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Pope Francis has prayed for Nigerians and thousands of lives across the world who were shattered by violence and war in 2023.
The Vatican News reports that Pope Francis after the Angelus prayer on Sunday, December 31, 2023, appealed to those who, according to him, have a “stake” in armed conflicts to “listen to the voice of their conscience”.
The Pope was quoted as saying, “At the end of the year, let us have the courage to ask ourselves: “How many lives have been shattered by armed conflict? How many deaths? And how much destruction, how much suffering… how much poverty!”
The cleric made the appeal following his sad reflection on 2023, which was blighted by violence, death, destruction and displacement.
Pope Francis recalled the sad Christmas celebration in Nigeria’s Plateau State where over 140 people were killed and scores more injured on Christmas Eve in communal violence.
He said, “Sadly, the celebration of Christmas in Nigeria was marked by serious violence, in Plateau state, with many victims. I pray for them and their families: May God deliver Nigeria from these horrors.”
His thoughts and assurances of closeness and prayer also went to “those who lost their lives in the fuel truck explosion in Liberia,” where 52 people died after a fuel tanker crashed and exploded on Tuesday near the capital, Monrovia. Many injured people remain in hospital in critical condition.
He also prayed for those suffering from wars and called for prayers for “the tormented Ukrainian people, the Palestinian and Israeli people, the Sudanese people and many others.”
“And let us not forget the martyred Rohingya,” he added.
The presidential yuletide transportation subsidy programme reportedly reached over 163,000 Nigerians in its first 10 days.
The committee implementing the programme announced this on Monday, saying the figure includes both free train rides and passengers who enjoyed 50% discounts on bus fares.
Dr. Dele Alake, the Committee Chairman and Minister of Solid Minerals Resources, declared the scheme a “huge success” in a progress report delivered in Lagos.
Alake hailed the programme’s reported success as a testament to President Bola Tinubu’s love for Nigerians and his understanding of their cultural importance of travelling home during the festive season.
The minister noted that the subsidies, ranging from N21,500 on Lagos-Abuja trips to N15,000 on Lagos-Onisha, aimed to ease the financial burden faced by citizens amid economic hardships.
According to Alake, the progress report showed that 71,000 passengers travelled for free on Nigerian Railway Corporation trains, while 77,122 passengers received a 50% discount on bus fares under the Association of Luxury Bus Owners of Nigeria (ALBON) since the programme began on December 21.
“Also, 652 bus trips originating travels from Oshodi Interchange in Lagos carried 15,766. This means no fewer than 163, 878 passengers benefitted from the Presidential Yuletide Transportation Subsidy in the first 10 days of the programme.
“Secondly, while train bound passengers enjoyed total free service, road travelers paid only 50 per cent of the fares.
“The subsidies depended on the fares ranging from a saving of N21,500 on a Lagos-Abuja road trip fare of N43,000 and N15,000 on a Lagos –Onisha bus fare of N30,000,” he said.
Recall that the programme failed to take off in many parts of the country on December 21, leaving citizens hoping to save on transportation costs stranded.
But Alake, on Monday, said to address issues identified early on, the committee engaged additional bus operators, added routes, and spread awareness about the programme through the media.
[STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE] President Tinubu Mourns Foremost Pharmacists, Professor Ebenezer Ogunlana
AdminPresident Bola Tinubu sends his condolences to the family, friends, and associates of Professor Ebenezer Ogunlana, who passed away at the age of 87.
Professor Ogunlana was once President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria as well as the Association of Professional Bodies in Nigeria and the West African Pharmacists Association.
He was Dean, Faculty of Pharmacy, and Deputy Vice-Chancellor at the then University of Ife, now Obafemi Awolowo University.
He was a recipient of the Andre Bedat award, which is given to persons who have distinguished themselves in the practice of pharmacy by the International Pharmaceutical Federation.
The President sympathizes with the Ogunlana family and the pharmaceutical community for the painful loss of this lodestar of pharmacy in Nigeria and beyond.
President Tinubu prays for the repose of the soul of the dearly departed and comfort for all those who mourn this agonizing loss.
