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Sanwo-Olu, Prelate Abah, Bishop Okupevi, Orelope-Adefulire Call for Patience and Unity, Pledges Improved Governance
The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals (SSAP-SDGs), Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, has called on Nigerians to remain united and patient as the government intensifies efforts to address economic challenges and promote sustainable development.
Speaking after a Christmas service at the Anglican Church, Marina, Lagos, Orelope-Adefulire expressed deep sympathy to families affected by recent stampedes across the country, pledging that the government would ensure better planning to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
“We deeply regret the incidents and extend our sympathies to the affected families. Moving forward, events will be better organized to prevent agitation and desperation among attendees. We have learned our lesson and will ensure that such tragedies do not happen again,” she said.
The SSAP-SDGs reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fostering peace and progress, emphasizing the importance of collective effort in achieving a better Nigeria. “As a nation, we are determined to create a safer and more prosperous environment for all. Let us trust in God’s plan for Nigeria and work together to achieve lasting peace and development,” Orelope-Adefulire added.
Echoing her sentiments, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu reassured Nigerians of the government’s determination to mitigate hardships caused by the removal of fuel subsidies and other economic policies. He highlighted ongoing efforts to improve lives through initiatives in health, education, and transportation, while urging citizens to maintain peace and harmony during the festive season.
“We cannot afford to throw in the towel now,” Sanwo-Olu said. “Yes, the removal of fuel subsidies has caused an increase in prices, but we’re seeing positive signs of recovery. Food prices have begun to come down, and I believe the Federal Government’s promise of a prosperous 2025 will be fulfilled.”
Prelate of the Methodist Church Nigeria, Dr. Oliver Ali Abah, likened the nation’s struggles to the pain of childbirth, urging Nigerians to remain steadfast in their faith and trust in the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He emphasized that challenges are temporary and expressed optimism about the nation’s potential.
Similarly, Right Reverend Ifedola Senasu Gabriel Okupevi, Archbishop of the Cathedral Church of Christ, Marina, called on leaders to address economic hardships while urging citizens to unite in prayer and hope for a brighter future.
“The suffering in the country is immense. Our leaders must take steps to alleviate this burden and ensure that 2025 brings hope and prosperity,” Okupevi said.
The collective message from political and religious leaders underlines the importance of patience, unity, and faith in navigating Nigeria’s current challenges. As Orelope-Adefulire noted, “Together, we can create a Nigeria that is not only safer and more prosperous but one that truly leaves no one behind.”
BY ANKELI EMMANUEL, Sokoto
Former governor of Sokoto State and now Senator, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal while flagging off distribution of ramadan fast assistance to the people of the state, Monday reassured that, his party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will Reclaim their mandate come 2027.
Tambuwal, who divulged that the Ramadan gesture is targeted at 30,000 households in the state, added, “‘it is aside the thousands of other foodstuff and multiple assistance given by all lawmakers elected under the platform of the PDP in the state”.
According to him, the PDP lawmakers both at he state and federal levels are equally flagging off the distribution of thousands of bags of rice and other grains to all youth and women led organizations to help compliment their ease of fasting.
“”As you aware, many people have lost their lives and they are no more with us. It is by His grace that we are alive and here observing another Ramadan and witnessing the distribution of foodstuff to our people once again.
“We continue to pray to Allahi to grant us continued good health and longevity, for us to witness many more of this blessed month.l of Ramadan. I also would like to take disadvantage of this opportunity to thank our chairman and the leaders of our party in the state for their continued hard work in organizing the party, in mobilizing the people and making sure that our party remain strong and united in Sokoto
“”We are one big united family. And we shall continue to work together towards reclaiming what has been taken away from us. As you know, in the last elections, our mandate was forcefully stolen. But now, we are restrategizing and organizing.
“”And by the grace of Allah, what has been taken away, will be given back to us by come 2027″”. Tambuwal assured.
Speaking earlier, Sokoto state PDP chairman, Comrade Bello Goronyo expressed heartfelt appreciation to all members of the PDP in Sokoto for keeping hope alive and faith with the party, saying the PDP is the only party that truly meant well for the generality of Nigerians.
This according to him could be proven by the current hardship been experienced by Nigerians which where hitherto not the case when the PDP held sway.
Comrade Goronyo therefore appealed to the people of the state and Nigerians to liberate themselves from the grip of APC’s mis- governance come 2027.
US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, said on Monday that the United States was cancelling 83 per cent of programmes at the US Agency for International Development.
President Donald Trump signed an executive order in January demanding a freeze on all US foreign aid to give his administration time to assess overseas spending, with an eye to gutting programs not aligned with his “America First” agenda.
“After a six-week review we are officially cancelling 83% of the programmes at USAID,” Rubio said on social media platform X.
“The 5,200 contracts that are now cancelled spent tens of billions of dollars in ways that did not serve, (and in some cases even harmed), the core national interests of the United States,” he added.
USAID distributes US humanitarian aid around the world, with health and emergency programs in around 120 countries.
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The State Department, which oversees USAID, announced on February 26 its intention to cut 92 per cent of the agency’s program funding, identifying 5,800 grants to be eliminated.
Rubio on Monday notably thanked the Department of Government Efficiency, which billionaire Elon Musk is leading in a drive to slash costs and cut jobs across government departments.
Trump and his allies have argued that foreign assistance is wasteful and does not serve US interests.
But aid groups argue much of the assistance supports US interests by promoting stability and health overseas, and warn that cutting aid threatens the lives of vulnerable people.
AFP
The caution note was to ensure data security and integrity.
The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has advised Nigerians to modify their National Identification Number (NIN) details only through its official self-service portal.
In a statement signed by Head of Corporate Communications at NIMC, on Monday, said the caution note was to ensure data security and integrity.
The agency reassured Nigerians that its self-service portal is secure, reliable, and provides users with the convenience of updating their information from anywhere.
The commission emphasised that NIN modifications should only be done on SelfserviceModification.nimc.gov.ng, warning the public against using unauthorised websites.
It noted “The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) wishes to state that in order to ensure the security and integrity of your National Identification Number (NIN) data, modifications can only be done on the official NIMC self-service portal: Selfservicemodification.nimc.gov.ng.”
It cautioned Nigerians against attempting to modify their NIN data on third-party platforms, stressing that such actions could expose personal information to fraudsters.
“Do not attempt to modify your NIN data on any unauthorized websites, as this may compromise your personal information and put you at risk of identity theft,” the statement read.
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Highlighting the benefits of the new portal, NIMC noted that the platform ensures data integrity while allowing Nigerians to modify their details without visiting an enrollment center.
“By using the official NIMC self-service portal, you can be rest assured that your data is secure and protected. You’ll also enjoy the convenience of updating your information from anywhere, at any time,” the commission stated.