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  • Kanu: FG missed opportunity to free Southeast -Bishop

    Kanu: FG missed opportunity to free Southeast -Bishop

    The recent judgement by the Supreme Court on the leader of indigenous people of Biafra IPOB, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, was an opportunity missed by the federal government to free Southeast from insecurity.

    Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Niger, Rt Rev Owen Nwokolo called for unity among people of Southeast to enable them to get anything meaningful from the Federal Government.

    Nwokolo gave the advice in a chat with newsmen at the All Saints Cathedral, Onitsha, Anambra State Friday.

    He regretted that the Supreme Court verdict was an opportunity missed by the Federal Government to restore lasting peace to the Southeast region.

    Read Also: Treason trial: Why Supreme Court reversed Kanu’s acquittal

    He urged Ndigbo to embrace peace and shun acts capable of aggravating prevailing insecurity in the zone.

    He said, “People had expected that the Supreme Court would have used the opportunity to seek ways to calm the strained nerves.

    “But since it’s the highest court in the land, there is nothing one can do. The major issue is that people of the southeast must learn to work together to make the region safe, united and peaceful.

    “United we stand, divided we fall. We can work together to make Igboland united and progressives by showing empathy to the things that are happening.

    “We can then, in that unity, speak to the government of the land because the way I see the Kanu issue, it is a political case. And since it is so, it should be handled politically.”

  • Police, IPOB clash over murder allegations

    Police, IPOB clash over murder allegations

    The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), a Biafran liberation agitation group, has refuted the Nigerian Police’s claim of their involvement in the murder of an Imo State monarch.

    The Nigerian Police claimed that some suspected IPOB members were involved in the murder of the traditional ruler of Otulu Community, Amaumara Mbaise, in Ezinihite Local Government Area of Imo State, Eze Joe Ochulor.

    Eze Joe Ochulor, was killed on November 25, 2023. He was kidnapped by gunmen and later found dead along Mbutu Community road in the Aboh-Mbaise Local Government Area

    The Nigerian Police accused IPOB of being responsible for the murder of the monarch, alleging that the group’s members were involved in the killing.

    IPOB, however, in a statement on Friday by its Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful has denied any involvement in the incident and accused the police of fabricating stories to tarnish the group’s image.

    Read Also: Police nab IPOB/ESN commander, Imo monarch

    He said: “The police also alleged that one Chidiebere, an IT professional, was the mastermind behind the murder, as he had been hunted by both IPOB members and government agencies due to his IT expertise and information about the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) IRev in the last presidential election. And we ask, how does Chidiebere’s business concern IPOB?”

    IPOB spokesman refuted the police’s allegations, stating that they have nothing to do with the said Chidiebere and were not responsible for securing traditional rulers or engaging in political struggles, as the police claimed.

    He emphasized that they were a Biafran liberation agitation group, not a political organization, and questioned the police’s motives in linking them to the incident.

  • UNICEF seeks $2bn humanitarian assistance for West, Central Africa

    UNICEF seeks $2bn humanitarian assistance for West, Central Africa

    The UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) yesterday  appealed for nearly 2 billion dollars to provide lifesaving assistance to more than 24 million boys and girls across West and Central Africa in 2024.

    It projected that 46.7 million children in the region would face another year of humanitarian need due to ongoing conflict in Central Sahel, Democratic Republic of Congo and displacements into Chad sparked by the war in Sudan.

     “West and Central Africa is home to a large number of critically underfunded emergencies, and some of the most neglected humanitarian crises in the world for children,” UNICEF Regional Director, Felicité Tchibindat, said.

     The 1.89 million dollar appeal aims to reach roughly 24.1 million children next year, up from 23.5 million in 2023.

    Aid will include lifesaving nutrition supplies, clean water, education and child protection services, as well as humanitarian cash transfers for households.

    More than a third of the funding will be used to address malnutrition, as the prevalence of wasting in children under five remains high.

    Read Also: Governor to UNICEF, UNDP: we’re determined to eradicate poverty in Anambra

     The Sahel countries are most affected, with several areas of Burkina Faso, Mali and northwest Nigeria showing emergency levels of child wasting.