Chief Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
January 1, 2024
President Bola Tinubu has said the nation’s security challenge has improved since he assumed office.
The president said his administration has been working silently to free captives from abductors.
He said though it may not have solved all the security problems confronting the country, it is working hard to ensure that Nigerians have peace of mind in their homes.
“Since our administration took over the mantle of office, security has improved. Silently, we have worked to free captives from abductors.
“While we can’t beat our chest yet that we had solved all the security problems, we are working hard to ensure that we all have peace of mind in our homes, places of work and on the roads,” he said.
President Tinubu’s broadcast is coming about one week after armed men slaughtered over 100 people in Bokkos and Barkin-Ladi Local Government Areas of Plateau State.
The First Lady, Mrs Remi Tinubu, has said expectant mothers must prioritise their health and seek to know their HIV/AIDS status.
She said this will enable them prevent mother-to-child transmission of the disease and help they themselves stay healthy.
According to a statement by her media aide, Busola Kukoyi, the First Lady was speaking at the National Hospital in Abuja on Monday, where she welcomed the first baby of the year 2024 in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
She appealed to well-meaning Nigerians to join forces with Government to adopt hospitals and wards to improve the healthcare delivery in the country as government alone can not do it.
“I urge nursing mothers to take adequate care of their babies, ensure that they are immunized as and when due, practice exclusive breastfeeding and provide them with adequate nutritious and healthy weaning food for their brain development.
“Expectant mothers should always take antenatal and postnatal care seriously, maintain basic hygiene at home, space their births, register their babies with the National population Commission, NPC and make efforts to enroll them in school at the appropriate age,” she stated.
The First Lady noted that her Foundation, Renewed Hope Initiatve (RHI) was working in collaboration with UNICEF to see that all births in Nigeria are registered in order to ensure the rights and protection of all children.
After visiting the baby boy, Boluwatife Johnson, Senator Oluremi Tinubu visited other babies just born in the hospital, bearing gifts and came across a set of conjoined twins.
After speaking with the Chief Medical Director of the National Hospital, the First Lady stated the willingness of her pet project, RHI, to lend a helping hand to facilitate the surgery to separate the twins.
The Chief Medical Director, Prof. Mohammed Raji Mahmood, while expressing the appreciation of the hospital for the gesture, seized the opportunity to appeal for more help to sustain the legacy of the hospital.
Also with the First Lady, was the wife of the Vice President, Mrs Nana Shettima, Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy Ohaneye, wife of the minister for works, Mrs Umahi and the wife of the Minister of State for Defence, Mrs Bello Matawalle.
The baby Boluwatife Johnson was born at about 12.03am.
Former President Muhammadu Buhari has said that he was happy when incumbent President Bola Tinubu jetted up the petrol pump price on May 29, 2023.
He said the decision would reduce the number of visitors he receives in his native Daura town in Katsina Stats.
Buhari said this on Sunday as the special guest of honour at the maiden edition of the annual Katsina Dialogue organised by the Katsina Consultative Forum, held at the Presidential Banquet Hall of the Katsina Government House in Katsina.
Speaking in Hausa language, Buhari said he returned to Daura and a lot of people kept visiting him but when Tinubu increased the price of fuel, he rejoiced because he expected the visits to decline.
He also spoke about the menace of drug abuse in Katsina State, saying the problem must be confronted head-on and defeated for the present and future generations.
“A nation’s greatness is measured by how it safeguards its people. Our youths represent our valued asset and protecting their wellbeing is crucial for our nation’s future. We can’t afford to watch as drug abuse dismantle their potential and the country’s future. I urge all of us to unite and act decisively against drug abuse in the state,” he said.
The event was also attended by the immediate-past minister of aviation and aerospace development, Hadi Sirika.
President Bola Tinubu has signed the N28.7 trillion 2024 Budget into law.
He assented to the 2024 Appropriation Bill at a brief ceremony at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Monday.
Among those with the President while he signed were the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Tajudeen Abbas.
The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun; Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Abubakar; the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, were on hand as well.
Also on the ground were the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; the National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje; Chairman of the Senate Appropriation Committee, Senator Olamilekan Adeola, among others.
