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A northern Nigeria based sociocultural group, the Rebuild Arewa Initiative for Development (R.A.I.D), has faulted the allegation of Christian genocide in Nigeria by the United States of America President, Donald Trump, arguing that bandits don’t consider religion before they kill or kidnap their victims.

The group also said that what is happening in the country, especially in the North, ‘is not genocide.

The Director Communications and Publicity of the group, Comrade Bitako Abubakar Umar, at a press conference in Abuja on Wednesday noted that the unfortunate killings in the country is not limited to a particular religion or tribe, stressing that both Christians and Muslims are victims of the same violence.

He argued that the challenges being faced in the country ‘is a complex crisis driven by insecurity, poverty, terrorism, and the collapse of social and economic structures.’

According to the group: ‘Bandits do not ask for religion before they kill or kidnap. Boko Haram has slaughtered Imams and Pastors alike. Farmers and traders of all faiths have suffered the same fate in the hands of criminals.

‘To single out Christians as victims of genocide is not only misleading but an insult to every family that has lost loved ones in this senseless violence.’

Arguing that the situation in the country is being blown out of proportion, Umar said: ‘When Donald Trump speaks of genocide, he should remember Rwanda in 1994, when over 800,000 people were massacred purely on ethnic grounds.

‘He should recall Bosnia, where entire communities were executed for belonging to a particular group, and the recent in History is Palestinians. Those were genocides.

‘Nigeria’s tragedy is rooted in corruption and weak institutions, not in a deliberate campaign to wipe out any religious group,’ Umar maintained.

The group maintained that to equate internal security crisis in the country to genocide ‘is dishonest and dangerous,’ stating further that ‘such claim fuels division, deepens suspicion, and undermines the peace Nigeria was struggling to rebuild.

‘We find it unfortunate that a world leader, who’s presiding over a nation that claims to stand for truth and justice would make such a reckless statement without credible evidence. Nigeria’s history tells a different story.

‘For centuries, Northern Nigeria has been a model of co-existence where Muslims and Christians have lived, traded, and celebrated together. The peace of Jos, the Harmony of Kaduna, and the shared struggles of Maiduguri are proof of this. What threatens us today are not our differences, but the criminals and extremists exploiting them.’

The group then called on northern elders, political leaders, religious authorities, and traditional rulers to stand firm and speak with one voice, adding that the north must not allow foreign narratives to define the pain or distort the struggle.

‘We demand that the Federal Government should respond not with outrage, but with action-by strengthening security, protecting all citizens equally, and rebuilding communities devastated by violence.

‘The time for excuses is over, as every child in Borno, Zamfara, Plateau, or Benue deserves to live free from fear, regardless of faith.

‘We call on the international communities to verify facts before forming opinions. Let them come to Nigeria, visit our camps, talk to survivors, and see the truth for themselves. Our people are tired of propaganda. They need peace, justice, and opportunity.

‘We reject Trump’s claim in its entirety. It is false, divisive, and harmful. Nigeria is not a nation of genocide. We are a nation in need of healing and good governance.

‘The North will continue to fight for peace, rebuild our homes, and defend the truth-for the sake of our people, our unity, and our shared values and future of our generations.’

The group said an interactive session for leaders of both religions and civil society organisations to find lasting solutions to the reoccurring security infractions in the region.

It also called on the National Assembly to enact laws against criminals, killing and causing mayhem on innocent persons, or group of people or community. The group suggested capital punishment or life jail terms for any criminal found guilty by a competent law court.

The group further suggested that ‘any public office holder that embezzled public funds should be prosecuted and publicly or be imprisoned for life and same funds be retrieved without Free-bargain.

‘ Any criminality perpetrated in an area or areas that last for more than a week, the heads of the Security Agencies in charge of the said area or areas be relieved of their position immediately. Such laws, if put in place, shall definitely put Nigeria in tranquility where Peace and Development will prosper.’

Afrobeats singer Yemi Alade has spoken out about the long-standing speculation surrounding a potential collaboration with fellow singer Tiwa Savage.