    Meanwhile, the outgoing head of the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) has urged global leaders to heed scientific evidence on climate change and accelerate the shift to renewable energy sources.

    Petteri Taalas, who ended his tenure as WMO Secretary-General on Friday, had assumed the post in 2016 and was at the helm of the UN agency over the warmest eight-year period in recorded history.

    “The expertise and services of WMO and the scientific community have never been more necessary to tackle climate change, which represents humanity’s biggest challenge,” he said.

    He issued a request to world leaders, saying “please pay attention to the scientific evidence and listen to the United Nations which is committed to promoting the welfare of citizens worldwide.”

    Taalas hailed the agreement reached at the recent COP28 climate change conference in Dubai as historic because it recognised the need to transition from fossil fuels, marking a first.

     “This is an important step in the right direction but not the final goal.

    “We urgently need to reduce our production and consumption of fossil fuels and speed up the transition to renewable energy. Time is running out,” he said.

  • INEC to conduct rerun, bye-electionsinto NASS, state assemblies Feb 3

    INEC to conduct rerun, bye-electionsinto NASS, state assemblies Feb 3

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced Saturday, February 3, 2024, as the date for the conduct of bye-elections and rerun elections into existing vacancies in both the state and National Assembly.

    While the bye-elections will be conducted in two senatorial districts, four federal constituencies, and three state constituencies, the rerun election is expected to take place in 35 constituencies across the country.

     National Commissioner  and Chairman of the Information Voter Education Committee of the Commission, Sam Olumekun, said in a statement that details of the timetable have been uploaded and are currently available on the commission’s website.

    The statement reads: “The Commission has approved the Timetable and Schedule of Activities for conducting bye-elections resulting from the resignation or demise of Members of the National and State Houses of Assembly.

     “These vacancies were declared by the Presiding Officers i.e. the Senate President, Speaker of the House of Representatives, and Speakers of State Houses of Assembly.

     “The vacancies occurred across two Senatorial Districts, four Federal Constituencies, and three State Constituencies spanning nine States of the Federation.

    Read Also: INEC to conduct rerun and bye-elections into NASS, state Assemblies Feb 3

    “Furthermore, the Commission is conducting re-run elections stemming from the 2023 General Election, as directed by various Election Petition Appeal Tribunals.

     “Currently, 35 Constituencies are affected by these Court-ordered elections. While three cover entire constituencies, others involve only a few Polling Units.

     “Both categories of elections are scheduled to take place simultaneously in all affected constituencies on Saturday 3rd February 2024. 

    “The Timetable for the elections, along with detailed delimitation data (i.e. registration areas, polling unit names, the number of registered voters and PVCs collected), has been uploaded to our website and social media platforms as a guide to political parties and candidates, and for public information.

    “We urge parties and candidates to strictly adhere to the specified timelines for the seamless conduct of these elections.”

    According to the timetable seen by The Nation, political parties are expected to conduct party primaries and produce candidates for the bye-elections between January 5 and 9.

    The parties are expected to submit the list of their candidates to the commission between January 10 and 13, while the final list of candidates will be published on January 117, with campaigns starting January 18.

  • Rivers crisis: Stakeholders reject Abuja peace accord

    Rivers crisis: Stakeholders reject Abuja peace accord

    • Vow to occupy Govt House if Fubara implements decisions
    • Gov pledges to do more for workers beyond Christmas bonus

    The crisis between Rivers State Governor  Siminalayi Fubara  and Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike may not be over after all.

     Some residents of the state yesterday stormed the Government House, Port Harcourt, to protest the Monday Peace Accord signed in Abuja by the governor and the minister.

    The protesters dismissed the deal which was brokered by President Bola Tinubu as unacceptable.

    They said they  would not allow anyone to enslave the state, and threatened to occupy the state, including critical infrastructure all through next month  should the governor honour any part of  the peace deal.

    The protesters who blocked the Port Harcourt Government House , said they would occupy the International Airport, Port Harcourt, Onne Oil and Gas Free Zone, NLNG Bonny, SPDC facilities, Total E&P, Aba-Port Harcourt Expressway, the East-West Road, the Federal Secretariat, the State Secretariat, all markets and waterways.

