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Tag: Peace

  • Governors, political leaders, monarchs preach peace, love, unity

    Governors, political leaders, monarchs preach peace, love, unity

    • No Christmas messages from 50,000  troops to families, says COAS
    • Kumuyi to churches: help  those in need

    Unity, peace, selflessness and hope formed the theme of messages to the Christian faithful by governors, other political leaders, religious groups and clerics as they celebrate Christmas today.

     They also charged Christians to rededicate themselves to Christ, be their brothers’ keepers and pray for the nation to overcome its current economic and security challenges.

     The governors were Babajide Sanwo-Olu,  AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq(Kwara),   Biodun Oyebanji(Ekiti),  Dapo Abiodun (Ogun),  Ademola Adeleke(Osun), Sheriff Oborevwori(Delta), Yahaya Bello(Kogi), Douye Diri (Bayelsa), Peter Mbah (Enugu) and Abba Yusuf  (Kano).

     Federal Capital Territory(FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike; Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin; Deputy House of Representatives Speaker Benjamin Kalu; Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele;  former Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi; former Senate President Bukola Saraki, All Progressives Congress(APC) chieftain  Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim; Senators Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and Saliu Mustapha, were among the political leaders. 

    The religious groups and clerics were the Lagos State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria(CAN), Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria(PFN) in Ethiope in Delta State and   General Superintendent of Deeper Life Bible Church William Kumuyi.

     Olubadan of Ibadan, Lekan Balogun, Oluwo of Iwo  Abdulrosheed Akanbi,    Corps Marshall of the Federal Roads Safety Commission(FRSC) Dauda Biu and Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC),  also rejoiced with Christians of the Yuletide.

    Sanwo-Olu to Christians: emulate Christ

     Sanwo-Olu,  in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary,  Gboyega Akosile, implored Nigerians, especially Christians, to embrace peace, harmony and tolerance in line with the teachings of Jesus Christ.

     Urging  Lagos residents not to lose hope due to the challenging times, the governor enjoined them to trust in God and have faith in the good intentions of the current administration.

    The governor also called on Christians to emulate the life of Jesus Christ by making tolerance, meekness, sacrifice and humility their virtues.

     He said: “As we celebrate Christmas, I am extending my best wishes to every Lagosian and Nigerians, particularly Christians across the State, Nigeria and other parts of the world.

     “Christmas marks the birth of Jesus Christ. So, we must not forget the true essence of the season, which is to reflect on the birth of Jesus and its significance to mankind. We should seize the opportunity of the celebration to strengthen our love for one another by being kind and generous to the people around us.

     “As we mark this year’s Christmas, I want to urge Lagos residents, particularly Christian faithful to continue to live in peace and harmony with believers of other faiths.

     “We should emulate virtues of humility, tolerance, perseverance and compassion as exemplified by Jesus Christ, whose birth we are celebrating this season.”

    •Abiodun: to  Nigerian: be hopeful    

    Governor  Abiodun advised all Nigerians, especially   Christians not to allow the current economic challenges to dampen their spirit. He said that there is hope for economic turnaround.

     The governor, who also urged Nigerians to imbibe the spirits of love, peace and goodwill.  said the current hardship would soon give way.

    He said: “On this joyous occasion of Christmas, I extend my warmest greetings and heartfelt wishes to each one of you. It is a time when we come together to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ and reflect on the values of love, peace, and goodwill.

     “Christmas is not only a time for festivities and merriment but also a time for deep introspection and gratitude. It reminds us of the importance of unity, compassion, and the spirit of giving. As we gather with our friends and families, let us remember those who are less fortunate and extend a helping hand to them.

     “We must all embrace the spirits of love, peace, and goodwill, especially during this Christmas season.

     “There is hope. Just like Jesus sacrificed His life for Christians so that they can have life, the sacrifice Nigerians are making now will also yield bountiful benefits.

     “Irrespective of the challenges we have, we do not have any other country we can call our own. At this time, Christians should show love to all people and support the government in its quest to find lasting solutions to the myriads of problems confronting the country.”

    •Live  like Christ, Abdulrazaq urges Christians

    Governor  AbdulRazaq, who also congratulated Christians in the state, reminded them that the season represents the birth of Christ.

    In a statement, the governor said the birth of Christ heralded hope and urged Christians to act by the message of truth, love and peace that   Christ preached.

    •Oyebanji preaches peace

    Governor  Oyebanji, in his message, congratulated Christians for witnessing another Christmas. He implored them to put into proper use,  the lessons of love and giving which the birth of Jesus Christ symbolises.

    He described Christmas as a   season for the demonstration of love for one another through giving. 

     His words: “Christmas is a season to give, as it symbolizes the time God gifted Jesus to the world, according to the Holy Bible. It is a season to express love and generosity to one another, especially, the needy and the less privileged in society.

     “It is also a time for Nigerians to note that love for God and humanity is the foundation of religion. I urge Nigerians to use this season to build goodwill and be more united in the task of building a very strong and vibrant nation.”

      The governor added that national development would become faster and easier when Nigerians see one another as brothers and sisters regardless of religion and tribe.

      While noting the current economic challenges in the country, Oyebanji urged Ekiti people to be optimistic that 2024 would be a year of prosperity for the country and Nigerians.

    •Adeleke, Oluwo preach fear of God,

    Governor Adeleke and   Oba  Akanbi urged Christians to draw from the spiritual import of  Christmas by sharing love and fostering harmony in their communities.

     Adeleke said: “Christians must embrace the spirit of compassion and kindness that the season reflects. Osun people should appreciate the strength and prospects of unity in driving the needed progress for the state. Let’s use the season to renew bonds, lend helping hands and spread love without boundaries.”

     Oba Akanbi described fear of  God as the panacea for the socio-political challenges facing the nation.

    “I urge Nigerians to open a new page of life dedicated to worship and fear only God in honour of the 2023 

    Diri urges  peace, brotherliness

    Diri of Bayelsa State implored the people of the state to foster peace, joy and brotherliness as they celebrate the Yuletide.

    Diri promised   that his government would continue to build on the legacies of peace and love in the state.

