Drinkable water, a very important lubrication for the body system, has gone through many prices in the past few years, as Nigerians grapple to meet up with the increasing high cost of living.

Now, a bag of sachet water that was sold for N50 naira is now N500 in some areas.

Those who purchase water in less quantity now buy a sachet or two for N50.

Even the well-to-do Nigerians have gone through various means to cut costs in the area of water consumption.
Some have dumped bottled water, which now costs N300 per bottle in some cities; they now improvise by carrying sachet water in used bottles.

Some have resorted to boiling borehole water and sieving it into empty used bottles after it cools off.
This has reduced patronage and, subsequently, dropping the income of beverage hawkers.

Economy&Lifestyle discovered that to make ends meet, these hawkers have now returned to iced water (water poured in white nylons and refrigerated or added to block to get cold), as it was years back, which comes cheaper and affordable.
Such sellers are seen in school vicinities, market places and motor parks in smaller towns and cities in the country.
Mrs. Dorathy Ehis, a seller of sachet and bottled water in Benin said she had to improvise by selling ice water to increase sales.

“I never thought ice water would be sold in Nigeria again since the 90’s.

“But the continuous increase in the price of sachet and bottled water has left many drinking borehole water.
“My sachet and bottled water business is not moving at all.

“A bag of sachet water is sold for N500 here. It was sold for N300 a few months ago.

“In a day I sell 40 bags of pure water because those hawkers used to buy from me. But now, they only buy a few.
“So I added the selling of ice water which goes for three N20 because of the cost of nylon and boiling of borehole water before icing it.

“People bought it in large quantities to my surprise.

“Those women hawking water, request more for ice water than sachet and bottled water.

“If you go to the village markets on market days, you will find people hawking ice water and many buying it.”
Mrs. Sandra Momoh, a snack and water seller said: “I sell snacks and water outside a public school.
“Students cannot afford a sachet of water for N50.

“Also if you sell two sachet water for N50, you will run a loss because a bag is N500.
“So I had to improvise by selling ice water to increase patronage.

“I prepare the water by boiling it and when it cools off, I tie it in transparent nylons. Then I refrigerate them. When there is no electricity supply, I use ice blocks to make them chill.

“I sell it for N10 and they patronize me.

“I prepare up to 200 ice water daily and also ensure that the process of preparing the water is hygenic.”
Mr. Folawe Afolayan, a microbiologist, commended the initiative but expressed worry about the possibility of increased water borne diseases such as diarrhea due to unsafe and unclean water.

“It is a good innovation because I remember then in the 80’s and 90’s nobody was interested in sachet water but ice water.
“However, most borehole water are contaminated from the ground they are dug from ground to the septic tank which many do not clean.

“Drinking of unclean water can cause increase in waterborne diseases such as diarrhea.

“It is better for the government to look into the cost of producing clean water thereby making it accessible and affordable to the masses to save lives and avoid spending money on drugs to treat a break of water borne diseases.”

According to World Health Organization (WHO), 2022 State of the world’s drinking water report, “Unsafe drinking water is a driving factor behind the more than 1.5 million people who die every year from diarrhoea, most of them infants and small children.”

“Every one of these preventable deaths is a tragedy.

“Meeting the Sustainable Development Goal target of universal access to safe drinking water by 2030 will require countries and multilateral organizations to quadruple their investment – a small price to pay for the millions of lives saved.
“The progress we have made on increasing access to drinking water is fragile.

“Safe water is not a one-time investment. It requires monitoring and upkeep.

“At the same time, external factors threaten to roll back the gains we have made.

“Climate change is driving water scarcity and droughts, while flooding disrupts supplies and devastates communities. Pollutants threaten both human health and entire ecosystems.

“Urbanization and population growth are limiting the ability of cities to deliver water to the millions of people living in informal communities and slums, while in rural areas, low quality services, waterpoint breakdown, and distant, contaminated water sources are a daily reality.”

Nigerian singer Adekunle Gold, during a recent performance, took the time to acknowledge and honour people battling sickle cell anemia.

The vocalist shared a heartwarming message with the audience, particularly addressing those who have triumphed over the challenges of living with sickle cell disease.

Adekunle Gold revealed that he has been battling with sickle cell disease since birth but has successfully managed to lead a fulfilling life.

