The visionary pioneer of Throne Room Trust Ministry Kafanchan, Apostle Dr. Emmanuel Nuhu Kure, has declared that 2026 will be a defining season of choices, mercy, and divine intervention, warning that those who fail to seek God’s mercy may face grave consequences.
The Apostle made the declaration during a crossover service and prophetic message held in Kafanchan, Kaduna State, which drew prominent politicians, traditional rulers, and worshippers from diverse backgrounds.
Delivering the prophetic charge, Apostle Kure described 2026 as “a year of choices,” urging individuals, families, and leaders to make deliberate and godly decisions that will shape their destinies.
He cautioned that the year “will swallow those who fail to seek mercy in the eyes of the Lord,” stressing the need for repentance, humility, and total dependence on God.
He further prophesied that God is set to “carve a new path for many,” noting that the coming year would usher in fresh beginnings, redirection, and restoration for those who fear the Lord.
According to him, 2026 will mark a season of fruitfulness, as God opens His “treasure house” to bring about visible change and transformation in the lives of the faithful.
Apostle Kure also described the year as “the year of the hook,” explaining that it would be a divine connection point where God would link His people to hidden treasures, opportunities, and blessings that had long been inaccessible.
Speaking on the nation’s future, the cleric prophesied a total turnaround for Nigeria, declaring that God would cut off everything that does not align with His purpose for the country.
He expressed hope that the prophecy would usher in renewal, stability, and progress for the nation.
The service featured prayers, worship, and thanksgiving, with attendees expressing renewed faith and optimism as they crossed into the New Year under what many described as a solemn but hopeful prophetic atmosphere.
Planter of Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) Adamimogo Grace of Prayer Mountain, Lekki/Epe Express way, Lagos, Prophet Sam Olu- Alo has predicted an end to insecurity in Nigeria in 2026.
He urged Nigerians to shun religious intolerance and show genuine love to one another, saying these are conditions that would expose secrets behind terrorism and banditry, which will pave way to end insecurity in Nigeria.
Speaking with journalists after the Cross Over service at his church in Lagos on January 1, 2026, Olu-Alo said: “Our foremost prayer is that the secrets of all those who are planning to bring war into South West and other parts of Nigeria should be exposed henceforth.
“My words of advice for Nigerians on how insecurity could end are in three folds, but first of all I greet all Nigerians, Muslims, Christina’s and traditionalists. I congratulate us all for witnessing another brand new year , 2026. I greet our President, governors and ministers . I specially greet governors of the South-West l, particularly Lagos and Ekiti Governors.
“Now to the advice for Nigerians, first I again want to advise Nigerians that we must truly love ourselves. At this material time, true love is the only thing that could end insecurity. As we understand in the Bible, when a war gets so hot, it is at this point, it is about to be won. When the war gets so tough, this is an indication that it is about to be won.
“If we truly show love to one another in this country, the secrets of these evil people would be exposed. It is this love that would help us to find out about their hideouts. I can assure you, if the three major ethnic tribes in Nigeria, could truly and genuinely love one another, this war against insecurity shall be won this year.
“Secondly, all true men of God of all faiths, Muslim, Christians and leaders of traditional religions, should ensure that we preach love for one another at a time like this. There must be religious tolerance. We lost true love for one another in the past, and that was why we have these challenges which insecurity is just one of them.
“A fundamental challenge we have in this country is religious intolerance, there is lack of love among the three faiths as Muslims see themselves as enemies of Christians, Christians also consider themselves as enemies of Muslims. In fact, among we Christians, we hate one another. But once we show true love to one another irrespective of our faiths, we shall win this year.
“Thirdly, we must ensure that our security operatives and forces, and/or personnel are well taken care of. We must see to their welfare and well-being. This is very very important at this material time. And this is my advice on the issue of insecurity. We should also be very prayerful for this country.”
The popular CAC cleric also spoke to government on the new tax system which has been welcomed with differing reactions from Nigerians.
He said : “On the new tax system that is starting today, January 1, 2026. It does seem not many Nigerians truly understand the new tax system and it is the duty of our government to ensure everyone understands. Every nation that has become highly developed has a history of adequate payment of taxes.
“Those whose salaries cannot adequately cater for them, the government in such developed nations assist them with financial subsidies. This means that when such salary earners pay their taxes, their governments return some money to them because their salaries cannot adequately take care of them. I observe that such template is likely to be part of this new tax system in Nigeria.
“However, in developed countries where taxes are adequately paid, the citizens over there are seeing the things their governments are using their money for in terms of standard and sufficient infrastructure development, electricity and others.
“So, I advise our government to also be more transparent with this new tax regime by ensuing that they furnish us with what they would be using the money coming from the new tax system for. If they furnish us ahead of time, what the money to be realized through this new tax system would be used for, and they fulfill these pledges, this will make people to have faith in the system.
“Payment of tax is Biblical and God supports it. Money realized from taxation are used in developed countries to make things better, but in Nigeria, our people have lost confidence in the system because over the time, we don’t see what our government use our taxes for.
“But if things begins to work, and Nigerians are seeing good governance, the hospitals are well equipped, workers are well paid, social amenities are provided adequately among others for instance, the people will not have doubt about the new tax system.”
He added promptly that he was embarking on a spiritual tour of Mount Sinai and Jordan and other places for prayers, saying: “My sojourn to mount Sinai and other places, is part of my usual prayer plans annually. We are praying for the growth of our ministry, for our members and for our nation for peace to truly reign.”
The President of the Organisation of African Instituted Churches (OAIC), Nigeria Region, and Prelate of Motailatu Church Cherubim and Seraphim Worldwide (MCCSW), Baba Aladura Israel Akinadewo, has declared 2026 as “Our Year of Righteousness, Provoked New Name,” urging Nigerians to embrace the new year with renewed faith, hope, and commitment to godly living.
In his New Year message, Akinadewo anchored his exhortation on God’s unfailing mercy, citing Lamentations 3:22–23, which affirms that God’s mercies are renewed every morning.
He described the transition into 2026 as a divine opportunity for spiritual renewal, encouraging believers to release regrets and fears from the past.
“The turning of the calendar is a powerful symbol of God’s renewing grace,” he said. “The past year may have held both triumphs and trials, but each experience was under His sovereign care. We must enter the new year with intentional faith and hopeful expectation, anchored in God’s promises.”