     He said: “My message to us Bayelsans is that, on behalf of the prosperity administration, I urge us to promote peace, joy and brotherliness throughout this Christmas and New Year celebrations.

    “Your government of prosperity will continue to spread the message of love, peace, unity, hope and build a brighter future for our dear state that all of us have desired even before its creation.

    “I pray and extend my warm wishes for a merry Christmas and a better 2024.

    “At all times, we must proclaim the superiority of Jesus Christ. No power on earth can unseat the real governor of Bayelsa, who is Jesus Christ.”

    •Mbah  promises to lead by example

    Governor   Mbah urged all Nigerians to love one another and to live together in peace to advance the country.

     Mbah, who also reaffirmed his desire to create a new Enugu State,   reminded the   Christian faithful and the nation that the true meaning of Christmas is love.

    He said: “Love is the reason for Christmas, as we celebrate the height of love wherein God sent His only begotten son, Jesus Christ, to be born as man for our salvation.

     “Thus, as we commemorate His birth, let us likewise imbibe and exemplify the values of love, peace, harmony, selflessness, and being our brother’s keeper, as Christ had shown us by example.

     “We can only create the Enugu State of our dreams and advance the country by sincerely pursuing these virtues.”

    •Have positive mindsets, Bello  admonishes Christians

    Governor  Bello of Kogi State urged Nigerians to embody God’s love for humanity and extend it to their neighbours during the festive season.

      He emphasised that the season symbolises hope for humanity, encouraging citizens to maintain a positive outlook.

      While acknowledging that the holiday is an excellent time to share the joy with family and friends, the outgoing governor said the season was a time for sober reflections and prayers for peace, unity, and togetherness.

    Governor-Elect   Ododo also urged residents of the state and other Nigerians to imbibe the spirit of nation-building and sacrifice.

       “The commemoration of the birth of Christ is a period for deep reflection on the need to think and act in manners that bring glory to our nation,”  he said.

    •Oborevwori  calls for  peaceful co-existence

     Governor  Oborevwori congratulated Deltans and Nigerians as they joined the rest of the world in commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ.

     He urged Christians to use the occasion to offer special prayers to God for a more peaceful, and united state and country.

     The governor, who described   Christmas as a season to show love and care for one another, urged Nigerians to eschew bitterness and work for the unity and progress of the country.

      “I urge you all to make the most of this joyous occasion for serious introspection, complete spiritual rebirth, and dedication to coexisting peacefully and harmoniously with followers of other faiths.

     “We must prioritise peaceful coexistence and mutual understanding among citizens, particularly in light of the current security and economic challenges facing our nation,” Oborevwori said.  

    •Yusuf  seeks  prayers,  progress 

      Yusuf of Kano State urged Christians to pray for the sustenance of peace, progress and political stability in the state.

     The governor, while felicitating with Christians, also called on them to rededicate themselves to the service of humanity in line with the true teachings of  Christ which emphasise tolerance, patience, care for the needy and love for one another.

     He enjoined the people to continue to live in peace and adhere to traffic rules and regulations to avoid road accidents and protect the lives of every road user.

     Yusuf also urged Christians to use the festive period to pray for unity, peace and prosperity for the state and the country.

    •Economic recovery imminent, says Bamidele

    Senate Leader  Bamidele has assured that the country’s economy would soon recover from its present downturn.

     He therefore pleaded with Nigerians to be patient with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.  

    Bamidele said this while celebrating Christmas with his constituents in Ekiti Central and distributed. He distributed 3,000 bags of rice to them.

     He said: “As a federation, we may be witnessing difficult times currently. But we will walk into an era of economic boom, for which all Nigerians will glorify the Name of God Almighty. The time is no longer far. It will begin to manifest with the implementation of the 2024 appropriation, which the National Assembly will pass into law this week.

     “All the committees of the National Assembly have concluded their hearings. They have equally submitted their reports to the Committee on Appropriations, whose members are now looking into the committees’ reports ahead of the plenary.

     “After this Christmas holiday, the National Assembly will reconvene on December 29 to deliberate on the report of the Committee on Appropriations. Hopefully, before the end of this year, the National Assembly will pass the 2024 appropriations bill and also transmit it to the Presidency for assent.

     “As a parliament, we are committed to maintaining our tradition of January-December budget cycle. Since 2019, we have kept to this tradition and will not allow anything to disrupt it to deepen the budget governance,”  

      Bamidele also preached peaceful co-existence among all ethnic nationalities across the federation, warning that no country could witness development progress in an atmosphere of ethnic disharmony.

    •Barau, Kalu  seek  prayers for unity

    Deputy President of the Senate  Jibrin and Kalu also rejoiced with Christians and urged all citizens to intensify prayers for the peace, unity and progress of the country.

     “I urge the Christian faithful, therefore, to remain steadfast in adhering to the tenets of Christ’s teachings on this Christmas, now and always. I equally enjoin all Nigerians to pray for and rekindle trust in the Renewed Hope Agenda for a brighter future under the purposeful, caring and humane leadership of the current administration,” Jibrin said.

    Deputy Speaker Kalu  said: “I enjoin Christians and other Nigerians to pray for the country amidst challenges and show love and kindness to one another, especially the less privileged. I also appeal for peaceful co-existence, which is needed for development to take place.

     “I assure you that the future of the nation will be brighter under the purposeful, caring, renewed hope leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”

    •Be security conscious, Wike tells FCT residents 

     FCT Minister   Wike urged residents of the nation’s capital to be security conscious and shun any act that could lead to a breakdown of law and order.

    He said: “On behalf of the Federal Capital Territory Administration, I hereby extend my heartfelt greetings to all the residents of the Federal Capital Territory for the 2023 Christmas which is a season that transcends borders and, brings people together in a spirit of love, compassion, and goodwill.

    “This festive season which celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ, holds immense significance for all of us as it symbolizes the birth of hope, the promise of renewal, and the enduring power of kindness. Amid our diverse backgrounds and unique journeys, we find common ground in the universal themes of love, generosity, and the joy of giving.

    “Let us remind ourselves that small acts of kindness can have a profound impact on individuals and families facing challenges.