Tinubu signed the budget hours after he arrived in Abuja from Lagos where he spent the past week holidaying.
The 2024 budget is N1.2 trillion higher than the budget he proposed to a joint session of the National Assembly on November 29, 2023.
On Friday, December 29, 2023, the Senate increased the 2024 budget by N1.2tn, moving the budget from N27.5tn to N28.7tn.
According to the report submitted by the Appropriation Committee led by Senator Solomon Adeola, aggregate expenditure was pegged at N28,777,404.073.861; statutory transfers at N1,742,786,788,150; recurrent expenditure at N8,768.5330,852; capital expenditure at N9,995,143,298,028 and GDP at 3.88 per cent.
Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, has pardoned 14 inmates serving various jail terms at Custodial Centres in the state.
The State Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General, Mr. Labaran Magaji, said this in a statement on Monday in Lafia.
The commissioner said the action of the governor was in exercise of the powers conferred on him under sections 212 (1) and (2) of 1999 Constitution (as amended).
According to him, Sule had carried out the function based on the enabling powers conferred on him and in due consultation with the State Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy.
Magaji added that the governor had released the inmates in commemoration of the Jan. 1, 2024 celebration.
He said the released inmates included: Sani Musa, Mohammed Maji, Danjuma Anthony, Ali Mohammed, Yahuza Turaki, Ibrahim Musa and Abdullahi Usman.
Others are: ThankGod Bananas, Usman Idris, Adamu Sule, Terzungwe Mshi, Shehu Abubakar, Zacheous Ayuba and Surajo Abdullahi.
The attorney general urged the inmates to be law abiding and desist from committing any crime that would bring them back to the correctional centres.
The Taraba State governor, Agbu Kefas, has granted clemency and pardoned thirty one inmates in correctional centres across the state.
According to the governor, the decision reflects his administration’s commitment to justice, compassion and believes in the transformative power of rehabilitation.
Governor Kefas maintained that his dedication to the peace, unity and development of Taraba state is unwavering as he assured the people of addressing and overcoming security challenges in the state head-on.
The governor spoke in a statewide broadcast to mark the 2024 New Year.
He said, “As we usher in the dawn of a new year, I extend my heart felt wishes to each and every one of you.
“Together, we started at the threshold of 2024, a year brimming with possibilities and opportunities for our great state.
“In the spirit of renewal and progress, I am pleased to announce that, in the exercise of my prerogative of power, we shall be granting clemency to 31 deserving inmates.
“This decision reflects our commitment to justice, compassion and the belief in the transformative power of rehabilitation.
“In addition, let me assure you that our dedication to the unity and development of Taraba remains unwavering.
“Every citizen across the 168 wards is an integral part of our collective journey towards prosperity.
“My administration is resolute in ensuring that the dividends of governance are felt by the people.
“Our government is truly a government by the people, of the people, for the people.
Addressing the security challenges that have touched the lives of some of our citizens is a constitutional responsibility that we take seriously
“In the coming months of the year, we will redouble our efforts to make Taraba a safer haven for all.
“Together, we shall overcome these challenges and ensure that our state thrives in peace and harmony.
“As we embark on this new chapter, let us foster unity, embrace progress and work hand in hand for the betterment of Taraba.”
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa has said he will rid communities that have been stifled of insurgents and bandits.
General Musa made this declaration on Channels Television maiden episode of The Morning Brief on Monday , where he called for support from the public to meet this goal.
“We are working with the state government to identify these areas, this year God willing we will make sure bandits hold no community,” he said.
“Members of the community will be able to leave the IDP camps and be able to go there”
The nation is yet to heal from a Christmas Eve attack by marauding assailants on Bokkos and Barkin-Ladi local government areas t in Plateau that left 2 00 people dead and hundreds more injured.
Repeated attacks on the region in the space of days have left many disillusioned with the efforts of security personnel at tackling the growing crisis, which General Musa says collaborative efforts are the only feasible means of ending acts of terror in the region.
