The Emir of Gwandu in Kebbi State, Alhaji Muhammadu Iliyasu Bashar, has conferred the traditional title of “BURAN GWANDU BABBA on the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Malam Abdul Jalal Rabi.
The title, according to the Emir, is in recognition of Jalal’s contributions to the development of the community and the nation.
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has announced that it is praying for divine intervention in the nationwide protests being planned to begin from August 1, by the youths and other groups, over the economic hardships in the country
In a statement signed by its President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, CAN said: “We pray for wisdom and discernment for our leaders, resilience and hope for our citizens, and divine intervention to guide us through these difficult times.
“May God bless Nigeria and grant us the peace and prosperity we earnestly seek.
The full text of the statement is reproduced hereunder:
The national leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) stands in solidarity with the citizens of our great nation during these challenging times of economic hardship and pervasive hunger. We recognize and deeply empathize with the pain, anger, and frustration that many of our fellow Nigerians are experiencing. The cries of the people underscore the severe difficulties faced daily as families struggle to afford basic necessities and sustain their livelihoods.
As we navigate this period of crisis, it is imperative to uphold the constitutional rights of every Nigerian to peacefully protest and express their grievances. The right to assemble and voice discontent is a cornerstone of our democracy and must be protected and respected by all. Peaceful protests are a powerful tool for civic engagement, allowing the populace to communicate their concerns and hold leaders accountable. However, the anxiety related to the impending protests is heightening, especially given the volatile experiences in countries like Kenya and Pakistan.
We must also draw from our recent history. The #ENDSARS and #RevolutionNow protests, though rooted in genuine grievances, were marred by tragic incidents where miscreants hijacked the process. This led to widespread looting, destruction of properties, and unfortunate loss of lives. These experiences have shown us that mass demonstrations can quickly degenerate into chaos if not properly managed and coordinated.
In light of the planned protests scheduled to commence on 1st of August, CAN urges all Nigerians to consider alternative means of expressing their grievances. We recommend giving the government more time to address these pressing concerns. This period should be used to explore other legal avenues that will not easily give hoodlums the opportunity to hijack the exercise to destroy our national assets or endanger lives and properties. Dialogue, petitions, and town hall meetings are viable options that can yield positive results without the risk of disorder.
We call on the government to cut the cost of governance and expedite its efforts to alleviate the hardships in the land. The opulent lifestyle of political office holders must be addressed to demonstrate the sincerity of those in government to improve the living conditions of the people. Likewise, it is imperative that the government implements the newly approved national minimum wage to provide immediate relief to struggling families.
Furthermore, specific measures must be taken to put an end to kidnappings, banditry, and mass killings that have plagued various parts of our country. The security and well-being of every Nigerian should be paramount, and urgent action is required to restore peace and order.
We also call on the government to expedite its efforts to alleviate the hardships in the land. There is an urgent need for more refined and effective policies that address the root causes of the economic challenges we face. The government must deepen its consultations with stakeholders, including religious leaders, to create a more inclusive and comprehensive approach to problem-solving. By working together, we can devise sustainable solutions that reflect the needs and aspirations of the people.
In these trying times, let us all remember the words of our Lord Jesus Christ: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God” (Matthew 5:9). As we seek to bring about positive change, let us do so with a spirit of peace, love, and unity. Our strength lies in our ability to come together, support one another, and work collectively toward a better Nigeria.
We pray for wisdom and discernment for our leaders, resilience and hope for our citizens, and divine intervention to guide us through these difficult times.
May God bless Nigeria and grant us the peace and prosperity we earnestly seek.
*Signed,*
Archbishop Daniel Okoh,
President, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN)
President Bola Tinubu has admitted that protest is part of democracy but insisted that such protest must be peaceful.
The President, who received in audience today, July 26, the new United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Richard Mills Jr., stressed that no government would allow people to hide under the democratic value of protest to turn protest into violence.
“Protests are a democratic right, but they should not result in the destruction of lives and property.”