     “While security has been beefed up across the territory throughout the festivities, residents are also advised to be security conscious and reach out to the security agencies whenever you notice anything out of the ordinary.”

    •Support  prayers with positive actions, Saraki  tells Christians

    Former Senate President  Saraki advised that all prayers for  Nigeria should be backed with action.

     This, according to him,  will help in the  achievement of Nigeria’s development 

    Saraki, in a statement by his Media Office in Abuja,  noted that the prayers of religious groups like the Christians have sustained the country.

     Saraki added that citizens who take time to pray for their country are demonstrating patriotism and that such commitment needed to be supported with positive attitudes like compliance with the laws of the land, and tolerance of people of other religions and those with different viewpoints on issues.

    “  I believe that we all have to emulate Jesus Christ who represents positive actions by preaching compliance with the laws of the land, contributing to growing the wealth of the nation, performing our civic duties honestly and transparently, supporting the poor, helping to prevent any harm that may come to the nation and demonstrating the fear of God in all our activities. These are what Jesus Christ represents.”Saraki said.

    •Let’s rekindle hope, says Fayemi, 

    Former Ekiti State Governor Fayemi, who noted that Christmas    signifies  a time for reflection and gratitude, advised all Nigerians to rekindle the “flames of hope and unity that underpin our nation.”

     He said: “ It is a time to celebrate the values of love, compassion, and generosity which was illustrated by the birth of Jesus Christ.

     ‘’Despite our challenges, Christmas reminds us of the enduring power of faith, forgiveness, and resilience. Let us embrace this spirit and use it to strengthen the bonds of brotherhood, foster peaceful coexistence, and rekindle the flames of national unity.

     ‘’I urge all Nigerians, irrespective of their differences, to use this special season to extend kindness and understanding to one another. Let us celebrate the joy of family and friends, share our blessings with those in need, and offer prayers for peace and prosperity for our nation.”

    •Olawepo-Hashim calls for tolerance

     Olawepo-Hashim, an industrialist, also felicitated the Christian faithful and the entire people of Nigeria as they joined the rest of the world in celebrating Christmas.

     In a statement released by his Media Office in Abuja, Olawepo-Hashim urged Christians and other Nigerians to, in the spirit of the season,   uphold the principles of love, tolerance and sacrifice to sustain harmony, progress and advance the cause of humanity.

     The frontline politician added that   Christmas represents joy, peace, hope, love, and goodwill, all of which are very much needed in our country at this time when we are confronted with diverse challenges of development.

     He said:  “  In the true spirit of the season, let’s show love to our neighbours, kindness to the less-privileged and vulnerable, and tolerance to one another across the lines of faith, politics and ethnicity; in the spirit of the unique sacrifice and teachings of our Lord, Jesus Christ.

     “I urge fellow Nigerians to appropriate the hope that comes with Christmas and reinvest trust in God’s ability to restore the lost glory of Nigeria”

     The business mogul also admonished Nigerians to reflect on the lessons of the period and emulate Christ by fostering peace and unity in our Nation, while also tasking Nigerians on religious tolerance “since it is one way we as citizens can live in peace, harmony and love as taught by Jesus Christ, who is the reason for the season.”

    “More importantly, as we observe Christmas this year, let us all imbibe the essential message of Christ’s ministry and truly begin to love our fellow Nigerians as we love ourselves,” Olawepo-Hashim added.

    *Olubadan  urges tolerance, patience

      Oba   Balogun enjoined the Christians to take proper lessons from the birth of  Christ as signified by the annual Christmas celebration.

    The monarch recalled that the Biblical accounts of the birth of Jesus Christ are full of lessons in tolerance, patience and love.

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     The Olubadan said the love of God for mankind upon which the coming into this world of Jesus Christ was predicated and whose birth the Christmas signifies, His life while on earth and his remembrance over 2000 years after his exit from the world are more than enough lessons for all.

     Asking that the love which the whole thing about Christ and Christmas symbolises should permeate among the people, Balogun said: “Our love for one another should never be compromised for whatever reason. We should live for ourselves by being caring, concerned and ready to make sacrifice”.

    •Kumuyi calls on churches to give to the needy

     General Superintendent of Deeper Life Bible Church    Kumuyi called on Church leaders to help their needy members. 

    Kumuyi made the call yesterday at the ongoing   December National Retreat of the Deeper Life Bible Church held at the Deeper International Life International Conference Centre, (DILCC),  Mowe, Ogun State

    The programme tagged “Emmanual’ brought together thousands of Christian faithful from parts of the country.

     Kumuyi said although Deeper Life church has a lot of building projects, it will not execute them all at the expense of the poor, vulnerable, widows and other indigent persons.

    Noting that Christmas is also a season to share love, the cleric encouraged the church and their leaders to make some money and resources available to give to the poor. 

      He added; “Let us give priority to the welfare of our members and those who are not our members.

    .”I am looking for the dyeing, impoverished, vulnerable children and family, I am ready to support them. If you know them, tell your coordinator and leaders.

    “We can give food items and show a little bit of love as we celebrate the birth of Christ”.

    •50,000 troops in war front miss wishing loved ones merry Christmas, says COAS

    Chief of Army Staff (COAS). Taoreed Lagbaja has said that over 50,000   troops of the Nigerian Army would miss wishing their families and loved ones Merry Christmas and Happy New Year in person.

       He said it is not because they did not want to, but because they would be on duty across difficult-to-access towns, communities, villages and hamlets, across the country and beyond.

    The COAS said this yesterday in his Christmas message to the troops.

     In a statement by the Director of Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, Lagbaja said the troops were “duty-bound to be deployed, while other families rejoice and celebrate together, sometimes not knowing if similar celebrations are going on in their own families.”

      The COAS saluted the “troops’ undying faith in the Nigerian State in the face of adversity.”

     He also commended their “unwavering dedication and sacrifice in ensuring the safety and security of Nigeria’s territorial integrity.”

     Lagbaja congratulated troops for making it this far into the year and for weathering every storm that came their way.

     Lagbaja noted that judging by the policies and unfolding programmes of the Federal Government, the year ahead holds good prospects for Nigeria and the Army.

