Friday, July 4, 2025
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CAN President Warns Against Religious Divisions, Calls for Stronger Interfaith Dialogue

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…Says Religious Literacy is Key to Sustaining Peace in Nigeria

 

The President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), His Eminence, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, has called for urgent and sustained interfaith dialogue to preserve peace and harmony in Nigeria, warning against religious divisions and false teachings that sow enmity.

 

Speaking at the 2025 United Nations World Interfaith Harmony Week Conference and Awards in Ibadan, Archbishop Okoh stressed that religious literacy and mutual understanding remain vital for unity in a diverse society like Nigeria.

 

“We must continue to engage in dialogue as the only option to achieve and sustain peace and harmony. Promoting religious literacy will help us see that what unites us is greater than what divides us,” he stated.

 

NIREC’s Role in Promoting Peace

 

The conference, themed “The Love of the Good and the Love of the Neighbour”, with a sub-theme “Peace for Our Time”, brought together faith leaders, scholars, and stakeholders to discuss strategies for strengthening interfaith cooperation and social cohesion.

 

Archbishop Okoh highlighted the success of the Nigeria Interreligious Council (NIREC), co-chaired by CAN and the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), in reducing religious conflicts since its formation in 1999.

 

“NIREC must be celebrated as one of the greatest efforts to bring about peace and harmony in Nigeria. Dialogue remains our strongest weapon against religious intolerance and extremism,” he added.

 

Call for Religious Tolerance and Rights Protection

 

The CAN President urged Nigerians to defend the rights of others, regardless of their religious or ethnic backgrounds, emphasizing that peace can only thrive when people recognize their shared humanity.

 

“It is in defending the rights of others that our own rights can be protected. We must speak up for others, recognizing the common humanity we all share,” he noted.

 

Commending the United Nations for championing interfaith dialogue, Archbishop Okoh applauded the efforts of individuals and organizations dedicated to building bridges across religious divides.

 

Faith Leaders Reaffirm Commitment to Peace

 

He also recognized Honor 103.5 FM and Pan-Af Publishers for organizing the event and urged all stakeholders to remain committed to fostering a world where no one is left behind.

 

“Love is not passive; it demands courage, sacrifice, and a willingness to listen with open hearts and minds. Through acts of love and solidarity, we can truly embody the spirit of this year’s theme,” he said.

 

As the conference concluded, faith leaders reaffirmed their commitment to counter religious extremism, promote peaceful coexistence, and advance a culture of tolerance and understanding.

 

“Together, through the power of love, we can build a brighter and more united future fo

r all,” Archbishop Okoh affirmed.

 

Retaliatory Attack: Herders Kill 5 Hunters In Benue

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Retal

A devastating attack occurred in Benue State’s Okpomaju community on Wednesday night, as armed herdsmen launched a surprise assault on local hunters, killing five people and injuring many others. The attack is believed to be a retaliatory response to the earlier killing of a herdsman in a clash with hunters.

 

According to eyewitnesses, the herdsmen stormed the Okpomaju community with sophisticated guns, shooting indiscriminately and setting houses ablaze. The attack left several houses burned, and many community members displaced.

 

A local resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity, described the attack: “The hunters were at home in Okpomaju when the armed herdsmen, numbering around 12, stormed the village with sophisticated guns, shooting indiscriminately.”

 

The resident continued: “In the process, they killed Peter, popularly known as JPG, and Moses, while others ran in different directions into the nearby bushes with gunshots. So far, we have recovered three dead bodies from those who ran to the bush, making a total of five. The fifth was recovered near Odudaje stream.”

 

The attack has sparked widespread fear and displacement in the community, with many residents fleeing to nearby towns for safety. Some of those who fled described the sound of gunshots as “deafening” and said they were too frightened to stay in their homes.

 

The Chairman of the Otukpo Local Government Area, Maxwell Ogiri, confirmed that security agents, including soldiers and police, had been deployed to the area to restore order and prevent further attacks.

