8 Jun 2023

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FUEL SUBSIDY: DON’T GO ON STRIKE, TINUBU MEANS WELL, SANWO-OLU TELLS NLC, NIGERIANS ®™√ INN Nigeria © storage emulated 0 pictures comica cartoon16859230214023532254884822227530 Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Sunday, appealed to the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) not to embark on its proposed nationwide strike on fuel subsidy removal slated for Wednesday, saying President Bola Tinubu means well for the country’s economy. The Governor, who implored labour leaders to exercise patience on its proposed planned strike, urged the Labour leaders not to be political over the issue of the removal of fuel subsidy. He said the subsidy removal is in the interest of all Nigerians, urging them to support President Bola Tinubu to run the affairs of the country creditably. Governor Sanwo-Olu spoke on Sunday while speaking to journalists after the Post-inauguration Church Thanksgiving Service held at the Cathedral Church of Christ, Marina in Lagos. The Governor urged the labour leaders to join hands with the present administration at the federal level and be patient with the President in his commitment to turn the economy around and make Nigeria a better place for all. He said: "We are thankful that Mr President is a product of Lagos. We will pray for him and everything that he stands for. We believe he will replicate all the good things he has done in Lagos in our country, Nigeria. "I want to wish and plead with our citizens even as NLC has said to us that they want to go on strike. It is not the time for a strike. During the campaign trail, every one of our presidential candidates did say that the first thing they are going to do is to remove the subsidy. So, what has changed? What has the current president said or what has he done that is different from what any of the other aspirants said they would do? "We need to be very patient. He (President Tinubu) has not even done a week. So let us talk to ourselves and say that we shouldn't turn it political. Let us wait and support this man. He had not done a week on the job. Let him go and reflect and at the sub-national level, we are willing to support him. "The point is no industrial strike will solve anything at this point, it will certainly not bring an end to the issue. The point will be how are we going to ensure that there is a turnaround in our economy. He has mentioned something about a better wage. We have started that in Lagos. We started it in January; so other parts of the country can also do the same. We don't need to wait for the national government. We just need to reflect on what the challenges are in our country and let us solve the problem." Governor Sanwo-Olu also appealed to Nigerians, and the leadership of the NLC in particular, to support President Tinubu in his quest to deliver purposeful governance to the citizens. "I want to plead with the Nigeria Labour Congress. It shouldn't turn into a political thing because we have begun to see that. The leadership should know that they are leading a pack of people and they need to restrain themselves. "Let us be patient. Let us work around it. NNPC has said that there is more than enough petrol. So there is no need for us to begin to heat the polity. There is no need for us to begin to get political; it is governance now and people just want to see purposeful governance. "So let the President settle to do the job and he has said to us he is going to put in place a team that will take the country out of poverty and that is what we are praying for."
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FUEL SUBSIDY: DON’T GO ON STRIKE, TINUBU MEANS WELL, SANWO-OLU TELLS NLC, NIGERIANS ®™√ INN Nigeria ©

5 Jun 2023
PRINCESS ABIODUN OYEFUSI TO LAUNCH FREE MEDICAL OUTREACH IN LAGOS COMMUNITIES ®™√ INN Nigeria © storage emulated 0 pictures comica cartoon16849449426267774484702960107099 <p> The Convener of Soul Lifter Foundation, Princess Islamiyat Abiodun Oyefusi is set to donate a medical van for medical outreach to communities in Lagos State. <p> Princess Islamiyat, who is the Daughter of the Late Ayangburen of Ikorodu Kingdom, said the purpose is to provide free medical care to communities with no health centres and those which are very far from general hospitals. <p> Princess Oyefusi said the vans are targeted at diagnosing 400 people on each trip. <p> She explained that the medical vans will go around the communities throughout Lagos state helping to provide medical outreach to communities instead of doing medical outreach once a year. <p> The Women Advocate also noted that it would help the less privileged with medical needs on a first-line basis and even with free consultations with doctors. <p> Islamiyat stated that free diagnostics in all areas of health would be carried out free of charge. <p> “The purpose is to provide free medical care to communities with no health centres which are very far from general hospitals. <p> “Instead of doing medical outreach in a year, these medical vans will go around the communities throughout the Lagos state just helping to provide medical outreach to communities. “It is to help the less privileged with medical needs on a first-line basis and even with free consultations with doctors. It is a medical outreach but in a van that goes around.” She said.
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PRINCESS ABIODUN OYEFUSI TO LAUNCH FREE MEDICAL OUTREACH IN LAGOS COMMUNITIES ®™√ INN Nigeria ©

