Home Blog Page 623

Bishop Okorafor Laments, Insecurity, Economic Hardship, Corruption

By
The Source
-
0
Geoffrey Enyinnaya Okorafor

By George Best Okoroh

The Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Egbu, Rt. Rev. Geoffrey  Enyinnaya Okorafor, has expressed deep concern over the deteriorating state of the Nation. The Bishop cited rising insecurity, worsening economic hardship, and entrenched corruption.

Speaking during his Presidential Address/Charge at the 2025 Annual Men’s Conference of the Diocese which held at the Cathedral Church of All Saints Egbu, with the theme  “Let Christian Fathers Follow Peace with All Men and Holiness (Hebrews 12:14)”, Bishop Okorafor condemned Nigeria’s continued over-dependence on petroleum. He noted that the country prospered more during the agricultural era and lamented that the shift to oil weakened other sectors, leaving the nation vulnerable. He called for a revival of agriculture and the diversification of the economy to restore national stability and growth.

The Bishop also charged Christian men to stand as beacons of peace, moral leadership, and godliness in today’s troubled society.

In his homily, Rev. Canon Ibe Adikuru emphasized the role of fathers in promoting peace and holiness, and stressed that without these virtues, no one will see the Lord. Canon Adikuru urged men to guide their homes with discipline, set clear boundaries, and reject strife.

He reminded the congregation that only peacemakers will be called sons of God and urged fathers to pursue peace wholeheartedly, receive salvation through Christ Jesus, and forgive freely. According to him, a peaceful heart reflects God’s character and brings believers into closer fellowship with Him.

Dressed In All Black, First Lady Leaves For Daura To Be With Aisha Buhari

By
Adesina Soyooye
-
0
Remi Tinubu left Abuja for Daura

By Adesina Soyooye

Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, left Abuja on Tuesday for Daura, Katsina State.

Dressed in an all black attire – head to toe – Mrs Tinubu’s trip to Daura is to attend the State Burial of immediate past Nigeria’s President, Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away Sunday in a  London Hospital and to console former First Lady, Aisha Buhari.

Buhari’s body arrived  Daura in the afternoon of Tuesday for his funeral scheduled for about 2.00pm same day. His body was accompanied by the Vice President, Kashim Shettima and the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila.

In his honour, the Federal Government declared Tuesday a public holiday. It also declared a seven-day mourning period during which time the National flag will fly at half mast. Governors of the Northern Region also declared Tuesday a Public Holiday.

Buhari, a retired Army General, was Nigeria’s Head of State from December 31, 1983 to August 27, 1985.

He later became Nigeria’s democratically elected President from May 29,  2015 to  May 29, 2023.

He died aged 82 years.

Bakare: I had No Pact With Buhari

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
-
0
Muhammadu Buhari and Tiunde Bakare

More revelations are coming out regarding the presidency of Muhammadu Buhari, the Nigerian leader who died on Sunday in London. The former president who rule the country as a military and civilian leader, died two days ago after a brief illness.

Since he died, there had been an out-pour of tributes from world leaders and prominent Nigerians, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Pastor Tunde Bakare, who served as Buhari’s running mate in the 2011 presidential election.

Speaking, on the passing of the former president Pastor Bakare said contrary to rumour that Buhari was planning to handover to him, there was no pact to that effect between the two close allies.

Recall that Buhari and Bakare joint Presidential ticket under the CPC failed to win the presidency in 2011. On the return of Buhari in 2015, the fourth time of his presidential run, the clergy man was among his staunch supporters.

Buhari who vied at the time under the APC recorded an unprecedented win against the incumbent President Goodluck Jonathan, and went on to serve two terms in office.

While his presidency was on, there were suggestions that Bakare was among those being tipped by Buhari to succeed him, particularly after Bakare declared that God has revealed to him that he would be Nigeria’s 16th president. Some even claimed that there was a pact between him and Buhari , to the effect that he will takem over from the late Nigerian leader.

As it turned out, Bakare’s ambition to succeed Buhari never materialized, which made not a few Nigerians to be wondering what went wrong with his prophesy.