Adekunle Gold honours sickle cell survivors, reveals personal battle at concert

Despite his diagnosis, the singer expressed his gratitude for not only being able to cope with the condition but also for achieving success on the global stage.

He shared that despite a lifelong battle with sickle cell anemia, he has never let it hinder his career, emphasizing that he has never experienced significant health setbacks while performing worldwide.

During his heartfelt message, Adekunle Gold encouraged others affected by sickle cell disease to remain resilient and determined in pursuing their life goals.

Drawing from his own experiences, the singer urged individuals not to let the illness become a barrier to their aspirations and dreams.

The artist expressed his gratitude for his ability to manage the disease, acknowledging that the journey has not always been easy, but he remains thankful for his overall well-being.

As a symbol of solidarity and support, Adekunle Gold dedicated his performance of the song “5 Star” to sickle cell survivors

The celebrity boxing match featuring prominent Nigerian actors Rykardo Agbor and Kelvin Ikeduba is making waves in the news, fueled by video footage circulating online.

Recently, the duo engaged in an electrifying entertainment event known as the “Celebrity Global Fight Concert,” held on Saturday, February 24, 2024, at the esteemed Congress Hall of the Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja.

In clips circulating across various platforms, Kelvin and Rykardo can be seen unleashing a barrage of unconventional moves within the confines of the boxing arena..

Their playful exchange of light jabs ignited a frenzy of excitement among spectators, fueling an array of animated reactions from fans across the board.

SEE VIDEO BELOW

YORUBA Nation agitator, Mr. Sunday Adeyemo, also known as Sunday Igboho, has vowed to continue defending his people against invaders.

He said this at Igboho town during the burial service of his mother, who died last year when he was away from the country.

Recall that Igboho fled the country on July 1, 2021, when combined security agents invaded his Soka residence in Ibadan, killing two persons, while 13 of his supporters were arrested. Igboho was later arrested in Benin Republic on his way to Germany.

He was, thereafter, granted bail by the Beninoise government.

He noted that he led the protests against the killing of his people when everyone in the West remained silent.

Speaking on the invasion of his residence during the previous administration, he narrated how former President Muhammadu Buhari allegedly wanted to kill him.

He said: “Buhari wanted to kill me. Our elders and kings were all afraid to talk. They were afraid of Buhari. When the Fulani herders were killing our people, I rose against it in the South West and Nnamdi Kanu stood up against them in the East. I said one Nigeria wouldn’t work because our leaders were using deceit to govern us.”

On the need for the youths to shun violence and hooliganism while pursuing their interest, the activist said: “If we need help from our elders or traditional rulers, we should lobby them not to disregard or abuse them.”

Igboho, who briefly narrated how much he suffered at the hands of the previous government, added that all his bank accounts were frozen by the former administration.

He said: “The Nigerian government froze my entire bank accounts and destroyed my property. It was the Yoruba in the diaspora that came to my rescue. They took care of me and paid my bills saying I mustn’t suffer in vain.”

In addition, he said: “We can get what belongs to us without resorting to violence and thuggery. In all the protests I led across the South West, no one can say I killed anyone or I destroyed their property. I was peaceful. I’m not a hooligan; I can say I belong to the camp of rich men. My friends were calling me then asking what pushed me into the protests offering to give me money. But I said, it wasn’t a money issue but I wanted freedom for my people.”

Explaining he would always defend his people against attackers, he promised to support carefully selected security guards that would guard his people in their farms against attackers.

Igboho said: “I want them to go to their farms without being kidnapped, killed, maimed or raped. Our fathers and mothers can’t go to farms any longer. So, let us have our security and drive away the murderers from our farms.”

In an emotion-laden voice, he narrated how he would have loved to meet his mother alive. “My mummy died because of me. At a point, I told God never to allow those who would not want me to bury my mother win the election and God answered my prayers. I wish I met my mummy before she died”, he said.

President Bola Tinubu acted in the best interest of Nigeria with his decision to remove subsidy on petrol on his inauguration day, the presidency has said.

The presidency said Tinubu’s removal of subsidy was geared towards saving the country from economic collapse and monumental financial mess.

Secial Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, made this known in a chat with TheCable.