Tinubu highlighted the long-standing relationship between Nigeria and the US, with emphasis on shared democratic values.
“Our relationship with America is rich. We believe in democracy and freedom.
This was even as Ambassador Mills reaffirmed US support for Nigeria’s democracy and pledged to enhance cooperation in areas such as cybercrimes.
He announced a special office at the Embassy to collaborate with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
President Tinubu also received Letters of Credence from the High Commissioners of Malaysia and Botswana, discussing opportunities to improve trade and cultural ties.
The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) has called on its 104 affiliate organizations to be on standby ahead of the nationwide protests scheduled for August 1-10, 2024. The protests aim to highlight the current economic hardships in the country.
In a communiqué released after an emergency meeting, NYCN President Sukubo Sara-Igbe Sukubo announced plans for a world press conference on July 31 to address the nation’s socio-economic challenges, including inflation, unemployment, and insecurity.
“The economic situation in Nigeria has deteriorated, sparking widespread agitation. NYCN commits to consulting widely with stakeholders to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the issues,” the communiqué read.
NYCN leaders urged their members to remain vigilant and prepare for the upcoming protests, emphasizing the need for a coordinated and peaceful demonstration to advocate for positive change.
The Department of State Services (DSS) has said that the planned protests in parts of the country in the coming weeks are parts of the plans for a regime change.
“While peaceful protest is a democratic right of citizens, the Service has confirmed a sinister plan by some elements to infiltrate the protest and use it to cause chaos and extreme violence in the land. It has also identified the reason behind the protest to be political.
“The plotters desire to use the intended violent outcome to smear the federal and sub-national governments; make them unpopular and pit them against the masses.
“The long term objective is to achieve a regime change, especially at the Centre.”
A statement today, July 25, by the spokesperson of DSS, Dr. Peter Afunanya, said that the Service has identified, among others, the funding lines, sponsors and collaborators of the plot.
“However, it (DSS) does not think that aggression should be the first line of action in the instance, in handling the emerging scenario. It has instead, variously applied non kinetic and conflict resolution strategies, including moral suasion, stakeholder engagement and other multi-track diplomatic shuttles, to dissuade the planners from actualising their undesirable objective.”
DSS however, warn all the protest groups to eschew any form of proposed rage, anarchy and spoliation.
It acknowledged that different levels of Government have routinely explained their agenda to ameliorate alleged harsh economic conditions and called on the prospective protesters to listen to the voice of reason, good conscience and patiently engage with the authorities, in the interest of peace.
“This has become important given that violence begets destruction of lives and property as well as serve as a distraction to governance.
“The agitators are encouraged to use ample ways available to them to channel their grievances without resorting to violence.”
It called on people of goodwill, Leaders of Thought, Captains of Industry, Labour Unions, Student Associations, Youth Leaders, the Civil Society, Clergy, NGOs, Women groups, Civil Servants and Politicians to shun any invitation to participate in any orchestrated violence, deliberately designed to cause disaffection in the country.
“Similarly, Parents, Guardians, Heads of traditional and academic institutions are respectively urged to advise their children, wards, subjects and students not to take part in the planned protest. “Let us all join hands to build a Nation without rancour, bitterness or stained banner.
“The Service will work with other sister Security and law enforcement agencies to maintain peace.
“It will, where necessary, apply all legitimate methods to achieve this. Meanwhile, the website, dss.gov.ng; email address – dsspr@dss.gov.ng and Telephone lines +2349153391309; +2349088373514 will remain available to the members of the public who may wish to contact the Service.”
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Ezenwo Nyesom Wike has warned that any form of anti-government protest will not be allowed in the FCT.
The Minister gave the warning today, July 25, shortly after the FCT Security Council Meeting, which was attended by the Heads of the various Security Agencies and the six Area Council Chairmen.
Wike acknowledged that Nigerians have the right to protest anywhere in the country, as enshrined in the law, but that the August 1st, 2024 for the planned anti-government protest coincides with the proposed date for the presentation of certificates of recognition to traditional rulers in all the Area Councils.