 

Efforts to reach the Benue State Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, CSP Sewuese Anene, for confirmation were unsuccessful.

 

The attack is a clear indication of the escalating tensions between herders and local communities in Benue State, which has been plagued by violent clashes and killings in recent years.

 

The incident has also raised concerns about the effectiveness of efforts to address the root causes of the conflict and ensure justice for victims and their families.

Tinubu Shakes Up University Leadership: UniAbuja VC and Governing Council Removed

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In a surprise move, President Bola Tinubu has sacked Professor Aisha Maikudi as Vice-Chancellor of the University of Abuja (UniAbuja) and dissolved the university’s Governing Council. Maikudi’s removal comes after her controversial appointment in December, which was met with opposition from academic staff and council members ¹.

 

The President also announced a series of new appointments, including Professor Lar Patricia Manko as Acting Vice-Chancellor of UniAbuja for a six-month term. Manko will not be eligible to apply for the substantive Vice-Chancellor position when it becomes available.

 

Other changes include:

 

– *New Pro-Chancellors*: Senator Lanre Tejuoso will take over as Pro-Chancellor of Yakubu Gowon University, while Senator Joy Emordi will become Pro-Chancellor of the University of Agriculture, Makurdi.

– *Leadership Changes at UNN*: Prof Polycarp Chigbu has been removed as Acting Vice-Chancellor, and Prof Oguejiofu Ujam will take over for six months.

– *New Appointments*: Engineer Olubunmi Kayode Ojo will become the new Pro-Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, while Barrister Olugbenga Kukoyi will take over as Pro-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University in Awka, Anambra State.

 

Tinubu emphasized that these changes reflect his administration’s commitment to revitalizing Nigeria’s higher education system through dynamic leadership and accountability.

Reps Receive Proposal For 31 New States

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Nigeria’s House of Representatives Committee on Constitution Review has received a proposal for the creation of 31 additional states to the existing 36 states of the country. The proposal was disclosed by the Chairman of the committee and deputy speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Okezie Kalu.

 

*Breakdown of Proposed States by Region:*

 

– _North Central:_ 6 new states

– _North East:_ 4 new states

– _North West:_ 5 new states

– _South East:_ 5 new states

– _South South:_ 4 new states

– _South West:_ 7 new states

 

Some of the proposed states include:

 

– Okun, Okura, and Confluence States from Kogi

– Benue Ala and Apa States from Benue

– Amana State from Adamawa

– Katagum from Bauchi

– Savannah State from Borno

– Muri State from Taraba

 

The committee has outlined the criteria that must be met to initiate the state creation process, including:

 

– A two-thirds majority vote in the National Assembly

– Support from the House of Assembly and Local Government Council in respect of the area

– Submission of proposals in strict compliance with the outlined stipulations

 

The Committee remains dedicated to supporting efforts that align with the provisions of the Constitution and will only consider proposals that fully adhere to the established guidelines.

Reps Demand Harsher Penalties for Fake Drug Producers, Importers

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Nigeria’s Federal House of Representatives has called for stricter sanctions, including life imprisonment, for individuals and entities involved in producing and importing fake drugs. This move aims to address the devastating impact of counterfeit drugs on public health, which has led to countless avoidable deaths and suffering.

Hon. Tolani Shagaya, who presented the motion, emphasized that the current penalties are grossly inadequate and that the circulation of fake and substandard drugs is not just a criminal act but an assault on public health and safety. He cited reports from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), highlighting that Nigeria is one of the worst-affected countries by counterfeit medicines.

The House resolved to call on the Attorney General of the Federation to propose amendments to existing laws, advocating for harsher penalties, including:

– *Life imprisonment* for individuals involved in the production and importation of fake drugs
– *Hefty fines* for businesses found guilty of trading in counterfeit goods

Additionally, the House urged the government to:

– *Enhance regulatory agencies* like NAFDAC, SON, and the Nigerian Customs Service with adequate funding, modern equipment, and advanced technology
– *Establish a special task force* to expedite investigations and prosecutions of individuals and businesses engaged in counterfeiting
– *Conduct a thorough investigation* into the rising prevalence of counterfeit products and recommend legislative measures to address regulatory loopholes ¹.

