The Nation Newspaper

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  • Plateau crisis: Pray against killings in 2024 – CAN president

    Plateau crisis: Pray against killings in 2024 – CAN president

    President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Archbishop Daniel Okoh has urged Nigerians to pray against killings in the country especially the recent incident in Plateau State.

    Okoh gave the advise in his New Year Message issued on Monday.

    The CAN boss who expressed displeasure over the incident said Nigerians embrace our diversity and allow it to be the bedrock upon which we build a stronger, more harmonious nation.

    Okoh said: “As we stand at the dawn of a new year, I want to first express my deepest gratitude to Almighty God for His unfailing protection and mercies that have seen us through the year 2023. It is by His grace that we have been preserved, overcoming the trials and tribulations of the past year. We have indeed witnessed His hand in our lives, and for this, we are profoundly thankful.

    “We were shocked to find that, as the year drew to a close, the enemies of progress sought to cast a shadow over our joy with acts of extreme violence in some communities on the Plateau. These acts of aggression against innocent lives are a stark reminder of the fragility of peace in our beloved country. It is a recurrent nightmare that we have witnessed far too often.

    “In light of these distressing events, our prayers intensify for the souls we have lost and for the bereaved families. We pray earnestly to the Almighty God that such senseless loss of life and wanton destruction of property will never plague our communities again. May He guide us towards pathways of peace and grant solace to all who have suffered.

    “In the face of these adversities, it is imperative that we, as a people, refuse to be discouraged. Instead, we must come together and remain resolute in our commitment to build a united, peaceful, and prosperous nation. It is in our togetherness that we find the strength to withstand the trials that beset us. In unity, there is hope, resilience, and the power to rebuild. 

    Read Also: Plateau announces seven-day mourning over attacks

    “As we look to the year ahead, let us do so with a renewed sense of purpose and an unwavering commitment to fostering a better future for our beloved Nigeria. Let us draw strength from our faith, our shared values, and our collective resolve to surmount the obstacles that confront us. 

    “Together, as one united people, we are capable of creating a Nigeria where peace, justice, and prosperity are not just ideals, but realities for all.

    “May the transformative era that has begun continue to unfold for our nation in the year 2024. Let us march forward with hope and determination, and may God’s blessings be upon Nigeria. Wishing you all a peaceful and prosperous New Year.”

  • Ibadan chief to Nigerians: remain steadfast, pray for Oyo, Nigeria

    Ibadan chief to Nigerians: remain steadfast, pray for Oyo, Nigeria

    The Aare-Onibon Balogun of Ibadanland, Chief Adegboyega Adegoke (FCA), has urged residents of Oyo State and Nigerians to use opportunity of another New Year celebration to rededicate themselves and remain steadfast in prayers.

    He said this would have immense impact on the peace, security, unity and stability of the country.

    In a New Year message, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Adegboyega Adegoke Resource Centre (AARC) stated that it is important for people of the State and Nigerians to inject healing and unifying spirit of love for their neighbours into the nation’s consciousness this season.

    He urged them to be intentional in embracing on productive thinking and actions that can make Oyo state and the country better and greater in the New Year as revival of the country’s economic glory is everyone’s responsibility.

    Adegoke, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Solutions 93.9FM Ibadan, said: “On this significant occasion of the New Year, I felicitate with people of Oyo state and Nigeria for witnessing new year 2024. In the spirit of the season, I call on everyone to unite for the greater good of our dear state and the country.

    Read Also: I’m Nigerian from Oyo Kingdom, says Ghanaian singer Stonebwoy

    “This period reminds us of the need to uphold the virtues of love, selflessness and tolerance. I call on all Nigerians to reflect on the lessons of the season, which present an opportunity to love and share.

    “The season is one of the unprecedented self-sacrifice to redeem humanity, so, it is the season of love, joy, generosity and forgiveness. Even as we celebrate with friends and family, we should also spend time to pray for a more peaceful and prosperous nation.

    “As a nation, we can achieve more if we stay united, extend hands of fellowship to one another and be law abiding. We must also rededicate ourselves to the virtues of faith in God, love for one another and make these virtues more evident and practical in our daily living.”