24 May 2023
WHO: COVID-19 IS NO LONGER A PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY ®™√ INN Nigeria © storage emulated 0 pictures comica cartoon16833164978082780623712212003131 The World Health Organisation on Friday said it was downgrading COVID-19 and no longer characterising it as a global health emergency. The U.N. health agency first declared the coronavirus to be an international crisis on Jan. 30, 2020. WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus announced the change during a media briefing held with reporters at the agency's headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. But he clarified that this does not mean the pandemic is over. "It is with great hope that I declare COVID-19 over as a global health emergency," he said. "However, that does not mean COVID-19 is over as a global health threat. Last week, COVID-19 claimed a life every three minutes -- and that's just the deaths we know about." The downgrade comes with the pandemic on a "downward trend" for more than a year due to growing immunity among the global population -- both from vaccination and infection -- as well as a decreasing number of deaths, according to Tedros. This has also led to health systems no longer feeling as much of a burden as they once did. "This trend has allowed most countries to return to life as we knew it before," he said. Tedros recounted the early days of the pandemic, noting that when it first declared COVID-19 to be a public health emergency, China reported fewer than 100 cases and no deaths. He said that 7 million COVID-19 deaths have been reported to WHO, but officials believe the true toll to be at least 20 million. In the U.S., more than 1.1 million deaths have been recorded, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "But COVID-19 has been so much more than a health crisis," Tedros said. "It has caused severe economic upheaval, erasing trillions from GDP, disrupting travel and trade, shuttering businesses and plunging millions into poverty." He continued, "It has caused severe social upheaval, with borders closed, movement restricted, schools shut and millions of people experiencing loneliness, isolation, anxiety and depression." And despite the downgrade, there are still thousands of people dying every day as well as being hospitalized due to complications from the virus. Tedros warned against countries letting their guard down and said they must remain vigilant in case a new highly infectious variant emerges. "I emphasize that this is not a snap decision. It is a decision that has been considered carefully for some time, planned for, and made based on a careful analysis of the data," he said. "If need be, I will not hesitate to convene another Emergency Committee should COVID-19 once again put our world in peril." Article Credit: ABC News
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WHO: COVID-19 IS NO LONGER A PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY ®™√ INN Nigeria ©