    They said: “It is, therefore, the absolute resolve of the people of Rivers State and indeed the entire Niger Delta to resort to self-help by any non-violent means possible to ensure our dignity as a people is not trampled upon.

    “We therefore call on all Rivers people, indigenes and residents and the entire Niger Delta people to get prepared and ready to occupy Rivers State.”

    They described the resolution as a sham and national embarrassment saying it posed fundamental threats to the nation’s democracy.

    The protesters wondered why part of the resolutions barred Fubara from exercising his constitutional duties of constituting caretaker committees for local government areas while the APC-led government in Imo and Ondo states adopted the caretaker arrangement.

    They said: “A critical analysis of the purported resolutions reveals a barrage of illegalities and more so at no point was the interest of the good people of Rivers State mentioned or even accommodated.”

    They asked  the Inspector-General of Police to probe an allegation that some security officers had been hired to unleash mayhem in the state.

    They said: “May we announce to the Executive Governor, Sir. Siminalayi Fubara, that Rivers State people massively voted him into office and therefore cannot allow him to bring the people into disrepute by signing such agreement that is akin to selling our collective hegemony to one individual.”

    They argued that the seats of the 25 lawmakers, who defected to the APC would remain vacant adding that the 2024 budget had already been passed and could only be altered by a judgement of the judiciary.

    Among those, who signed  the position  document of the protesters were leaders of the National Youths Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Greater Wakiriki Movement (GWM), National Union of Rivers State Students (NURSS), National Association of Nigeria Students (NANS), Ijaw Youths Council (IYC) Worldwide, Rivers Youths Federation (RYF), Ijaw Young Professional Association (IYPA), ANDONI Youths Federation (AYF), Ogoni Youth Federation (OYF), Niger Delta Activist Forum (NDAF), United Community Development Committee (UDCD) among others.

    Some of the leaders, whose signatures appeared on the document are Chijioke Inuwo, Levi Sam Okuru, Tamuno Kpokpo, Harrison Nwosu, Fubara Samuel, Inwoni Urang, Peter Ohochukwu and  Chief Mike Amakiri.

    Highlights of the Abuja deal are:

    ·  All matters in courts by Fubara and his team shall be withdrawn immediately

    ·  All impeachment proceedings should be dropped immediately

    ·  The House as led by Martin Amaewhule shall be recognised alongside the 27 members who resigned from the PDP ·  The remunerations and benefits of all members must be reinstated immediately and the Governor of Rivers State shall henceforth not interfere with the full funding of the  Assembly

    ·  The Assembly shall choose where they want to sit and conduct their legislative business without interference

    Read Also: Tinubu’s intervention in Rivers crisis constitutional, says Basorun

    ·  Fubara shall re-present the state budget to a properly constituted  House

    ·  The names of all commissioners who resigned should be resubmitted to the House for approval

    ·  There should not be a caretaker committee for the LGAs.

    Other signatories to the deal were Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, National Security Adviser (NSA) Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, Speaker Amaewhule, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Chairman Aaron Chukwuemeka and All Progressives Congress (APC) Caretaker Committee Chairman Chief Tony Okocha.

    Former Governor of the State,Sir Peter Odili was present at the talks.

    Fubara,on his return to Port Harcourt on Tuesday, had said he was prepared to pay any price for peace to reign.

    “There is no price that will be too big to pay to ensure that peace prevails,” he said at the 3rd Convocation and 6th Founders Day ceremonies of the PAMO University of Medical Sciences in Iriebe, Obio-Akpor Local Government Area of the state.

    Court urged to compel INEC to conduct election to fill seats of defecting 27 Rivers lawmakers

     Six individuals claiming to be members of a group – Rivers State Elders and Leaders Council (RSELC) –  have faulted the agreement brokered by President Bola Tinubu among the warring parties in the political crisis in Rivers State.

    They have therefore approached the Federal High Court in Abuja to among others, compel the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to promptly conduct a fresh election to fill the seats of the 27 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly who defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    The six plaintiffs are also praying the court to restrain the President, the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and the Rivers State Governor from further interfering in the affairs of the State Assembly.

    The six plaintiffs in the suit, marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/1718/2023 are Hon. Victor Okon Jumbo, Senator Bennett Biryani, Senator Andrew Uchendu, Rear Admiral O. Pp. Fingesi, Ann Kio Briggs and Emmanuel Deinma.