Bakare stressed that though Buhari had at a point solicited the support of APC leaders , to allow him chose who will succeed him, but did not specifically mention Bakare.

“There was no written pact between us. He is late. I will never say anything unfair about him,” Bakare said.

“One night before the primary, he invited all the presidential aspirants. We sat with him in the conference hall of the villa.”

“He said, ‘I have allowed the governors to choose who will succeed them or to go for a second term if they are going for a second term. I am asking you today to allow me to also freely choose the person I desire to succeed me.’”

The late president would later shocked not a few Nigerians after he refused to throw his weight behind any particular candidate for the 2023 presidential election, contrary to the believe that he would so so.

Kano Seeks Collaboration With CSOs To Curb Youths’ Thuggery, Profiles 718 Political Thugs

By
Ayodele Oni
-
0
Abba-Kabir-Yusuf-Kano-Governor (1)
Governor Abba-Kabir-Yusuf

By Ayodele Oni

Kano state government has profiled 718 political thugs as part of measures to engage and rehabilitate vulnerable youths across the state as well as curb insecurity.

The state government has also announced its readiness to partner Civil Society Organizations, (CSOs) in a decisive move to address the rising wave of phone snatching, thuggery, and other security threats.

The State Government reaffirmed its commitment to tackling insecurity through strategic collaboration with Civil Society Organizations (CSOs).

The Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, disclosed this during a one-day stakeholder engagement in Kano.

The event brought together key government officials and civil society actors to deliberate on solutions to phone snatching, urban insecurity, and socio-economic challenges affecting the state.

In his presentation titled “Insecurity Around Phone Snatching and Theft: The Role of Civil Society,” Commissioner Waiya expressed concern over the alarming resurgence of street thuggery and the notorious ‘Yan Daba’ groups in Kano’s urban centres.

He emphasized that addressing this issue requires more than enforcement—it demands inclusive engagement and proactive rehabilitation.

“We don’t just arrest or prosecute; we engage them, understand their motivations, and get them to key into peacebuilding processes.”

He made reference to the Safe Corridor programme which aims to reintegrate repentant political thugs into the society as productive citizens.

He stressed that the government recognizes the indispensable role of civil society in driving meaningful change, and thus approved sustained engagement with relevant CSOs, particularly those focused on security, youth development, and community empowerment.

“This collaboration is not for political ends but to find lasting, homegrown solutions to insecurity,” he affirmed.

To ensure the programme achieves real impact, Waiya revealed that the Commissioner for Internal Security and the Director General of Special Services have been tasked with direct oversight.

“Their involvement guarantees that this operation produces real results, not just media optics,” he noted.

Waiya also highlighted complementary reforms under the Abba Kabir Yusuf administration, including the unveiling of the Kano Citizens’ Platform to deepen participatory governance, and the government efforts towards the domestication of the Freedom of Information Act to enhance transparency and accountability.

In his remarks, the Commissioner for Procurement, Monitoring and Evacuation, Nura Iro Ma’aji, applauded the ongoing governance reforms, stating that the administration is committed to entrenching openness and responsible leadership at all levels.

Ondo Gets Refinery As Gov Aiyedatiwa Signs MoU

By
Ayodele Oni
-
0
Ondo State Refinery MOU

By Ayodele Oni

The first ever refinery in Ondo state will soon berth as Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, and a private concern, have entered an agreement to that effect.

The State government and the company are expected to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the project later this week.

Governor Aiyedatiwa, promised that his administration will give its full backing to genuine investors whose projects align with the State’s development goals.

He made this known while receiving the leaders of Backbone Infrastructure Nigeria Limited, who are proposing a refinery, a free trade zone, and other critical infrastructure projects in the State.

Aiyedatiwa described the proposed investments as timely and strategic, assuring the group of a peaceful, business-friendly environment adding that the projects would not only boost the state’s economy, but also create meaningful job opportunities and reduce crime.

“This is real for me. Once construction begins, the economic landscape will change. Businesses will spring up, and our people will have better livelihoods.