Referencing Isaiah 43:19, the OAIC President emphasized that God is set to do a new thing in 2026, even in seemingly barren situations. He called on Nigerians to cultivate spiritual sensitivity and courage to perceive and actively participate in God’s divine move in the coming year.
“As we make our plans, we must commit them to the Lord, seeking first His kingdom and righteousness, knowing that He will direct our paths,” Akinadewo added.
Speaking on the state of the nation, the cleric called on Nigerians to approach 2026 with increased faith, especially in the face of economic, security, and governance challenges. He noted that Nigeria, like many other nations, is grappling with global monetary and fiscal pressures, but emphasized the importance of collective responsibility.
“It is imperative for us as citizens to support our political leaders through prayers and other productive means,” he said. “While we face challenges in security and the economy, we must leverage our diversity as a strength to overcome them.”
Akinadewo expressed optimism that 2026 holds “lofty hopes” for Nigeria, assuring that perseverance and unity would lead to collective rejoicing at the end of the year.
In his concluding charge, the OAIC President urged Christians to make their faith visible through love, kindness, and forgiveness, drawing from Ephesians 4:32. He called on families, churches, and communities to become havens of compassion in a divided world.
“Let us move forward together as a covenant community, forgetting what lies behind and pressing toward what lies ahead,” he said, praying for God’s blessings and preservation for all throughout the new year.
He ended the message with a benediction of peace, declaring: “May the Lord bless you and keep you throughout this new year. Shalom.”
Pastor Adeyemo, Pastor in Charge of Province 70 of The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), has expressed optimism about Nigeria’s future, stating that the country is already witnessing the foundations of peace, progress, and democratic dividends.
In an interview at his office in Sabo, Lagos, the cleric encouraged Nigerians to be thankful for the nation’s current direction and to pray for the success of the administration. “What I expect in the New Year is peace, joy, and progress. The dividend of democracy is coming,” he said.
Pastor Adeyemo emphasized that leadership is ordained by God and must be supported with prayers, citing Daniel 2:20. “God is the one who sets up kings. He gives wisdom. What we need to ask God for is wisdom for those in authority,” he noted.
He urged Nigerians to pray for the president and his family, stressing that political differences should not hinder what God has begun. “God has exposed certain things because He wants to help Nigeria. He put this leader there. I cannot be praying for someone to fail; it’s not possible,” he said.
Acknowledging economic and security challenges, Adeyemo attributed many obstacles to human compromise but expressed confidence in Nigeria’s military and security architecture.
“The major problem Nigeria has is corruption. It is not necessarily from the president; it is down the line. What Nigerians should fight is corruption at all levels of government,” he said.
The cleric called for a national conversation on accountability, including the removal of immunity for public office holders who misuse funds.
He also defended recent tax reforms, noting that expanding the tax base could benefit the poor if funds are properly utilized.
“If the money is not wasted, it will come back to the grassroots. But if it is wasted, then that is where the problem is,” he explained.
Responding to concerns about the role of the Church amid economic hardship, Adeyemo said churches continue to support the needy despite limited resources.
“The economy is affecting everyone, including the Church. But the Church is about love and shared sacrifice. We contribute little by little to help those in need,” he said.
He concluded with a message of hope, insisting that with prayers, accountability, and collective vigilance against corruption, Nigeria will experience lasting progress in the coming year.
The Presiding Bishop of Sword of the Spirit Ministries, Francis Wale-Oke, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to take firm action by flushing out what he described as moles and fifth columnists within Nigeria’s security system in order to decisively tackle insecurity.
The cleric noted that insecurity has overtaken corruption as the most feared challenge facing the country.
While commending the Tinubu administration for intensifying efforts to combat insecurity, he urged the President to do more.
Bishop Wale-Oke also appealed to Islamic leaders, particularly the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, to openly condemn the acts of kidnapping, banditry, Boko Haram insurgency, and other crimes being carried out in the name of Islam, a religion he said is known for peace.
He made the remarks while hosting journalists at an end-of-year luncheon held on Sunday at the Covenant Cathedral, Parliament Road, Ibadan.
According to the bishop, Nigeria’s security architecture requires a comprehensive overhaul, stressing that the President should spare no one in the pursuit of justice.
He expressed concern over the presence of moles and fifth columnists within the security apparatus, which he said continue to undermine efforts to address insecurity.
Bishop Wale-Oke also criticised the previous administration’s policy of reintegrating repentant bandits into the military, describing the approach as “playing with fire.”
He said, “We have come to the end of a very challenging year. This year has been challenging for Nigerians. The cries of Nigerians are very loud.
The economic hardship, the corruption issue in Nigeria, and then insecurity has come to the fore. It has become a major issue. I want to say, up until now, people have said the number one challenge of Nigeria is corruption.
“And to a larger extent, I believe corruption is major. We have got to deal with corruption before corruption brings our nation down. But you all will agree with me that insecurity has suddenly surpassed the matter of corruption as the number one challenge in Nigeria.
“Because where there is insecurity, we cannot travel freely, we cannot do business freely. When the road is not free, the air is not free, the home is not free, the gathering is not free, everything and everybody will be affected. So insecurity has become an issue.
“And let me say this, I want to commend the federal government in stepping up of recent, as the government of President Bola Tinubu in stepping up the fight against insecurity. For a long time, we have been asking for a change and overhaul in the security architecture of Nigeria. And we saw a bit of it now.
“The appointment of a new Chief of Army Staff and some shuffling going on, indicating the determination of President Tinubu to deal with the matter of insecurity, head on. And we want our president to push it to its logical conclusion. To spare no one. To allow no secred cow.
“If we don’t bring insecurity down, insecurity will bring this nation down. And the commander-in-chief should be commander-in-chief indeed to deal with it.
“We are aware that all our security apparatus have been infested with moles and fifth columnists, planted by people who have interest in creating chaos and in weakening our security apparatus. Our soldiers are losing their lives needlessly. A general was brutally killed, which should not be so at all.
“And it’s because the moles in the system have not been flushed out. When the previous administration came out with this odious, nefarious policy of reintegrating the so-called repentant bandits into the military system, we cried out at that time that this is playing with fire. It’s like you put a cobra on your head and you’re putting your cap on it.
“When you’re bringing so-called repentant terrorists. First and foremost, there’s nothing like repentant terrorists. Governance is not church service. In church, when people sin and they confess their sin and they repent, we pray for them and ask God to forgive them. In governance, when people are caught breaking the law, they face the music and they face the full wrath of the law.