The Chief of Defence Staff claimed the motive behind the Plateau carnage was to “embarrass” everyone and take the government for a fool
“I think the purpose is to embarrass everybody and to make the government look stupid and whoever did this we are up on their heels and making some arrests”
“The general area where this incident occurred is not a small area and people question why the military was not able to react quickly.”
“We cannot be everywhere ,” he said while responding to the military’s delay in accessing the terror-prone areas.
Political Challenges
On the challenges the military face in their fight against banditry, General Musa said they were of a political nature that requires decision making from the political class
“The truth about it is that the challenges we are facing are political challenges and it is only when decisions are taken and directives have been given that we can take them, ” he said.
“The military can only do so much, only they go back and cant get the support from the government , that is why it is important that we work together as a team”
“It is a political decision not a military decision on what is to be done,”
General Musa also bemoaned criticisms from various quarters over the military’s effect on ending the scourge of banditry
“What we try to avoid is to make our troops feel unappreciated”
“They are doing so much and I can guarantee that we are achieving a lot ”
“It is that one goal that the enemy has been able to get over us that people leverage on”
“It is quite unfortunate that people have died and its is painful for us as commanders,” he said.
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Rivers State Governor Siminilayi Fubara has affirmed that no level of political turmoil would disrupt the tenure of his administration.
Governor Fubara expressed his unwavering commitment to providing quality leadership, despite the efforts of those opposing his administration to dampen the spirit of the people of Rivers and disrupt the pace of development.
He urged the people of Rivers not to be disheartened by the ongoing crisis, emphasising that nothing would prevent him from successfully leading the affairs of the state.
Governor Fubara conveyed this message during a church service held at St Paul’s Archdeaconry Parish in Opobo Town on the New Year’s Eve of 2024, in Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area.
Fubara said, “What they want is this red biro, but it is still with me. We are the winners because we are still signing with the red biro. As long as we are signing with the red biro, development will continue in Rivers State.”
Governor Fubara underscored that nothing will impede his administration from reaching its destination, as its foundation is firmly grounded in God, who alone will provide the grace to complete the process of building.
The governor emphasised that there is already a well-designed development agenda and a predetermined level of progress set for Rivers State in 2024. He reiterated his unwavering commitment to working for the well-being of the state.
Fubara expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for his fatherly role when he intervened to assist in restoring peace in Rivers State.
“Like I keep saying, it takes a responsible man to be a father. He acted like a father. On our part, we will continue to give him all the necessary support because if he does not succeed in Rivers State, he will not succeed as a president.
“So, as a State, we will continue to give him every support. We are not pretenders. Our support is genuine, and it is to uplift his programmes. Our sacrifices are part of the support,” Fubara stated.
Fubara also thanked Rivers people for their steadfast support, referring to them as believers in the true essence of Rivers State.
He urged them to trust the decisions he makes, assuring that no one will be abandoned. He pledged to stand firm in defence as their governor.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said his military should “thoroughly annihilate” the United States and South Korea if provoked, state media reported Monday, after he vowed to boost national defense to cope with what he called an unprecedented U.S.-led confrontation.
North Korea has increased its warlike rhetoric in recent months in response to an expansion of U.S.-South Korean military drills. Experts expect Kim will continue to escalate his rhetoric and weapons tests because he likely believes he can use heightened tensions to wrest U.S. concessions if former President Donald Trump wins the U.S. presidential election in November.
In a five-day major ruling party meeting last week, Kim said he will launch three more military spy satellites, produce more nuclear materials and develop attack drones this year in what observers say is an attempt to increase his leverage in future diplomacy with the U.S.
In a meeting Sunday with commanding army officers, Kim said it is urgent to sharpen “the treasured sword” to safeguard national security, an apparent reference to his country’s nuclear weapons program. He cited “the U.S. and other hostile forces’ military confrontation moves,” according to the official Korean Central News Agency.
Kim stressed that “our army should deal a deadly blow to thoroughly annihilate them by mobilizing all the toughest means and potentialities without moment’s hesitation” if they opt for military confrontation and provocations against North Korea, KCNA said.