In an interview on the ‘With Chude’ podcast, Alade emphasised support for female collaborations, citing her previous work with artists like Omawumi, Waje, Seyi Shay, and Ghana’s MzVee.

‘I’ve had collaborations with Omawumi, Waje and even Seyi Shay. I’ve also worked with amazing female African artists around the world – my song ‘Come and See My Mother’ was with MzVee from Ghana,’ Yemi said.

However, Alade said she chose not to pursue a collaboration with Tiwa Savage to avoid unnecessary problems that often arise from fan and media narratives.

She added: ‘I’m a big champion for female collaborators, you know. But I know that a fan favourite is the one you mentioned (Tiwa Savage). I’d rather just stay clear. I don’t want problems in my life.’

She clarified that there’s no issue between her and Tiwa, but rather a conscious decision to steer clear of manufactured tension.

‘You know the thing is that most times, fans and media just tend to stir the waters where the water is supposed to be still.

‘I’m not trying to make something out of nothing because there is literally no problem at all,’ she explained.

In a developing economy like Nigeria, where inflationary trends and currency fluctuations have become recurring features of the financial landscape, understanding the true nature of growth in the real estate sector is becoming increasingly complex.

The property market, often perceived as a reliable hedge against inflation, has experienced sharp increases in land and building prices across major cities such as Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt. Yet, the critical question remains: are these rising prices a reflection of real growth in value or merely nominal price escalation driven by inflation and speculation? The answer lies fundamentally in the role of valuation as an instrument of economic measurement and investment guidance.

Valuation, in its professional sense, goes beyond the arithmetic estimation of property worth. It involves the interpretation of market dynamics, the analysis of cost variables, and the assessment of value trends against macroeconomic indicators.

In periods of high inflation, like Nigeria currently experiences, nominal increases in property prices can easily be mistaken for real appreciation. However, without a rigorous valuation process that isolates inflationary effects, stakeholders-ranging from investors and mortgage institutions to policymakers-may misread speculative booms as genuine economic expansion. Such misinterpretations often lead to poor investment decisions, overvalued collateral, and distorted urban development patterns.

The role of professional valuation in this context is therefore pivotal. Valuers are tasked with distinguishing between value created through real economic activity-such as infrastructure development, improved accessibility, or increased demand-and price movements induced by monetary instability or market sentiment.

Through the use of comparative market analysis, cost approach, and income-based techniques, valuation provides a structured framework for determining whether growth in asset prices corresponds to increases in real purchasing power and productivity.

Accurate valuation ensures that both investors and lenders are not misled by inflationary illusions, thereby promoting capital preservation and sustainable market behaviour.

However, the valuation profession in Nigeria faces a number of systemic challenges that complicate this role. Limited access to reliable market data, the absence of standardised transaction records, and inconsistent valuation methodologies across firms have contributed to discrepancies in value opinions.

Furthermore, inflation volatility, fluctuating exchange rates, and rising construction costs make it increasingly difficult to determine the real drivers of price movement. In some cases, developers and property owners inflate asking prices based on currency depreciation rather than improvements in property quality or demand. Without accurate and independent valuation, these distortions can undermine the credibility of the property market and weaken investor confidence.

To strengthen the capacity of valuation practice in identifying real growth, there is a need for institutional reform and data transparency within Nigeria’s real estate sector.

The Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV) and the Estate Surveyors and Valuers Registration Board of Nigeria (ESVARBON) must continue to promote professional development through the adoption of advanced valuation models that integrate inflation-adjusted metrics and real value tracking.

Government agencies, on the other hand, should prioritise the establishment of comprehensive property data systems and encourage open access to verified transaction information. Such initiatives will enhance the objectivity of value assessments and contribute to a more efficient property market.

In addition, collaboration between valuers, economists, and financial analysts is essential for ensuring that property valuation aligns with broader macroeconomic realities. Integrating valuation outcomes into monetary and fiscal policy discussions can help regulators better understand asset price movements and anticipate potential bubbles. For banks and mortgage institutions, periodic revaluation of collateral in real terms rather than nominal terms will reduce exposure to inflation-driven risk.