“People are kidnapping. People are raping. People are killing. People are taking our children and they are messing them up. And they will kidnap hundreds of our children and force them to march several kilometers. Young people. You’re coming to tell me that these ones are repentant. No, they’re not repentant. They just want to enter into the system so they can weaken the system from within.
“So we want to urge President Tinubu to put his feet down and to flush the moles out. To flush the fifth columnists out that are there. To make sure that we are not wasting the precious life of our gallant officers and our intelligence officers that are doing a great work.”
He said further, “Please flush them out. Give them a red card. Don’t treat terrorists, bandits, Boko Haram, Lakurawa or whatever name they are called, that are killing, maiming, raping, kidnapping. Don’t treat them as repentant. If they want to repent, leave that between them and God. Send them to hell. On their way to hell, if they repent, leave that to God.
“The work of governance is to bring the will of justice to grind heavily on people that are killing, maiming, raping and making life difficult for Nigerians. These are plea to Mr. President.
“We commend our President in moving very fast. I would commend our President in agreeing to cooperate with the American government to coordinate a joint effort between American military and Nigerian military to flush out this banditry.
“Because if for about 15years, we have been fighting them, and rather than things getting better, it’s getting worse, it means we are not coping. And then, let’s ask for help. And let’s cooperate.
“We are not submitting our sovereignty to America, no. We are working hand-in-hand with them to deal with these wicked people that are creating hell for Nigeria. And by the time they know that they have not save heaven, by the time they know that both Nigerian military and American military are working together to flush them out, they will withdraw.
“And if they know that they cannot practice their game again, they go back to where they have come. So, we thank God that things like this are happening. President Tinubu, you are doing a good job with this number one thing.”
The bishop further called on politicians to prioritize good governance and deal with corruption decisively, rather than turning anti-corruption agencies into political tools.
He also appealed to Islamic leaders to speak out against the use of their religion as a cover for evil acts, such as kidnapping and killing.
In a message of hope, Bishop Wale-Oke cited Job 14:7, saying, “For there is hope of a tree, if it be cut down, it will sprout again.” He urged Nigerians to remain hopeful and to join hands to end the killings and insecurity in the country.
Agricultural insurance was designed to protect farmers from risk. But in Niger State, it has become another risk on its own. Many women farmers say they’ve lost more money chasing claims than to floods, pests, or drought. Justina Asishana reports on how the women have become so tired of endless paperwork and silence from insurance officers that they now depend on faith, rather than policies, to survive.
When termites invaded her soya beans farm in Paikoro Local Government Area (LGA) of Niger State, Jummai Makama thought help would come. She had registered for insurance through the state’s Agricultural Development Project (ADP), now called the Niger State Agricultural and Mechanisation Development Agency (NAMDA) and paid the required premium. But when she called her extension officer to report the loss, the response shocked her: “You didn’t report within 24 hours,” she was told.
“In my farm, for soya beans, you plant and they come up with good flowers; but termites get into them and you won’t know until you harvest. At the end of the day, the seeds do not come out fine. When I complained to the insurance company so that they can give me some percentage, they did not answer and I eventually got tired and left them. One day when they finally answered, the insurance company said I did not report within 24 hours, so I could not get any benefit.
“How could I know my farm had failed within 24 hours?” she asked, her voice cracking in disbelief.
“By the time I saw that the crops were not producing, it was already too late. It is only when the seedlings start coming out I would know it did not produce fine. But they said the insurance had expired.”
Now, Jummai says what many other women farmers in Niger State have concluded is that “God is our insurance.”
Across Niger State, hundreds of women farmers say they have lost faith in the state government’s agricultural insurance scheme meant to protect them from crop failure, drought or pest invasion; while others have not even heard of the agricultural insurance scheme and what it is meant for. Many say they either never heard back from insurance officers or were denied claims for technical reasons they barely understood.
Distance, paperwork, and mistrust
For many rural farmers, the idea of insurance feels like another government promise that ends at the city. Some say they are asked to take photos or fill forms in English and majority of them cannot read, write or speak English. They always need someone who would interpret to them in any situation where English is needed. Others do not even have phones that can capture images, a key requirement for evidence of damage.
Jummai complained of inadequate sensitisation about what is expected of them when disaster struck on their farms, adding that even the extension officers from NAMDA come to their farms and get them registered but do not respond to distress calls when they have challenges in their farms.
“The extension officers are the ones; when you plant, they come and survey and advise on what they do but our problem with them is that when you have a problem in the farm, they will say you have paid for insurance, so you should go to the insurance office while the insurance office in Minna does not assist. We feel maybe we do not know the right channel to follow. When it is time to pay the premium or to assist you in registration of the insurance, you will see the extension officer and the insurance company. But when you need them, you won’t see them.
“Since my soya beans experience, I have not registered with them because they will collect the money, but refuse to assist when you have challenges in your farm. My farm is along Lapai Road, which is about 20 kilometers from my house; it is not every day that I go there. When you plant your crops and see them coming out with green leaves, you have the belief that they will produce well. If, later, you go to your farm and see the same leaves changing colour like they are putting fire on them, there is little you can do. However, when you call on them to come and see it and they tell you that you did not report within 24 to 48 hours, what can you say?
“There was no training on what to do when things like this happen; that you have to report within 24 or 48 hours. No sensitisation or training at all, all they want is the registration fee and payment of premium”, she said.
Comfort Joseph, a maize and rice farmer in Dikko community in Gurara local government said the process of registering for insurance is tiring. Distance is also an issue for many of the farmers who have to travel long distances from their villages to town for the registration.
“As a farmer, we don’t like what will waste our time. The procedure of going to insure your farms is what discourages us. You cannot leave a village and go to the town that you want to insure your farm where they will waste your time and give you conditions you will not be able to meet. The transport (cost) alone is enough to discourage anyone.”
“Then when you register, they come with plenty of papers. But when you have a problem on your farm, they vanish. They will tell you that you did not report in time.
“So, we have decided to trust in God; God is our insurance. Insurance is for a year. I do not think I can insure my farm for a year, and if nothing happens, I go ahead and do the same the following year, paying them money that I need to meet other needs. That is why we got discouraged.”
“In Agaie, during meetings of Smallholder Women Farmers of Nigeria, we have discussed insurance several times,” said Halima Mohammed, SWOFON Coordinator in the area.
“But most of our women are not used to the process. The registration process is long, and many of them cannot even read. If the insurance wants us to join, they should come to us, not wait for us to come to them.”