  • BREAKING: Tinubu signs N28.78tn 2024 Budget into law

    BREAKING: Tinubu signs N28.78tn 2024 Budget into law

    President Bola Tinubu has just signed the N28.78 trillion 2024 Budget into law at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    President Tinubu, who arrived his office from the airport at exactly 2pm, headed straight for the brief budget signing ceremony, surrounded by senior government officials.

    Among those with the President while he signed the budget were the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Tajudeen Abbas.

    The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun; Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar; the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, were on hand as well.

    Read Also: 13 notable quotes from President Tinubu’s New Year address to Nigerians

    Also on ground were the Chief of Staff to the President, Hon Femi Gbajabiamila; National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr Abdullahi Ganduje; Chairman of the Senate Appropriation Committee, Senator Olamilekan Adeola, among others.

    Details later…

  • Thank you for standing by me solidly – Yul Edochie celebrates wife’s birthday

    Thank you for standing by me solidly – Yul Edochie celebrates wife’s birthday

    Controversial Nollywood actor, Yul Edochie, has celebrated his second wife, Judy Austin, on the occasion of her birthday with a heartfelt message.  

    In a heartwarming post on social media, Yul Edochie shared pictures of Judy Austin, expressing his deep appreciation for the unwavering support, strength, and companionship that Judy has provided throughout their journey together.

    Taking to his Instagram page, Yul Edochie wrote: “A very happy birthday to you, NWUNYE ODOGWU. @judyaustin1

    Read Also: Yul Edochie to Emeka Ike: haters will make more noise, pay no attention to them

    “IJELE ISI MMILI.One of the kindest souls in this world. Always willing to help others. Always cheerful. May endless blessings, protection, favor, and all good things of life be your portion all the days of your life, Amen. May God continue to grant you your heart’s desires. IJELE ODOGWU. THE QUEEN OF CAPRICORNS.

    STANDING OVATION. NWANYI ANA AGBA NKILI. OKWULU OKALISIA.

    Thank you for standing by me solidly. God’s blessing in your life is just starting.

    2024, we go harder. Happy birthday, IJELE ODOGWU.”

  • 2024: You will witness unprecedented infrastructure devt in Ogun – Abiodun assures residents

    2024: You will witness unprecedented infrastructure devt in Ogun – Abiodun assures residents

    Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun has called on the people of the state to embrace year 2024 with renewed hope, saying that his administration is working hard to make life bearable for them.

    Abiodun congratulated the people for making it into the New Year, assuring that his administration would redouble its efforts towards meeting their needs.

    The governor pledged to step up his efforts with sincerity, humility, and integrity while also promising to govern with unwavering dedication, equity, inclusiveness, and accountability while upholding the rule of law. 

    He made the call in his New Year broadcast to the people of the state, recalling that 2023 had been a challenging year for many Nigerians as a result of the precarious economic situation in the country. 

    He, however, lauded the people for remaining steadfast despite all odds.

    He said: “In 2023, we faced numerous challenges, but together we were resolute, focused, and we emergency united and stronger. I want to express my heartfelt appreciation to you, the good citizens and residents of Ogun State, for your unwavering support, cooperation, resilience, and unflinching loyalty.”

    Reflecting on the journey so far, Governor Abiodun emphasized that his government has achieved significant milestones, covering substantial grounds across the state, assuring that all ongoing projects would be completed while new frontiers would be opened under the “ISEYA” mantra, even in the face of global socio-economic challenges.

    “We have prioritized the provision of the required infrastructure, particularly in the transportation sector. We have constructed or rehabilitated over 500 kilometres of roads across the state, thus ensuring improved transportation and connectivity. Our commitment to equitable development is evident, as these works are spread across our 20 Local Government Areas in the state.

    “We have also embarked on our multi-modal transport master plan, encompassing land, air, water, and rail modes of transportation. The Gateway Agro-Cargo airport project initiated a little over 2 years ago is set to commence passenger and cargo operations in the first quarter 2024. This world-class airport and economic enabler will provide over 25,000 job opportunities,” Prince Abiodun said.

    He noted that power supply is being enhanced and expanded to improve electricity, while the state remained the first in Nigeria to deploy Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) fueled buses, which has resulted in reduced transport fares.

