The immediate past Minister of Women Affairs, Dame Pauline Tallen has lost his only son Richard
The family inducated in a statement on Sunday that Richard gave up the ghost on Sunday morning at the Cedar Crest Hospital in Abuja, after being hospitalised, the

The immediate cause of his death was not known at the time of this report but he was said to have been placed on oxygen in the hospital’s Intensive Care Unit (ICU) on Friday night.

The Vom Old Boys’ Association (VOBA) who also confirmed the incident,
wrote on its social media platform that he died in Abuja after a brief illness.

“On a very sad note, we regret to announce the sudden passing of our member, Mr Richard Adamu Tallen.

“Eternal rest grant unto him oh Lord, may perpetual light shine upon him.

“May the soul of Richard and all departed VOBA members RIP. Amen,” the group posted on Facebook on Sunday afternoon.

The late Richard, who is a graduate of Computer Science from a United States university, was aged 42 and is survived by a wife and three children.

The burial arrangements is expected to be announced by the family.

A gathering of high-profile leaders and intellectuals is set to take place this week at the official launch of two new books by celebrated poet, journalist, and scholar, Dr. Tunde Olusunle.
Leading the event is the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, CON, who will be accompanied by several governors, including Usman Ododo (Kogi), Kefas Agbu (Taraba), Ahmad Aliyu-Sokoto (Sokoto), and Dauda Lawal, PhD (Zamfara).

The event is scheduled for Wednesday, October 9, 2024, at 2 p.m. at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja. It will unveil two notable works: Orisirisi: Vistas on Contemporary Politics in Nigeria and Toasts, Tributes and Wreaths.
These were contained in a statement issued by Bolaji Afolabi for the
Book Launch Media Committee.
According to the Statement, Orisirisi is a substantial 470-page collection of 60 essays that critically explores Nigeria’s political landscape and pressing national issues.
Renowned columnist and former media adviser to President Bola Tinubu, Segun Ayobolu, lauded the book as an incisive exploration of Nigeria’s key challenges, from leadership failures to economic distress.

Meanwhile, Toasts, Tributes and Wreaths, a 308-page volume of 46 essays, has been hailed by Professor Omotayo Oloruntoba-Oju as a richly crafted literary piece that brings together stories of notable figures. She calls the collection “a brilliant fusion of journalism, research, and creative writing.”

Other distinguished attendees include former National Security Adviser General Aliyu Mohammed Gusau, GCON; former Minority Leader Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe; and economist and former Chairman of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Chief Onyema Ugochukwu, FNGE, CON.

Former governors, including Senator Gabriel Torwua Suswam, PhD, CON, and Captain Idris Ichalla Wada, will be present. They will be joined by Senator Ben Obi, CON, former Political Adviser to the President, along with Kogi parliamentarians Senators Sunday Karimi, Barrister Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, and Jibrin Isah.

The Deputy Majority Leader of the Senate, Senator Lola Ashiru, as well as Senators Osita Izunaso, Okechukwu Ezea, Austin Akobundu, Ned Nwoko, Smart Adeyemi, CON, and Dino Melaye, are also expected at the launch.

Representatives from the House of Representatives, including Leke Joseph Abejide, Chairman of the Committee on Customs, Dickson Tarkighir, and Idris Salman, will attend the event as well.

The book reviews will be delivered by Professor Gbenga Ibileye, a notable scholar of English and member of the Nigerian Academy of Letters (MNAL).

Dr. Tunde Olusunle is a respected poet, academic, and former close aide to President Olusegun Obasanjo. With three published poetry collections and multiple volumes of essays, Dr. Olusunle is a widely studied literary figure.
His professional career includes serving in various capacities within the Kogi State government and holding an academic post at the University of Abuja.

As Nigeria celebrates its 64th Independence Anniversary, Senate Leader Michael Opeyemi Bamidele has called on leaders across the nation to unite and address the challenges undermining national prosperity.
Reflecting on the country’s journey since gaining independence and 110 years of existence as a single political entity, Bamidele urged leaders to focus on what unites Nigeria rather than issues that further divide along ethnic, political, and religious lines.

In his statement, Bamidele emphasized the importance of tackling key national issues to build a resilient federation that works for all Nigerians.
He highlighted the ongoing review of the 1999 Constitution by the National Assembly, stressing the urgency of creating an efficient and responsive federal structure.

The Senate Leader noted that the National Assembly had already received 37 new memoranda, in addition to revisiting 16 constitutional amendment bills from the Ninth Assembly.
He called for more contributions from Nigerians on vital issues such as state police, diaspora voting, financial autonomy for local governments, judiciary independence, and representation for women in legislative bodies.

Bamidele assured the public that the constitution review process would be inclusive and would not leave any interest behind. He urged all stakeholders to work together to chart a new course for Nigeria’s future.

“Now is the time to forge a new path for our beloved fatherland,” he said, wishing the nation a Happy 64th Independence Anniversary.