The few who tried to benefit from the Anchor Borrowers’ Programme say the experience made them wary of any formal financial scheme. “They gave us seedlings that didn’t germinate,” said Martha Baba, a rice farmer in Katcha local government area, “When we complained, they said it was insured, but we never saw a kobo till today.”
A system that forget its users
Agricultural insurance was created to protect farmers from risk, but its design seems made for urban bureaucrats, not rural women who cannot read and write or afford to travel far from their farms. In addition to these, the perceived 24-hour loss-reporting rule, complex documentation, and absence of field officers have left most farmers excluded.
Women farmers say until insurance companies decentralise their operations, build local trust, and simplify claims, the scheme will remain a paper promise.
For now, Jummai and her peers have found their own mode of protection.
“Like my people in the village, most of them do not know how to make the complaints or document this loss, and as such, they lose out of the insurance benefit. In this case, nothing is usually done; so we no longer go for it. What we do is contribute small money in our cooperative, so if anything happens, we help one another. But as for government insurance, it has failed us. It is only God that has not failed.”
Many women farmers now rely solely on faith and solidarity.
“When we face any problem, we pray,” said Comfort. “We are used to depending on God because government people always disappoint us.”
While some are sceptical about the agricultural insurance, the women in Agaie LGA, whose farms have been ravished by herders who led their cattle to eat up their crops, causing them tremendous losses, are optimistic that getting insured can help them back to their feet after their crops have been eaten up by the cattle.
Halima Mohammed, the SWOFON Coordinator in Agaie expressed optimism that if they had registered for the agricultural insurance, they would have been able to recoup some of the money they invested.
“We have raised the issue of insurance in our various meetings but our people are not used to the process of registration. I believe that if I had insurance, I would not have lost it all when those Fulani allowed their cows to enter my farm. It would not have affected me much. I believe that the insurance would have helped me cover some of the loss.
“The insurance registration takes time and as I have learnt from the insurance registration, as soon as the incident happens, you will take the picture and send it to them. You can’t give them an ordinary letter; you have to show proof of evidence. But what about those of our women who do not have phones that can take pictures? In Agaie, we, the women farmers are not used to insurance, but we are working to see how we can register for it very soon.”
Same attitudes reflected in accessing bank loans
The attitude the women farmers have towards agricultural insurance is the same they have in approaching commercial banks for loans. Several of them claimed that the banks have not been understanding to their plight whenever they experience loss in their farms. They cannot understand why they have to pay heavy interests even when they have experienced losses.
As a result, the women farmers now rely on their community cooperatives or associations while others have vowed never to collect loans either from the bank or their various cooperatives.
Agnes Aynadanyi in Gurara had this to say. “I collect loan from my community cooperative because it is when you have it that you will return it. I never go to the bank to collect money because their interest is too much, and you must pay at the time they ask you to pay back.”
Talma Baba, also in Gurara, said: “I have never collected loan from any cooperative or bank. I sell my product, from which I get the money to use for my farm. As regards insurance, I don’t know about it; it is only God that is my insurance.”
Comfort Joseph who is the SWOFON Treasurer in Gurara said they have a cooperative meeting with about 25 women where they save money weekly, and from the savings, anyone who needs money is given from the purse.
“We pay it back. It is given for a minimum of three months to six months and with low interest. I don’t go to bank because their interests are very high and if you do not pay at the given time, you will be sorry. I have tried them before and the conditions they gave include payment of interest every month and they do not wait. If you don’t meet up, they go for the collateral. I can’t collect their loan for farming because it is seasonal, as you cannot get the money immediately and use it to pay for loan.”
For Halima, failure to pay back the loan collected from the cooperative would limit the chances of the defaulter from accessing any other loan.
“In our cooperative, we do weekly contributions and when you have need, you can borrow money and pay with interest. Whoever did not pay on time will not be given any loan again and the person will forfeit any money she has contributed so far. There is duration of loan. The cooperative is helping us. What we give out is determined by what we have in our purse. For banks, the procedure is long, and if you take a loan from them and refuse to pay, the interest will keep increasing. That is why in Agaie, we do not buy the idea of a loan from the bank.”
Why farmers are not accessing agricultural insurance despite its benefits – NAIC
The Nigerian Agricultural Insurance Corporation (NAIC) is the primary agency of the Federal Government of Nigeria under the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, responsible for providing insurance coverage to farmers.
NAIC’s main goal is to implement and manage the federal government’s official Agricultural Insurance Scheme, which is designed to protect farmers from the financial losses caused by natural disasters and other hazards. The Corporation helps stabilise farm incomes and encourages farmers to continue investing in their operations. This coverage includes subsidised insurance which is for major crops and livestock, whereby the government (federal and state) subsidises the insurance premium by 50%. This makes it affordable for small-scale farmers.
It covers staple crops like maize, rice, yam, cassava, sorghum, cotton, and more; as well as livestock like poultry, cattle, sheep, goats, and piggery. It covers losses due to fire, drought, floods, pests, diseases, windstorms, and other natural hazards.
There is also the commercial insurance where NAIC offers commercially priced insurance for large-scale agricultural investments and other related assets. By insuring a farmer’s project, NAIC reduces the risk for banks and other financial institutions. This makes lenders more willing to provide credit and loans to farmers, as the loan is protected even if the farm fails due to a covered disaster.
NAIC also functions as a general insurance company, offering policies for farm buildings and machinery, motor insurance for tractors, vehicles, fire & special perils, burglary and housebreaking, livestock and crop policies outside the subsidised scheme.
The NAIC Manager in Niger State, Mohammed Al-Amin, explained that for the standard Nigerian Agricultural Insurance Corporation (NAIC) subsidised scheme, a farmer typically pays 2 per cent to 2.5 per cent of the total value of their investment, which is the sum insured; adding that this is possible because the Federal and State Governments pay a 50 per cent subsidy on the premium for approved crops and livestock.
“For instance, if you invest ₦1,000,000 to plant maize, the total insurance premium is ₦40,000 (4 per cent). You pay ₦20,000 (2 per cent) while government pays ₦20,000 (the remaining 2 per cent).
He admitted that most women farmers do not know much about agricultural insurance and how to access the insurance policies, which is why the majority of them are not covered. He added that several women farmers and other farmers generally find it difficult to part with the meagre premium required for the registration of the insurance policy, as they will not offer them anything and would affect their incomes.
“Whenever we go and talk about agricultural insurance to women (farmers), the first thing they ask is what is their gain? When we try to tell them the gain, they say it will not benefit them. Most women farmers are usually small-scale farmers who feel it is not important for them to come for insurance.”
