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Obaseki Orders ECTS To Provide Free Rides For Edo Residents

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As part of measures to alleviate the sufferings of Edo residents in the light of the scarcity of the new naira notes and its attendant challenges, the Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki has directed the Edo City Transport Service (ECTS) to provide free bus rides to commuters with effect from Thursday 16th February 2023, as a means of cushioning the effect of the cash crunch experienced by the residence of the State.

The directive stated that the free bus ride will be applicable for all routes and will remain in place through Monday, February 20, 2023, at which point more information will be released.

In a similar development, the Governor met with Point of Sales Services (POS) operators, expressing displeasure over the herculean processes and high fees residents of the State often pay to access their funds through the POS.

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He revealed that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has provided cash for POS operators who would be placed at strategic withdrawal points, such as markets and other locations across the State. These POS operators will be monitored by the CBN and other security agencies to ensure compliance.

It would be recalled that the Edo State Government recently held a meeting with the CBN representatives in attendance, and briefed residents on the various efforts the State Government has made in collaboration with the CBN to ease the current challenges faced by residents in the face of the current cash crunch.

READ ALSO: Why We Settled For Redesign Of N200, N500, N1000 Notes – Buhari

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The Edo State Government has also warned against extortion from POS operators and has introduced dedicated call lines where residents can lodge their complaints in the event of outrageous charges from any POS operators in the State. All these measures are in addition to the various efforts by the Godwin Obaseki administration to improve the lives and standard of living of residents in the State.

The Governor has urged citizens to maintain peace and follow the law while promising that order will soon return.

He also empathizes with their plight and noted that his administration will continue to place the welfare of Edo residents as a top priority even in the face of daunting challenges.

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Why We Named Mandy Kiss Anti-drug Abuse Ambassador – Lagos Commissioner

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Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mobolaji Ogunlende, has explained the rationale behind the appointment of popular content creator, Ayomiposi Oluwadahunsi, known as Mandy Kiss, as an ambassador for the Lagos State Kicks Against Drug Abuse initiative.

Ogunlende, in a viral video on Tuesday, conferred the ambassadorship on Mandy Kiss.

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.”

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Describing drug abuse as a pandemic, the Commissioner said, “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.

READ ALSO:Hotel Receptionist Fined For Kissing Student Without Consent

“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.”

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The decision comes after a 25-year-old influencer publicly announced plans to pursue a controversial Guinness World Record attempt to sleep with 100 men, which had raised concerns over its alignment with societal values.

Taking to his social media accounts on Tuesday, Ogunlende shared pictures of Mandy Kiss’s unveiling in a post titled “A society thrives when it listens, engages, and redirects its future with compassion and purpose.”

He justified the appointment, stating that the content creator wields significant influence among our youth, our future leaders, and it’s vital that she be guided rather than dismissed.

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Ogunlende’s post read, “With the Babajide Sanwo-Olu-led administration being responsive and responsible, earlier today, I had the privilege of meeting with Ayomiposi Oluwadahunsi, popularly known as Mandykiss, a prominent content creator, following her public announcement of plans to pursue a Guinness World Record in a pursuit that didn’t align with our societal values or reflect the standards we uphold as a people and State.

READ ALSO:Tinubu’s Mandate Accomplished In Rivers — Ibas

Mandykiss had initially declared her intent to attempt this record, but as a government that listens, we heard her subsequent expressions and responded swiftly with empathy.

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“In an atmosphere of understanding and responsibility, we engaged in candid discussions, critically assessed the situation, and explored healthier, more constructive paths forward.

“We recognise the importance of mental health and emotional wellness, and we’re steadfast in our commitment to promoting these and crafting inclusive interventions that uplift and safeguard our citizens.”

The Lagos Commissioner added, “Mandykiss wields significant influence among young people, our future leaders, and it’s vital that she be guided rather than dismissed. What was slated to be the start of her controversial record attempt has instead become a pivotal moment of redirection.

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READ ALSO:14-year-old Dies After Botched Secret Breast Surgery

“She has now embraced a purpose-driven cause, standing for something greater than herself. Mandykiss has been appointed an Ambassador of LASKADA (Lagos State Kicks Against Drug Abuse), partnering with us in combating drug abuse and substance misuse among youths in Lagos.”

He said the influencer’s “journey reflects transformation rather than cancellation, a powerful illustration of what is achievable when young individuals are met with love, guidance, and opportunities for positive growth.

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“Mandykiss’s story underscores the impact of compassion and purposeful engagement. It is a testament to redirecting potential towards meaningful impact.”

Recall that this appointment comes after Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Festus Keyamo, in August, announced plans to engage Fuji star, Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as KWAM 1, as an ambassador for proper airport security protocol, after controversy over his alleged misconduct at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

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Lagos Names Mandy Kiss Anti-drug Abuse Ambassador

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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.

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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.

READ ALSO:Educationist Gets Guinness World Record For Largest Teachers’ Gathering

“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.

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“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.”

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

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READ ALSO:‘I’m Now Jobless, You Will Kiss Me Till You Get Tired, Gov Wike Tells Wife

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.

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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.

READ ALSO:H-1B Visas: Trump To Impose $100,000 Annual Fee For Skilled Foreign Workers

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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.

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I’m Not One Of You Again, Olubadan Tells Atiku

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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.

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

READ ALSO:Olubadan Unveils Economic Plan For Ibadanland

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.

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“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.”

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.

READ ALSO:JUST IN: Tinubu Arrives At Olubadan Coronation

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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.

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