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Wednesday, 19 August 2026

British couple on honeymoon killed in helicopter crash on Greek island

A young British couple and their pilot were killed in a helicopter crash on the Greek island of Sifnos on Monday, Greek police have said.

They have been named as newlyweds Alexander Cromie and Marie Ebert, who were in Greece on their honeymoon.

The private Bell 206 helicopter crashed just metres from a landing pad, killing the pair and their pilot, a Greek national.

The couple are said to have taken the helicopter from the village of Markopoulo near Athens to the popular holiday island, Kathimerini reported.

Greece’s aviation safety authority told the BBC it was investigating the crash and that its investigators were heading to the scene on Tuesday to gather evidence and speak to witnesses.

A Foreign Office spokesperson told the BBC: “Our thoughts are with the families during this difficult time. We are providing consular support and in contact with the Greek authorities.”

The BBC has contacted Greek authorities and the aviation company for comment.

Asset management firm Blackstone, where Cromie worked, said in a statement: “We are shocked by the tragic passing of three people including our colleague Alex Cromie and his wife Marie Ebert, who were celebrating their honeymoon.

“Alex was beloved by everyone who knew and worked with him at Blackstone, and our thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones.”

Ebert worked as a senior specialist at consultancy brand Bain & Company.

In a statement, the company said: “We are shocked to read reports of a tragic accident in Greece regarding one of our colleagues and her husband.

“Our thoughts and support are with the families involved at this very difficult time.”

A senior police official told the Times that the crash came just before the helicopter’s scheduled landing time of 18:15 local time (16:15 GMT).

Sifnos’ Deputy Mayor, Manolis Foundoulakis, arrived at the scene shortly after the incident and told local news site Newsit there was almost “nothing left” of the aircraft.

The island’s Deputy Mayor Yiannis Rafeletos told the BBC the people of Sifnos are “devastated” and “deeply shocked”.

“So much happiness has turned into sorrow,” he added.

He said locals saw the helicopter crash within metres of their homes and had described a “bizarre engine noise coming from the aircraft” as it was about to land.

He said two of the victims were found in the wreckage, while the third was a short distance away.

Firefighters worked to tackle a blaze which broke out after the crash, and the flames had been extinguished by Monday evening.

DJAN Oyo Chapter Visit DG Youth Mobilisation Kazeem Bolarinwa, Backs Makinde & Adekanmbi

The momentum for the 2027 political movement in Oyo State continues to gain strength as the DJ Association of Nigeria (DJAN), Oyo State Chapter, paid a strategic visit to the Director-General, Youth Mobilisation, Hon. Kazeem Bolarinwa, in an atmosphere of unity, dialogue and renewed commitment.

The delegation, led by the Chairman, DJ Honeymix, alongside the Vice Chairman, DJ Collabo, General Secretary, DJ Afrika, and other members of the association, used the occasion to formally declare their support for Governor Seyi Makinde’s presidential ambition and the aspiration of Hon. Bimbo Adekanmbi to become the next Governor of Oyo State.

The meeting featured extensive and fruitful deliberations on youth mobilisation, entertainment, grassroots engagement and the strategic role of the creative industry in political and community development. The discussion also highlighted the need for young people and professionals in the entertainment sector to remain actively involved in issues that affect the future of Oyo State.

Hon. Kazeem Bolarinwa welcomed the DJAN leadership and appreciated them for their confidence, solidarity and willingness to contribute to the ongoing mobilisation. He noted that the strength of any successful movement lies in unity, organisation and the ability to bring different sectors of society together for a common purpose.

The DJAN Oyo Chapter, in turn, reaffirmed its readiness to work with relevant stakeholders and contribute its voice, network and influence toward the realisation of the movement’s objectives.

The presence of DJ Honeymix, DJ Collabo, DJ Afrika and other members made the engagement particularly significant, demonstrating the growing involvement of the creative community in the political conversation ahead of 2027.

As more associations, youth groups and grassroots stakeholders continue to engage with the DG Youth Mobilisation, the message remains clear: the mobilisation is expanding, the support base is growing, and the road to 2027 is steadily gaining momentum.

Together, with unity and purposeful mobilisation, the movement continues to move forward.


Monday, 17 August 2026

Eleyele Youth Forum Thunders Into Kazeem Bolarinwa’s Office, Declares Total Support For Seyi Makinde & Bimbo Adekanmbi — Omituntun 3.0 Gains Fresh Momentum

The political momentum behind Omituntun 3.0 continues to gather strength as the Eleyele Youth Forum paid a strategic visit to the office of the Director-General, Youth Mobilisation, Hon. Kazeem Bolarinwa, where the group openly declared its unwavering support for Governor Seyi Makinde and Hon. Bimbo Adekanmbi ahead of the 2027 political season.

The visit was more than a courtesy call; it was a powerful demonstration of youth solidarity, grassroots mobilisation and confidence in the vision of continuity, development and progressive leadership.

Speaking during the engagement, members of the Eleyele Youth Forum expressed their readiness to actively participate in the movement for Omituntun 3.0, reaffirming their commitment to the political direction of Governor Seyi Makinde and the aspiration of Hon. Bimbo Adekanmbi.

The Forum noted that the achievements recorded under the present administration have strengthened their belief in continuity and the need to sustain policies and programmes that positively impact young people, communities and the wider society.