    Over 700,000 tree seedlings, the governor stated, have been planted in the forest reserves to combat deforestation, while over 40,000 farmers have been empowered to ensure food security and promote agribusiness

    He announced the restoration of water supply to major towns, especially Abeokuta and its environs, as the results of complete rehabilitation of the Arakanga waterworks and pipeline reticulation, just as he said over 5,000 beneficiaries were issued the new one-page double-sided CofOs.

    On healthcare delivery, the governor said over 100 primary healthcare centers in 100 wards were renovated and equipped; Ilera-Dero, a Health Insurance Scheme, was established, while over 3,000 affordable housing units were constructed across the state.

    The governor further disclosed that over 60,000 women have been empowered through various intervention programmes, adding that over 1,200 classrooms have been reconstructed, 5,000 teachers recruited, and thousands of desks and chairs provided to make learning environment conducive.

    Read Also: Akesan festival for Shettima, Abiodun, others

    “Our efforts have not gone unnoticed, as we have been rated the number one state in the country in industrial revolution by Forbes Africa. We have also been adjudged by BudgIT as the number one state in improved internally generated revenue, IGR, and also as one of the 2 resilient states having generated more IGR than allocations received from the federal government.

    “As we navigate the New Year, having signed the 2024 Budget named ‘Budget of Sustained Growth & Development’ into law, our commitment to your well-being, welfare, development, and prosperity remains unwavering We will continue to build on the foundation established in the last four years,” he added.

    Prince Abiodun called for more support and prayers from the people, assuring that his government would fulfil all the promises made in the course of campaign and electioneering, leading to the 2023 general elections.

  • New Year: Gov Alia pardons 12 inmates

    New Year: Gov Alia pardons 12 inmates

    Gov. Hyacinth Alia of Benue has granted a State Pardon to 12 inmates serving various jail terms at the Federal Maximum Correctional Centre Makurdi.

    Alia granted the pardon on Monday when he visited the Nigerian Correctional Centre Makurdi,  the Benue capital.

    He charged the pardoned inmates to be of good behaviour as they reintegrated into society and made use of the skills they acquired while in prison to better their lot.

    He explained that they were granted pardon based on his administration’s desire to offer the best to the people, and lamented that most of the inmates were young persons who ordinarily should not be anywhere near the prison.

    He disclosed that among those to be granted state pardon was one Dennis Yogbo, who was dismissed from the state Civil Service about 28 years ago.

    He said with the pardon, Yogbo’s dismissal had also been converted to termination of appointment.

    “Give your society the very best. And as for the gentleman whose dismissal has been converted to termination of appointment, don’t take any elements of life for granted; demonstrate your newness into your society.

    “This should not be home for them. I was quite shocked to see the faces of many young people here, where there are a total of 525 inmates including 25 females, one with a baby, while some came in with pregnancy.” he said.

    Alia said his decision was based on the recommendation of the Benue State Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy headed by the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice and Public Order, Fidelis Mnyim.

    Earlier in his remarks, the attorney general and commissioner for justice and public order  said the advisory council recommended those that were granted pardon in line with Section 212 of the 1999 Constitution for offences they committed against the state.

    Read Also: Alia identifies instruments for peace, unity in Benue

    Mnyim explained that the inmates granted pardon were from Makurdi, Otukpo and Gboko correctional facilities.

    The State Comptroller, Nigeria Correctional Service, Mrs Mary Oche acknowledged the efforts of the government in ensuring that inmates did  not stay in the correctional centres unnecessarily.

    Oche also commended the governor for providing transportation fares to the inmates to get to their respective destinations and enjoy the New year with their loved ones.

    Responding on behalf of the freed inmates, Barnabas Apav, thanked the  governor for the gesture and pledged that henceforth, they would be of good behaviour as they got back to the society.

    Also Dennis Yogbo, who was granted state pardon, said he had been in prison for 28 years, until God sent Alia to come to his rescue, following the recommendation of the council , after reviewing his case and converting his dismissal to the termination.

    (NAN)

  • Gov Sule pardons 14 inmates

    Gov Sule pardons 14 inmates

    Gov. Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State has pardoned 14 inmates serving various jail terms at Custodial Centres in the state.