“You can count on us; we were elected to support growth. What you’re bringing, especially the refinery and other projects, will change the face of this state. You’ve seen the potential in Ondo, and we will give you all the support you need”, he said.

The Governor also praised the collaboration between the investors and the Ondo State Development and Investment Promotion Agency (ONDIPA), saying he had been receiving encouraging updates and was confident of the project’s success.

He further noted that the initiative would contribute to national development, saying “This is not just for Ondo. It will benefit the entire country. The refinery will serve Nigeria with its products.”

Highlighting Ondo’s untapped resources, including bitumen deposits and the State’s long coastline, the Governor revealed that license has already been secured for a deep seaport and the government is in talks with international partners, including investors from China.

Earlier, a board member of the company, Mr. Stephen Dike, expressed the team’s strong confidence in the leadership and vision of the Aiyedatiwa-led administration.

He emphasized that their decision to begin their operations in Ondo State was based on the clarity of purpose and support they had received.

“Our partnership with Ondo State is very important to us. This is the foundation of our entry into Nigeria. We’ve had other invitations, but none has matched the motivation and leadership alignment we found here.”

Obi Mourns Buhari, Says He Was  A Disciplined Man

By
The Source
-
0
Peter Obi and Muhammadu Buhari

Labour Party 2023 Presidential Candidate Peter Obi has described the immediate past President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed today, as a disciplined man.

 

Writing in his X handle, Obi said “I have just received the shocking news of the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari in London.

“His death provides a solemn moment, not just for his family and close associates, but for our nation as a whole.

 

‘President Buhari had always comported himself in a dignified manner as a leader.

 

“When I met him during the electioneering, he received me warmly and spoke like a statesman appreciating my effort and how I had impacted the youths, not minding that he was from the opposite party.

 

” He did his best for a nation that gave him the rare opportunity of ruling it twice as a military Head of State and as an elected President.

To his wife, children, extended family, and to all Nigerians, I extend my deepest condolences.

 

‘May Almighty Allah, Most Gracious and Most Merciful, forgive President Buhari’s shortcomings, reward his efforts in service to the nation, and grant him Aljannatul Firdaus.

 

“And for our dear country Nigeria, may this moment remind all of us in leadership that life is fleeting, we must serve with sincerity, compassion, and a deep sense of accountability. May we build a Nigeria where justice, unity, and peace prevail?

Ameen.”

Osun: Gov Adeleke Hits Back At Aregbesola, Says Legacy Of Half Salary, Uncompleted Projects Still Fresh

By
Ayodele Oni
-
0
Ademola Adeleke and Rauf Aregbesola

By Ayodele Oni

The romance between former Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, and Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke seems to have hit the rock, going by the ongoing altercations between both men.

Aregbesola had been linked Governor Adeleke who in turn extended political patronage to some followers of the former minister at the start of his administration.

The former Minister, who is now the Secretary of African Democratic Congress, (ADC) which is the new party embraced by leaders of the coalition, had first threatened to remove Adeleke from office during next election.

Adeleke who reacted to threats by Aregbesola to remove him from office in 2026, reminded the former Governor that Osun is still suffering from the inhumane maladministration he inflicted on the state while in office.

In  a statement issued on Monday in Osogbo, Governor Adeleke through his Spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, castigated the former Governor as “a man who left a legacy of huge state debt, half salary, scam tablets and several fanciful, inflated, uncompleted  projects”, describing his tenure as “the worst in Osun history.”

“The empty boast of Mr Aregbesola about 2026 is a symptom of a troubled mind who sees wrong vision, who is battling his benefactor and who is haunted by the pains and suffering he inflicted on millions of Osun people through his evil policies and programmes.

“A man who should be remorseful and tender public apologies for his years of maladministration has the audacity to threaten Governor Adeleke, who is clearing the mess left behind by Mr Aregbesola after his eight years of anti-people, thoughtless leadership.

“Mr Aregbesola’s wickedness against workers, public servants, and Osun people knows no bounds while he wielded state power.