5 May 2023

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SANWO-OLU PROCLAIMS 10TH LAGOS ASSEMBLY, URGES LEGISLATIVE FOCUS ON PEOPLE’S WELFARE ®™√ INN Nigeria © fb img 1686077642784883121254648005931 At 11:20am on Tuesday, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu proclaimed the first session of the 10th House of Assembly, following the inauguration of 40 members-elect of the State legislature by the clerk. The ceremony, Sanwo-Olu said, symbolised the continuity of the State’s democratic journey, stressing the role of legislature, as indispensable pillar of democracy, was vital in exercising the power of the people in a system of governance. The Governor said the legislative arm embodied the hopes and aspirations of the State’s residents, who elected representatives to work in partnership with other arms of the Government in the quest for good governance and prosperity of Lagos. Sanwo-Olu, who described Lagos as a citadel of resilience and dynamism, noted that the rancour-free transition from the Ninth Assembly to the 10th parliament further demonstrated the sustenance of culture of legislative vibrancy entrenched in the State’s parliament. This, he said, confirmed Lagos’ journey on the path of innovation, development and cultural diversity. He said: “Today, we come together for the proclamation of the 10th Lagos State House of Assembly. The ceremony symbolises not just the continuity of our democratic journey, but also the vital role of legislative power in our system of governance. The legislature, an indispensable pillar of our democracy, plays an essential role in the journey we have embarked upon. It is the embodiment of the hopes and aspirations of our people, a crucial partner in the quest for good governance, and a custodian of our shared democratic values. “The independent atmosphere under which the House of Assembly operates is a testament to the strength of our democracy and the commitment of Lagosians to the pursuit of excellence. Lagos has always been a citadel of resilience and dynamism, leading the path in innovation, development, and cultural diversity. As we embark on this new journey, we are reminded of our shared commitment to bolster the prosperity of Lagos and improve the lives of every Lagosian.” Sanwo-Olu, who maintained neutrality in the process that led to selection of the Assembly’s principal officers, said his interest lay in how the executive and the legislature could work in collaboration to fulfil shared responsibilities to the people. The Governor urged the legislators to bring their unique value and perspective to bear in the debates of issues and policies in the assembly, stressing that the Government would achieve extraordinary results through collective efforts and cooperation. Sanwo-Olu thanked members of the Ninth Assembly, whom he said worked with his Government to ensure dividends of good governance were reaped by the people. He charged members of the 10th Assembly to meet and outperform the record set by the expired Assembly in legislative activities. He said: “As we look to the future, let us remind ourselves of the importance of cooperation, dialogue, and mutual respect. The Executive and the Legislature are partners in this democratic journey. Our shared goal is to create a Lagos where everyone thrives, where opportunities abound, and where our cultural diversity propels us forward. “I stand ready to work with the 10th Assembly, collaborating to drive impactful policies, and fostering an environment where the hopes and dreams of every Lagosian can be realised. I believe the 10th Assembly will meet the expectations of Lagosians and surpass the record set by the Ninth Assembly.” Clerk of the House, Barr. Bunyamin Onafeko, rated the Ninth Assembly high in legislative achievements, noting that the House, in four years, passed 46 bills into law and approved over 120 resolutions, touching range of issues, relating to welfare of the people, settlement of dues, and other socio-economic issues. Onafeko disclosed that 20 legislators from the previous Assembly returned, while 20 members were newly elected into the House. The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) retained the majority in the Assembly with 38 members, while Labour Party has two members. “Legislature is the only arm of Government composed of elected representatives of the people across constituencies with statutory mandate to aggregate the concerns of the people and present their interests for implementation by the executive arm. The legislature has oversight power on other arms of Government through which it ensures transparency and accountability in allocation of public resources,” Onafeko said. Sanwo-Olu, in pursuant of Section 105(3) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, transmitted a letter to proclaim the holding of the first session of the 10th Assembly. Upon confirming the Governor’s letter, Onafeko, citing Section 92 of the Constitution and Order 2 and Rule 4 of the House, called for the nomination of Speaker and Deputy Speaker. Temitope Adewale, representing Ifako-Ijaiye Constituency 1, nominated member representing Agege Constituency 1, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, to take the chair of the Speaker. Obasa, who is returning to the House for the record sixth term, led the Eight and Ninth Assemblies as Speaker. Hon. Ogunkelu Sylvester from Epe Constituency II seconded Obasa’s nomination to return as Speaker. With no other nomination for the position, the Clerk returned Obasa as Speaker of the 10th Assembly. Hon. Desmond Elliot of Surulere Constituency 1 nominated Hon. Mojisola Lasbat Meranda, of Apapa Constituency 1, to take the seat of Deputy Speaker. Meranda was elected after her nomination was seconded by Hon. Tijani Surajudeen of Ojo Constituency 2. Upon assumption of duty as Speaker, Obasa said members’ elections were a testament to the avowed commitment to sustaining and upholding democratic values and principles through effective policy formulation, implementation and evaluation. The Speaker thanked Governor Sanwo-Olu for according respect to this House and maintaining neutrality in the internal affairs of the Assembly. Obasa also appreciated the Governor for what the Speaker described as his defence of the legislature from external forces and manipulations. He said: “The 10th Assembly has been proclaimed today. To achieve our goals, we will need to work hard, be innovative and stay united. We must abstain from being purveyors and sponsors of negative publicity about this House and publications that do no one any good, but destroy the image and reputation of the parliament as well as its leadership. “As we begin a new chapter in the history of this Assembly, I want to affirm my commitment to the principles of transparency, accountability and good governance. My goal is to ensure that every member of this Assembly is respected and valued and that we work together to provide effective representation for the people of Lagos state.” Other principal officers constituted on the first session are Majority Leader, Hon. Noheem Adam, of Eti Osa Constituency 1; Deputy Majority Leader, Hon. Damola Kasumu of Ikeja Constituency II; Chief Whip, Hon. Mojeed Fatai of Ibeju Lekki Constituency 1, and Deputy Chief Whip, Hon. David Setonji of Badagry Constituency II.
5 min read