In his New Year’s Day address Monday, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol said he will strengthen his military’s preemptive strike, missile defense and retaliatory capabilities in response to the North Korean nuclear threat.
“The Republic of Korea is building genuine, lasting peace through strength, not a submissive peace that is dependent on the goodwill of the adversary,” Yoon said, using South Korea’s official name.
At the party meeting, Kim called South Korea “a hemiplegic malformation and colonial subordinate state” whose society is “tainted by Yankee culture.” He said his military must use all available means including nuclear weapons to “suppress the whole territory of South Korea” in the event of a conflict.
South Korea’s Defense Ministry warned in response Sunday that if North Korea attempts to use nuclear weapons, South Korean and U.S. forces will punish it overwhelmingly, resulting in the end of the Kim government.
An earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 7.4 hit has hit northern Japan, public broadcaster NHK says.
“All residents must evacuate immediately to higher ground,” NHK said after the quake hit the Noto region in Ishikawa prefecture around 4:10pm local time (07:10 GMT).
It warned torrents of water could reach as high as 5 meters (16.5 feet).
Hokuriku Electric Power said it is checking for any irregularities at its nuclear power plants.
A spokesperson for Kansai Electric Power (9503.T) said there were currently no abnormalities at its nuclear power plants but the company was monitoring the situation closely, Reuter reports.
Naija News recalls that a huge earthquake and tsunami struck northeastern Japan on March 11, 2011, devastating towns and triggering nuclear meltdowns in Fukushima.
[NaijaNews]
Thousands of Israeli protesters have held protests, calling on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to resign over his handling of the ongoing war on the Gaza Strip and failure to secure the release of the remaining captives held in the Palestinian territory.
The anti-regime demonstrations took place on Saturday night outside the Israeli military’s headquarters in Tel Aviv and Netanyahu’s private residence in Caesarea.
The protesters demanded immediate elections and a deal with the Palestinian Hamas resistance movement to release all the Israeli captives.
They carried banners reading, “Elections now,” “A diplomatic agreement,” “The cry of mothers: Get our soldiers out of Gaza now” and “Israel will not survive if we don’t bring him (Netanyahu) down.”
Israel waged the genocidal war on Gaza on October 7 after Hamas carried out Operation Al-Aqsa Storm against the usurping entity in retaliation for its intensified atrocities against the Palestinian people.
However, almost three months into the offensive, the Tel Aviv regime has failed to achieve its objectives of “destroying Hamas” and finding Israeli captives despite killing more than 21, 000 Palestinians, mostly women and children, with tens of thousands injured.
A week-long humanitarian ceasefire in late November saw an exchange between 240 Palestinian abductees held by Israel and 105 captives, including 81 Israelis and 24 foreigners, in Gaza.
Israel believes about 129 captives are still being held in Gaza, while 7,000 Palestinians are believed to be in Israeli prisons, many detained without charge.
Meanwhile, on Sunday, at least 68 Palestinians have been killed in fresh Israeli airstrikes in Gaza City, according to the official Wafa news agency.
Israeli fighter jets carried out airstrikes on the Zaitoun neighbourhood, leaving 48 dead and scores injured, Wafa said citing local sources.
Another 20 people were killed in airstrikes in the vicinity of Al Aqsa University, the broadcaster said.
Palestinian health authorities are yet to confirm the fatalities.
Two Israeli soldiers have been killed in clashes with Palestinian resistance fighters in Gaza, the Israeli army said.
A military statement said a soldier lost his life in central Gaza, while the other was killed in Gaza’s north.
According to military figures, at least 506 soldiers have been killed since the outbreak of the conflict on October 7.
In another development, dozens of Israeli soldiers stationed near the Gaza border are suspected of having the skin disease leishmaniasis, an Israeli newspaper has revealed in its report.
They are suspected of having skin lesions caused by the Leishmania parasite, which causes Rose of Jericho disease (leishmaniasis) because they have “ulcerative skin lesions,” the Israeli newspaper Maariv reported on Sunday.
Some soldiers were sent to conduct laboratory tests, the results of which have yet to be received, while others were transferred to dermatology clinics for treatment, it added.
[DailyTrust]