“A man who introduced half salary, misapplied contributory state pension fund and misused state cooperative deductions fund should be ashamed of his temerity to attack a Governor who is now paying up the half salary affliction, clearing the unjustified debt and rehabilitating brutalised Osun workers.

“The Adeleke administration has paid 28 months out of the half salary left behind by Mr Aregbesola. The present administration has paid close to 60 billion naira in pension debt, a legacy of this same Aregbesola.

“Pensioners and workers generally are not praying for a return to the evil days of a bad administrator who left his state in ruin after eight years.

“Within less than three years, Governor Adeleke has surpassed government delivery of the eight years of Mr Aregbesola without borrowing a kobo for infrastructure projects. The current administration has reduced Osun debt left by Mr Aregbesola by 40 percent as confirmed by the Debt Management Office.

“Mr Aregbesola is invited to note that Governor Adeleke has constructed about 200 Kilometers of roads, rehabilitated over 200 schools and health centers,  placed over 30, 000 pensioners on free health insurance care, provided critical medical surgeries to over 60,000 Osun residents, completed several abandoned projects at Osun State University, made University of Ilesa a reality among several others.

“If Mr Aregbesola is to accuse Governor Adeleke of non-performance, we await his review of the dualization of palace to brewery junction at Ilesa which he failed to achieve while in office. He should check out the flyover projects at Ile Ife and Osogbo and the dualization projects ongoing at Iwo among others.

“Osun people know their present and past Governors. Our people are smart enough to know that the worst era for Osun state is that of Mr Aregbesola, under whom many pensioners lost their lives, thousands of lives were disrupted, and the state plunged into unsustainable debt that is still hurting the state till date. No voter in Osun is ready for a return to the dark days.”

How 26-Year Old Murdered, Concealed Corpse Of His 38-Year Old Employer

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
-
0
Police on Duty

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Police Command in Delta state ,on Monday July 14, 2025, said that efforts are underway to unravel the actual circumstances surrounding the alleged murder of a middle aged man by his employee.

Anwaji Moses, a 26-year old apprentice/employee was alleged to have snuffed life out of his 38-year old boss, allegedly, over unpaid salary arrears.

A statement issued by the Delta State Police Command spokesperson, Bright Edafe, informed that the deceased Victor Ochei was killed by his apprentice over alleged failure to pay him about six months accumulated salaries.

According to Edafe, Moses has confessed to killing his boss over disagreements arising from his refusal to pay him over N 300,000 accumulated salaries.

“The deceased met his death when he was going to his site alongside his boy, someone he employed and paid salaries.

The suspect is however claiming that the man had been owing him for about between six to eight months, the sum of N 300,000, and because he was angry with his employer, that was why he murdered him with a pestle.

The deceased had an oil milling factory where this boy ( suspect) was also working for him” the Police spokesman revealed.

In his confessional statement ,the suspect noted that at a point he stopped working for his late employer over his failure to fulfill his contractual obligations.

But he had to return back to work after much pleas from his boss who, instead of making efforts to pay him his salary arrears, resorted to giving him a daily feeding allowance of N500 (five hundred naira).

“Each time I demanded to be paid ,he ( employer ) would tell me that  I am being in a hurry; and that I should calm down ,that he is building a house .In all these ,he was aware that I don’t have any other sources of assistance”, Moses stated.

The suspect informed that he hit the deceased twice with a pestle in the wake of a hot exchange of words, while both of them were headed for the purchase of palm fruits for palm oil precessing .

Moses, who bolted away with the deceased’s motorcycle ,and phone after hiding his corpse ,was later to demand a ransom of N10m from his late  boss’s family when they called to ascertain his whereabouts.

The suspect had claimed that his murdered employer was holed up  in a kidnappers den , following a call from his worried sister .

” I was scared ,and didn’t want anybody to discover. So I took his phone ,and when his sister called, I told her that she should send me money because he had been kidnapped.

“I asked for N10 million to be paid into an Opay account, Moses narrated .

The police authorities said that  while the corpse of the deceased has been deposited in the morgue , further investigations are ongoing .

