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Folarin Kehinde

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JUST IN: ADC announces Amaechi as Atiku’s running mate

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has picked former Rivers State Governor and former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, as the running mate to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar for the 2027 presidential election.

The party said Amaechi’s emergence followed extensive consultations and reflected his performance as runner-up in the ADC presidential primaries, as well as his record in public service.

Announcing the decision in a statement on Monday, the ADC National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, described the Atiku-Amaechi ticket as a “unity and rescue ticket” capable of addressing Nigeria’s challenges.

“The proposed partnership between His Excellency Atiku Abubakar and Rt. Hon. Rotimi Amaechi represents more than a political alliance; it is the coming together of two tested statesmen with the experience, national reach, and leadership capacity required to rescue Nigeria from its current challenges and reposition the country for a new era of prosperity, security, and inclusive development,” Abdullahi said.

According to the party, Amaechi’s political and administrative experience makes him well-suited for the role, having served as Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, two-term Governor of Rivers State and Minister of Transportation.

“Few political leaders in Nigeria today possess such extensive and balanced experience across both the legislative and executive arms of government. This depth of experience will be invaluable in supporting the next ADC administration from day one,” the statement added.

The ADC also said Amaechi’s influence in the South-South and across Southern Nigeria would strengthen the ticket and enhance its national appeal.

“Together, Atiku Abubakar and Rotimi Amaechi embody a truly national ticket—one that bridges regions, generations, and political traditions. Their combined experience in governance, economic management, public administration, party organization, and nation-building offers Nigerians a credible and compelling alternative capable of restoring confidence in government and accelerating national development,” Abdullahi stated.

The party expressed confidence that the partnership would energise its coalition and inspire support ahead of the 2027 election.

“The leadership of the ADC is confident that this partnership will energize our growing coalition, inspire hope among Nigerians, and provide the leadership necessary to build a stronger, safer, and more prosperous Federal Republic of Nigeria,” the statement said.

The ADC called on party members, coalition partners, civil society groups, youth and women organisations, and other Nigerians to support its campaign as preparations begin for the 2027 general election.

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Headlines

UK to ban social media access for children under 16

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced plans to introduce a total ban on social media access for children under the age of 16, citing concerns over child safety and mental health impacts.

Starmer said on Monday that social media platforms are “making children unhappy” and exposing them to harmful and addictive content. He said the government will move to formally prohibit access for all users under 16.

The proposed restriction will affect major platforms including Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook and X, though messaging services such as WhatsApp are expected to be exempt.

According to the Prime Minister, the legislation is expected to be passed by December, with implementation targeted for spring next year.

The UK government also indicated plans to take what it described as “world-leading action” on gaming platforms and live-streaming services, particularly those that allow interaction between children and strangers.

Officials said additional measures under consideration include overnight usage curfews and restrictions on infinite scrolling features for users under 18. Further details are expected in July.

Starmer said the move was informed by international developments, including Australia’s decision in December to become the first country to ban social media access for users under 16.

The announcement followed a government-led consultation involving teenagers, during which participants tested social media restrictions and time-limit tools on various apps.

Reacting to the proposal, a YouTube spokesperson warned that a blanket ban could push children toward “less safe services.”

Starmer also raised concerns about online gaming and live-streaming platforms, saying stronger safeguards were needed to prevent contact between children and strangers online.

He compared the situation to offline safety norms, arguing that children would not ordinarily be allowed to interact freely with unknown adults in physical spaces.

Canada has also introduced similar measures, with its culture minister recently presenting legislation aimed at restricting social media access for under-16s and tightening controls on AI chatbot content.

The proposed Digital Safety Act positions Canada among a growing number of countries implementing stricter regulations on children’s use of social media, alongside Indonesia, which began enforcing similar restrictions in March, as well as several European nations exploring comparable policies.

 

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Headlines

Absolutely senseless’, Adeboye cannot lead protest at 84 – Mike Bamiloye

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Founder of Mount Zion Faith Ministries, Mike Bamiloye, has defended Pastor Enoch Adeboye over calls for him to lead a protest against insecurity, saying such expectations are unreasonable considering the cleric’s age and spiritual responsibilities.

Bamiloye made the remarks while reacting to calls by some people for the cleric to lead a protest against the government over rising insecurity in the country.

In an Instagram post on Wednesday, Bamiloye said the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God had openly spoken against the growing insecurity in the country.

He stated that expecting an 84-year-old religious leader to organise and lead street protests was unrealistic, adding that Adeboye’s primary assignment remained his spiritual calling.

Bamiloye also addressed claims that Adeboye had previously led protests during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan.