Speaking about the claim process, which the women farmers complained about, he said these are paid after full documentation, which includes loss notification, loss assessment and final report. He faulted the 24-hour report claim by the women, explaining that it is within 72 hours that they will need to report their loss.
“If there is a loss, the clients have been told to inform NAIC office either through phone call, email or text message within 72 hours. Failure to do that would result to non-compliance. The farm should not be tampered with until our physical verification of the damage. Some of these farmers do not inform us about the loss they have until after two or three months or after harvest where there would be no evidence to substantiate such claim.
“Therefore, such claim cannot be compensated. This is what usually happens with our farmers in the rural areas.
“There are different types of claims in agricultural insurance. Once they inform us within the stipulated time, we go to the farm and assess it. If it is a pest, we try to identify what type of pest and if it is a flood, a picture is taken when the flood happens and after the flood recedes, we assess it to determine the type of damage that occurred. After full documentation, we send our final report to the claims department and the claim is processed within 30 days.”
Al-Amin highlighted the importance of insurance, stating that it is a transfer of risks that gives the farmer peace of mind and takes the farmer back to prosperity after they have suffered any loss in their farms.
He disclosed that in 2025, NAIC registered 9,325 farmers across Niger State, pointing out that the majority of those who signed up are large scale and livestock farmers, who take insurance very seriously.
Why agricultural insurance is important – Niger government
The Permanent Secretary of the Niger State Ministry of Agriculture, Dr. Mathew Ahmed, explained that farming is a business and insurance is essential to protect farmers from losses, pointing out that the state government has been sensitising farmers across the 25 LGAs through radio and media campaigns on the importance of farm insurance, while some development partners also support this initiative by paying insurance premiums for some farmers.
“Insurance is part of business, and farming is business. We have encouraged all our farmers across the state to insure all their farms across the 25 local governments. In fact, we have gone to radio houses to sensitise our farmers on the importance of insuring their farms. Now, some of our development partners have demonstrated the importance of insurance by paying insurance for our farmers.
“Agricultural insurance is to help our farmers get back to business when they have any challenges – if there is any endemic disease outbreak, floods, droughts, or fire incidents. If a farmer has spent, for example, N1 million, the insurance company may not be able to pay him that N1 million, but they can pay the farmer up to N400,000 to N500,000 so that he can use that money to go back to the field to reinvest. So, the insurance helps the farmer to adjust his shocks so that he doesn’t lose everything that he has invested.”
Ahmed said the ministry continues to emphasise insurance awareness during training and community engagements to ensure farmers understand its value and benefits.
The Managing Director of Agency (NAMDA), Muhammad Ali Baba, confirmed that the extension officers of the agency assist women farmers in registering for agricultural insurance, but because it is not free, the women farmers do not take advantage of it.
“You know, insurance is not free and the average farmer, because they have resource constraints, might be looking at payment for the insurance premium as if they are precious money down the drain. But it is an idea that is gaining ground. We continue to spread the message across.”
He also noted that several farmers do not know the importance of agricultural insurance because sensitisation is lo, especially in rural communities. He said that if there are sensitiatisation, one of the key messages by the officials would be explaining why they need to go for insurance, the premium they need to pay. Another key message, he said, would be explaining that it is the premium that validates the insurance, as if they do not pay premium, there would be no cover for their farm or livestock.
“Most of our farmers, because they have limited resources, would rather focus on buying physical inputs, such as fertilizer or chemicals. So, they will see expenditure on insurance as throwing away good money. But we continue to sensitise them. But they have to pay. That is just the crux of the matter.”
Across Niger State, the message from women farmers is clear: government insurance schemes have failed them. They are not asking for miracles, only fairness, proximity, and a system that listens when their crops die. Until then, their faith will remain rooted not in paperwork, but in prayer. When the next planting season comes, Jummai will still return to her farm. She will pray against pests, drought, and loss, not because insurance protects her, but because her faith does. For her and many others, survival in the field has become a matter of belief, not bureaucracy.
“This report was made possible with support from the International Centre for Investigative Reporting, (ICIR)”
The assassination of Chief Babatunde Ilori, the Elerewe of Owo Kingdom four years ago, shook the ancient town. His remains were interred penultimate Friday amidst tears while curses were rained on his assailants. Notably, rumour went round that his ghost was seen by some people in the town, while several strange incidents were observed on the night before he was finally laid to rest. Taiwo Abiodun writes.
Four years in the morgue
It is exactly four years since the ancient town of Owo was thrown into deep sadness and grief, as one of its prominent sons, Chief Babatunde Ilori the Elerewe of Owo Kingdom was assassinated. In the whole of the four years, the corpse was left in the Federal Medical Centre, Owo mortuary, while the family members pursued the case, demanding justice.
Bank, shops closed
However, penultimate Friday, when the family decided to inter his remains, the whole town stood in solemn solidarity. The popular First Bank in Owo as well as over 50 shops owned by the Elerewe family shut down – to honour the fallen Chief. He was buried in the Elerewe Courtyard called Ugha Ajebo beside his late father, High Chief Ojo Elerewe and other past Elerewes. The Ugha Ajebo is the designated final last resting place for Elerewes when they joined their ancestors. The Nation gathered that the shops and the land where the First Bank branch is situated belong to the Elerewe family, hence the hour given to him by the bank.
The journey of Chief Elerewe to his final resting place started with a Wake keep on Thursday, followed by a Church Funeral service at CAC, Igboroko Ñlá, Owo, on Friday, after which he was taken to his final resting place.
The late Elerewe was assassinated four years ago in the ancient town of Owo. Some suspects were arrested in connection with the murder but later released while investigation went on.
Body well preserved
A major wonder as the late chief was to be laid to rest, according to eyewitnesses, was how well-preserved and fresh the body remained after spending such a long time in the mortuary. Brother and family spokesman, Honourable Olasupo Olakunori, who is also the Director General of Opomulero Group (a Yoruba cultural group ), described the burial as highly successful.
His words: “My brother was given a befitting burial and I thank God for this.”
On why it took four years to bury him, Olakunori said: “We were extra vigilant and didn’t want the autopsy report to be tampered with. The police had it with them for long and we refused to bury the corpse until we had the right and ‘untampered’ report”.