Sir Azuka Okwuosa, The Progressive Minded Senator Ndị Anambra South Deserves

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Electing the next Anambra South Senator exigently needs to be done with a lot of wisdom for any judgement selection based on superficialities will result in Ndị Anambra South going backwards developmentally.

it is paramount for Ndị Anambra South to ask themselves , which of the Aspirants would make a good Senator and which of them will have a more significant and longer lasting impact on the lives of Ndị Anambra South as a Senator?

Ndị Anambra South who Sir Azuka Okwuosa have served as a Local Government Chairman and two times Commissioner for Work’s and transport respectively and meritoriously believes he will be their voice in the Senate and through people oriented bills Fast track development that will impact on the lives of Ndị Anambra South positively, ensuring that all the Democracy dividends of Ndị Anambra South do not elude them.

Let’s go and make a people-oriented Senator.

Let’s support Sir Azuka Okwuosa for Effective Representation in the upper Chambers of the National Assembly.

 

*AZUKA OKWUOSA MEDIA*

Azuka Okwuosa & Anambra South Senate By-Election: Case For A Cerebral Candidate

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In Nigeria senatorial zones are typically made up of a group of local government areas in a particular, state and each zone is represented by a senator in the National Assembly.

The Anambra South Senatorial zone/district comprises the geographical areas of seven local governments which includes ::
*Aguata(300PU), Ekwusigo(175PU), Ihiala(278PU), Nnewi North(198PU), Nnewi south(295PU), Orumba North(231PU), Orumba South(192PU)*

*Following the untimely death of Senator Ifeanyi Ubah who represented the Anambra South Senatorial District in the National Assembly, the stakes are high for all political parties that want to participate in a bye-election to replace the deceased senator.*

*It will be a fierce competition between the political parties, and especially in the All Progressives Congress, the party of the deceased senator.*

The office of a senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, is an important one, therefore, elected senators should possess the credentials to be effective in order to perform their jobs creditably.

An effective legislator must have very high standard of personal integrity and conduct himself in a disciplined and ethical manner at all times.

It is a truism that a concomitant consequence of our choice of representation to the present National Assembly (Senate and House of Representatives) is the quality of legislators that we have, in exercise of our adult suffrage and franchise voted (or chosen) to represent us in the federal legislature.

*It is within this context that Hon. Sir Azuka Okwuosa’s participation in the bye-election must be applauded.*

Hopefully, this trait will continue, thereby further energizing the Senate with qualitative cerebral personae, who have made impact on the lives of their people. Hon. Sir Azuka Okwuosa, a reputable Oil magnet is among the strong contenders for the ticket of the All Progressives Congress, for the forthcoming Senatorial Bye-Election in Anambra South Senatorial Zone.

Chinyelugo is an acknowledged philanthropist, a bridge-builder and a person whose guiding principle is the upliftment of his people and aims at sponsoring bills that will enhance the quality of their lives.

*Azuka Okwuosa desires the best for the people of Anambra South Senatorial district and for Anambra State in general.*

*We are of the firm conviction, that Hon. Sir Azuka Okwuosa is cerebral, astute, honest and a qualitative material that possesses leadership qualities which are credentials that makes him most suitable to represent the Anambra South Senatorial Zone in the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.*

*#Nominate & Support Azuka Okwuosa*

 

*AZUKA OKWUOSA MEDIA*

Transparency Is Our Watchword For The Senate; Sir Azuka Okwuosa Is Our Choice Says Ndị Anambra South

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Dearest APC Anambra South Senatorial bye-election Delegates and the good people of Anambra South, there is and adage which says, “Look before you leap”. And a tiny voice from the Anthill whispers, “Anger is an extremely powerful emotion. It can destroy lives, tear relationships apart, and ruin a believer’s witness”.