    Mr. Labaran Magaji, Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General (AG), said this in a statement on Monday in Lafia.

    The Commissioner said the action of the governor was in exercise of the powers conferred on him under section 212 (1) and (2) of 1999 constitution (as amended).

    The AG explained that Gov. Sule had carried out the function based on the enabling powers conferred on him and in due consultation with the State Advisory Council on prerogative of mercy.

    Magaji also said the governor had released the inmates in commemoration of the Jan. 1, 2024 celebration.

    Read Also: Sule swears in four additional High Court Judges in Nasarawa

    He said the released inmates included: Sani Musa, Mohammed Maji, Danjuma Anthony, Ali Mohammed, Yahuza Turaki, Ibrahim Musa and Abdullahi Usman.

    Others are: ThankGod Bananas, Usman Idris, Adamu Sule, Terzungwe Mshi, Shehu Abubakar, Zacheous Ayuba and Surajo Abdullahi.

    The AG, therefore, called on the inmates to be law abiding and desist from commiting any crime that would bring them back to the Correctional Centres.

    (NAN)

  • Rivers crisis: I’m the winner, Fubara mocks critics

    Rivers crisis: I’m the winner, Fubara mocks critics

    Less than twenty-four hours after his staunch ally and speaker of the House of Assembly, resigned as a lawmaker and as speaker, the governor of Rivers state, Siminilayi Fubara, has promised that no political crisis will be able to shorten the term of his administration.

    Fubara reassured that he is not arrogant about his dedication to offering excellent leadership despite the opposition to his administration’s attempts to crush the spirit of the Rivers people and stop development’s rapid pace.

    He urged the people of Rivers not to let the current crisis depress them since nothing would prevent him from properly managing the state’s affairs.

    On New Year’s Eve in 2024 in the Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area, Governor Fubara said this during the Croosover church service at St. Paul’s Archdeaconry Parish in Opobo Town.

    He said: “What they want is this red biro but it is still with me. We are the winners because we are still signing with the red biro. As long as we are signing with the red biro, development will continue in Rivers State.”

    Governor Fubara emphasized that nothing will prevent his government from reaching its goal since God alone will provide the grace to finish the construction process, on which its basis is firmly established.

    The governor emphasized that he will not give up on working for the benefit of the state, citing that Rivers State has already established a development strategy and a degree of progress until 2024.

    Sir Fubara sent his appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for his fatherly intervention in aiding the process of restoring peace in Rivers State.

    Read Also: Fubara promises rural communities access to quality health care 

    He added: “Like I keep saying, it takes a responsible man to be a father. He acted like a father. On our part, we will continue to give him all the necessary support because if he does not succeed in Rivers State, he will not succeed as a president.

    “So, as a state, we will continue to give him every support. We are not pretenders. Our support is genuine and it is to uplift his programmes. Our sacrifices are part of the support.”

    As he vowed to defend his position as their governor, Governor Fubara also thanked the people of Rivers for their unwavering support, calling them believers in the authentic Rivers State and urging them to trust his decisions since no one will be tossed overboard.

  • 13 notable quotes from President Tinubu’s New Year address to Nigerians

    13 notable quotes from President Tinubu’s New Year address to Nigerians

    President Tinubu’s New Year address to Nigerians is filled with messages of hope and encouragement for the year 2024.

    The president started by highlighting that he understands the plight of Nigerians and that tough times never last.

    Here are 13 notable quotes from the president’s speech:

    1. “Everything I have done in office, every decision I have taken and every trip I have undertaken outside the shores of our land, since I assumed office on 29 May 2023, have been done in the best interest of our country”.

    2. “Over the past seven months of our administration, I have taken some difficult and yet necessary decisions to save our country from fiscal catastrophe. One of those decisions was the removal of fuel subsidies, which had become an unsustainable financial burden on our country for more than four decades”.

    3. “Dear Compatriots, take this from me: the time may be rough and tough, however, our spirit must remain unbowed because tough times never last. We are made for this period, never to flinch, never to falter. The socio-economic challenges of today should energize and rekindle our love and faith in the promise of Nigeria. Our current circumstances should make us resolve to work better for the good of our beloved nation. Our situation should make us resolve that this new year 2024, each and everyone of us will commit to be better citizens”.