     He disclosed that in the coming year, the   Army would take delivery of more helicopters and other combat enablers to enhance its war against insurgents.

    The COAS also disclosed that the Army Headquarters has initiated several welfare projects that would directly impact the lives of soldiers and their families.

    •FRSC boss   reassures motorists  ACF  felicitates with Christians

     The  Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), the Kaduna state of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and a diaspora group, Tangale Community Overseas (TCO),   greeted  Christians and called for prayers against the problems facing the country.

      In a  statement by its National Publicity Secretary,   Tukur    Muhammad-Baba, the ACF  said a   deserved return to mutual understanding, tolerance, cooperation responsible neighbourliness, peace and tranquillity in all Nigerian communities were needed.

     It said:   “The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) felicitates with Christians in all its national and State Chapters, as well as others in the nation and indeed the world over, on the season’s Christmas celebrations.

     “ACF also wishes everyone a happy New Year in advance. No doubt, our communities variously face daunting existential economic challenges, social upheavals, poverty, inequalities, and political disagreements.

     “No less, or even more worrying has been the insecurity bedevilling our communities due to the criminal activities of bandits, extremists and other misguided elements or social misfits in the society. ACF yearns for an end to all these problems. ACF is conscious, worried and prays for escape from all the challenges.

     “In the spirit of the Yuletide   ACF calls on all to fervently pray for a deserved return to mutual understanding, tolerance, cooperation responsible neighbourliness, peace and tranquillity in all communities specifically and for humanity in general.

     “ACF also calls on all to pray for knowledge, courage, wisdom and empathy for our leaders, whether political, religious or traditional, as well as for our armed forces as they try to grapple with the challenges of the economy, insecurity, leadership and governance.”

    Also, the Kaduna State chapter of CAN  called for sober reflection on the meaning of the birth of Jesus Christ as it brings hope to humankind.

     It said: “CAN Kaduna State Chapter wishes every Nigerian happy Christmas celebrations and earnestly pray that Nigerians will be committed to observing the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and seek to live peacefully with one another.

     “Accordingly, Nigerians, and people the world over, ought to learn the depth of the love of God for giving humankind His son to save individuals by being one another’s keepers.

    “While people celebrate, CAN prays for peaceful celebrations as people move from one place to another and hope that Nigerians all live as a family to confront any adversity that may destabilise the corporate existence of society.”

    Tangale Community Overseas (TCO), in its message, expressed displeasure over the alleged imposition of a stooge as their traditional ruler by Governor Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State.

     A statement by the TCO  General Secretary,  Lamela  Lakorok, read: “Unfortunately, for the third time,  the Tangale people are celebrating Christmas without a traditional ruler, following the decision of the Governor of Gombe State not to endorse the choice of the Tangale people, Dr Musa Idris Maiyamba, whom the people have chosen through an election process by the Tangale kingmakers. “

        Corps Marshal    Biu has reassured the motoring public of FRSC’s readiness to make the highways safe during the Yuletide period.

     This was contained in his Christmas message in which Biu reiterated his earlier call for motorists to guide against bad driving.

     He cautioned travellers against dangers that go with road travel in this period of increased human and vehicular traffic, stressing that people must show extra vigilance while using the road to overcome any form of carnage.

      Calling on all road users to support the ongoing road safety sensitisation programmes by the FRSC, Biu said bad driving habit accounts for why the Christmas and New Year periods are the most challenging to the campaigns for safer roads.

    He warned against offences like route violation, overloading, speeding, light signs violation and driving under the influence of alcohol/drugs which have been identified as being responsible for most crashes and deaths, especially during the Yuletide.

     The Corps Marshall advised motorists to call  08052998090 or 09067000015 when in distress. 

    * Reflect on Christ’s teachings, Lagos CAN admonishes 

    The Lagos State Chapter of  CAN  also urged Christians to reflect on the teachings of Jesus Christ and not focus on merry-making.

     The Christian body advised in its 2023 Christmas message, saying that the practice of the moral teachings of the advent of Christ to redeem mankind was of beneficial to society than indulging in lavish feasts.

      “The King of Kings signified love, peace, solution to crisis and above all an access to our Salvation.At the point mankind is now, with a myriad of near insurmountable social problems, our attention should be focused on our helper in the ages past for solution and not in merriment,” Lagos CAN Chairman, Archbishop Stephen Adegbite said.

      Adegbite, who described passive Christian living as a minus to society, charged Nigerians to pray for the nation and its leaders.

     *IPAC urges Christians to imbibe virtues of Christ

     IPAC   also urged  Christians to emulate the life of Jesus Christ and imbibe His virtues of love, peace, unity, and tolerance in their service to God and the nation.

    The council, in a statement by its National chairman-elect, Yusuf Dantalle described Christmas as significant to believers, as it marked the divine birth of Jesus Christ. 

    Danielle urged Nigerians to use the occasion to pray for the nation,  particularly the security and economic challenges impeding progressive governance in the country.

     “The council enjoins government at all levels to provide dividends of democracy to Nigerians to assuage their sufferings by section 14 (2)b of the 1999 constitution as amended which states that the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government, “ he said.

    •Christians pray for   Tinubu at Christmas Carol

     Christians from different denominations celebrated the Christmas season at the weekend with prayers for the success of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

     The annual Christmas carol tagged: Created to Manifest His Glory was taken from Mathew 5: 15, and was organised by the  Asiwaju Project Beyond 2023. 

     It featured  gospel artists  like    Esther Igbekele,  Segun Ajidara and  Omotola Jaiyeola

      National Woman Leader of the group,   Toyin Aroyewun,  said that the carol was aimed at appreciating God for the success of the 2023 elections that led to the emergence of   Tinubu as President.

      Caretaker Committee Chairman of Asiwaju Project 2023, Lagos State,  Lanre OLaide,  said that the group engaged in prayers for President Tinubu to win the election.

       “President Bola Tinubu has a lofty agenda that will help to address numerous challenges facing the country. I believe that as he rolls them out, things will normalise and we will all smile again,” he said.

  • Preach peace, unity, cleric urges Nigerians

    Preach peace, unity, cleric urges Nigerians

    The Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, Rev. Alfred Martins, has urged Nigerians to join the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado-Bayero, in spreading the gospel of peace, unity, love and tolerance in the country.