He said that the date is slated for the celebration of the traditional institution and not for anti-government protests.
“For those who want to protest on the 1st of August or thereabout, the FCT is not available for such protests.
“That is the day the FCT has set aside for the entire Area Councils jubilating to give out Certificate of recognition to all their traditional rulers.
“So, we will not allow the day that the FCT has set aside to honour their traditional rulers, for their people to come and rejoice, and then somebody will say that he wants to disrupt that day. We will not allow it.
“So, we want to make it categorically clear that that day is a day that the entire six Area Councils would be meeting to recognize and give out certificate of honour to their traditional rulers.
“So, we also invite our people to come and join us that day in celebrating. It is part of the achievements of the administration. So, let the whole world hear us and hear us very well that that day is not available for those who want to protest and the FCT is not available for the protesters.”
Wike said that anti-government protests are uncalled for in the FCT, in view of the enormous support that the FCT has received from the Federal Government, which is reflected in the accelerated provision of infrastructure in the nation’s capital.
He said that the FCT Administration would therefore not allow any form of demonstration that will disrupt the developmental trajectory of the FCT.
“For us as FCT, we have seen the changes. We have seen that government is working. “Mr. President has given the FCT so much support that all of us can attest to.
“Therefore, we will not allow anybody to set us back. We are looking forward to making sure that we take the FCT to where it’s supposed to be as one of the major cities, not only in Africa but also in the world.
“So, we will not allow anybody to disrupt the peace or set us back”.
The Minister said that instead of protesting, Nigerians should work collectively with the government to salvage the challenging situation in the country.
He said that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has acknowledged the difficult challenges that the country is facing and is committed to addressing them.
“This period, we think that all Nigerians should work collectively in order to salvage our country. “I’m aware that there are challenges. Mr. President and his team are working hard right now to make sure that those challenges, those problems facing our country are being solved.
“We know that it is a very difficult period for the citizens. Mr. President has said clearly that there are challenges, there are problems, but those problems and challenges will be tackled and we believe in him.
“We urge Nigerians to also have patience, that at the end of the day, we will come out of these economic woes.”
Former President Muhammadu Buhari has listed the contributions, to the advancement of Nigeria, by Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, who died hours ago.
In a condolence message, issued by his spokesperson, Malam Garba Shehu, Buhari acknowledged the contributions of late Iwuanyanwu to journalism, sports, politics and nation-building.
Describing his death as a sad event for Nigeria, the former President said that Chief Iwuanyanwu, who until his death, was Presented General of Ohanaeze Ndibo worldwide, revolutionized the nation’s media and sports.
“He made notable strides in the media industry, construction, sports, business and politics.
“I had several opportunities to interact with him to know about his passionate commitment to the unity, peaceful coexistence, and the development of Nigeria.
“His rich contributions have left indelible memories on the media, sports, politics, and business where he made extraordinary achievements.
“My condolences to his family, friends and associates, and the entire people of the South-east. His death is a loss to the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
The President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, is dead.
His death was confirmed in a statement today, July 25, by Jide Iwuanyanwu, the son of the late Chief Emmanuel.
According to the statement, the 82-year-old Iwuanyanwu died today after a brief illness.
“The Iwuanyanwu family of Umuohii Atta, in Ikeduru Local Government Area of Imo State announces the demise of our patriarch, Engr Chief Emmanuel Chukwuemeka Iwuanyanwu-Ahaejiagamba Ndigbo,” the statement read.
“Chief Iwuanyanwu died on Thursday July 25, 2024 after a brief illness. He was aged 82. Chief Iwuanyanwu before his death was President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo worldwide and President of Owerri Peoples Assembly.”
Iwuanyanwu is survived by his wife, Lady Princess Frances Iwuanyanwu, many children and grandchildren.
The statement said that the burial details will be announced later by the family after due consultations
Alhaja Musiliat Falade, mother of the head of media and external relations of the United Bank for Africa Plc (UBA) Ramon Nasir, is dead. She was aged 86.