In conclusion, the distinction between real growth and nominal price escalation is at the heart of Nigeria’s real estate stability and investment sustainability. Valuation serves as the compass for navigating this distinction, offering clarity amid economic uncertainty. When carried out with professionalism, transparency, and analytical rigour, valuation not only protects investors and financial institutions but also contributes to sound economic planning and long-term market resilience.

In a time of rising inflation and fluctuating exchange rates, Nigeria’s real estate sector must increasingly depend on credible valuation to separate perception from reality, and illusion from true growth.

That was the order the US President, Donald Trump issued to his Department of War in response to allegations of anti-Christian violence in Nigeria – which he blamed on radical Islamic terrorists. The order follows a post he made on social media some days back, in which he announced that the US would immediately cut off all assistance to Nigeria if the Nigerian government continued to allow the killing of Christians. The US, he said, ‘may very well go into that now disgraced country, guns-a-blazing,’. He described his threatened attack as ‘fast, vicious, and sweet, just like the terrorist thugs attack our CHERISHED Christians! WARNING: THE NIGERIAN GOVERNMENT BETTER MOVE FAST!’ He also announced that Nigeria would be added to the Department of State’s list of Countries of Particular Concern (CPC) – a governance barometer to monitor religious persecution around the world. Recall that Nigeria was first placed on the CPC list by the U.S. in 2020 over what that country’s State Department called ‘systematic violations of religious freedom.’ The designation was lifted in 2023.

Days before the President’s posts, a number of US (mostly Republican) political figures claimed that violent disputes in Nigeria are part of a systematic campaign of Christian genocide. The most prominent among them was the Republican Senator from Texas, Ted Cruz, who urged the US Congress to designate Nigeria as a violator of religious freedom. More recently, the American comedian and TV host, Bill Maher has expounded on this narrative on his popular syndicated show. ‘I’m not a Christian,’ he said, ‘but they are systematically killing the Christians in Nigeria . This is so much more of a genocide attempt than what is going on in Gaza. They are literally attempting to wipe out the Christian population of an entire country.’

With human rights groups – in Nigeria and around the globe – consistently calling on successive governments in Nigeria, including the current administration of President Bola Tinubu, to do more to address insurgency, banditry, herder-farmer clashes and ethnic disputes in the country, both the government and some stakeholders say that claims of a Christian genocide are not only false but also a trivialization of much deeper socio-economic and cultural issues, and that Trump is simply amplifying a dangerous ‘far-right’ narrative. Armed groups like Boko Haram, these stakeholders say, have historically targeted both Muslims and Christians – bombing markets, churches and mosques in equal measure. Similarly, they note, banditry in Northern Nigeria often pits Fulani herders against (predominantly Muslim) Hausa communities – nuances of Nigeria’s realities that foreign media mercenaries, eager to stoke ethno-religious divisions, fail to grasp or deliberately ignore.

Others, while acknowledging the existential threats Christians face in some parts of the country, have called on the Trump administration to seek effective ways of working with Nigerian authorities to address the common enemy (e.g. by offering military and other assistance) as opposed to embarking on unilateral military action – saying such a move would be counterproductive.

In his comments on the matter, President Tinubu has stressed that his government ‘continues to address security challenges which affect citizens across faiths and regions.’ The characterization of Nigeria as a religiously intolerant society, he said, ‘does not reflect our national reality, nor does it take into consideration the consistent and sincere efforts of the government to safeguard freedom of religion and beliefs for all Nigerians. Religious freedom and tolerance have been a core tenet of our collective identity and shall always remain so.’

No matter how one looks at the situation – and whether the killings in various parts of Nigeria amount to a genocide, or whether they target any specific religious group – there is no denying the fact that Nigeria, whose population is split almost equally between Christians and Muslims, has long endured harrowing insecurity, which must be tackled with all the seriousness and urgency it deserves.