Onanuga said Nigeria was in a bad place financially and the situation compelled the president to act quickly before things got worse.

The presidential aide said this in reaction to an interview granted by a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, Mr Babachir Lawal, who said the announcement of subsidy removal by Tinubu a few minutes after his inauguration was haphazard and fuelled by arrogance without due consultations with relevant stakeholders.

While justifying Tinubu’s action, Onanuga said Buhari did not make provision for subsidy in the 2023 budget, adding that the country was in dire financial straits.

Onanuga said: “Is Babachir still talking? Well, that is his opinion that the subsidy was hastily removed. The truth is, the subsidy was meant to be removed by the end of June 2023 according to what former president Muhammadu Buhari left behind.

“President Tinubu only announced it on May 29 on the day he was sworn in. That is to show you that something is wrong somewhere and that the nation had a problem at that time.

“What I find out is that Nigerians easily forget things, we have a short memory about things. They should cast their minds back to what happened at that period. The NNPCL was saying the government owed them N4tr of subsidy money. NNPCL was the only importer of fuel and towards the general elections; fuel scarcity was all over the country.

“Due to the scarcity, in some places, fuel was selling for about N700 – N800 before President Tinubu was sworn in. NNPCL didn’t have money to import fuel because they were being owed over N4tr by the federal government. People have easily forgotten about that.”

Onanuga said the country would have been in deeper problems if Tinubu did not act swiftly to address the situation.

“Tinubu knew the problem and that was why he made the announcement on the day of his inauguration. The language he used was ‘Subsidy is gone’ because even in the budget, there was no provision for it.

“I will challenge journalists to go and check that budget, when you look at that budget made by Buhari before leaving office, you will find out that aside no provision for subsidy, 97 percent of our income will be spent on servicing debts. If 97 percent of budget is used to service debts, what is left for Nigerians to spend?

“That 97 percent budgeted for debt servicing does not include the money the Federal Government owes the NNPCL. There were serious problems then and Tinubu just needed to do something quickly to arrest the deterioration.

“You can see what has happened in the last nine months with those measures he took. Yes, those measures are painful but they are needed to reset the economy and financials of this country. Otherwise, we would have ended into a much more disastrous situation.”

Lagos Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has reiterated his administration's commitment to providing a friendly environment for investors, particularly multinationals from the United States and Africa, to invest in the State. 

He said Lagos is open and ready for investments and therefore urged foreign and local investors to see the State as an investment attractive destination, noting that his administration is willing to do what is expected of the government to create a conducive environment for business to thrive.

Governor Sanwo-Olu spoke during a courtesy visit by the Corporate Council on Africa led by its President/CEO, Ms. Florie Liser at the Lagos House, Marina, on Saturday.

He said: “The world is actually moving and it is moving very fast. And it is no longer news that if the world wants to move, Africa is where that movement can happen. For us in Lagos, we are ready and our government is open.

“We have a city to run, a massive subnational that’s bigger than some other African countries. We are striving to make the city livable, resilient and equally competitive with other cities in the world and when we see ratings and outcomes of global rankings, we are excited. What it does for us is that it makes us also work harder because nobody is slowing down.

“This government is certainly committed. We are pushing on all the verticals of our economic agenda. We are trying to make life more meaningful for our citizens. We are trying to galvanize all the opportunities that are here. Lagos is open; it is ready and it is really for people to see it, smell it, and make the right call. The call is to see it as an investment attractive destination. And whatever you want us to do as a government, we are always willing to do it.

“We are happy that you have come on a courtesy visit. We are willing to grow the partnership. My government is open and willing to engage further in whatever form that can make your members feel confident that the government is helping and willing to help investments. The number is here, people are here and the environment is here. Let us create a mutual government-to-business and business-to-government relationship.”

Speaking about his administration's achievements in line with the THEMES+ developmental agenda, Governor Sanwo-Olu said his government has intervened and created several intentional opportunities in critical areas such as public transportation, health, education, technology and entertainment.

Governor Sanwo-Olu also expressed his excitement about the Red Line rail, which is expected to be inaugurated by President Bola Tinubu on Thursday. He said he is excited that his administration, which started the project, is going to hand over the infrastructure to the public.  

He said the train service, which is expected to carry hundreds of thousands of Lagosians from one destination to another, is one of the ways his government can make Lagos livable for the residents of the State.