    He made the plea on Sunday during a two-in-one event – inauguration of E.Y.O. Cultural Renaissance Centre, and a Christmas Carol organised by the Erelu Yeye Oodua Foundation.

    The cleric said Nigerians should embrace hope and show love as Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.

    He praised the Erelu Kuti IV of Lagos, Abiola Dosunmu, for her initiatives aimed at fostering peace and unity, and hoped things would improve in the country.

    Rev. Martins urged Nigerians to preach the message of hope like Jesus Christ, saying the power of hope resonates with Nigerians.

    He said: “As we gather here today, united in celebration and joy, we are reminded of the true essence of Christmas – the birth of Jesus Christ, our eternal hope.

    “Our gathering this evening is significant and we are grateful that we have been provided the opportunity seeing the realisation or an indication of what Christ desires for coming to the world, and another reason to say thanks be to God.”

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    for being part of the celebration. Christ came to restore hope, to re-establish love, love of God and love of people, and also to establish peace in the world. Thanks be to God for the gift of Jesus, thanks be to God for the message of hope, peace, love, and for an occasion like this where eminent people of diverse faiths sit together.

    “As we prepare for the birth of Jesus, I enjoin our eminent people to continue to preach the gospel of hope, love, unity and peace in the country.”

    Erelu Dosumu, who is also the Erelu Yeye Oodua, said the Oodua Cultural Renaissance Centre would be a training ground for languages, promotion of local cuisine, art and in the long run would build talents and the economy.

    She admonished Nigerians to imbibe the spirit of love and tolerance, “which are some of the virtues of Jesus Christ, and we should also continue to live in peace and harmony as we celebrate the remembrance of the birth of Christ.”

  • PISE-P galvanizes peace, unity in South East

    PISE-P galvanizes peace, unity in South East

    Peace in South East Project (PISE-P), a dynamic non-partisan advocacy organisation, has emerged with a resounding mission to restore the South East‘s rightful place in the national political space and usher in the era of democracy dividends.

    Determined to attain this noble objective, PISE-P has devised a non-kinetic approach built on the Seven Pillars for Sustainable Development, gearing to accomplish its vision within the next five years.

    “The key to our success lies in our commitment to our objectives,” stated Ogbonna Ukuku, Project Coordinator.

    “These objectives encompass a range of transformative actions, such as reorienting citizens towards national unity, identifying the root causes of conflicts, and developing effective strategies for their management.

    “Moreover, PISE-P aims to carry out impactful programs and initiatives to foster national peace and harmony while positively impacting constituencies with the dividends of democracy”.

    He stated that additionally, the organization seeks to empower and nurture the youth as the future leaders of tomorrow through strategic programs that are politically, economically, and socially engaging.

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    Ukuku emphasised that the overarching goal of PISE-P is to promote peace, stability, and sustainable development in the South Eastern region of Nigeria. Leveraging on the seven crucial pillars of education, agriculture, commerce and industry, infrastructural development, culture and tourism, sports and entertainment, as well as governance and leadership, the organization aims to drive progress and create resilient communities that facilitate social cohesion.

    Speaking about the pillars in detail, Simon Karu, the Director of Programmes at PISE-P, highlighted the organization’s plans for education. These include establishing and renovating schools in conflict-affected areas, enhancing teacher training, providing teaching materials, and establishing scholarship programs for vulnerable and disadvantaged students.

    Karu also emphasized the organization’s commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and vocational training for young people through the pillars of commerce and industry. PISE-P plans to establish business incubation centers, provide access to start-up capital, strengthen market linkages, support value chain development, encourage the establishment of cooperatives and business associations, and facilitate trade and investment fairs to drive economic growth and job creation.

    Sam Hart said the essence of PISE-P is to guide the people, and “we need help, we need hope and the need for the people to own it for it to be sustainable”.

    PISE-P was launched after a report of the SBM Intelligence, which said the region loses up to N13 billion a day whenever people stage a protest in the region. The South East region of Nigeria is known as a hub for entrepreneurial activities, as the majority of the people are into various forms of nano, micro, small, medium, and large-scale businesses.

    “A recent study by SBM Intelligence for DevEast Foundation Ltd./Gte, a not-for-profit policy and business advocacy organization, estimates that in the transportation sector, the South East loses about N10 billion – N13 billion every protest day, and traders also lose between N5.4 billion- N31 billion daily.”

    It continued that, “The South East region, once considered a hub for entrepreneurial activities, is grappling with a myriad of socio-economic issues, including rising unemployment, inflation, and security threats.

    “The impact of separatist agitations has led to economic downturns, hindering the region’s potential for growth. PISE-P recognizes the urgent need to address these challenges, restore peace, and unlock the untapped potential within the region.”

    Expressing gratitude, Mary Ikoku, the Director of Media, acknowledged the dedicated individuals involved in the formation of PISE-P. She said, “The coming together of this group of passionate individuals showcases a genuine interest in revitalizing the social, political, and economic growth of our region. I must particularly commend the Deputy Speaker of the 10th House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, for his overwhelming support and the pivotal role he plays in the organization. 

    Ikoku emphasized that the task of rebuilding the Southeast lies not only with political, religious, and traditional leaders but with every individual. She passionately called upon all stakeholders to join hands in repositioning the region for progress and development.

    With PISE-P at the helm, the South East can look forward to an era of inclusive political representation, driven by sustainable development and a united vision for the future.

  • Locally-driven approaches to peace, conflict management in Niger Delta

    Locally-driven approaches to peace, conflict management in Niger Delta

    By David Udofia 

    Data has shown that violent conflict in the Niger Delta is driven by a variety of interrelated and often overlapping factors, including historical tensions and grievances over natural resources’ allocation, leadership tussles, land disputes, cultism and a proliferation of armed groups.

     Over the years, PIND through its peacebuilding program has amplified the efforts of local peace actors by facilitating locally owned interventions and peacebuilding networks, filling knowledge gaps that hitherto held back local peace actors from taking their efforts to scale, and by providing skills, information, platforms and resources for advocacy, conflict analysis and mitigation. 