He explained that the February 2010 demonstration followed directives from the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), which instructed churches across the country to protest against insecurity.

According to him, Adeboye only led members of his denomination in compliance with the directive, just as other church leaders did.

The evangelist maintained that the church’s major responsibility is to pray for peace in the country and seek divine intervention in governance.

He wrote, “And for all those who are Expecting an 84 Year Old Man, Servant of God to lead a Protest against a Government, this does not make sense by the virtue of his age and by the Mandate of His Calling. And for all those who said he led a Protest against Jonathan, on February 2nd 2010, it was the instruction of the CAN and PFN for every church to stage a protest against INSECURITY of the Nation and He complied and led his denomination too just as some other churches did.

“Our major responsibility as the Church of God is to continually pray for the peace of our Nation and the intervention of God in the Government. I TIMOTHY 2:1-3.”

His comments came a day after Adeboye reposted a video urging the Federal Government to give security chiefs a 90-day deadline to end terrorist activities or resign.

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Headlines

Politicians benefit from insecurity – Buratai

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

A former Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Buratai, has blamed the rising wave of insecurity, banditry and school abductions in the country on political transitions and the activities of some politicians who allegedly benefit from criminal violence.

Buratai made the remarks during an interview on TVC News while reacting to the recent abduction of students and teachers in Oyo State.

According to him, some politicians have over the years recruited and sponsored criminal elements for political purposes, only for such groups to evolve into terrorists and bandits.

“Unfortunately, the plain truth is that some politicians benefit from the activities of these terrorists,” he alleged.

The former Army chief said insecurity often worsens during periods of political transition when security operations experience disruptions and funding challenges.

He noted that terrorist groups and bandits appear to intensify their activities during election seasons and transitions from one administration to another.

“You discover that these terrorists or insurgents have a particular pattern, mainly when there are political activities or when there are transitions from one administration to the other,” he said.

Buratai attributed the trend partly to delays in funding and operational adjustments that sometimes accompany changes in government, creating opportunities for criminal groups to exploit security gaps.

Commenting on the recent school abduction in Oyo State, he urged Nigerians to appreciate the complexities involved in hostage rescue operations, stressing that the safety of victims must remain the priority.

He cautioned against hasty military action that could endanger abducted students and teachers, describing rescue missions as delicate operations requiring intelligence, patience and precision.

 

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Life Style

Dallatun Lafia Confers Traditional Titles on Dailytrust reporter, 14 others

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The Dallatun Lafia, Malam Abubakar Ibrahim, has conferred traditional titles on Dailytrust reporter, Al-Mustapha A. Mustapha, who was turbaned as Dan’Amar Dallatun Lafia and 14 other prominent personalities.

Speaking during the ceremony, Ibrahim said the titles were conferred in recognition of the recipients’ contributions to their communities and the traditional institution.

He said the title holders were expected to discharge their responsibilities with dedication and uphold the values associated with the institution.

“The titles conferred on you today come with responsibilities. You are expected to uphold the values of the institution through your conduct and service to the community,” he said.

He added that the title holders should promote the traditions and values of the Dallatun Lafia institution wherever they find themselves.

The Dallatun Lafia noted that traditional institutions remained important in promoting unity and preserving cultural heritage.

The beneficiaries included Al-Mustapha A. Mustapha, who was turbaned as Dan’Amar Dallatun Lafia; Alhaji Dahiru Ibrahim as Uban Gari Dallatun Lafia; Abdul’Aziz M.B. Ibrahim as Dangaladiman Dallatun Lafia; Yahaya Mustapha as Turakin Dallatun Lafia; Aishatu Shehu Othman as Garkuwan Dallatun Lafia; Alhaji Dayibu Usman Zakari as Baraden Dallatun Lafia; Hussaini Zanuwa as Majidadin Dallatun Lafia; Danjuma Umaru as Santurakin Dallatun Lafia;

Others include Muhammad Yakubu Dayyabu as Gado da Masun Dallatun Lafia; Ahmad Dalhatu Mustapha as Walin Dallatun Lafia; Haruna Sale as Danmalikin Dallatun Lafia; Ramat A. Mustapha as Garkuwan Dallatun Lafia; Arc. Maryam Abba Ibrahim as Magajiyan Garin Dallatun Lafia; Ada’ulLah Ahmed Rufa’i Ibrahim as Chiroman Dallatun Lafia; and Fodio Aminu Ibrahim as Dan Iyan Dallatun Lafia.

The Dallatun Lafia title is one of the traditional institutions within the Lafia Emirate and is involved in cultural and community activities in the area.