To be sure, the killing of ONE innocent person is a monumental tragedy and an attack on our common humanity, let alone the mass killing of innocents. But the use of the word, ‘genocide’ (legally defined as ‘certain acts committed with the intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnic, racial, or religious group’) takes on a deeper and problematic dimension – which is why governments or groups the world over are often so vociferous in denying complicity whenever they are accused of perpetrating it. Turkey, for example, has for decades rejected the international community’s designation of its actions against the Armenian population in 1915-16 (during WW I) as ‘genocide’. As we speak, in fact, the State of Israel is pushing back against widespread accusations of genocide in Gaza during its two-year conflict with the Palestinian militant group, Hamas. Clear, undeniable cases of genocide, however, include the Jewish Holocaust perpetrated by Germany’s Nazi regime during WW II, and the Rwandan genocide of 1994, among others.

In instances where a nation is accused of genocide, it has sought to control the narrative, first by noting international concern about the issue in question and then redoubling its efforts to address it. It then works to dispel misconceptions likely to muddy the waters and further complicate an already complex situation. More than just responding to Trump’s threat, Tinubu must lead the narrative, speak with presence and power. Nigeria’s silence on the global stage has long created a vacuum, and because nature abhors a vacuum, as they say, this silence has been filled by half-truths and deliberate falsehoods by people with Trump-sized platforms and megaphones. Facts, diplomacy, and firm leadership must be our watchwords going forward, so as to stop providing fodder for external agendas and prevent the Trumps of this world (whose only language is presence and power) from defining our story for us.

Furthermore, several threatening tweets by President Trump, the US Secretary of War, Peter Hegseth, as well as Congressman Riley M. Moore, have preseneted a worrisome number of ‘ifs’, suggesting the hell-bent disposition of the Trump-led US government towards military action if the urgent conditions are not met. Such unequivocal and brazen threats from the USA, regardless of whether they are perceived as an affront or international concern, suggest there are consequences for inaction by the Nigerian government, with further hesitation making matters worse. The knee jerk reactions by the Nigerian government representatives and aides since Friday, for instance, is a diplomatic gaffe that hints the general lethargy with which the Nigerian government has responded to national insecurity, further worsening the negative perception.

Even as Tinubu has yet to appoint ambassadors since assuming office, nothing stops the Nigerian government from exploring other avenues for engaging Washington. For example, the government could appoint a high-powered government delegation comprised of former diplomats Prof Bolaji Akinyemi, (former Foreign Affairs Minister), Chief Emeka Anyaoku (former Secretary General Commonwealth) and Ambassador Baba Gana Kingibe (top diplomat cum intelligence operative) meeting with Congressmen at the Capitol in Washington to allay their fears and presenting a diplomatic letter (Formal First Person Note) from President Bola Tinubu or Yusuff Tuggar highlighting the action plan undertaken by the administration and efforts made so far in quelling insecurity in the country.

In fostering positive narratives, President Tinubu could also delegate representatives of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and other notable Christian leaders such as Pastot Enoch Adeboye of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), and Bishop David Oyedepo of Winners Chapel to grant press conference countering the claims of the Christian genocide.

Additionally, President Tinubu must situate the problem where it belongs – namely, that issues surrounding the deadly violence in Nigeria are NOT about religion but a deadly cocktail of insecurity, herder-farmer clashes, cross-border infiltrations, illegal mining, fights over dwindling resources, population pressures and climate change. He must also affirm that in spite of these challenges, Nigeria remains a democracy governed by constitutional guarantees of religious liberty.

And not only must he reiterate his government’s readiness to protect all citizens regardless of faith or ethnicity, it must be SEEN to be doing so. Tinubu must also highlight his government’s successes in tackling insecurity since May 2023, as a result of which terrorism-related deaths have fallen from 2,600 a month before that date to fewer than 200 today.

Far from being a disgraced nation (in Trump’s words), Nigeria must show itself as a strong, resilient and united nation with a rich history, a diverse culture, and a bright future.

What the government must NOT do is to act out of panic or indulge in knee-jerk reactions; Nigeria has navigated complex geopolitical situations before, and can do so again. In international relations, strong words often serve as strategic pressure, aimed at achieving specific goals. What is called for at this time is wisdom, strategic foresight, and the ability to approach situations with clarity and level-headedness. In engaging with international critics, Nigeria must prioritize diplomacy, firmness, and confidence as she engages in constructive dialogue and clarifies misconceptions. History has shown that nations that remain calm and composed in the face of adversity often emerge stronger.