Scrutinizing the roles and responsibilities of a Senator , 3 major things resonates in the constituents’ subconsciousness – the Senator should be a transparent role model, the Senator should be of sound mind and the Senator should be Competent.

Anybody can be a Senator but, the question is, “How sound is the person’s mind, does he control anger or is he a slave to anger?”

Anybody could be a Senator but, what role does he model? What’s the people’s perspective on him as regards reliability, trustworthiness and Supportiveness ( for personal or collective interest)?

Anybody can be a Senator, but is he educationally and skillfully Competent to handle the weighty duties of a Senator in the highest Chambers of the National Assembly? Could the competence be justifiably verified?

Ndị Anambra South have resolutely said, “Chinyelugo, a Transparent Leader is our man for the Senate”.

Let’s support Sir Azuka Okwuosa for an Effective Representation in the Red Chambers of the National Assembly.

AZUKA OKWUOSA MEDIA

IGP Defies PSC Directive: Police Officers Told to Remain in Office

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In a surprising move, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has instructed police officers affected by the recent Police Service Commission (PSC) directive to disregard the order and remain in office. The PSC had directed officers who have served 35 years or reached 60 years of age to retire immediately, citing Public Service Rule No. 020908 .

However, IGP Egbetokun has countered this directive, ordering affected officers to “stay action, pending further instruction.” This move has sparked controversy, with the PSC clarifying that it does not have the constitutional authority to determine the appointment or retirement of the IGP himself.

The PSC’s initial directive was made to address inconsistencies with the Public Service Rule, which mandates retirement after 35 years of service or upon reaching 60 years of age. However, the IGP’s defiance has raised questions about the power dynamics between the PSC and the Nigerian Police Force .

As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how this will impact the police force and the retirement plans of affected officers.

Senate Deputy President Barau Launches ₦2.79 Billion Loan Scheme for Farmers in North-West

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Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Jibrin Barau, has announced a ₦2.79 billion loan scheme to support farmers across Kano, Jigawa, Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi, and Zamfara states in the North-West.

Speaking through his Special Adviser on Policy and Monitoring, Professor Bashir Muhammad Fage, at a press briefing in Abuja on Thursday, Barau emphasized that food security remains a top priority for progressive nations.

“Without food security, we are vulnerable at every level—individual, family, local government, state, and national. Decades ago, the North, especially the North-West, was Nigeria’s food hub, producing most of the country’s agricultural products for both domestic consumption and export. However, that is no longer the case,” he stated.

To revive the region’s agricultural strength, Barau has launched the Barau Initiative for Agricultural Revolution in the North-West, targeting 500 young farmers in the first phase of the program.

Loan Disbursement Plan

The initiative, executed through Barau Agricultural Foundation in partnership with national financial institutions, aims to provide financial assistance to farmers ahead of the 2025 planting season.

Under the scheme, each selected farmer will receive ₦5 million to invest in rice and maize cultivation. The breakdown of beneficiaries across the six states includes:

  • Kano – 133 beneficiaries
  • Kaduna – 69 beneficiaries
  • Kebbi – 63 beneficiaries
  • Katsina – 102 beneficiaries
  • Jigawa – 81 beneficiaries
  • Sokoto – 69 beneficiaries
  • Zamfara – 42 beneficiaries

The initiative is set to be fully launched in April 2025, in time for the farming season.

Boosting Food Production and Economic Growth

Barau noted that the program aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s New Hope Agenda, which prioritizes agriculture as a key driver of economic growth and food security.

“In 2023, Nigeria produced about 8.9 million metric tons of rice, the highest since 2010. However, this is still insufficient to meet the demands of our rapidly growing population. Through this initiative, we aim to significantly boost maize and rice production, stabilize food prices, and ensure year-round food availability,” he explained.

Farmers selected for the scheme will also receive technical guidance to enhance their productivity and maximize crop yields.

The Barau Initiative for Agricultural Revolution marks a major step toward revitalizing North-Western Nigeria’s agricultural sector, restoring its historical role as the nation’s food basket.