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Borno Community Celebrates End Of Year After 13-Year
After 13 years without an end-of-year celebration due to insecurity, the Lassa community in the Askira Local Government Area of Borno State welcomed the new year with a grand event.
For over a decade, Christians and Muslims in Lassa had not united for celebrations as they once did before the onset of the Boko Haram crisis. However, the 2024 event, themed “Lassa 2024 Thanksgiving and Countdown to 2025,” organized by Hon. Haske Satumari Kudla, marked a significant return to community festivities. This gathering provided an open invitation for families to come together, express gratitude, and celebrate.
The event took the form of a testimony night, drawing participants from all 27 LGAs of Borno State, as well as various parts of Nigeria and the diaspora, who shared their stories and experiences.
“The attendees who traveled from distant locations expressed that they would have come in greater numbers had they known the event would be so monumental. It felt like a carnival. We are already planning for 2025,” said the organizer, Haske Satumari Kudla.
He added, “Many individuals want to collaborate with us to make the 2025 event even more significant. Some participants announced scholarships through the Haske Satumari Foundation.”
Governors from the Northeast reached out to commend the organizers, noting that what was once viewed as a hotbed of Boko Haram activity hosted a smooth, successful gathering.
The event was made possible by the assurances of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Christopher Musa, which encouraged the community to celebrate with fireworks. “We organized a fireworks display to welcome the new year. Representatives from all 27 LGAs attended the event in Askira Uba Federal Constituency, with people coming from across Nigeria and abroad, reminiscent of the joy we once shared,” remarked Dr. Manasseh Allen.
“While insurgent activities have not completely ceased, they have significantly decreased. This is a testament to the government’s improved security efforts. We are encouraging our diaspora and fellow Nigerians to consider returning home.”
“My plea to the federal government is to ensure that the success of this event encourages the return of displaced individuals, particularly those in IDP camps. We urge the government to assist our people still in these camps and encourage those thriving abroad to support the repatriation process.”
“Despite attacks around Damboa, which do not indicate a complete absence of peace, we can see that stability is gradually returning. What had not been accomplished in the past 13 years was finally realized,” he added.
In his speech during the program, Hon. Haske Satumari Kudla emphasized the need for the federal government to build on the security improvements and the success of this event to facilitate the return of people to their villages. “This is essential for our people to return to farming, as food security will not be a challenge if they can work the land.”
“As we gather here, let us remember the sacrifices made by those who came before us—leaders who stood firm in their convictions, fought tirelessly against injustice, and envisioned a brighter future for all. They did not back down in the face of challenges but rose to meet them with courage and resolve. It is our responsibility to honor their legacy by continuing their fight until we prevail.”
“We are at a turning point in our political landscape. Our people look to us for answers, hope, and inspiration. They want leaders who advocate for their needs, work tirelessly to improve their lives, and speak the truth on behalf of their people, not for personal gain.”
“It is time for us to rise to this challenge and demonstrate unwavering leadership. If we are to be true champions for our cause, we must be bold, vocal, and unapologetic in our pursuit of our goals. Let us not shy away from controversy or criticism but engage with it, using it as fuel to propel our mission forward. The road ahead may be fraught with obstacles, but the rewards of our perseverance will surely manifest.”
“My desire for us is to have the power to shape and change the narrative, influence change, and create a future aligned with our vision for a just and equitable society. But I cannot do this alone. We must unite as one formidable force, rallying others to join us in our mission. Together, we can harness our collective strength, passion, and expertise to mobilize our supporters and create a groundswell of momentum.”
“I urge each of you to recommit yourselves to our cause. Embrace the challenges ahead as opportunities to fight for our freedom and liberation. Let our actions reflect our cherished values of justice, equity, fairness, and a fierce commitment to public service. Always remember that a great leader is defined not by their position but by their ability to inspire others to act. Let us inspire our members, supporters, and every citizen in our community to believe in a brighter tomorrow—a tomorrow we must create together. That is what Haske stands for, and that is what I represent,” he concluded.