    This has also resulted in enhancing the capacity of peace actors to respond in a more coordinated and targeted manner to the rapidly changing conflict dynamics in the region. 

    PIND’s peacebuilding program plays a vital role in Chevron Nigeria Limited’s (CNL) community engagement efforts in the Niger Delta. In October 2023, PIND facilitated a peacebuilding and conflict Early Warning Response (EWER) training and engagement for CNL’s Host Community Development Trusts (HCDTs) in Delta and Ondo states. 

    The HCDT committees nominated community members including youth and women for the peacebuilding and EWER capacity building training In Delta state, a total of 43 participants were selected from four HCDTs including: Warri Kingdom Onshore; Ogulagha; Egbema OPUDIS; and Gbaramatu HCDTs, while 33 participants were selected from Ugboland HCDT in Ondo State. 

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    The participants were trained on various aspects of conflict management such as volunteerism, cooperation, leadership, peacebuilding, conflict analysis, conflict management styles, and conflict early warning and early response (EWER) system as a strategic tool for reporting and proactively responding to grievances and conflict issues. 

    The peacebuilding and EWER capacity building training for the CNL’s HCDTs was essential for the implementation of the HCDT component of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA). Following the signing into law of the PIA in 2021, CNL dissolved its Global Memorandum of Understanding (GMoU) arrangement, and established the HCDTs in 2021 to continue its corporate social responsibility activities through the multi-stakeholder community engagement approach. 

    There are currently six CNL’s HCDT community clusters, each composed of community representatives responsible for identifying and implementing community development projects. The ultimate aim is to improve the relationship between CNL and its host communities, reduce communal tensions, decrease violence, and create an enabling environment for businesses to thrive. 

    The successful implementation of the HCDTs requires an operational-level conflict management support through a grassroots-based conflict EWER system that can help stakeholders to spotlight communal grievances and respond quickly in a targeted manner to prevent escalation of violence, and in the long run effectively manage the changing dynamics of conflicts in the host communities. 

    Locally-owned and community-driven conflict management initiatives are key to achieving sustainable peace and economic growth in the Niger Delta. The direct involvement of local actors in conflict early warning and response interventions helps to prioritize the perspectives and needs of communities facing conflict by ensuring that the design and management of early warning systems are closely connected with the process of understanding what types of response mechanisms exist in their community. 

    The strategic engagement of community-based peace actors ensures that conflict management interventions are locally owned, address the current realities on the ground in contextually appropriate ways, promote sustainability and effectiveness of interventions, and appropriately respond to longer term peacebuilding needs and opportunities.

    Over the years, PIND through its peacebuilding program has amplified the efforts of local peace agents by facilitating locally owned interventions and peacebuilding networks in the Niger Delta. PIND is currently leveraging traditional institutions including traditional rulers and community leaders as part of efforts to empower and engage critical stakeholders in peacebuilding and conflict prevention at the community level. The ultimate aim of this approach is to ensure that conflict management interventions are locally owned, and to promote sustainability and effectiveness of interventions. 

    To ensure the effective and sustainable engagement of local peace actors in managing conflict at the community level, stakeholders including civil society organizations (CSOs) must continually fill knowledge gaps that are holding back local peace actors from taking their efforts to scale, and by providing skills, information, platforms and resources for advocacy, conflict analysis and mitigation planning and implementation. This must include periodic capacity building training, to sustain the capacity of local peace actors to respond in a more coordinated and targeted manner to the rapidly changing conflict dynamics in the region. 

    David Udofia is the Peacebuilding Program Manager, at the Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta (PIND)

  • How Israel-Hamas war threatens world peace

    How Israel-Hamas war threatens world peace

    • By Türkmen Terzi

    The deadly operation by the Islamist militant group Hamas in southern Israel on Oct. 7, in which 1,200 Israelis, including civilians, were killed and more than 200 hostages were taken to Gaza, shocked the world. After the attack, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that the Hamas attack was Israel’s 9/11 and succeeded in uniting the opposition and forming a war cabinet. Netanyahu has predicted that the war in Gaza will spread to the region and has vowed to change the Middle East map. Looking at the situation, one can say that both Hamas and Netanyahu are motivated to expand the conflict to the region, as Israeli forces have focused on destroying Hezbollah forces in Lebanon, bombing Syrian airports near the Turkish border and “accidentally” hitting Egyptian positions near the Gaza border. Former Hamas leader Khaled Mashal vowed to continue fighting for the liberation of Palestine. He asked Hezbollah and the Arab states for help and said in an interview with Saudi TV station Al-Arabiya on Oct. 19 that the Palestinians were prepared to sacrifice millions of people to protect their land.

    US President Joe Biden and British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak continue to support Netanyahu’s war in Gaza, which has left more than 11,000 civilians dead and nearly 30,000 injured, 75 percent of them women and children. According to the Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza, some 1.6 million people in Gaza had been internally displaced and more than 220,000 housing units destroyed by Nov. 13. Arab foreign ministers have called for a ceasefire since the Israeli bombardment of Gaza began, while Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has offered to mediate between the leaders of Israel and Hamas. French President Emmanuel Macron has hinted that Tehran is supporting Hamas in the form of “aid” and “cooperation,” but he also said France has no official evidence of this. Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, however, denied Iran’s involvement, although he did praise the Oct. 7 attack.

    The African Union strongly condemned the Israeli airstrike on the Al-Ahli Baptist Hospital in Gaza on Oct. 17, which killed more than 500 people, Hamas claimed.  The two major African nations, South Africa and Egypt, are playing a very active role in trying to stop Israel’s relentless attacks on civilians. Egyptian President Abdal-Fatal El Sisi hosted the Cairo Peace Summit on Oct. 21 in an effort to end the catastrophe in Gaza. The one-day meeting in Cairo was attended by Arab heads of state and government and representatives from France, Germany, Russia, China, the United Kingdom, the United States, Qatar, Turkey and South Africa, as well as representatives from the United Nations and the European Union. However, the absence of Israel and the presence of the United States in Cairo without high-ranking officials cast doubt on the effectiveness of the summit. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed during the summit that his country had experienced oppression by an apartheid regime not so long ago and that the world did not want to see that kind of oppression again. South African Foreign Minister Dr. Naledi Pandor, who participated in the UN Security Council open debate on the situation in the Middle East on Oct. 24, called on the United Nations to create a two-state solution in which Israelis and Palestinians live side by side in peace. She emphasized that this must be done in accordance with the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as the capital of Palestine. Pandor criticized the UN Security Council for not preventing the conflict from leading to this level of violence and harm to the civilian population in Gaza. The ruling African National Congress and the South African Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) condemned the Israeli attack on the Gaza Strip.