    4. “Just this past December during COP28 in Dubai, the German Chancellor, Olaf Scholz, and I agreed and committed to a new deal to speed up the delivery of the Siemens Energy power project that will ultimately deliver reliable supply of electricity to our homes and businesses under the Presidential Power Initiative which began in 2018. Other power installation projects to strengthen the reliability of our transmission lines and optimise the integrity of our National grid are ongoing across the country”.

    5. “My administration recognises that no meaningful economic transformation can happen without steady electricity supply. In 2024, we are moving a step further in our quest to restart local refining of petroleum products with Port Harcourt Refinery, and the Dangote Refinery which shall fully come on stream”.

    6. “To ensure constant food supply, security and affordability, we will step up our plan to cultivate 500,000 hectares of farmlands across the country to grow maize, rice, wheat, millet and other staple crops. We launched the dry season farming with 120,000 hectares of land in Jigawa State last November  under our National Wheat Development Programme.

    In this new year, we will race against time to ensure all the fiscal and tax policies reforms we need to put in place are codified and simplified to ensure the business environment does not destroy value. On every foreign trip I have embarked on, my message to investors and other business people has been the same. Nigeria is ready and open for business”.

    7. “I will fight every obstacle that impedes business competitiveness in Nigeria and I will not hesitate to remove any clog hindering our path to making Nigeria a destination of choice for local and foreign investments”.

    8. “We will work diligently to make sure every Nigerian feels the impact of their government. The economic aspirations and the material well-being of the poor, the most vulnerable and the working people shall not be neglected. It is in this spirit  that we are going to implement a new national living wage for our industrious workers this new year. It is not only good economics to do this, it is also a morally and politically correct thing to do”.

    9. “I took an oath to serve this country and give my best at all times. Like I said in the past, no excuse for poor performance from any of my appointees will be good enough. It is the reason I put in place a Policy Coordination, Evaluation, Monitoring and Delivery Unit in the Presidency to make sure that governance output improves the living condition of our people.

    We have set the parameters for evaluation. Within the first quarter of this new year, Ministers and Heads of Agencies with a future in this administration that I lead will continue to show themselves”.

    Read Also: Tinubu celebrates Sokoto Gov at 54

    10. “Fellow Nigerians, my major ambition in government as a Senator in the aborted Third Republic, as Governor of Lagos State for  eight years and now as the President of this blessed country is to build a fair and equitable society and close the widening inequality. While I believe the rich should enjoy their legitimately-earned wealth, our minimum bargain must be that, any Nigerian that works hard and diligent enough will have a chance to get ahead in life. I must add that because God didn’t create us with equal talents and strengths, I can not guarantee that we will have equal outcomes when we work hard. But my government, in this new year 2024 and beyond, will work to give every Nigerian equal opportunity to strive and to thrive”.

    11. “For the new year to yield all its good benefits to us as individuals and collectively as a people we must be prepared to play our part. The job of building a prosperous nation is not the job of the President, Governors, Ministers, Lawmakers and government officials alone. Our destinies are connected as members of this household of Nigeria. Our language, creed, ethnicity and religious beliefs even when they are not same should never make us work at cross purposes”.

    12. “In this new year, let us resolve that as joint-heirs to the Nigerian Commonwealth, we will work for the peace, progress and stability of our country. I extend this call to my political opponents in the last election. Election is over. It’s time for all of us to work together for the sake of our country”.

    13. “We must let the light each of us carries – men and women, young and old – shine bright and brighter to illuminate our path to a glorious dawn”.

  • Victor Osimhen attends crossover service in Lagos

    Victor Osimhen attends crossover service in Lagos

    CAF African Footballer of the Year, Victor Osimhen, was spotted attending a crossover service in a church in Lagos on New Year’s Eve.

    To the excitement and applause of the audience, the Super Eagles forward, who has been freed by his Italian club Napoli for the 2023 African Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire, pulled up for service.

    In the widely shared video on the internet, Osimhen was seen approaching the pulpit as the congregation cheered and whooped.

    Read Also: Napoli release birthday boy Osimhen for AFCON

    The pastor gave the microphone to an overjoyed Osimhen after the former Lille striker hugged him.