Speaking on behalf of the title holders, the Dan’Amar Dallatun Lafia, Al-Mustapha A. Mustapha, expressed appreciation to the Dallatun Lafia for the honour.

He said the recipients would continue to support efforts aimed at promoting peace, unity and development in the Lafia Emirate.

“We appreciate the recognition and the confidence placed in us. We will continue to support efforts that promote peace, unity and development in the Lafia Emirate,” he said.

The ceremony was attended by traditional rulers, community leaders, family members and other guests.

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Uncategorized

Young Nigerian Innovators Shine at Technovation Regional Pitch Event 2026 in Abuja

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Nigeria’s next generation of tech innovators took centre stage in Abuja as the Odyssey Educational Foundation hosted the Technovation Regional Pitch Event 2026, showcasing groundbreaking mobile application solutions designed by young Nigerians to tackle pressing societal challenges.

Held at the Nigerian Society of Engineers, NSE, Headquarters on May 19 and 20, the event attracted more than 270 participants, with 64 teams presenting innovative ideas focused on healthcare, housing, safety, education, and community development.

The competition, which featured Beginners, Junior, and Senior divisions, highlighted the creativity, technical expertise, and problem-solving abilities of students and young innovators passionate about science, technology, engineering, and innovation.

At the end of the rigorous pitching and evaluation sessions, seven teams advanced to the semi-final stage of the competition.

Team Daisy Health Impact emerged from the Beginners Division, while Tech Titans, Pantheons, and Rent Buddies qualified from the Junior category. In the Senior Division, Creative Sparks, Blazzer, and Lex Tech secured advancement.

Speaking during the event, Technovation Chapter Ambassador and Executive Director of the Odyssey Educational Foundation, Engr. Stella Uzochukwu-Denis, urged participants to continue using technology as a force for social transformation and national development.

According to her, empowering young innovators with digital and entrepreneurial skills remains critical to building sustainable solutions for Africa’s future.

Representatives from leading organisations, including the Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria, APWEN, Nigerian Society of Engineers, NSE, National Association of Technology Educators, NATE, TechWomen, PanAfricare, and PICTT, also addressed participants, encouraging them to pursue excellence and leadership in STEM-related fields.

The participating teams demonstrated their applications before a panel of judges, explaining the societal relevance of their innovations, research processes, and app functionality.

Projects were evaluated based on creativity, research depth, presentation quality, user interface design, and overall functionality.

Organisers described the programme as a major success, commending the enthusiasm, collaboration, and innovation displayed by participants from across the country.

They noted that despite minor technical and scheduling challenges, the event successfully reinforced the growing momentum of youth-driven innovation and technology leadership emerging in Nigeria.

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Ekiti State
Headlines

Kidnapped passengers escape as bandits doze off in forest

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Few of the passengers who were abducted along Itobe-Ajegwu-Anyigba road in Ofu local government of Kogi State have escaped.

The kidnappers were said to have attacked two buses filled with passengers.

One of the buses has registration number, Ebonyi NKE 737 XA.

A motorcycle rider was also said to have been forcefully whisked to unknown destination alongside the travellers in the incident which reportedly happened on Saturday.

A resident, Ahiaba Michael, said security operatives, including vigilantes and hunters, trailed the armed hoodlums shortly after the incident but were not successful.

However, a security source disclosed that barely three hours after the attack, one Monday Agi was arrested in connection with the incident.

The suspect allegedly lost his way due to mounting pressure by the security personnel.

The source said: “When interrogated, the suspect claimed to be on board of a trailer from Ekiti, but decided to alight around the scene of the incident to continue the journey by trekking to his destination.

“He said when he heard gunshot, he decided to flee into the bush with two herders whom he claimed he did not know.”

The source added that the suspect is already in the police custody while the manhunt against the armed hoodlums is being intensified.

Meanwhile, three of the kidnapped victims, who identified themselves as Micheal Adejo, Monday and Mariam Yakubu, claimed to have escaped from their abductors after they dozed off in the forest.

The escapees noted that the hoodlums numbering up to 10 operated with AK 47 and Pump Action rifles.

“The bus I boarded suddenly ran into their barricade. On stopping, they filed us out, wielding AK 47 rifles and pump Action guns . The second bus behind us was shot at and the driver rammed into cashew trees. All of us were taken to the bush thereafter.

“On our way, we were stopped, and asked to lay face down. In the process, they searched our pockets and evacuated everything in it , including, money, our cell phones and other valuables. We are many , all passengers from two Hummer buses,” he said.

According to Adaji, another escapee, they crawled out of their assailants’ cell when they retired to a place and slept off.