He added: “In spite of the years the corpse was in the morgue, the body was well preserved. I give kudos to the Federal Medical Centre Morticians for a job well done for preserving it very well. The Morticians did a good job. That was why we were able to open it to the public to view, contrary to the rumour that it had become a mess. It was well preserved.”
He, however, vowed that justice must not only be seen to have been done but also served. “We will pursue this case to a point. His murderers were callous and they must be prosecuted; if not they are going to do worse things.”
Strange happenings
Many strange things were said to have occurred during the burial. According to one of the wives, Olori Omotolani Doris Elerewe, fresh blood was found in his nose at the mortuary and in the coffin, despite having been kept for so long. Olori Doris recounted her own experience during the wake keep. She said: “At around 2am on the day of the wake keep, I was awake and I heard snoring sound coming from the direction of the coffin; soon after I heard some coughing, from the same direction; and there was nobody in sight. Later on, the window curtains started falling off the walls. For about one hour, strange sound or noise kept coming from the direction of the coffin. At a point, I woke up those who were sleeping to inform them the happenings. I showed them the window blinds that had fallen. Suddenly, we started hearing strange sound from the coffin again; this time it was vibrating! An hour later, a strange wind started blowing in the courtyard, as if it was going to rain and the house started shaking. None of us could sleep thereafter.”
The strange occurrences did not end there. Prophetess Adeola Olayinka, sister to the late chief, said about four women walking past the morgue, “swore to high heavens that they saw him walk pass, even greeted them.”
Adeola continued: “Many said they saw him but I didn’t see him. A girl who could not be less than 12 years, possibly a virgin, claimed she saw the late High Chief walking past her.
According to Princess Kehinde Daramola-Olateru Olagbegi, a princess of the kingdom, the strange occurrences are testimonies to the fact that the late Elerewe’s spirit lives and he will surely haunt his killers and bring them to justice.
In what appears to be a disturbing and recurring trend which portends danger for the Centre of Excellence — Lagos State, underage street urchins especially on the prime highbrow areas in Ikoyi, Victoria Island (VI), and Lekki — posing as beggars or hawkers, lurk around unsuspecting motorists to steal car parts in traffic. ALAO ABIODUN chronicles some horrific experiences of motorists which were as fear-driven, as they posed mental health issues.
It was 1:45 p.m on a Saturday; the sun was vengefully reclaiming its place in the sky after a dark cloud. A section of the expressway were lined with road users, selling everything from handkerchiefs to tripod stands. The row of traders is interrupted at intervals by cars.
Driving through the Lekki-Epe Expressway on this fateful Saturday afternoon for an owambe, this reporter, in his dashing native attire, was immediately apprehensive when saw a group of underage children — some with scars, chipped teeth — circle his car. They looked unkempt.
“Baba o, happy weekend sir, drop something for us sir….Alaye, filee!!!”. The boys chorused. This reporter could have cared less, but while observing from his tinted glass, he watched how the boys peered into the car, while others fondled with his side mirror. One other had his hand on the car wiper. It took persistent honking, and the waving of the horse whip on his dashboard to scare them away.
About 1.8 million vehicles used Lagos roads in 2022. The city has 226 vehicles per kilometre. The global average is 11 cars per km and the Nigerian national average is 16. The population of Lagos is estimated to be nearly 16 million, making it the largest city in Africa. It sits on a small area of land, resulting in unending traffic gridlock.
This reporter’s experience isn’t different from what a handful of motorists have experienced over the past months. Very common in Lagos are urchins positioned virtually everywhere on major roads and highways. While some other underage choose to harass motorists, some others choose to wash cars in the gridlock.
In the past, this occurred mostly at night. But it appears things have changed. These days, attacks in traffic occur at any time of the day.
Many unsuspecting car owner have been dispossessed of their belongings once these louts see that they are not ready to willfully give them money. It gets more tragic when ones car breaks down on the roadside, and worse on lonely roads.
“From Ajah to the entire stretch of Lekki-Epe Expressway and Lagos Mainland, just pray that your car does not break down. Once you stop on any of the highways in Lagos, you’re in trouble”, a motorist, Kunle Aina told this reporter.
According to Section 157{1(b)and(e) of the Criminal Law, 2015, nuisance is described as any person who prevents the public from having access to any part of a highway by excessive and unreasonable use of it or does any unlawful act which causes inconveniences or damage to the public.
The horrific tales of motorists who have fallen victim to street urchins while driving in traffic has been unending. It was popular lawyer Muhammed Adam also known as Egi Nupe, who raised an alarm on popular social networking site X (formerly Twitter).
He said: “What is LASG (Lagos State Government) doing about these small boys on Lekki-Expressway? Is it until they become highway robbers before they are seen as serious security threats?
“We have raised concerns about those boys on Lekki-Epe expressway and the government seems unbothered about it.
“Until these boys turn to full blown terrorists and armed robbers. You see them lurking around during the day scouting from Ikate down to Ajah.”
Suffice it to add that the problem of the underage street urchins is neither new nor unique to Lagos. This army of street urchins has found a home in Lagos and all over the junctions of many expressways.
Anywhere you look in Lagos, you will see them meandering through lines of vehicles crawling in the traffic. They look for cars that catch their fancy, with determination to either beg for alms or carry out their quick operations. These urchins operate daringly in traffic stops. Commuters waiting at bus stops are not spared by these brigands.
Some weeks ago, another commentator, Dr Toks said: “If you drive the RX 350 2017 – 2022 model, you are a target at night on Lekki – Epe. You will replace side mirrors and that black cover behind the mirrors every other month.
“One mirror costs over a 100k, and it’s in high demand. They disguise as beggars or hawkers.”
Motorists lament ordeals
Car owners plying the major expressways in Lagos have raised the alarm over what they described as persistent threats posed by street urchins operating with aggressive tactics who disguise as beggars at every strategic stops along the expressway.
Snatching phone and valuables in traffic while avoiding a ditch or potholes along the expressway has become more rampant.
At the Lekki Phase II, Jakande Roundabout, coming out from Shoprite Road, car owners are also confronted by these boys who circle cars, especially those with luxurious vehicles.
Other locations include: Victoria Island, Akin Adesola, Adeola Odeku. These underage louts are operating from dusk to dawn; Ikate axis of the Lagos-Calabar coastal road, Abraham Adesanya are not left out.
“When I said those boys including the beggars in Ajah and Lekki Epe entirely should be bundled and put in a live-in farm facility in Epe, people said I’m a slave master. Oya naw.
“Between working and earning a living via a government-owned farm facility and constituting nuisance on the road and stealing car parts, which one is better?” Another motorist, Babajide queried.