Former Super Eagles, Okwuchukwu Waobikeze Dies In US

By
Akinwale Kasali
-
0
Okwuchukwu Waobikeze Dies In US

By Akinwale Kasali

Less than two weeks after  former Super Eagles Goalkeeper, Peter Rufai, died, the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, and the entire Football enclave in the nation have been thrown into mourning following the demise of former Super Eagles left-footed forward, Okwuchukwu Waobikeze.

Waobikeze was confirmed dead by medical personnel following a brief illness in the United States of America.

Announcing the demise of the late forward was his brother, Eli Waobikeze, who in a heartfelt message shared on social media, announced the passing of his brother, Okwuchukwu.

According to the post of the younger Waobikeze, the former footballer died at approximately 7:34 p.m on Sunday, at a medical facility in the United States where he had been receiving treatment for an undisclosed illness.

Eli described his brother’s passing as a peaceful transition and paid tribute to his legacy, both on and off the pitch.

“We appreciate everyone who prayed, called, and visited my brother, Okwuchukwu Waobikeze. Funeral arrangements will be shared in due course.

“Please keep our family in your prayers during this time as we prepare to send forth our beloved brother. God bless you all,” Waobikeze stated.

Fondly known as ‘Babaoo’ by fans and teammates, Waobikeze was celebrated for his powerful left foot and exceptional ball control.

Although his appearances for the Super Eagles were limited due to intense competition, he left a lasting mark on Nigeria’s domestic football scene, playing for clubs such as Sharks FC of Port Harcourt, BCC Lions of Gboko, and Iwuanyanwu Nationale (now Heartland FC).

FG Declares Tuesday As Public Holiday In Honour Of Late President, Buhari

By
Akinwale Kasali
-
0
Muhammadu Buhari
Muhammadu Buhari

By Akinwale Kasali

In honour of Late President Muhammadu Buhari, who is scheduled to buried tomorrow, Tuesday, in Daura, Katsina State, the Federal Government has officially declared Tuesday, July 15, 2025, a public holiday.

Buhari passed away on Sunday in London, United Kingdom at the age of 82.

The public holiday was announced by the Ministry of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji Ojo, in a press statement.

This comes in addition to the ongoing seven-day National mourning period declared by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

According to the Ministry, the holiday serves as a mark of respect for the late President’s dedicated service to the nation, both as a former military ruler and as a democratically elected president.

It also acknowledges his lasting contributions to Nigeria’s democratic growth and national development.

The statement reads in part:

“The Honourable Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government, following the approval of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.

“Nigerians are expected to observe the public holiday in solemn reflection, as tributes continue to pour in from across the world for the late statesman.

“Further details about the state burial arrangements are expected to be released in the coming days”.

The full text of the  statement reads as follows:

FG DECLARES TUESDAY, 15 JULY, 2025 PUBLIC HOLIDAY IN HONOUR OF LATE FORMER PRESIDENT MUHAMMADU BUHARI

In futherance to the seven days of National mourning declared by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, the Federal Government has declared Tuesday, 15 July, 2025, as a Public Holiday in honour of the late former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR.

The Honourable Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government, following the approval of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.

The Minister stated that the holiday is a mark of respect for the late President’s service to the nation, his contributions to Nigeria’s democratic journey, and his enduring legacy in governance and national development.

“President Muhammadu Buhari served Nigeria with dedication, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to the unity and progress of our great nation. This public holiday provides an opportunity for all Nigerians to reflect on his life, leadership, and the values he upheld,” the Minister said.

He urged citizens to use the day to honour the late President’s memory by promoting peace, patriotism, and national cohesion, in line with his vision for a prosperous and united Nigeria.

As earlier announced, the National flags are to fly at half mast for the seven days of mourning period from Sunday 13th July, 2025.

The Federal Government extends its deepest condolences to the family of the late President, the people of Katsina State, and all Nigerians, while praying for the peaceful repose of his soul.

Signed:

Dr. Magdalene Ajani

Permanent Secretary

1...622623624...3,058Page 623 of 3,058