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    A proxy war is brewing in the Middle East.

    After the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) collapsed in 1991 and the Russian Federation lost its influence in Central Asia, it was not in a position to comment on the two US Gulf Wars in the Middle East. However, since Russia’s powerful leader, Vladimir Putin, has increased the Kremlin’s influence in the territory of the former USSR, the US is backing Ukraine to weaken Russia in the region, and this means that another proxy war between the US and Russia could engulf the Middle East. US President Joe Biden visited Israel to express his full support for the Netanyahu government, and the world’s largest aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald Ford, was sent to Israel as a show of support after Hamas attacked. Israel is the US’s most important ally in the Middle East, where Washington has been losing its authority over major Arab states such as Saudi Arabia, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates. At the 15th BRICS summit, which took place in Johannesburg in August of this year, the application of these three countries for BRICS membership was officially accepted. Washington is no longer dependent on the oil of the Arab Gulf states, as the US produces its own oil. The oil-rich Gulf states have lost their trust in the US government since Washington failed to protect Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates from Iran’s drone attacks in recent years. China and Russia are the two most important powers in the BRICS economic group, and China has become the largest importer of Saudi Arabian oil. On Oct. 18 the US vetoed the Brazilian-led call for a humanitarian pause and corridors into Gaza, while China voted in favor of the resolution at the UN Security Council. Prior to the vote, two amendments proposed by Russia for an “immediate, durable and full ceasefire in Gaza” were rejected by the Security Council. China and Russia had vetoed a draft resolution introduced by the US on Oct. 24, which highlighted the ineffectiveness of the Security Council in providing a unified response to end the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

    Hamas’ unprecedented attack on Israel and Netanyahu’s ongoing bombardment of the Gaza Strip have made any peace initiatives in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict even more difficult. Both sides claim that Palestine is their ancestral homeland. Since the British Empire took control of Palestine from the Ottoman Empire during World War I and drafted the Balfour Declaration of 1917, which announced Britain’s support for the establishment of a “national home for the Jewish people” in Palestine, the conflict has never been resolved. The UN voted to partition Palestine into a Jewish and an Arab state in 1947, but the Arabs rejected the plan and the Jews declared Israel in 1948. There were many peace talks between Israel and Palestine, but these were interrupted by outbreaks of violence. Today, around 3 million Palestinians live in the West Bank and 2.2 million in the Gaza Strip, which is one of the most densely populated areas in the world, but more than half of the population has already been displaced in the Gaza Strip.

    Netanyahu is determined to expel the entire Palestinian population from the Gaza Strip, where Hamas has been in control since 2006. Qatar and Turkey are harboring Hamas leaders and Iran is arming them. NATO member Turkey’s leader Erdoğan has already stated that Hamas is not a terrorist organization and that they are liberators. Neither Netanyahu’s war cabinet nor the Hamas leadership promises a peaceful life for their people and are keen to become tools of the proxy wars of the great powers.

    •This article was first published in www.turkishminute.com

  • Panel warns candidates who fail to sign peace agreement in Imo

    Panel warns candidates who fail to sign peace agreement in Imo

    • NPC threatens to name uncoorperatives parties

    Governorship candidates in Kogi, Imo and Bayelsa States yesterday signed the peace pact.

    However, the event, an initiative of the National Peace Committee (NPC), witnessed low turnout in Imo State.

    In Kogi, 18 political parties participating in the November 11 governorship election signed the peace accord deal.

    Abubakar, represented by Cardinal John Onaiyekan emphasized the importance of honoring the peace accord before and during the election.

    He expressed concern over the recurrent ritual of signing peace accords without tangible results, stressing the need for candidates to demonstrate seriousness and commitment.

    The situation is not the same in Imo as NPC threatened to name political parties and their candidates who have refused to sign its peace accord latest on Friday.

    Chairman of the committee, and former Head of State, Abdulsalam Abubakar represented by Gen. Martin Luther Agwai (rtd) disclosed this during a signing of a peace accord of the governorship candidates and their parties in Imo State on Wednesday.

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    Agwai while answering questions from newsmen on why most of the candidates did not show up for the event said: “One challenge that we have here is that all of them did not come, but the good people of Imo State are watching.

    “By Friday, we would announce to the good people of Imo State the political party that has refused to sign and we would let the people know which party wants peace and the party that does not want peace. Let the people now make a choice to vote for the party that want peace and tranquility”, Agwai said.

    Earlier during the ceremony, the Inspector General of Police, (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun assured the electorates of adequate security before and after election.

    The IGP represented by DIG Frank Mbah further disclosed that 80 percent of its personel have already been deployed for the election while promising that before its commencement another 20 percent would be deployed.

    The INEC chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu represented by the National Commissioner Southeast region, Kenneth Ukeagu urged the political parties’ candidates to play by the rules.

  • Middle East: U.S., Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, UK, EU identify only path to peace

    Middle East: U.S., Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, UK, EU identify only path to peace

    The G7 has identified a two-state solution, which envisions Israel and a viable Palestinian state as the only path to a just, lasting, and secure peace.

    A statement on Wednesday by the G7 foreign ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States of America and the High Representative of the European Union said they were united in their pursuit of international peace, security, and prosperity.

    “We underscore that a two-state solution, which envisions Israel and a viable Palestinian state living side by side in peace, security, and mutual recognition, remains the only path to a just, lasting, and secure peace,” they said.

    They condemned the terror attacks by Hamas and others across Israel as well as ongoing missile attacks against Israel.