“When I noticed that the hoodlums closer to my position started sleeping , I started crawling gradually. After a distance was covered, I got up ,and with luck I ran until I reach a village with these two others,” said Adaji.

The Kogi state police command’s spokesperson, ASP Saliu Oyiza Afusat, was contacted over the incident , but failed to respond to text and call asthe time of filing this report.

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El Rufai
Headlines

Court grants El-Rufai N100m bail, seizes his passport

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on Monday granted N100 million bail to the detained immediate past governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, who is facing trial over the alleged unlawful interception of the phone communications of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.

As part of the bail conditions, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik ordered the defendant to produce a surety who must be a federal civil servant not below Grade Level 17.

According to the court, the surety must not only be resident in either Maitama or Asokoro highbrow districts of Abuja, but must deposit the original Certificate of Occupancy of a landed property not valued below the bail sum.

It held that the surety must also provide evidence of receipt of salary for at least three months with an authenticated letter from the manager of a bank within the jurisdiction of the court.

Furthermore, the court directed the surety to depose to an affidavit of means and equally submit a recent passport photograph to its registry.

It added that a verification letter from the surety’s immediate department must be submitted alongside a tax clearance certificate covering the last six months.

The defendant was further mandated to surrender his valid international passports amd not travel out of the country without permission.

Justice Abdulmalik ordered the defendant to report to the headquarters of the Department of State Services (DSS) every last Friday of the month by 10 a.m. to sign an attendance register, pending the determination of the case.

The trial judge warned that failure to comply with any of the conditions would lead to an automatic revocation of the bail.

Besides, the former governor was directed to submit a letter of attestation from the Chairman of the Kaduna Traditional Council, even as it ordered accelerated hearing of the case.

El-Rufai, who was governor between 2015 and 2023 and also Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) under former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration, faces a five-count amended charge marked FHC/ABJ/99/2026.

The DSS alleged that he committed the crime with some people who are currently on the run.

It told the court that the defendant admitted on February 13 when he appeared as a guest on Arise TV Station’s Prime Time Programme in Abuja, that he aligned with others and unlawfully intercepted the phone communications of the NSA, thereby committing an offence contrary to and punishable under section 12(1) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024.

The security agency further alleged that the defendant had in the course of the television interview, stated that he knew and related to a certain individual who had unlawfully intercepted the NSA’s telephone communications without reporting the person to the relevant security agencies.

By failing to report the crime, El-Rufai was said to have committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 27 (b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition , Prevention, etc) Amendment, Act, 2024.

More so, it was alleged that the defendant, while acting in cahoots with others that are still at large, used technical equipment that compromised public safety, national security and instilled reasonable apprehension of insecurity among Nigerians, following the unlawful interception of the NSA’s calls.

He was accused of committing an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 131 (2) Nigerian Communications Act 2003.

Though the prosecution initially entered a three-count charge against the defendant, however, at the resumed proceedings on Thursday, it got the court’s nod to replace it with an amended charge.

El-Rufai is currently facing multiple cases in both Abuja and Kaduna State.

He had in his reaction to what he described as an attempt by operatives of the DSS to “abduct” him at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja on February 12, 2026, upon returning from Cairo, insisted that the security agency was being instigated by the ICPC which he said had received a directive from the NSA, Ribadu, to detain him.

The former governor claimed the information got to him through someone who listened in on the NSA’s telephone conversations.

In a motion he filed to challenge his trial, El-Rufai gave 17 reasons why the charge marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/99/2026, which the DSS entered against him, should be quashed by the court.

Aside from his argument that the charge was incompetent and legally defective, the former governor argued that the DSS has no legal backing to elevate a “casual remark” he made during a television interview to “a confession” that he had indeed tapped the NSA’s telephone line as alleged.

He argued that the statement he made on Arise TV did not constitute a confessional statement in law, saying for a statement to be admissible as a confession, “it must be made under caution, voluntarily, and in circumstances that satisfy the Judges’ Rules.”

El-Rufai maintained that statements he made in the course of his television interview were “without any caution or warning, in a voluntary public discussion and without the protections afforded to suspects in custody.

“A casual remark in a television programme cannot be elevated to a judicial confession,” he further argued.

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Politics

‘It’s time to go,’ constituent tells rep who has been in parliament for 27 years

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

An All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain in Bomadi Local Government Area of Delta, Dr Eyiseifa Ebiowe, has called on the lawmaker representing Bomadi/Patani Federal Constituency, Nicholas Mutu, to leave the National Assembly.

Ebiowe stated this in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja, on Sunday.