    Listed as defendants are the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, the Executive Governor of Rivers State, Rivers State House of Assembly, its Speaker and the Chairman, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    The suit was filed for the plaintiff by a group of lawyers led by Olukayode Ajulo (SAN).

    In a supporting affidavit, Deinma stated that “it is common knowledge that sometime in the month of November, 2023, 27 members of the Rivers Stare House of Assembly (out of the total 32 members) without any justification or lawful excuse whatsoever, decided to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), being the platform under which they were elected as members of the  Rivers State House of Assembly, to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

  • Air Force promotes 22 officer to rank of Air Vice Marshall, 16 to Air Commodore

    Air Force promotes 22 officer to rank of Air Vice Marshall, 16 to Air Commodore

    The Air Force Council (AFC) has approved the promotion of 38 senior officers to the next higher ranks in the Nigerian Air Force (NAF). 

    Out of the 38 senior officers promoted, 22 were elevated to the rank of Air Vice Marshal, while 16 were elevated to the rank of Air Commodore, according to a statement by Group Captain Kabiru Ali, a Deputy Director in the NAF’s Directorate of Public Relations and Information.

    The senior officer elevated to the rank of Air Vice Marshal are Edward Gabkwet, Abubakar Sule, Olayinka Oyesola, Abubakar Bukar, Razaq Olanrewaju, Olanrewaju Oyename, Ahmed Idris, Abdulrasheed Kotun, Chidiebere Obiabaka, Gambo Mbaka, Felix Uwakara, John Ukeh, Emeka Ashiegbu, Zayyan Usman, Mohammed Ibrahim, Babatunde Ajayi, David Dickson, Muhammed Sulaiman, Rasaq Shittu, Friday Ogohi, Henry Yurkusi and Suleiman Usman.

    Read Also: JUST IN: EFCC, Air Force officers clash in Kaduna

    Those promoted to the rank of Air Commodore include Valentine Oraeki, Dogari Apyeyak, Ali Idris, Mohammed Ahmed, Shehu Chindo, Abubakar Mohammed, Logomfa Nansoh, Abraham Sule, Idris Suleiman, Oluwaseun Oluwatayo, Ibrahim shehu, Yahaya Bashir, Adolphus Akins, Rilwanu Abdullahi, Babangida Zakari and David Bigila 

    The statement said the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, congratulated the newly promoted senior officers, and reminded them of the need for deep thinking and critical evaluation of current security environment with a view to proffering actionable strategies towards overcoming the problems it portends for our nation. 

  • 3413 inmates currently on death row, says NCoS boss Nababa

    3413 inmates currently on death row, says NCoS boss Nababa

    The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has said that no fewer than 3,413 inmates are on death row in various custodial centres across the country. 

    According to the Service Public Relations Officer,  Abubakar Umar, the total number of inmates in the centres stood at 77,849 comprising 76,081 males and 1,768 females as at Monday, December 18, 2023.

    Umar spoke with selected newsmen at the Service Headquarters in Abuja on behalf of the Controller-General, Alhaji Haliru Nababa. 

    He said there were no recorded accounts of external aggressions and attacks on their facilities this year, attributing the development to deployment of surveillance and monitoring gadgets. 

    He put the total number of awaiting trial inmates at 53,836 comprising 52,512 males and 1,324 females.

    Umar said: “It could be observed that the number of Awaiting Trial Persons (ATP) in custody constitutes 69 percent of the total inmate population.

    “The high number of ATP is a phenomenon that is challenging for the Service. However, the Service is working towards alleviating this conundrum and providing judicial guarantees for them.”

    He revealed that a total of 1,308 inmates were those sentenced to life imprisonment, adding that of the 3,413 inmates on death row, 3,341 of the persons are males while the remaining 72 are females.

    He said: “Also, we have not recorded any form of internal insurrection from within our facilities. This result is largely attributed to adequate provision of the basic needs and necessities of inmates, as well as the proactive efforts of the Service through the deployment of technology in surveillance and logistical provisions for rapid response in and around custodial facilities.”

    Umar said the Service explored interagency synergy in building security in and around Custodial Centres in Nigeria, which he noted had yielded positive results.

