democratic growth, strengthening institutions, and implementing key economic reforms aimed at stabilising the nation. He added that Tinubu’s policies, particularly in infrastructure and road rehabilitation, are crucial to Nigeria’s long-term development.

Oseni commended Tinubu for prioritising road infrastructure, stating that a well-maintained road network is essential for economic expansion and national cohesion. He pledged his committee’s continued support in ensuring that FERMA’s projects align with the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Beyond infrastructure, the lawmaker lauded Tinubu’s economic policies, including efforts to attract foreign investments and promote industrialisation. He expressed optimism that the government’s initiatives would yield tangible results, urging Nigerians to remain patient as reforms take shape.

“As a nation, we must rally behind the President’s agenda for economic recovery. Nation-building is a collective effort, and we must support policies that drive growth, stability, and prosperity,” he stated.

Oseni prayed for the President’s good health and strength, urging leaders across the country to emulate Tinubu’s resilience, strategic foresight, and inclusive governance.

 

 

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