He said the lawmaker, who has been representing the federal constituency since the return to democracy in 1999, should shelve the idea of seeking re-election.

Ebiowe alleged that the lawmaker, in spite of being the oldest member of the National Assembly, had never introduced nor sponsored any bill.

“He hardly ever makes contributions of any kind at plenary or even committee sessions, and generally just occupies space, to the annoyance of his colleagues.

“His official record in the Hansard of the House of Representatives remains at zero for bills and other recorded contributions in 27 years, going to 28.

“How do you have a man in the parliament for a full generation of nearly 30 years without ever introducing a bill, sponsoring a motion or making contributions to national discourse?

“Indolence alone cannot fully explain such catastrophic failure. A near absolute lack of capacity is what we have and witnessing in the poor performance of Nicholas Mutu in the house,” he said.

Ebiowe recalled that Mutu was for 10 years (2009 to 2019), by reasons of ranking or long stay, the House Chairman of the Committee on Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

“Those years are still regarded as seasons lost to the locusts, unremarkable and under-achieving and remains 10 years of sloth and upheaval in the commission,” he stated.

The Bomadi APC leader, who described the lawmaker as inactive in the House of Representatives, urged him to leave so as to open space for a “more worthy” representative for the federal constituency.

According to him, Mutu has offered no useful contributions to his people or to the federation.

“His lethargic performance in parliament is so bad that there is no record of even a single bill or motion sponsored by him for seven tenures in the house of representatives.

“He has not contributed anything significant to the realisation of the objectives and development agenda of the Ijaw nation in the parliament and it will be a waste of the people’s time and resources to continue to keep him there.

“Without presenting bills or representing no ideas or goals, he is just sitting idle and being of no use to the house and his constituency.

“He is a perfect example of the old order that must give way for Nigeria to embrace a new order that will be active and productive.

“Indolence cannot be a virtue in these times of urgent crave for development,” he said.

According to him, Mutu is supposed to have come from the same cultural environment that produced the likes of the accomplished John Pepper Clark, Prof. Alfred Opubor, Chief Edwin Clark and many other men and women of letters and fame who had made remarkable contributions to the development of Nigeria.

“Instead, right before our eyes, the job of the house of representatives has left Mutu behind.

“He watched askance while the job grew in scope, power and sophistication without him being able to grow with the job.

 

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Headlines

Jabi Lake takeover stands even if God comes down – Wike

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has defended the intervention at Jabi Lake, a popular recreation park in Abuja, ordering a crackdown on substandard developments around the park.

The Minister said this in his reaction to the appeal of Rev Serah Omaku, Senior Pastor of Family Worship Centre, Abuja.

Leading reporters had reported how the preacher knelt on the pulpit, pleading with Wike not to repossess the land.

A video of the Pastor’s appeal went viral on social media.

But speaking during a media chat in Abuja on Wednesday, Wike dismissed the Pastor’s concerns, insisting that enforcement action at Jabi Lake was guided by law, not sentiment.

“You talk about the woman kneeling down and begging. I’m not carried away by such emotions. Begging to do what? Who owns Jabi Lake? How does it become your own? First of all, I came on board; that place was given to a company that said they wanted to turn it into an entertainment place, but they have turned it into shanties.”

One of these days I went there and said, ‘This can’t be; there is a hotel, and who would come to stay in that hotel when there are shanties all over?’ You don’t know if there are criminals.”

He stated that the allocation had been revoked and would be reassigned to investors with the capacity to develop the site, adding that strict conditions would guide the new arrangement.

“You cannot allocate land and leave it for that long with nothing to show. We revoked it. Now we want to give it to people who are ready to develop it,” Wike said.

“We will reallocate the land with clear conditions. If there is no development within the specified time, we will take it back.

“To the woman who was crying, if she likes, let her call God to come down. What is my business? How does Jabi become hers? Is it an individual or government property? We are trying to make sure investors develop this land for the interest of all of us.”

Wike said several plots around the lake, initially allocated for high-end developments, had remained undeveloped for over a decade and had since deteriorated into makeshift settlements.

The minister confirmed that the FCT Administration had begun revoking such allocations, signalling a tougher stance against land speculation in the capital city.

“You must sign to develop within a given period. If you fail, the land returns to government. It is as simple as that,” he added.

Wike, however, rejected suggestions that the exercise is intended to restrict public access to the lake, clarifying that the focus is on reclaiming misused or abandoned land.

“We are not taking anything from the public. We are reclaiming land from those who failed to do what they were supposed to do or who converted it to unauthorised uses,” he said.

He also decried the distortion of approved land use, citing instances where recreational spaces were converted without authorisation.

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