Receiving the delegation, Hon. Kazeem Bolarinwa, DG Youth Mobilisation, appreciated the Eleyele Youth Forum for its confidence, commitment and continued engagement with the youth mobilisation structure. He emphasised the important role of young people in shaping the political future of Oyo State and encouraged them to remain united, organised and actively involved at the grassroots.

The meeting further highlighted the growing network of youth support across communities, with Eleyele joining other youth groups and grassroots stakeholders who are increasingly identifying with the Omituntun 3.0 agenda.

With youth mobilisation gathering greater momentum across the state, the message from Eleyele is clear: the youths are organised, determined and ready to take their place in the movement for continuity and progressive leadership.

As 2027 approaches, the alliance between grassroots youth structures and the leadership of Hon. Kazeem Bolarinwa continues to expand, strengthening the campaign for Seyi Makinde and Bimbo Adekanmbi.

Omituntun 3.0 is gaining momentum. The youths are ready. Eleyele has spoken! 

#Omituntun3 #SeyiMakinde #BimboAdekanmbi

Sunday, 16 August 2026

Hon. Olufade Oluwaseun Shines At Maya Awards 2026, Honoured As Youth-Focused Local Government Chairman Of The Year

 

Hon. Olufade Oluwaseun has once again received recognition for his outstanding commitment to youth development, grassroots leadership and people-oriented governance, as he was honoured at the prestigious MAYA Awards 2026 with the distinguished award of Youth-Focused Local Government Chairman of the Year.

The recognition celebrates his remarkable efforts in placing young people at the heart of local government administration and creating opportunities that empower them to become productive, responsible and active contributors to the development of their communities.

Over time, Hon. Olufade Oluwaseun has demonstrated that effective leadership is not only about occupying an office, but about making a meaningful difference in the lives of the people. His administration has continued to champion initiatives that promote youth empowerment, inclusion, skills development and community participation.

The MAYA Awards honour therefore stands as a testament to the impact of his leadership and the growing appreciation of his efforts to build a local government where young people are not merely beneficiaries of governance but important partners in development.

Speaking through his actions and policies, Hon. Olufade has consistently shown a strong understanding of the aspirations of the younger generation. From supporting youth-focused initiatives to encouraging participation in community development, his leadership has continued to inspire hope and confidence among young people.

The Youth-Focused Local Government Chairman of the Year award is particularly significant because it recognizes leadership that goes beyond promises and focuses on tangible impact. It is a celebration of dedication, accessibility, innovation and commitment to building a better future for the next generation.

The honour at MAYA Awards 2026 is also a reminder that when leadership prioritizes the people and invests deliberately in the potential of its youth, the entire community stands to benefit.

As Hon. Olufade Oluwaseun receives this well-deserved recognition, the award further reinforces his growing reputation as a leader whose vision is anchored on inclusive governance, youth empowerment and sustainable grassroots development.

Congratulations to Hon. Olufade Oluwaseun, the Youth-Focused Local Government Chairman of the Year at MAYA Awards 2026.

This is not just an award; it is recognition of impact, dedication and purposeful leadership.

#OsunDecides2026: Shame APC, we are winning Osun no be Edo — Davido

Afrobeats singer, David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has claimed that his uncle, Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, is leading in Saturday’s governorship election.

In a series of posts shared on social media as votes were being counted across the state, Davido also claimed that the All Progressives Congress had lost in the ward of former Osun State Governor, Bisi Akande.

“Their group chat don scatter! Baba Akande lost his ward. Gov Adeleke is cruising to victory. Shame APC. Osun no be Edo!” he wrote.

The singer, who has openly mobilised support for Adeleke, also urged residents to remain vigilant and resist what he described as alleged plans by former Osun State Governor, Gboyega Oyetola.

“I imllore Osun people to stay vigilant all night and resist plans of Oyetola. Na we get Osogbo! Imole ti woleeeee,” he added.

In another post, Davido expressed confidence that Adeleke would win the election and called for security agencies to remain deployed at electoral locations.

“We are winning, guys! Security agencies shouldn’t be withdrawn from electoral units,” he wrote.

Meanwhile, officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission commenced the sorting and counting of votes at polling units across Osun State following the conclusion of voting.

As of 5:51 p.m. on Saturday, a check of the INEC Result Viewing Portal by our correspondent showed that results from 1695 of the 3,763 polling units had been uploaded.

PUNCH Online earlier reported that three major candidates in the election had expressed confidence in emerging victorious as the exercise entered the sorting and collation stage.

Adeleke, the Accord Party candidate, expressed confidence in victory after casting his vote at Sagba Abogunde Ward 2, Unit 9, in Ede North Local Government Area.

Similarly, the All Progressives Congress candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, who voted at Ward 09, Unit 011, Ikire, in Irewole Local Government Area, also expressed confidence of winning the election.

Meanwhile, the African Democratic Congress governorship candidate, Najeem Salaam, raised concerns over the alleged non-recognition of his party agents in several areas across the state.

The Independent National Electoral Commission has yet to officially declare a winner as of the time of filing this report.

British couple on honeymoon killed in helicopter crash on Greek island

A young British couple and their pilot were killed in a helicopter crash on the Greek island of Sifnos on Monday, Greek police have said. Th...