Acclaimed gospel artist and songwriter Dr. Panam Percy Paul has disclosed that he rejected a substantial £24 million record deal in 1995 due to its stipulation requiring a reduction in the mention of “Jesus” in his music.
In a recent interview with Pastor Emmanuel Iren, Paul shared that the three-year contract, valued at approximately N7 billion at the time, included conditions that contradicted his religious beliefs.
The record label proposed that he substitute names like “Righteous One” or “Greatest Lover” for direct references to Jesus.
“The condition was, ‘Can you limit the number of times you mention the name Jesus in your songs?’” Paul recalled. “One representative even suggested, ‘You don’t really need to say Jesus. You can use other names instead.’ I was taken aback and responded, ‘You can keep the money; I’ll keep the name.’”
The seasoned gospel musician also voiced concerns regarding the growing commercialization of gospel music, asserting that record labels and marketers now dictate the creative direction of artists.
“Currently, the situation has escalated to where the music ministry has transformed into a music industry,” he expressed. “The industry now prescribes what ministers should do, how they should perform, and when they should do it.”
Paul’s revelation has ignited conversations about the impact of commercial interests on gospel music and the challenges artists face in preserving their faith-based messages.
The Controller General of the Federal Fire Service, Abdulganiyu Jaji, has placed fire service personnel on red alert to ensure swift response to emergencies during the Eid-el-Fitr celebrations.
Jaji also urged Nigerians to adopt fire safety measures, particularly while cooking, to prevent avoidable incidents during the festive period.
In a statement issued on Saturday in Abuja, the fire service boss advised against leaving cooking unattended and emphasized the need to store gas cylinders outside kitchens and keep matches away from children.
“These safety measures are crucial in preventing fire outbreaks, especially during a period when many people travel, increasing the risks of fuel tanker accidents,” he said.
He added that all fire service commands and zones across the country have been placed on high alert to respond promptly to emergencies.
“I urge citizens to familiarize themselves with the contact details of their local fire service units for quick intervention in case of any fire incident,” Jaji stated.
The fire chief also stressed the need for fuel tankers and other articulated vehicles transporting flammable materials to be fitted with onboard cameras to enhance safety.
“Many tankers on Nigerian roads still fail to meet modern safety standards. These substandard vehicles contribute to rising accident figures, leading to loss of lives and property and leaving many families in distress,” he said.
Jaji noted that modern tankers come with features such as anti-rollover systems, anti-spill devices, and onboard cameras to monitor drivers’ behavior, which help in preventing road crashes.
“The continued use of substandard tankers without these safety features remains a major risk,” he warned.
While acknowledging the financial burden of replacing old fleets, Jaji suggested an alternative approach—installing onboard computers to monitor driving patterns, speed, and nighttime movements.
“Although the complete replacement or retrofitting of tankers with modern safety devices like anti-skid systems, speed limiters, and automatic emergency braking remains a priority, government agencies responsible for enforcing these measures are working to address the issue. Over time, we are confident that these improvements will be implemented,” he assured.
MultiChoice Nigeria has announced that the tenth edition of the Big Brother Naija (BBNaija) reality show will begin soon.
In an Instagram post on Saturday, the organisers revealed that the audition process for this edition will differ from previous ones.
Unlike past seasons, where aspiring contestants auditioned virtually, those vying for a spot in the 10th edition will have to audition in person.
However, the premiere date for the new season and the audition locations has not been disclosed.
“This time, it’s all about showing up and being you. Ready to shine? Get ready your moment is closer than you think! Season 10 is coming,” the post reads.
The reality TV show first introduced online auditions in its fourth season in 2019.
At the time, the option was created for those who couldn’t attend the physical auditions held earlier.
Since then, the organisers have maintained virtual auditions, adding different twists with each edition.
In the last season, contestants were required to audition in pairs.
At the last edition, Kellyrae defeated other housemates to win the grand prize of N100 million.
The feat also sees him become the first married person to win the show.
As the winner, he went home with a cash prize of N60 million, a new car among others.