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Coronavirus dampens Holi festivities in India
The big, exuberant neighbourhood parties that mark Holi were few and far between in New Delhi on Tuesday as northern India celebrated the annual festival of colours under the cloud of the new coronavirus.
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India has so far reported 47 positive cases of the virus and the Health Ministry has been advising people in the run-up to Holi to avoid large gatherings and stay vigilant for symptoms.
Indian President, Ram Nath Kovind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and several cabinet colleagues put out messages on Twitter saying they would not attend Holi gatherings, nudging followers to do the same.
Clubs and resident welfare associations have cancelled Holi milans, or meetings, where large numbers of people gather to celebrate together.
Holi is a day of feasting and festivities where families, friends and neighbours gather and smear each other with coloured powder or douse each other with coloured water to celebrate the onset of spring.
Some drink, others sing and dance and then everyone feasts on traditional dishes.
It all winds up by afternoon.
People have restricted themselves to smaller groups this time around and many have not travelled home for the celebration.
The eve of Holi sees a huge rush at bus and train stations and airports.
“It’s different this time. Many flights to cities like Bangalore and Hyderabad had empty seats on Sunday and Monday,’’ said Delhi-based travel agent, Radhika Gangwal.
But among those who travelled home for Holi were Bollywood actor, Priyanka Chopra, and her husband U.S. singer, Nick Jonas.
“Jonas’ first Holi was made so special being home.
“May everyone celebrating have a very happy and safe Holi,’’ Chopra said in an Instagram post of a picture of the couple drenched in colours.
Sales of Holi gear have been sluggish too.
“My sale of pichkaris (water guns), water balloons and colours is almost half of other years,’’ said Ravi Kumar who sets up a stall in a Delhi suburb market every year.
“Most of the goods are from China, especially the water guns, maybe that’s why.’’
Holi also celebrates the killing of an evil demoness, Holika, by the Hindu god Vishnu.
On the eve of the festival, effigies of Holika are burnt.
In the Mumbai suburb of Worli, a group of residents on Monday burnt a second effigy labelled coronavirus Asur, India Today news channel reported.
Investigations by Nigerian Concord Newspaper reveal that the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council, Mr. Pius Akutah, has allegedly misappropriated public funds for a lavish lifestyle.
According to our findings, within months of assuming office, Akutah allegedly purchased a bulletproof SUV valued at approximately N850 million. In addition, he is reported to have acquired over twenty exotic SUVs for use as a convoy.
Akutah is also said to have acquired multiple high-value properties, including three in Abuja’s Maitama and Asokoro districts worth over N2 billion, and two in Lagos’ Banana Island valued at N1.8 billion. These acquisitions appear far beyond the scope of his official salary and allowances.
Further investigation suggests that Akutah may be using public funds to support political ambitions, including allegedly grooming militants across 23 local government areas in Benue State for a potential 2027 gubernatorial bid.
Staff of the Shippers Council reportedly claim that Akutah frequently accesses the council’s treasury without proper authorization. Some insiders have indicated that a petition will soon be filed with the EFCC, ICPC, and the Presidency to report his alleged misconduct.
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Investigations by Nigerian Concord Newspaper reveal that the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council, Mr. Pius Akutah, has allegedly misappropriated public funds for a lavish lifestyle.
According to our findings, within months of assuming office, Akutah allegedly purchased a bulletproof SUV valued at approximately N850 million. In addition, he is reported to have acquired over twenty exotic SUVs for use as a convoy.
Akutah is also said to have acquired multiple high-value properties, including three in Abuja’s Maitama and Asokoro districts worth over N2 billion, and two in Lagos’ Banana Island valued at N1.8 billion. These acquisitions appear far beyond the scope of his official salary and allowances.
Further investigation suggests that Akutah may be using public funds to support political ambitions, including allegedly grooming militants across 23 local government areas in Benue State for a potential 2027 gubernatorial bid.
Staff of the Shippers Council reportedly claim that Akutah frequently accesses the council’s treasury without proper authorization. Some insiders have indicated that a petition will soon be filed with the EFCC, ICPC, and the Presidency to report his alleged misconduct.
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I am writing to felicitate with Your Excellency, Atku Abubakar, GCON, former Vice-President of Nigeria (Zege Mule u Tiv & Wazirin Adamawa)
on the occasion of your 79th birthday anniversary.
I join your teeming admirers globally in celebrating you on this special day, an adorable Statesman and my Boss.
I recall with nostalgia, how countless generations have benefited from your generosity, wealth of experience and benevolence including being my key benefactor even as a young lawyer for my professional success.
Your Excellency, may your special day be filled with grandeur befitting your illustrious career.
I wish you continued success, prosperity, and an unending stream of accolades.
It takes a remarkable kind of fortitude to remain active in public life well into one’s golden years. Your dedication and patriotism remain truly exceptional.
May you enjoy a day of reflection on your many years of fruitful service to humanity. It is my prayer that God Almighty grants you many more healthy, fruitful, and fulfilling years ahead, and continues to endow you with wisdom, strength, and the grace to keep contributing to our nation-building.
Happy Birthday, Your Excellency.
Michael Kaase Aondoakaa SAN.
Former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice
TAU reaffirms commitment to globally competitive learning
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