SANWO-OLU PROCLAIMS 10TH LAGOS ASSEMBLY, URGES LEGISLATIVE FOCUS ON PEOPLE’S WELFARE ®™√ INN Nigeria ©

6 Jun 2023
ACCEPTANCE SPEECH DELIVERED BY SPEAKER, MUDASHIRU OBASA AT INAUGURATION OF 10TH ASSEMBLY OF THE LAHA ®™√ INN Nigeria © img 20230606 wa00096599249934895067482 Admittance oration conveyed By The Speaker, Rt Hon Mudashiru Obasa During The Inauguration Of The 10th Assembly Of The Lagos State House Of Assembly On Tuesday, June 06, 2023. PROTOCOL Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Executive Governor of Lagos State; our highly esteemed royal fathers here present, Captains of industry, leaders of our pace-setting party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), Community leaders, Chairmen of Local Governments and Local Council Development Areas; members of Diplomatic Corps; market men and women; our energetic youths; members of the 4th Estate of the Realm; all Lagosians; ladies and gentlemen. • My distinguished colleagues, ladies and gentlemen, with profound gratitude, a strong feeling of honour, and an unwavering commitment to living up to the high standards set by you, I accept your gracious decision to elect me as the Speaker of the 10th Assembly of the Lagos State House of Assembly. Today’s gathering is historical in the sense that it is the day I set the pace as the first legislator to be elected a record six times and the first to be Speaker for three consecutive terms in Nigeria. • Foremost, we owe a debt of gratitude to the Almighty Allah, the All-Powerful, for the success of the 10th Assembly's opening session. To Allah's holy name, I give thanks, for it is He who made it so that I would serve as your Speaker for the next four years. Therefore, with all sense of responsibility, I make bold to declare to all Lagosians and indeed my colleagues that I shall continue to give my best. • Importantly, let me immensely thank Lagosians and Nigerians for voting for our great party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the just concluded elections which resulted in the emergence of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR as the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the re-election of Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu as the Governor of Lagos State and the overwhelming victory of the candidates for the Lagos State House of Assembly. The victory which we recorded at the polls is a testament to our avowed commitment to sustaining and upholding democratic values and principles through effective policy formulation, implementation and evaluation. • I want to thank Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his usual support for the legislature and further commend him for his respect for this House, his neutrality, guidance and advice. His defence of the legislature from external forces and manipulations cannot be de-emphasised. Dear colleagues, we stand here today as a testament to Mr Governor’s commitment to good governance and his efforts to build a better Lagos for all. Permit me to use this medium to congratulate him also on his recent inauguration as the seventh democratically elected Governor. • In the same vein, this event allows me to commend the Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC) for the role played by its members, 20 years ago, resulting in the independence of the legislature in Lagos to decide its leadership. For this, I say THANK YOU SIR to those who partook in that critical decision, the current members and those who are now resting. To the leadership of our party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), starting from the President of this nation, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, members of the G16, especially our party chairman, Hon. Cornelius Ojelabi, I say a BIG THANK YOU for all your usual support. • My deepest appreciation goes to my constituents in Agege for their continued support and belief in my vision for a better and more prosperous Lagos. It is truly humbling to be given the opportunity yet again to serve them and our dear State in this capacity. I promise to work tirelessly with my colleagues to ensure that we continue to uphold the legacy of excellence for which the Lagos State House of Assembly is known. • Dear Lagosians and Nigerians, issues relating to the removal of fuel subsidies have been on the front burner for some days with opposing views. While I understand the current plight faced by citizens, I want to urge us all to embrace this policy as it has a lasting positive effect on all of us and our country. We can take a clue from the introduction of mobile communications networks in Nigeria years ago and how they were beyond the reach of many citizens. Today, mobile phones are everywhere and calls are cheaper. • Distinguished colleagues, Lagosians, the 10th Assembly has been proclaimed today. To achieve our goals, we will need to work hard, be innovative and most importantly, stay united. As Honourable