For Oluwaseyi Omo-Akin, he expressed worries over the inaction of authorities who are responsible for nipping this perceived security threat in the bud.
He said: “They used to beg for cash, now they go around with Opay account number written on a piece of paper.
“One time I was in Lagos around lekki, these boys tried to open the boot of our uber while it was in motion.
“I wonder what the next step in the progression will be when people still don’t give them money. A ticking time bomb.”@
Fisayo Fosudo, a tech and finance YouTuber, visual storyteller, and one of West Africa’s most influential content creators, was a victim of this unfortunate situation, not once but four times.
Embittered Fosudo lamented saying: “Today makes it the fourth time that these boys on the street will steal my car’s parts in Lagos traffic.
“This one has been common for me. This time it’s the entire windshield cover they yanked off. It was quite violent and bystanders asked me not to pursue the person. As if I could. I was locked in traffic.”
Another motorist, Anuoluwapo told this reporter that: “One time I ran into a pothole just at the traffic light before 1004 along Lekki Expressway and my tyre busted. I pulled over and in less than 2 minutes, about 10 guys had surrounded me.
“I was speaking pidgin to them until I overheard one of them saying in Yoruba that “did he not tell them with what he put in that hole, almost every car that enters will lose their tyre”. Before I left there, three other cars had the same issue, two did not stop as soon as they saw my car and another one parked.
‘This guys really need to be taken off the road. I paid them 20k asides the extra 8k I spent on changing to my spare tyre.”
Police vow action, intensify patrols
The Lagos State Police Command had some months ago, assured residents that its tactical units have been directed to intensify vehicular patrols across the state to make the streets safer for all road users.
The assurance had followed complaints of harassment of motorists by street urchins, especially those whose vehicles break down on the road. The hoodlums reportedly demand money before allowing victims to continue their journey after fixing their cars.
The incidents have become increasingly frequent in areas such as Iyana Ipaja, Abule Egba, Oshodi, Ile Epo, Agege, Third Mainland Bridge, and Ojodu Berger, among others.
The Police Command, through its spokesperson, SP Abimbola Adebisi, explained that the Commissioner of Police had ordered all tactical units across Lagos to intensify both foot and vehicular patrols to ensure the safety of residents and commuters.
“The Commissioner of Police has directed all tactical units across the state to intensify both foot and vehicular patrols in order to make the streets safer for all residents. Residents are strongly encouraged to continue cooperating with the police by providing timely and useful information that can assist ongoing security operations,” the command stated.
In a similar development, to ensure hitch-free Christmas and New Year celebrations in Lagos, the state Police Command said it has deployed 5,000 traffic officers.
Commissioner of Police (CP) Olohundare Jimoh revealed that the command has intensified security across worship, recreational, and public centres in the state to ensure safe usage for legitimate residents and visitors.
Noting the high patronage of beach resorts and islands during this period, the Police chief said a special marine squad created recently had been on patrol in Lagos riverines in addition to existing marine command personnel.
Jimoh assured residents that the police were in firm control of the security situation, urging those visiting Lagos for end-of-year activities to go about their business without fear, as adequate measures have been put in place to ensure a peaceful yuletide and beyond.
‘We are doing this for survival’
Fourteen-year-old Segun had just finished running at the pace of a moving vehicle to meet up with his alms begging. He admitted that there were miscreants who were taking advantage of their alms begging plight to get at unsuspecting motorists.
Segun had left his family house in Ilorin to hustle in Lagos. This situation, however, compounded the sad reality that had forced young Segun to become a beggar on the highways of Lagos.
At the traffic along the Ajah end of the Lekki-Epe Expressway, no fewer than five underage children were seen circling aimlessly as they pace the corridor of the road, hastening up to catch up with different vehicles. Due to their age and body frame, most of these child beggars who spoke with our correspondent, explained that they have been exposed to a series of hazards, including road accidents.
Like some other states, the Lagos State Government has criminalised child labour, child beggars, street hawking, especially by minors. But nothing has changed, as underage beggars still line the expressway to make ends meet.
Aside from being victims of road accidents, these child beggars have also been victims of kidnapping, while some of them have ended up being assaulted and raped.
‘Lagos public spaces cannot be allowed to degenerate into zones of disorder’
The Lagos State Government has cleared beggars and other individuals causing nuisance along the Lekki-Epe corridor as part of its ongoing environmental sanitation and urban order campaign.
Officials of LAGESC and the Kick Against Indiscipline brigade have increased patrols along major highways and bus stops in recent months to discourage such activities.
The operation builds on earlier initiatives by the Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development, which in 2021 began removing beggars and destitute persons from streets, markets, under bridges, uncompleted buildings, and other unfit areas for human habitation.
The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, noted that the state will continue to sustain these operations across the State.
Wahab said: “Beggars constituting environmental and public nuisance were arrested yesterday along the Lekki–Epe Expressway and other surrounding areas.
“These enforcement actions are part of our ongoing efforts to restore order, protect public spaces, and ensure a cleaner and safer Lagos. We will continue to sustain these operations across the State, as no one is above the law.
“Lagos must work for everyone, and public spaces cannot be allowed to degenerate into zones of disorder.
#CleanerLagos – Call for intensified government action
As the situation escalates to a climax, it transcends a mere nauseating dilemma, posing a significant threat to the peace and security of motorists. This revealing incident has since unfolded, symbolising the daily challenges many Lagosians endure and spotlighting a deep-rooted problem in the state.
Child rights advocates opined that much as Lagos is home to various people for diverse reasons, it should not accommodate the nuisance of all.
But some critics, however, argue that the state government must have a comprehensive plan to assist the beggars and destitute people by providing accommodation and jobs for them, because they often return to the streets days or weeks after the Lagos government carries out their evacuations.
An advocate, Sola Akindele said: “The excesses of these urchins have protracted for too long and constitute cause for sociological concern.
“This menace deserves the urgent attention of the state government due to the recurrent nuisance on the expressway of the state’s highbrow area.
“We also call on the police to do more in curbing miscreants’ activities, especially in traffic-prone areas.
“The community policing personnel, like the state Neighbourhood Watch and LASTMA, should be deployed along with police personnel so that they can boost the capability of the police in terms of numbers and to detect crime in progress and possibly make arrest.”