    Read Also: NCoS begs NASS to approve more money to feed inmates

    He said due to the proactive initiative and support of the Minister for Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the Service was able to trim down the numbers inmates in the custodial centres following the release of 4,086 inmates who had options of fine and  compensation.

    Umar said: “This year also, we are able to improve on the treatment regime for inmates in the areas of reformation, rehabilitation and reintegration.

    “Suffice it to mention that a total of 1,840 inmates sat for the 2023 NECO/SSCE, while many others are undergoing various academic programmes in Custodial Centres nationwide.

    “As you are aware, our partnership with the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) is yielding pragmatic results as many inmates are undergoing various degree programmes, including doctorate degrees, in custody.

    “In terms of staff welfare, we are committed towards improving the wellbeing of personnel as they are invaluable in achieving Service mandates.

    “In addition to providing more barracks and office accommodation, we succeeded in the massive promotion of staff this year. In 2023 alone, we were able to promote more than 20,000 officers and men.

    “Only yesterday (Thursday), we decorated a total of 5,014 personnel who were recently promoted, in addition to the 17,693 who were elevated earlier in the year.

    “In the area of cushioning the hardship faced by staff arising from the fuel subsidy removal, we rolled out several palliative measures among which is the provision of mass transit buses to convey staff residing in faraway areas to and from work at no cost.”

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  • Yuletide: DSS urges Nigerians to shun violence, fake news

    Yuletide: DSS urges Nigerians to shun violence, fake news

    The Department of State Services (DSS) has urged Nigerians to shun acts of violence, fake news and divisive tendencies in the interest of public order and national security during and beyond the Yuletide season.

    Director, Public Relations and Strategic Communications, DSS National Headquarters, Abuja, Peter Afunanya, in a statement late Friday, also called on all to be security conscious and mindful of their environment.

    The Service felicitated with Nigerians on the occasions of Christmas and the coming New Year. 

    The statement read: “The Director General, Management and Staff of the Department of State Services wish to felicitate with Nigerians and indeed the general public on the occasions of Christmas and the coming New Year. 

    “The Service urges all and sundry to remain law abiding and peaceful during and after the celebrations. It calls on everyone to be security conscious and mindful of his/her environment.

    “Similarly, operators and patrons of recreational/motor parks, fun places, worship centres, supermarkets and other public spaces should be alert and take appropriate measures to protect their facilities and the users. 

    Read Also: DSS to unveil self-made UAVs, other weapons soon, says DG

    “In the same vein, the DSS advises citizens and residents to report suspicious persons, movements, parcels and objects to relevant security agencies. 

    “Furthermore, they are encouraged to shun acts of violence, fake news and any form of divisive tendency, in the interest of public order and national security.

    “Therefore, the Service enjoins members of the public to use the opportunity of the celebration to promote unity and peaceful coexistence. 

    “Meanwhile, it will continue to collaborate with sister security and law enforcement agencies and all stakeholders to provide adequate security before, during and after the festive periods.”

  • Navy promote 58 senior officers to new ranks

    Navy promote 58 senior officers to new ranks

    The Nigerian Navy Board has approved the promotions of 58 senior officers to various ranks in the Nigerian Navy.

    The board made the approval on Thursday December 21, according to a statement by Navy’s spokesperson, Commodore Ayo-Vaughan, on Friday, December 22.

    The statementvsaid that 28 Navy Captains were elevated to Commodore while 30 Commodores were promoted to the rank of Rear Admirals. 

    Those promoted to the rank of Rear Admiral are Commodores Adefemi Kayode, Kabir Mohammed, Gabriel Aligwe, Aliyu Gaya, Shehu Gombe, Godfrey Kwetishe, Robert Obeya, Musa Katagum, and Kehinde Odubanjo.

    Other are Pakiribo Anabraba, Suleiman Ibrahim, Olugbenga Oladipo, Haruna Zego, Adedotun Ayo-Vaughan, Mohammed Dahiru, Nnamdi Ekwom, Stephen Ibrahim, Mohammed Muye, Aniefiok Uko, Anenechukwu Ezenma, Olufemi Adeleke, Etop Ebe, Sunday Yahaya, Umaru Faruk, Michael Igwe, Ikenna Ubanni, Emmanuel Anakwe, Omotola Olukoya. Furthermore, Joseph Ake was promoted unto retirement.