members, we must abstain from being purveyors and sponsors of negative publicity and publications about this House. Such publications do no one any good, but destroy the image and reputation of the Parliament as well as its leadership. Let’s always be conscious that excessive desperation does not achieve anything good. • As we begin a new chapter in the history of this Assembly, I want to affirm my commitment to the principles of transparency, accountability and good governance. My goal is to ensure that every member of this Assembly is respected and valued and that we work together to provide effective representation for the people of Lagos state. • Lagos State is a great state with even greater potentials and we have a responsibility to harness these potentials and maximise them for the benefit of our people. We must prioritise the welfare of our constituents and ensure that our policies and legislative framework are geared towards meeting their needs. Under my leadership, this House will operate an open and inclusive administration where all members are carried along and given equal opportunity to contribute towards the development of the State. • We cannot achieve greatness working in isolation. Therefore, I encourage all the branches of government to work together in harmony to ensure that we build a Lagos State that we can all be proud of. Together, we have an opportunity to build a better Lagos, a Lagos that provides equal opportunities for all, a Lagos that is safe and secure, and a Lagos that is a model for sustainable development in Nigeria and the world. • As a responsible and responsive House of Assembly, our legislative agenda for the 10th Assembly are: To promote and strengthen legislative institutions from the State to local government level; a recommitment to the establishment of a Centre for Democracy and Legislative Studies; to review the old laws to bring them to modern reality, especially laws that established agencies, parastatals that are no longer viable; to rejig our regular legislative consultation; and to ensure prudent fiscal and financial policies through robust and engaging legislation. • Lagos is a Yoruba Land as against the assertions of some people that it is a no man’s land. Therefore, part of our legislative agenda is to ensure the translation of laws passed by this House to the Yoruba Language. We also aim at achieving our collective goals of creating a robust legislative framework that protects the interest of our people. Going forward in this wise, we are going to employ all legislative instruments for the support of the indigenes of Lagos. There would be laws and resolutions in the areas of economy and commerce, property and titles and we will reverse all that are reversible to protect the interest of the indigenes. • Management staff and personnel of this great institution, I implore you to do everything in your power to ensure this administration's success. We promise to keep our campaign promises to the people of Lagos and to ensure that everyone benefits from the dividends of democracy. We appreciate the help from the media, the ‘4th Estate of the Realm’. We would appreciate it if you could assist us more by projecting a good image of this Assembly as usual. The success of this 10th Assembly should be a top priority. • To sum up my points, the sanctity of the legislature as an independent body is adequately provided for in the Constitution by the principles of Separation of Powers. In this regard, no other arm of government is allowed or permitted to interfere with the functioning and independence of the legislature in a manner that would make the legislature subs the servant subordinate. It must be underlined that in any constitutional democracy, the legislature must be allowed to operate independently, especially in line with Section 101 of the Constitution which confers on it the power to regulate itself, without violation. • To improve the Legislature and establish good governance, my colleagues and I must be steadfast and remove any obstacles in our path. I have faith that we will succeed. This esteemed House shall sustain our cordial relationship and robust cooperation with the Executive arm of government. However, let me state clearly that we shall not compromise the sanctity of our institutional independence and constitutional roles. We further expect that resolutions passed by this House are given favourable consideration just like bills passed by this House. • Lastly, I solemnly pledge my commitment to serve this House with humility, honesty, and dedication. I urge my colleagues to join me in this commitment, and together we shall leave a legacy of excellence that generations yet unborn will be proud of. I thank you all for your listening pleasure. Thank you, and God bless Lagos State and Nigeria. Igbega spindle Eko, ajumose gbogbo wa ni. Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa Speaker, 10th Lagos House of Assembly.
7 min read