A statement by Nasir said that she died today, July 25 in the morning.
The deceased, a devout Muslim, was a prominent business woman and community development driver.
She was decorated as the Yeye Oba of Imasayi in 2021 following the installation of Oba Olalekan Kuoye as the Olu of Imasayi Kingdom.
Nasir said that she was receiving treatment at Duchess International Hospital, Lagos before her death.
The statement reads in part: “Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Ilayhi Raji,un. Our matriarch is gone! It is with deepest regret and total submission to the will of the Almighty that the families of Falade, Kuoye, Nasir and Rasaq announce the passing away of our mother and the matriarch of our families, Musiliat Amoke, popularly known as Olowoletiasho.
“She passed on this morning at Duchess International Hospital. She was 86 years. Until her demise, she was the Iya-Oba of Imasayi Kingdom, Yewa, Ogun State.”
The deceased was buried at 4 p.m today in Ado-Odo, Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area of Ogun State.
We at Greenbarge Reporters online newspaper and hardcopy magazine commiserate with Nasir and pray for Allah’s mercy on the departed mother. May Aljannatu Firdausi be her final abode.
A new report of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), has scored Nigeria 71 per cent, in comparative legal, policy and governance frameworks towards G5, which is an advanced state of readiness for digital transformation known as G5 . The report shows that Germany, Finland and Singapore are leading the global chart.
In the report conducted by the ITU, the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), that was unveiled by Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani in Abuja on Monday, Nigeria was ranked among Africa’s top seven BEMECS 5G Readiness Index, which represents the country’s readiness to deploy and adopt mass-market 5G networks.
Titled, Collaborative Regulation: Accelerating Nigeria’s Digital Transformation, and presented at the Digital Economy Complex, Mbora, Abuja by ITU’s Kagwira Nkonge, the report, among other things, presented a case study for ‘collaborative regulation review to assess and support Nigeria’s transition towards collaborative digital governance, evidence-based policy making and agile regulation in the digital economy.”
The report, which was presented to a cross section of key industry stakeholders including service providers, government agencies, representatives of multilateral institutions, West Africa Telecommunications Regulators Assembly (WATRA), Africa Telecommunications Union (ATU), among others, was also designed to complement existing cross-country benchmarks in which features of countries policy and regulatory environment are assessed.
The features of countries policy and regulatory environment are assessed according to the pillars of the Generations of Regulation frameworks which tracks telecom regulatory maturity towards digital transformation readiness, designated at G5 Advanced State of Readiness”, and for which Nigeria currently stands at G4.
Advanced State of Readiness is benchmarked against four critical levels of accomplishments which include national collaborative governance, policy design principles, digital development toolbox, digital economic policy agenda, with Nigeria scoring 91 per cent in regulatory capacity; 82 per cent in Market Rules; 81 per cent in Collaborative Governance; 76 per cent in Legal Instruments for ICT/Telecom markets; 69 per cent in National Digital Agenda Policy, among other benchmarks.
Dr. Tijani, in his remarks at the event, commended the ITU and partner agencies and consultants that actualised the report; and expressed Federal Government’s commitment “to utilise this report as a navigational aid towards attainment of our regulatory objectives and policies outlines towards achieving a robust digital economy.
“That is what we will continue to do as a government, ensuring that we can put ourselves in a place to have cutting-edge modern regulations in place to ensure that business is done properly in our sector and to ensure that, where possible, increase the local content of the sector as well.”
Dr. Tijani noted that NCC has adapted over the years in response to how its role and mandate have changed. He explained, “Fifteen, twenty years ago, NCC was just regulating the telecommunications sector, today, NCC regulates the foundation for which any economy would be prosperous.”
The Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, who hosted the presentation, welcomed the indicators that promote effective regulation, attraction of greater investment, and development of innovative models for broader digital inclusion.
He emphasised that collaborative regulation would support Nigeria’s transition towards effective digital governance, evidence-based policy making and agile regulation in the nation’s digital economy.