Speaking earlier, Ms. Liser, said the Corporate Council on Africa, which is a business association with members of both United States and African multinationals, is willing to partner with Lagos State Government in energy, power, infrastructure, agro-business, technology, trade and finance, among others. 

Liser, who disclosed that they are excited to be in Lagos for a trade and investment mission, commended Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu's administration for his laudable achievements in the State, especially the Red Line project.

She also praised the State Government for focusing on fintech, health and driving investment into Lagos State. 

Liser also invited Governor Sanwo-Olu to the CCA Africa business summit holding in Dallas, Texas on May 6-9 for him to address the summit on what he has done as the Governor of Lagos State.

SIGNED

GBOYEGA AKOSILE

CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY

25 FEBRUARY 2024

With the September 21 Edo State governorship election looming, the newly emerged governorship candidates from the three major political parties who may likely succeed the incumbent governor Mr. Godwin Obaseki; capturing their strengths and weaknesses.

Last week, Edo State was a beehive of activities following the primaries by the three major contending political parties in the upcoming September governorship election. On Thursday, February 22, The ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state chose Mr. Asue Ighodalo as its standard bearer.

Ighodalo emerged as a candidate after defeating six other aspirants namely; the state deputy governor, Philip Shaibu; Osaro Onaiwu, Anselm Ojezua, Felix Akhabue, Arthur Esele, Martins Ihomoibhi and Hadizat Umoru. While Omosede Igbinedion withdrew from the race weeks before the election, Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama declined to continue, citing irregularities in the process by the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party for his withdrawal

The following day saw the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Labour Party (LP), elect Mr. Monday Okpebholo and Olumide Akpata as their candidates respectively. While Akpata defeated Kenneth Imansuangbon, Prof. Sunday Eremosele Eboh, and Sergius Ogun to become the LP candidate, Okpebholo floored Dennis Idahosa and Sunday Anamero Dekeri to pick the APC ticket in a rescheduled primary.

The emergence of the three candidates will definitely turn the race into a battle royale because of their respective calibre and personalities. Two of the candidates, Asue and Okpebholo are from the same Edo Central senatorial district, while Akpata is from Edo South.

No doubt the emergence of Akpata in a contest for which the PDP and APC have chosen their candidates from the super minority Edo Central Zone (Esan) has created the fear of a possible massive disruption in the governorship contest. Many believe that his choice of running mate from Edo North will aid his planned upset of the governorship election equation.

Asue Ighodalo

Ighodalo is a consummate lawyer and successful businessman. He is a founding partner of Banwo & Ighodalo, a leading corporate and commercial law firm. His core areas of practice are corporate and project finance, securities and capital markets, energy and natural resources, and mergers and acquisitions. His early education was at King’s College, Lagos; and the University of Ibadan. Today, as Chairman of several top-notch organisations, Asue has had a remarkable journey, successfully led numerous high-stake negotiations, advised on critical legal matters, and directed strategic initiatives that have transformed organisations and achieved remarkable outcomes.

Born with a distinctive rarity and resolute devotion to justice, Asue embarked on a mission that birthed what has now become his legacy. He obtained his first degree in Economics from the University of Ibadan, a law degree from the London School of Economics and Political Science and was admitted into the Nigerian Bar in July 1985.

Ighodalo is a member of the Nigerian Bar Association (past Chairman of the Section on Business Law 2014-2016), International Bar Association (Energy, Environment, Natural Resources and Infrastructure Law Section (SEERIL)), Association of International Petroleum Negotiators, Institute of Directors Nigeria, Commercial Law and Taxation Committee of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria.

He was the Chairman, Board of Directors, Sterling Bank Plc, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Levene Energy Group Limited, Edo State Investment Summit, DO II Designs Limited and Global Mix Limited. He also sat on the boards of Mainstreet Technologies Limited (ownership company of MainOne Cable Limited), Cardinal Stone Partners, Okomu Oil Palm Plc, Christopher Kolade Foundation, Boff & Co. Insurance Brokers, Healthcare Federation of Nigeria (NGO focused on the development of healthcare practitioners) and Kashim Ibrahim Foundation, Kaduna (NGO focused on the leadership development of Nigerian youths).