ACCEPTANCE SPEECH DELIVERED BY SPEAKER, MUDASHIRU OBASA AT INAUGURATION OF 10TH ASSEMBLY OF THE LAHA ®™√ INN Nigeria ©

6 Jun 2023
NBA IKORODU TO PROVIDE POLICY THRUST AT LAW WEEK ®™√ INN Nigeria © storage emulated 0 pictures comica cartoon16860617990001230895673216405156 Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ikorodu Branch, Idris Thany says it is high time lawyers took up the challenge to guide the political leadership and politicians in Nigeria. He disclosed this on Friday while briefing journalists on activities lined up for the 2023 Law Week of the association which commenced with a jumat service at Omitoro Town Central Mosque, Ijede Road, Ikorodu. According to him, Lawyers should also contribute to charting a course of direction for the new administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu by providing it with working materials on what the people of Nigeria expect from him. He said this prompted the theme of this year’s conference of the Bar, “2023 and Beyond the Imperative of True Federalism in Nigeria” and the lecture topic, “The 1999 Constitution, Restructuring and True Federalism: The Way Forward”. Mr Thany said they were aware that before the election, there were hues and cries about the lopsidedness in appointments, and alleged nepotism among other issues in the country. “I believe that after the lecture which centres on the 1999 constitution, restructuring, true federalism and the way forward, the federal government would have been better informed. It will serve as a raw material for the policy thrust of the federal government. “We want to contribute our little quota by the theme and lecture, to the development of Nigeria such that future generations would be proud to call Nigeria their own.” Dignitaries are billed to attend and speak at the “16th annual lecture of Chief Babatunde Olusola Benson (SAN)” held on Tuesday, June 6, which falls during Law Week. The chairman of the lecture is a former Deputy Governor of Oyo state, Iyiola Oladokun (SAN) while a former chairman of NBA Abuja and a Presidential candidate in the 2018 election of the national NBA, Mazi Afam Osigwe (SAN) is the guest speaker. The discussants will include Chairman, Oyo State, INEC and chairman, Egbe Amofin, Isiaka Abiodun Olagunju (SAN); a former NBA Lagos Branch chairman, Dr Ajibade Babatunde (SAN), Chukwuka Ikuwuazom (SAN) and Olusegun Fabunmi (SAN).
2 min read

NBA IKORODU TO PROVIDE POLICY THRUST AT LAW WEEK ®™√ INN Nigeria ©

6 Jun 2023
OBASA MAKES HISTORY, REELECTED SPEAKER 3RD TIME ®™√ INN Nigeria © 393oj4j4jj4188752632216197588 Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa has been re-elected by his colleagues to lead the Lagos State House of Assembly as Speaker for the third consecutive time. The lawmakers also elected Hon. Mojisola Lasbat Meranda as the Deputy Speaker. Obasa was unanimously re-elected after a proclamation of the 10th Assembly of the Lagos State House of Assembly by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who was present with Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat and top government officials at the chamber of the House. Obasa, the most ranking member of the House, was nominated by Hon. Temitope Adewale, who was seconded by Sylvester Ogunkelu. Hon. Noheem Adams, the Deputy Majority Leader in the ninth Assembly, was elected as the new Majority Leader while Hon. Adedamola Kasunmu was elected the Deputy Majority Leader. Hon. Mojeed Fatai of Ibeju Lekki 1 was elected as the Chief Whip while Hon. David Setonji was elected the Deputy Chief Whip. Details soon...
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OBASA MAKES HISTORY, REELECTED SPEAKER 3RD TIME ®™√ INN Nigeria ©

6 Jun 2023
INN's Sir Mikky Here, Let's Talk!
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