    “We emphasize Israel’s right to defend itself and its people, in accordance with international law, as it seeks to prevent a recurrence. We call for the immediate release of all hostages without preconditions. We express our deepest sympathy and condolences to the victims of these attacks and their families, as well as all civilians, Palestinian, Israeli, and others, including our own citizens, who have died or been injured during this conflict. Israelis and Palestinians have an equal right to live in safety, dignity, and peace. We reject antisemitism and Islamophobia in any form in our own societies and anywhere in the world.

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    “We stress the need for urgent action to address the deteriorating humanitarian crisis in Gaza. All parties must allow unimpeded humanitarian support for civilians, including food, water, medical care, fuel, and shelter, and access for humanitarian workers. We support humanitarian pauses and corridors to facilitate urgently needed assistance, civilian movement, and the release of hostages. Foreign nationals must also be allowed to continue to depart. We underscore the importance of protecting civilians and compliance with international law, in particular international humanitarian law. Since October 7, the G7 members have pledged an additional $500 million for the Palestinian people, including through the UN agencies and other humanitarian actors. We urge countries around the world to join us in this effort. We welcome the November 9 international conference in Paris on humanitarian issues,” they said.

    The rise in extremist settler violence, they said, is unacceptable. They said it undermined security in the West Bank, and threatens prospects for a lasting peace.

    “The G7 members, along with partners in the region, are working intensively to prevent the conflict from escalating further and spreading more widely. We are also working together, including by imposing sanctions or other measures, to deny Hamas the ability to raise and use funds to carry out atrocities.

    “The G7 members are committed to working closely with partners to prepare sustainable long-term solutions for Gaza and a return to a broader peace process in line with the internationally agreed parameters,” they said.

  • I’m committed to peace, protection human rights, says Alia

    I’m committed to peace, protection human rights, says Alia

    Benue state Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has stated that the government is committed to peaceful coexistence and the protection of human rights, offering hope for the future of Benue and Nigeria.

    Governor Alia stated this yesterday during the occasion to mark the International Day of Peace.

    The Governor, who described peace as not merely the absence of conflict, but the presence of harmony, understanding, and justice, explained that his administration has institutionalized a framework to support peace-building and peace enforcement initiatives in the state.

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    He added that he has been interfacing with a plethora of local and international organizations, including agencies of the United Nations, with the aim of establishing a robust foundation for peace in the state.

    He said his administration has equally strengthened the state’s Commission for Peace and Reconciliation, to serve as the main instrument for the actualization of the peace framework, adding that several peace initiatives, including that of creating the right atmosphere for the return and resettlement of internally displaced persons in the state as well as ways of reducing violent conflicts are been considered.

    He said traditional rulers and Community-Based Organizations, as well as other critical stakeholders in peace building have all been carried along in the efforts to foster peace in the state, explaining that keen attention has been given to conflict hotspots in Ukum, Oju, Konshisha and Gwer  as well as at border areas such as Ebonyi and Cross River,  in order to create an environment conducive for growth and development.

    While commending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for working assiduously with relevant partners and stakeholders with the aim of ensuring peace in Nigeria, the governor called on the international community to lend their invaluable support to the state, through technical expertise, financial contributions as well as by sharing best practices that will not only resolve conflicts in the state and country, but will also prevent their recurrence.

  • Group plans confab on peace

    Group plans confab on peace

    A Non Governmental Organisation (NGO), One percent International Management Service Limited, has stressed the need to mainstreaming women in  peace and national cohesion.

    The Chief Executive Officer,  the organisation, Ambassador Stephaine Nnadi, stated this in Abuja.

    Nnadi said it planned to hold a symposium with the theme “Women as burden bearers, a time for peace”  at Wells Carlton Hotel Asokoro, Abuja on September 21.

    She stated: “The symposium is intended to address the recent unprecedented upsurge and challenges of conflicts, wars, and civil strife spreading across the globe especially in Africa, as well as full-blown wars in Russia and Ukraine.

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    “Women have always been the burden bearers of terrorism, displacement, community clashes and banditry hence the need to deliberate on ways of mainstreaming women in the process of peace and national cohesion.

    “The symposium will provide a forum to commemorate the UN International Day of Peace as well as raise awareness on the role of women in peace, mediation and reconciliation in Africa.’’

    The group also expressed dismay that countries such as Ethiopia, South Sudan, Democratic Republic of Congo, Cameroun, Mali, Burkina Faso and Nigeria, have been bedeviled by recurrent tragedies as a result of incessant attacks by armed groups while women and children are the victims.

  • U.S Ambassador urges Nigerians on peace, unity

    The United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Stuart Symington has called on Nigerians to use the Ramadan period to foster peace and unity amongst themselves irrespective of religious or ethnic affiliation.

    The Ambassador stated this on Tuesday in Abuja at the breaking of fast (Iftar) and feeding of indigent Muslims by Al-Habibiyyah Islamic Society.

    He said Nigeria was a great country that needed to harness it’s diversity as a strength and not an hindrance.

    The envoy stressed on the need for peace, unity and religious tolerance among all Nigerians for the country to achieve socio-economic development and prosperity.

    “We need to underscore the importance of the need for unity and good relationship between people of different faith in Nigeria, because it’s actually strength .

    “In the past in Nigeria, we had people of about 500 languages, different faiths living together in peace, this is far from the senseless violence, blasphemy and deaths now,” he said.

    He hailed Al-Habibiyyah for the feeding programme which catered for both Muslims and Christians and urged other organisations to emulate them.

    “There is need to go back to those days when you celebrate both Sallah and Christmas, Easter and Ramadan together and above all share the language of God that says love and care,” he said.

    He also urged Nigerians and religious leaders not to shield those who hide under religion to perpetuate violence and kill innocent people.

    National Chief Imam of Al-Habibiyyah Mosque, Imam Adeyemi Fuad said that more than 1,000 less privileged Muslims and people of other faith are fed daily throughout the Ramadan period.

    He said the programme was part of the Al-Habibiyyah Food Bank programme meant to help the less privilege and foster unity among Nigerians.

    Cardinal John Onaiyekan in his remarks commended the initiative of feeding the less privilege and called for peace and unity among Nigerians.