News
U.S President Trump, Wife Skip Kennedy Center Arts Awards
U.S President, Donald and Melania Trump will skip festivities for this year’s Kennedy Center Honors, one of America’s top awards in the arts, to allow the events to go ahead without “political distraction,” the White House said Saturday.
Traditionally, the honorees are received at the White House before the event, but Trump has had a fraught relationship with the American art world and this year two of them declined to join in the reception.
“The President and First Lady have decided not to participate in this year’s activities to allow the honorees to celebrate without any political distraction,” the White House statement said.
“First Lady Melania Trump, along with her husband President Donald J. Trump, extend their sincerest congratulations and well-wishes to all of this year’s award recipients for their many accomplishments.”
This year’s honorees are rapper LL Cool J, Cuban-American singer Gloria Estefan, singer Lionel Richie, television writer and producer Norman Lear, and dancer and choreographer Carmen de Lavallade.
Lear, a 95-year-old World War II veteran whose sitcoms like “The Jeffersons” and “All in the Family” brought social issues into American living rooms in the 1970s and 1980s, said shortly after being named an honoree that he would not attend the White House reception.
“It is more important now than ever that we stand up for artists, for artistic expression, and for the valiant fight that artists fight to reveal the wonder and oneness of the human spirit,” Lear said in a statement.
Trump angered many in the art world when he pushed for the complete end of federal support for public broadcasting and the National Endowment for the Arts in his budget outline in March.
On Thursday, De Lavallade cited “the socially divisive and morally caustic narrative that our existing leadership is choosing to engage in” for declining the invitation to the White House reception.
De Lavallade appeared on Broadway and in films, and was the principal dancer for the Metropolitan Opera. She has choreographed for Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and Dance Theatre of Harlem, among others.
Ritchie — the pop legend behind hits such as “All Night Long,” “Hello” and “Endless Love” — told NBC’s “Today Show” this week that he was going to “play it by ear.”
“I must tell you, I’m not really happy as to what’s going on right now with the controversies,” he said.
The awards ceremony at the Kennedy Center will take place on December 3, and will be the first under Trump.
Kennedy Center Honors marks its 40th anniversary this year.
AFP
News
Oseni Supports Ibadan Mosque Project with N20m
The lawmaker representing Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency of Oyo State, Engr. Aderemi Oseni, has donated the sum of N20 million to support the construction of the new Lalupon Central Mosque project.
Contained in a statement on Sunday by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, the generous donation, aimed at promoting religious harmony and community development, was made during the turbaning ceremony and launching of a N150 million endowment fund for the mosque’s completion. The event took place at Lalupon Central Primary School, Ibadan, and was graced by religious leaders, community members, and dignitaries.
Speaking at the event, Oseni, who also chairs the House Committee on Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), emphasised the importance of supporting initiatives that foster unity and strengthen faith within communities.
“This is more than just a building; it is a symbol of faith, togetherness, and hope for future generations,” the lawmaker stated. “It is my honour and duty to contribute to a project that holds such profound significance for the people of Lalupon,” he added.
Leaders of the Lalupon Muslim Community commended the lawmaker for his generosity, describing the gesture as a testament to his dedication to the welfare of his people.
They noted that his contribution would significantly accelerate the progress of the mosque project.
The new Lalupon Central Mosque, once completed, is expected to serve as a hub for spiritual activities and a unifying space for the Muslim community in the area.
News
Rep Oseni Urges Unity, Compassion in Christmas Message to Nigerians
As Nigerians celebrate Christmas amidst festivities and reflections, the Chairman of the House Committee on Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) and lawmaker representing Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency of Oyo state, Engr. Aderemi Oseni has sent a heartfelt message to Nigerians, emphasising the importance of unity, compassion, and selflessness in nation-building.
In his Christmas message on Wednesday, contained in a statement by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, and made available to journalists in Ibadan, the lawmaker described the season as a time to reflect on the love and sacrifice demonstrated by the birth of Jesus Christ.
He urged citizens to embrace the spirit of giving, kindness, and shared humanity that Christmas symbolises.
“Christmas is a season of hope, joy, and renewal,” Oseni said. “It reminds us of our shared duty to show love to one another, regardless of ethnicity, religion, or political affiliations. Let us work together to foster unity and peace in our country, especially as we navigate through challenging times.”
The lawmaker also highlighted the significance of collective responsibility in nation-building.
“As we celebrate, we must remember the less privileged in our communities. Acts of charity and kindness, no matter how small, can make a significant impact on someone’s life,” he added.
The APC chieftain expressed gratitude to his constituents in Ibarapa East/Ido for their unwavering support, assuring them of his commitment to delivering more impactful governance.
He also called for patience and cooperation as the government works towards addressing issues affecting the nation, including infrastructure development, economic stability, and security.
“Let this Christmas inspire us to continue building bridges of hope and fostering the true Nigerian spirit of togetherness,” he stated.
As the year draws to a close, Oseni encouraged Nigerians to remain optimistic about the nation’s future, assuring them that better days lie ahead with collective effort and unwavering faith.
News
NCAA Sanctions Five Airlines Over Regulatory Breaches
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has initiated enforcement action against five airlines—two international and three domestic operators—for various violations of its regulations under Part 19.
The offenses include non-payment of passenger refunds within the stipulated timeframe, non-responsiveness to NCAA directives, mishandling of luggage, short-landed baggage, delayed and canceled flights, among other infractions.
Addressing journalists at the NCAA’s corporate headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday, Michael Achimugu, the Authority’s spokesman, stated that airlines must adhere to regulations regarding flight disruptions. He emphasized that failure to comply attracts sanctions.
“Although airlines are not always responsible for flight disruptions, NCAA regulations stipulate actions that airlines must take during such incidents. Failure to comply attracts various levels of sanctions,” Achimugu said.
He reminded airlines of the NCAA’s recent directive mandating refunds to passengers within 14 days for online ticket purchases and immediate cash refunds for tickets bought with cash.
The yuletide season has seen a rise in passenger complaints about delays and cancellations, largely attributed to harmattan-induced poor visibility. Achimugu clarified that airlines are not liable for cancellations due to force majeure but stressed that the enforcement actions are for cases where airlines are found at fault.
“This is harmattan season, so there is poor visibility. Flights must get canceled. This is force majeure, and the airlines do not owe passengers anything in those instances. The enforcement we are initiating today is on cases where the airline is deemed to have been at fault. More will come,” he explained.
Achimugu further disclosed that the NCAA would summon the chief executives of all airlines this week to address flight disruptions and regulatory breaches.
While the names of the sanctioned airlines were not officially revealed, sources close to the Authority identified them as Ethiopian Airways, Royal Maroc Airways, Arik Air, Aero Contractors, and Air Peace.
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