Alchemy Group has emerged overall winner of Nigeria‘s first-ever classical guitar competition for children, as the Chocolate Africa Classical Guitar Society of Nigeria in collaboration with Guitare Classique Afrique in France, a non-profit Association hosted the maiden edition of the contest in Lagos, marking a major milestone in the country’s music education landscape.
The competition, organised for students of the Chocolate Africa Classical Guitar, CACG, Academy, brought together young guitarists who had undergone nearly one year intensive training in performance, music literacy and sight reading, with Alchemy Group clinching the top prize after a keenly contested outing.
Speaking at the event, Founder and Executive Chairman, Chocolate Africa Classical Adegoke Taiwo Oluwagbemiga, said the initiative was designed to provide young children with a platform to perform while creating awareness about classical guitar, an instrument he described as uncommon in Africa, particularly West Africa.
“We organised the competition for young children to give them a platform and create awareness. Classical guitar is not common in Africa, especially among people in West Africa, and very few Africans participate in global Classical guitar competitions,” he said.
Oluwagbemiga explained that the CACG Academy, a subsidiary of the society, is Nigeria’s first specialised classical guitar school, operating as a non-profit organisation that offers free, quality music education to children from low-income communities, starting from Lagos.
According to him, about 65 students are currently enrolled in the academy’s tuition-free scholarship programme, with teaching and logistics largely supported through partnerships with Guitare Classique Afrique, a France-based organisation, and individual donations.
“The students do not pay any tuition. In terms of teaching, we are in partnership with a society in France, Guitare Classique Afrique, which has been sponsoring almost everything we do here,” he said.
He noted that beyond performance, the competition assessed students on music literacy, sight reading and stage confidence, stressing that regular performance experience is critical to the development of young musicians.
Oluwagbemiga also disclosed that the society was established to help preserve Nigerian folk music, which he said is gradually facing extinction.
“In the next 20 to 30 years, some of our music may no longer be heard. As an ethnomusicologist and composer, this is very important to me. We want to document, arrange and preserve these sounds,” he added.
Also speaking, Co-founder and Director of CACG, Hamilton Olushola Festus, said three groups, Imperial, Delight and Alchemy, performed at the competition, explaining that the groups were formed and named by the students themselves based on age categories.
“All the performers are students of our academy. This is the first of its kind classical guitar competition, and in due time, we plan to expand it to include students across Nigeria,” Festus said.
He added that the academy’s curriculum goes beyond performance, as students are also taught reading, writing, music documentation and promotion through sheet music, with some graduates already serving as teaching assistants.
Parents at the event commended the initiative, describing it as impactful and transformative. Mrs. Umusu Ojevwe, who has two children enrolled at the academy, praised the quality of the performance and the commitment of the tutors.
“The performance today was quite interesting. The tutors have taken their time over the past months to train these children. It’s fun and brings back memories of our younger days when we prepared for Christmas carols,” she said.
Another parent, Mrs. Ebere Uche, said her child had shown remarkable growth since joining the academy last year.
“My child has grown positively, both in interest and academics. The organisers and teachers have been wonderful. This academy is a safe place for children and helps them become smart and creative,” she said.
One of the jurors and Cooperation Officer at the French Embassy in Nigeria, Ms. Marianne Ournac, commended the quality of the performances, noting that music education plays a key role in building confidence and creativity in children.
“I was amazed by the quality of the sound, posture and overall performance. The teachers did a really good job. This kind of initiative deserves support,” she said.
The event climaxed with the presentation of cheques to the winners, as Alchemy Group emerged overall winners of the maiden Classical Guitar Competition, underscoring Nigeria’s growing footprint in classical music education.
Abundant Life Gospel Church, Fagba, Lagos, recently held its annual Christmas Praise Experience, tagged ‘Event of Joy,’ bringing together residents for a colourful celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ marked by praise, outreach, and community impact.
The programme featured spirited ministrations by renowned gospel artistes Tosin Bee, Mercy Chinwo, Esther Igbekele, Solomon Odinta, and Seye Omowowon, who led the congregation and community members in heartfelt worship and praise.
Adding a vibrant touch to the celebration was a dance rally that kicked off from Agege Underbridge and moved through major streets to Eliot Bus Stop, drawing attention and spreading the Christmas cheer as participants danced and praised God along the route.
Beyond music and praise, the church demonstrated practical love through the distribution of food items, clothing, and other gift items to 120 widows’ residents of the Fagba/Agege community. Cooked meals, rice, drinks, and other essentials were shared freely, ensuring that many families experienced the joy of the season.
Speaking with journalists at the event, the General Overseer of Abundant Life Gospel Church, Dr. Janet Onaolapo, said the celebration was inspired by the true essence of Christmas.
“We are celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, the Saviour of the world. Christmas is glad tidings of great joy to all men. Jesus came to deliver us from torment and the works of darkness, so it is only fitting that His birth is celebrated as an event of joy,” she said.
Onaolapo explained that the Christmas Praise Experience is part of a series of outreach activities organised annually by the church.
According to her, the Sunday before Christmas, the church distributes food items such as rice, garri, yam, and other staples to community members. The church also holds a special widows’ outreach, during which Ankara fabrics and financial support are given to widows.
She noted that the Christmas dance rally and praise session were designed to help people relax and experience joy, especially in view of the tense socio-economic climate in the country.
“Nigeria is very tense and volatile. We want people to relax, praise God, and enjoy the season of Christmas,” she added.
On her message to Nigerians, Dr. Onaolapo urged citizens not to give up on the country.
“Nigeria is a great nation. We should not give up. Let us begin to think about what we can do for the nation, not only what the nation can do for us. If citizens change their values and leaders act responsibly, pursuing justice, godliness, and dignity, Nigeria will flourish,” she said.
She also expressed optimism about the future, describing 2026 as a year of flourishing, while stressing that true flourishing comes through consistent right actions by both leaders and citizens.
Also speaking, Ibukun Adewole, Deacon and Chairman of the Local Organising Committee of the Christmas Praise Experience, described the programme as a deliberate effort to make tangible impact in the Fagba community.
“This Event of Joy is to commemorate Christmas and reflect what Jesus did and continues to do in the lives of people,” he said. “This year alone, we took care of 120 widows. The focus is outreach and impact, not just church activities.”
Adewole noted that Abundant Life Gospel Church has consistently carried out various social interventions within the Fagba axis and used the Christmas programme to showcase Christ’s love in action.
The Christmas Praise Experience ended on a joyful note, with residents expressing gratitude for the outreach and the atmosphere of hope, unity, and celebration brought to the community.