He is the immediate past Chairman of the Nigeria Economic Summit Group (NESG) and he also served on the Board of the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority, May 2017-May 2021, and was Chairman of Dangote Flour Mills Plc. Throughout the administration of the former Governor of Edo State, Adams Oshiomhole, he was a member of the state Economic Team chaired by the incumbent, Godwin Obaseki, as well as the Chairman of Obaseki’s Alaghodaro, which in Benin parlance means progress.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Ighodalo is a compassionate and philanthropic individual, channelling his success towards making a positive impact on society.

He has authored many articles in leading law publications and also delivered presentations on diverse subjects including a biannual seminar on ‘Contemporary Political History of Nigeria’ at the Nigerian Leadership Initiative Future Leaders class and the Kashim Ibrahim Fellowship (KIF) class. He also lectured on the roles and duties of directors and corporate governance at the Lagos Business School and the Institute of Directors. He was conferred with an Honorary Doctorate of Economics by the Edo University, Uzairue in November 2021.

He is ever-learning and seeking continuous growth through training and certifications. They include International Institute for Management Development (IMD)- (2023), Stanford Directors’ College – (2019), INSEAD International Directors Programme (2016), Harvard Business School – Making Corporate Boards More Effective (2015), Aspen Institute -Nigeria Leadership Seminar (2006), Harvard Business School – Governing for Nonprofit Excellence (2004) and Georgetown University – Georgetown Leadership Seminar (2003).

Strengths: Ighodalo will bring his wealth of business acumen to bear in handling the day-to-day affairs of the state; the likelihood of getting enough resources to prosecute his election being Obaseki’s preferred choice to take over from him; and the choice of a running mate coming from the south district will be of great advantage to his victory.

Rumours already have that he will pair with the current Secretary to State Government (SSG), Osarodion Ogie, a formidable political figure from the area who many see as the only face of the Obaseki administration and a likeable fellow with the innate ability to galvanise votes because of his uncommon magnanimity and empathy which cut across every political divide. Ighodalo also possesses a very eloquent and persuasive voice.

Weaknesses: Although he sees himself as a unifier, some persons, however, perceive him as a continuation of Obaseki’s governorship style that lacks a human face. Others think that he is not a thorough Edo homeboy.

Monday Okpebholo:

Elected into the Senate last year to represent Edo Central District, he came from the background of an entrepreneur. He was born in Udomi-Uwesan, Irrua, Esan Central Local Government of Edo. Okpebholo whose name also coincides with his ancestry, was popularly nicknamed Akpakomisa from childhood because of his survival of the tough times occasioned by the numerous waterborne diseases at the time. That nickname strikes the typical Esan man to his marrow as it connotes unanticipated toughness, especially his ability to survive the difficulty at that time when many children couldn’t survive the diseases. He won the Senate seat and now the APC governorship ticket to the consternation of many.

Okpebholo came from a humble and hardworking family. He was born on June 12, 1962, and attended Uromi Elementary School in Edo. Thereafter, he went to Uromi Grammar School, where he excelled both academically and socially. He then attended the University of Benin, where he studied Agricultural Economics and bagged a Bachelor’s degree in 1986.

Strengths: Belongs to the ruling party at the national level to mobilise resources. Will also get support from his senatorial district. A good mobiliser of both human and material resources, generous.

Weaknesses: The harsh APC economic policy and lack of vision of his party at the national level may not persuade Edo voters enough to support his gubernatorial ambition. Will experience divided votes by virtue of his senatorial district being the least with voting strength. Other prominent members of his party may sabotage his election victory because of the circumstances that threw him up. The choice of a running mate may also work against him.

Olumide Akpata:

Born on October 7, 1972, Akpata is a legal practitioner and politician. He was a senior partner and the Head of the Corporate and Commercial Practice Group at Templars, a renowned commercial law firm in Nigeria until his resignation on August 31, 2023, to enable him to pursue his political ambition.

Olumide surprised many in July 2020 when he became the President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) after he defeated several Senior Advocates of Nigeria to become the first non-SAN in 28 years to clinch the position.