The Federal Government has launched the Ministerial Project Approval Board (MPAB) in addition to promoting a strategic digital transformation partnership with the Equipment Leasing Registration Authority (ELRA).

All these are aimed at modernising Nigeria’s leasing industry and expanding access to equipment finance for businesses across the country.

The initiative, according to the Ministry of Finance in a statement on Wednesday, seeks to digitise regulatory processes, enhance transparency in the market, and support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that depend on leasing to acquire machinery, vehicles, and technology essential for growth and competitiveness.

Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, inaugurated the Ministerial Project Approval Board at his office in Abuja and presided over its first review session, during which the Board considered a public-private partnership (PPP) proposal from ELRA to transform the nation’s equipment leasing landscape.

Speaking at the inauguration, Edun commended the clarity and ambition of the proposed project, noting that the Board would maintain strict standards of due process, value for money, and accountability in evaluating all PPP initiatives.

‘This administration is committed to partnerships that leverage private capital and innovation to deliver real economic value,’ the Minister said. ‘Our focus is on reforms that stimulate investment, productivity, and job creation.’

Edun explained the Board would play a central role in accelerating responsible private-sector investment within the Ministry’s oversight, ensuring that all PPPs are structured to safeguard the public interest while advancing sustainable economic development.

He noted that the initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s economic agenda to strengthen Nigeria’s industrial base, improve access to credit, and create an enabling environment for businesses to thrive.

Residents of Ugwuto Nsude community in Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State have staged a protest against what they described as an attempt by Enpower Energy Ltd to illegally take over their ancestral land.

The protesters, made up of men, women, youths and children, marched through the community with placards bearing inscriptions such as ‘We Say No to Land Grabbers,’ ‘Governor Peter Mbah, Save Us From Enpower,’ and ‘Enpower, Leave Our Land Alone.’

They chanted solidarity songs, vowing to resist any attempt to dispossess them of their land.

The protesters alleged that the company moved into their land without authorisation, destroying crops and economic trees, despite a pending court case over the disputed property.

They called on Governor Peter Mbah to intervene and stop what they described as an act of impunity.

An elder of the community, Mr. Vincent Ukwuani, said the dispute began in 2019 when Enpower Energy Ltd allegedly entered their land and commenced clearing without the community’s consent.

He said despite reporting the matter to relevant authorities, no action was taken.

‘The land in question is called Ugwuto Land, and the invasion started six years ago. We took the matter to court, but last month they returned with bulldozers and resumed work even though the case is still pending,’ Ukwuani said.

Another resident, Mr. Linus Ugwuoga, said the case had been adjourned to December 19, 2025, yet the company continued its activities.

‘We have supported several government projects in this area, including the Enugu International Market, the twin water tanks, and the Ebeano Bypass, but this is the only one we don’t understand. We won’t allow anyone to take our land unlawfully,’ he said.

Also speaking, a community leader, Hon. Emeka Joshua Ozochi, accused the owner of Enpower Energy Ltd, Engr. Emeka Ene, of using the police to intimidate residents and suppress opposition.

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has alerted the public about the circulation of dangerous illicit substances being falsely packaged and marketed as medicinal cannabis.

Director, Media and Advocacy, NDLEA Headquarters, Abuja, Femi Babafemi, who made this known in a statement on Wednesday, said the public alert comes on the heels of credible intelligence.

He said such intelligence, led to the arrest of a 28-year-old drug kingpin Afeez Salisu (a.k.a Malu) last Saturday at his 2 Akala Street, off Umoru Street, Idi Oro, Mushin-Lagos enclave from where he was packaging and distributing the fake medicinal cannabis in designer pouches and cups.

Babafemi said a total of 16.4 kilograms of dangerous and synthetic strains of cannabis including Colorado, Arizona, Canadian Loud and Ghana Loud packaged in designer pouches and cups labelled as medicinal cannabis, were recovered from his store.