    Read Also: Navy arrests 14 stowaways in Lagos

    Those promoted to the rank of Commodore, according to the statement, are Captains Innocent Udoudoh, Mohammed Umaru, Iliya Abdu Aiwuyor Adams-Aliu, Reginald Adoki, Abimbola Agunbiade, Christian Akokota, Chukwuma Azuike, Adegoke Ebo, Innocent Ejiofor, Tahir Ngada, Oluseyi Oladipo, Shehu Tasiu, Aliyu Umaru, Peter Yilme, Sikiru Abdulraheem, 

    Others are Tunde Abdulrahim, Emeka Chinaka, Effiom Ekpenyong, George Nwabunike, Akinrinsola Obisesan, Igbani Agwu, Babatunde Kuton, Ahmad Madawaki, Momoh Salihu, Additionally, Captains Hassan Dogara, Olajide Babalola and Suleiman Idris were promoted unto retirement.

    The statement said the Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla has charge the newly promoted officers to “rededicate themselves to the service of fatherland and remain loyal to the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”

  • Do not lose hope, Sanwo-Olu tells Lagosians

    Do not lose hope, Sanwo-Olu tells Lagosians

    Lagos state governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has urged residents not to despair about the challenging times being experienced but keep their hope in God alive. 

    Sanwo-Olu spoke during the 2023 Carol of Nine Lessons at the State House in Alausa, Ikeja. 

    The Carol was themed ‘King of righteousness’. 

    He urged Christians and all residents alike to continue to trust in God and have faith in the good intentions of the government, saying ‘all would surely work out for good’.  

    The governor, represented by his wife, Ibijoke, said: “‘There is no doubt that as individuals, and as a nation, the times are challenging. We must however not despair or lose hope. Let us continue to trust in God and have faith in the good intentions of the people we have put in positions of authority. 

    ”The task is challenging, but with our ceaseless prayers, I believe very strongly that the pains we are experiencing today will pale into insignificance when the fruits of our sacrifice begin to manifest in abundance. 

    ”I pray that the good Lord will preserve our lives in good health to witness, feel and enjoy the new glory of our state and our nation. 

    “As a government, we will continue to roll out welfare programmes aimed at cushioning the pains and difficulties being experienced in critical aspects of living,. “

    Sanwo-Olu urged residents to continue to be law abiding as they celebrate the Yuletide and be their brothers’ and sisters’ keeper, especially at this time. 

    According to him, ‘Christmas is a season of celebration; a time to share, love, strengthen the bond of humanity, reach out to people, especially the less priviledged, and ensur that everyone feels a sense of belonging’. 

    ”As we celebrate Jesus Christ through spreading His love and hope for humanity, we must continue to preach togetherness and spread the message of tolerance, peaceful coexistence and harmonious relationship among people of diverse beliefs and backgrounds. 

    Read Also: Sanwo-Olu hails Oshinowo for completing estate

    “We must also follow His teachings and actions which exemplifies a righteous living. As we strive to follow His footsteps, let us remember that through faith in Him, we can experience true righteousness and find hope and fufilment in our lives. 

    ”As we proceed into the festive period and the New Year, I urge Lagosians to continue living in peace and righteousness which, according to the scripture exalts a nation,” he added.  

    Commissioner for Home Affairs Olanrewaju Layode admonished the people to take stock of all activities of the year and express gratitude to God for His divine intervention in all that concerned Lagos State. 

    According to him, despite the challenges, the state and residents are still standing tall by God’s grace. “Hence, we should count our blessings and give thanks because God has indeed been faithful” he noted.

    He added: “This season teachea us to extend hands of generosity and brotherliness towards mankind. We are required to spread love, not only during the Yuletide, but throughout the whole year. 

    ”Therefore, I enjoin us all to emulate the virtues of Jesus Christ as demonstrated in His humility and service to humanity. While we are in celebration moood, I implore us all to keep safe and be our brothers’ keeper, by extending love and the spirit of sharing to the less-privileged, while we continue to uphold our dear country in prayers.”