Strengths: Comes from a prominent Benin family of Justice Ephraim Akpata, Tayo Akpata and Senator Akpata during the Second Republic. An eloquent and motivational speaker, and manager of men and materials. The only person from the three leading candidates to come from the Edo South senatorial district with the highest single voting population. Has the backing of youths because of his age. His party, Labour Party won the February 25 presidential election in the state.

Weaknesses: The choice of a running mate may be a drawback. If he chooses one from the central district, that may deplete the votes coming from that district. The northern district may not favour him either because it is the stronghold of the APC leader, Adams Oshiomhole. It is also not clear how he hopes to raise funds to prosecute the election.

For now, the people of Edo are carefully watching where the pendulum will swing by the time campaigns start leading to the election in September.

[TheNigeriaLawyer]

 All the gates that are standing against you will crash today in the name of Jesus! And the gates of heaven - life, prosperity, favour, grace, opportunities, healing and breakthrough are opening for you. While the gates of hell – opposition, failure, disappointment, enemies, sicknesses and death will close. Yes, you cannot enter or exit circumstances, positions without going through the gates.  Everything about life is a function of gates. The decisions about life and death take place at the gates. Remember the word of God said that the battle is at the gates. And that is why bible talks about the gates of heaven and the gates of hell. If the gates (powers, doors and windows) of heaven open for you, you will be blessed on earth. And if the gates of hell are unleashed against you, my dear you will sure need an urgent divine intervention to overcome them. You are where you are today because of the activities of these gates. Thank God that Jesus assured us that those rampaging gates of hell will not, never prevail against us. You must get my book / audiobook Power of Midnight Prayer immediately to have a deeper insight into the locations, operations and the powers of these two opposing gates and how their activities affect us. I called it there crashing the gates!

    But here, let’s limit ourselves to the gates of Jericho, “Now the gates of Jericho were tightly shut because the people were afraid of the Israelites. No one was allowed to go out or come in.  But the LORD said to Joshua, ‘I have given you Jericho, its king, and all its strong warriors.” Joshua 6:1-2. Are there people like that today? Nothing good, no favour is coming in or going out of their life. Everything around them is stagnant. God told Joshua and the Israelites that he had given them Jericho and everything in it, but when they approached, the wall was too high and the gates tightly, securely, firmly shut. Nothing, nobody, no goods and services were going in or coming out of the city. They knew that the Israelites were around and they didn’t want to give them any chance. The enemy has made things very difficult for you because he knows and understands God’s plan for you. True. He heard the divine promises for your life. He is aware of your confessions, ambitions, prayers and efforts to reach your goal and destiny, hence, his determination to frustrate, block and if possible destroy you and your plans.

   Yes, he did same to Jesus. He knew about Jesus’ mission and wanted Joseph to disown Marry and the baby in the womb, so that they would label the child a bastard. When he was about being born, there was no place for him except the animal’s pen. When he was eventually born, the jealous and wicked Herod killed hundreds of children, targeting him. But he divinely ‘escaped’. And throughout his life and ministry he struggled with the gates and powers of hell. The enemy struggled to oppose, discredit and destroy him. Even at the cross, he almost missed it. When he was buried the same gates of hell sealed his tomb and mounted soldiers there, but the power of God overruled. Thank God he eventually fulfilled his mission and ascended gloriously. This is also how the enemy goes after all of us. But today, God is saying that he has given you the keys to open the gates and also the power to bind and crash those ones that are against you. 

Seven Times

   God told Joshua and the Israelites that they must march round the city of Jericho once a day for six days with seven priests walking ahead of the Ark, and seven times on the seventh day. My God! There are so many things, blessings that God has given to us that we must have to act before we take actual possession. True. Yes, Joshua had the divine encounter and assurance with the commander of the LORD’s army, but the Israelites will still have to march in obedience. You have the prophecy, the vision, the dream and the promise, but you must also act and do something towards that vision. And not just doing something, you must act on time and in total obedience to the divine instructions and plan if you want to be successful. Every divine promise has a divine plan, road map to bring it to pass. You must find and follow it to succeed. Now, seven is the number of completion and rest. From now you will have rest from those your struggles in the name of Jesus! God rested at the seventh day of creation.  Yes, we can have rest here. We must not struggle throughout life. No. God can give you rest, prosperity and victory right here.