‘The Agency therefore wishes to warn Nigerians especially the youth that these so-called medicinal products are, in reality, adulterated and highly potent strains of dangerous psychoactive substances, and are not the regulated, safe pharmaceutical preparations they are purported to be.

‘Investigations by the Agency have confirmed that the seized and recovered products being peddled under the guise of therapeutic cannabis contain dangerously high concentrations of illicit and harmful strains of cannabis, including Loud, known for its extreme potency and severe psychological effects; Arizona, a highly concentrated and destructive variant of cannabis; and Colorado, a potent, often synthetic, strain with devastating consequences on the user’s mental and physical health.

‘Rather than the purported medicinal cannabis in the designer pouches and cups, the strains are highly addictive and pose a significant, immediate threat to public health and safety because they are associated with severe mental health issues, including psychosis, acute anxiety, paranoia, and other long-term cognitive impairments, especially among young people,’ he said.

Speaking on the development, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd) said the criminal elements behind this deceit are only exploiting the global conversation around medicinal cannabis to push their illicit and life-destroying products into communities.

‘Cannabis remains a prohibited substance in Nigeria and as such any product being sold locally under the guise of ‘medicinal cannabis’ is not only fake, and dangerous but also illegal,’ Marwa said.

The NDLEA boss urged the public to be vigilant and not be deceived by misleading labels, fancy packaging, or false health claims.

‘Please do not consume it, report any person or group involved in the illicit trade of these dangerous substances to the nearest NDLEA office’, he added.

The Federal Government is set to release a new National Railway Development Roadmap that will extend rail connectivity to all States of the federation, officials of the Nigerian Railway Corporation have said.

The Managing Director of the Corporation, Dr Kayode Opeifa, told participants at the Seventh National Transport Conference of the Chartered Institute of Transport Administration in Abuja that the new roadmap is designed to give all states access to national rail corridors at no additional cost.

He said the policy is enabled by recent amendments that place railway development on the concurrent legislative list. He explained that Lagos and Plateau States are already using the opportunity, while other states have been urged to join.

According to him, national corridors such as the Lagos to Kano line are open for state level operations wherever applicable. He said the Corporation is ready to work with any state that is prepared to utilise available rail assets.

Opeifa said Ogun and Oyo have both narrow and standard gauge lines that can be deployed immediately while Edo, Delta, Kogi, Kaduna, Kano and Niger States can link directly to existing national lines.

He also said freight movement on the national rail system has increased, with rising volumes of container cargo, gypsum, soda ash, cement, metal coil and materials for the AKK Pipeline Project.

On the Corporation’s long term plan, tagged Vision 2-5-10-20, Opeifa said the projection is to optimise rail assets within two years, introduce electric traction within five years, double the country’s rail capacity within ten years and develop not less than sixty thousand kilometres of track within twenty years.

The Kano State Government has commended Lagos for what it describes as an outstanding transformation of its transport sector during an official study tour undertaken by senior officials of the Kano State Transport Authority in Lagos.

Kano Commissioner for Transportation, Haruna Isa Dederi, who led the delegation, said the visit is a strategic step in the state’s plan to build a modern and efficient transport system inspired by Lagos reforms. He explained that the tour follows a directive from Governor Abba Yusuf who recently set up a committee to reposition the Kano State Transport Authority.

Dederi noted that Lagos stands as a model for organised urban mobility on the continent, with visible progress in institutional restructuring, infrastructure renewal, technology driven operations and public private partnerships. He highlighted the Lagos BRT corridors, the work of Traffic Radio, inland waterways operations, rail integration and the LAMATA transport master plan as benchmarks widely referenced across Africa.

Receiving the delegation, the Lagos Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Olawale Musa, assured the team of full support as they undertake their reforms. He said Lagos achievements are the product of long term planning and sustained investment, adding that no economy can grow without a functional and predictable transport system.

Musa said both states face similar pressures arising from large and fast growing populations which demand continuous upgrades in public infrastructure. He pledged the commitment of the Lagos State Government to collaborate with Kano in areas that can strengthen mobility, improve planning and support service delivery.