    There is something divine about this number seven. And can we scratch it a little here? Jacob was to serve seven years to be able to obtain his dream wife Rachel. The famine and the time of plenty at the time of Pharaoh and Joseph were to be seven years each. And the king’s dreams were also seven fat cows, seven thin cows, seven heads of grain, etc. Elijah after the decisive battle of Mount Carmel prayed seven times before the rain came. Are you listening? I love that encounter so much. When your prayer, sacrifice and obedience are complete, the rain will pour down in torrents. You also remember that Elisha told Naaman to dip himself seven times in the Jordan River to be healed of his leprosy.

Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State on Sunday, says he has done his best for internally displaced persons and vulnerable residents threatening to join terrorists in the forests.

Earlier in the week, some IDPs who lamented over the widespread hardship in the land, said they were considering joining the sect wooing them.

But while addressing some IDPS, at Mafa, on Sunday, Zulum expressed displeasure over the action, warning that those who intend to go back to the forest to realise that there is no second chance.

“Yesterday, I received a report that some IDPs in Dikwa have protested that they will return to the bush because we could not provide food to them. This afternoon, others in Mafa have also done the same,” Zulum said.

“In the last couple of years, we have consistently provided food to internally displaced and vulnerable people. Believe me, what we are doing is even beyond our capacity. In the last four years, the Government of Borno State spent nothing less than N40bn to provide food and non-food items to the people of the State.”

“No government, be it state or federal, has the capacity to provide food to everyone and let me categorically state that I cannot do more than this. The hardship we are facing is not only in Borno State, but all over Nigeria. There are economic crises in all parts of the world. No state in Nigeria is doing better in the distribution of palliative than Borno.

“We distributed food to IDPs and vulnerable communities every quarter. However, with the improvement in the security situation, we decided to reduce the number of our distribution because people have started earning their livelihood.

“Most of you here (more than 80%) now have access to agricultural land, and I believe you have cultivated your farmlands and harvested your farm products.

“Both State and Federal governments spend huge amounts of money on security. We have realised substantial progress in terms of development and terms of security. Let me be frank with you that we will not condone mischievous activities. If you think life in the bush is better than living here, you can go.”

The Governor expressed gratitude to the federal government for providing the needed support to attain substantial peace in Borno State.

A former Member of the House of Representatives, Dr Usman Bugaje, has said President Bola Tinubu’s loyalists who served with him when he was Lagos governor misled him on the post-Niger coup crisis.

Some of Tinubu’s loyalists from Lagos who are also in the presidency have been dubbed ‘Lagos Boys’.

Bugaje, who represented the Kaita/Jibaya Federal Constituency of Katsina state from 2003 to 2007 said the Lagos Boys exhibited arrogance and failed to consult experts before advising Tinubu to threaten Niger after the coup.

Recall Nigeria’s neighbouring nation, Niger experienced a coup that ousted President Mohamed Bazoum on July 26, 2023.

Gen. Abdourahamane Tchiani, who served as the commander of the Nigerien presidential guard has taken over since then.

President Tinubu, the Chairman of the Economic Community of West Africa (ECOWAS) sent a delegation to the Niger’s junta seeking the return of the democratically elected government but efforts put abortive.

The ECOWAS chair also issued threats of using military force to end the military takeover but Tchiani did not bulge.

Tinubu, after several efforts failed, closed the Niger-Nigerian border, and cut electricity, medicine, and others.

Speaking about how the Nigerian government handled the Nigerien crisis, Bugage who just returned from the coup-hit nation said Tinubu acted beyond the ECOWAS brief.

Bugaje, former House Chair on the Foreign Affairs Committee disclosed this in an interview with Trust TV.

“The social media says that ‘Lagos Boys’ know everything. So, maybe this is the arrogance they came with. They think and don’t consult; whatever it is,” Bugaje said.

“I want us to see that as a country we have violated the norms, we have done things that are far beyond the ECOWAS brief, and that has created a lot of negative reactions from Niger.”

Based on his interactions with Nigeriens when he visited their country, the ex-federal lawmaker said, “Niger is taking these things with a lot of humility and decorum; and they are still saying that despite what you people have done to us, we still see Nigerians as our brothers, we still see these colonial boundaries as artificial, not barriers.”

After the meeting over the weekend, ECOWAS has lifted sanctions imposed on the three Sahel junta-led nations – Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso.