Category: Nigerian Tribune

The Iperu Indigenes Forum (IIF) has congratulated the Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, on the completion and commencement of commercial operations at the Gateway International Airport, Iperu, describing it as a historic milestone for the community, Remoland, and the entire state.

In a statement jointly signed by the forum’s convener, Prince Ladi Olabinjo, Chief Ifasola Saheed Opeodu (the Oluwo of Iperu), Otunba Adebayo Salami and the Media Officer, Temitope Oyekan, the group commended the governor, an illustrious son of Iperu Akesanland, for his visionary leadership and commitment to infrastructural development and economic transformation.

The forum noted that the Gateway International Airport, which is set to begin its maiden commercial flight today, October 7, represents a new dawn for Iperu and the Remo region, as it strategically anchors the Remo industrial corridor and positions Ogun State on the global aviation and economic map.

According to the statement, the airport’s establishment will drive job creation, industrial expansion, investment, tourism, and urban renewal, while enhancing connectivity and accessibility across the state and beyond.

The forum also expressed optimism that the airport’s eventual international certification by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) will further link Ogun State directly to global markets, facilitating trade and travel.

While celebrating the project, the group urged the state government to further improve intra-city roads, ensure steady electricity supply, and strengthen security measures around the airport and adjoining communities to support anticipated growth in human and vehicular activities.

The forum also lauded other infrastructural projects associated with the airport, including the road linking the airport to the Sagamu-Benin highway, the ongoing Siun-Ajura-Ogere-Iperu-Ilisan road reconstruction, and the proposed Purple Line Metro Rail from Mowe to Iperu-initiatives it said align with Governor Abiodun’s ISEYA development mantra and Building Our Future Together agenda.

The forum congratulated ValueJet Airline for operating the airport’s maiden commercial flight and praised the company’s innovation and commitment to advancing Nigeria’s aviation industry.

Reaffirming its support for the governor’s developmental strides, the group expressed confidence that the Gateway International Airport, alongside the Special Agro-Processing Zone and the Remo Economic Cluster, will consolidate Ogun State’s position as a hub of industrial and economic excellence.

The Forum also saluted all sons and daughters of Iperu Akesanland, both at home and in the diaspora, for their contributions to the realisation of the project, recalling that vast lands across Orubo, Iragbon, Eluju, Arogbo, Idena, Magbon, Isapetu, Emulu and Ogunmogbo communities were provided for the airport’s development.

The Senate is set to address growing claims of a ‘Christian genocide’ in Nigeria, which have been circulated both locally and internationally by some media outlets, advocacy groups, and religious organizations. Lawmakers say the narrative misrepresents the country’s complex security challenges as purely religious.

A motion titled ‘Urgent Need to Correct Misconceptions Regarding the Purported ‘Christian Genocide’ Narrative in Nigeria and the International Communities’ will be debated on Tuesday.

The motion, sponsored by former Senate Leader Ali Ndume, has Senators Sani Musa (Niger East), Magatakarda Wamako (Sokoto North), and Ibrahim Bomai (Yobe South) as co-sponsors.

According to a copy of the motion seen by Tribune Online, the senators said the aim is to correct what they described as a distorted narrative in some international media reports portraying Christians as the sole victims of Nigeria’s violence.

They noted that ‘serious security challenges including terrorism, insurgency, banditry, communal conflicts, and targeted attacks which have affected citizens across various religious, ethnic, and regional backgrounds, resulting in loss of lives and property among both Christian and Muslim communities’ are being wrongly presented in religious terms, a development they warned could further divide the country.

The move follows the Presidency’s recent response to United States Senator Ted Cruz, who alleged that Nigerian officials were ignoring or supporting mass killings of Christians by Islamist militants.

Cruz, in a post on his X handle, claimed that Christians in Nigeria were facing systematic persecution.

Responding, Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, dismissed the claims as false and misleading. He said Nigeria’s security problems are caused by terrorism, banditry, and criminality-not religious persecution-adding that the country enjoys religious harmony.

Ndume and his co-sponsors expressed concern that the US Senate and Congress may have been influenced by such claims and could move to label Nigeria a ‘Country of Particular Concern,’ a designation typically reserved for nations accused of human rights or religious freedom violations.

They urged the Senate to reject the characterization of Nigeria’s security crisis as a ‘Christian genocide’ and to reaffirm that the ongoing conflicts stem from socio-economic, ethnic, and criminal factors that cut across religious lines.

The lawmakers also called on the Federal Government to ‘encourage diplomatic missions especially US Embassy, International organisations, and foreign media to rely on verified, balanced, and credible sources-including security agencies, local communities, and independent observers-when reporting on religiously sensitive issues in Nigeria.’

They further advised the government, through the leadership of the 10th National Assembly, to ‘engage US Senate and Congress; international partners and diaspora networks through official briefings and fact-based publications to correct misconceptions.’

They also proposed that Nigeria ‘support interfaith peacebuilding programmes that emphasise shared victimhood and national unity’ and ‘ensure justice and accountability for all victims of violent attacks-whether Christian, Muslim, or otherwise-to address impunity and rebuild public confidence in state institutions.’

LAUNCHED under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, the Federal Government, through Family Homes Funds Limited (FHFL), the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), and private investors, is coming up to address the chronic shortage of accommodation in Nigeria’s tertiary institutions.

The initiative aims to deliver 38,400 modern hostel bed spaces across 24 tertiary institutions, encompassing 12 universities, six polytechnics and six colleges of education.

Each site will feature 1,600-bed hostels equipped with ensuite rooms, study areas, reading rooms, cafeterias, and essential amenities.

According to report, pilot projects are already underway in six institutions, three in the North (Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, Federal Polytechnic Bauchi, and FCT College of Education Zuba) and three in the South (AkwaIbom State University, College of Education Warri, and SikiruAdetona College of Education, Ogun).

The hostels in Warri and AkwaIbom are nearing completion and set for commissioning, according to FHFL Managing Director, Abdul Mutallab Mukhtar.

He said the upcoming commissioning would mark a landmark achievement in transforming student welfare nationwide. He said the programme ensures that students ‘have the right environment to live and learn while reducing the risks of inadequate accommodation.’

With construction soon expanding to eight additional institutions, the project is expected to boost local economies, attract private investment, and provide safer, more conducive housing for students across all six geopolitical zones.

The Iperu Indigenes Forum (IIF) has congratulated the Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, on the completion and commencement of commercial operations at the Gateway International Airport, Iperu, describing it as a historic milestone for the community, Remoland, and the entire state.

In a statement jointly signed by the forum’s convener, Prince Ladi Olabinjo, Chief Ifasola Saheed Opeodu (the Oluwo of Iperu), Otunba Adebayo Salami and the Media Officer, Temitope Oyekan, the group commended the governor, an illustrious son of Iperu Akesanland, for his visionary leadership and commitment to infrastructural development and economic transformation.

The forum noted that the Gateway International Airport, which is set to begin its maiden commercial flight today, October 7, represents a new dawn for Iperu and the Remo region, as it strategically anchors the Remo industrial corridor and positions Ogun State on the global aviation and economic map.

According to the statement, the airport’s establishment will drive job creation, industrial expansion, investment, tourism, and urban renewal, while enhancing connectivity and accessibility across the state and beyond.

The forum also expressed optimism that the airport’s eventual international certification by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) will further link Ogun State directly to global markets, facilitating trade and travel.

While celebrating the project, the group urged the state government to further improve intra-city roads, ensure steady electricity supply, and strengthen security measures around the airport and adjoining communities to support anticipated growth in human and vehicular activities.

The forum also lauded other infrastructural projects associated with the airport, including the road linking the airport to the Sagamu-Benin highway, the ongoing Siun-Ajura-Ogere-Iperu-Ilisan road reconstruction, and the proposed Purple Line Metro Rail from Mowe to Iperu-initiatives it said align with Governor Abiodun’s ISEYA development mantra and Building Our Future Together agenda.

The forum congratulated ValueJet Airline for operating the airport’s maiden commercial flight and praised the company’s innovation and commitment to advancing Nigeria’s aviation industry.

Reaffirming its support for the governor’s developmental strides, the group expressed confidence that the Gateway International Airport, alongside the Special Agro-Processing Zone and the Remo Economic Cluster, will consolidate Ogun State’s position as a hub of industrial and economic excellence.

The Forum also saluted all sons and daughters of Iperu Akesanland, both at home and in the diaspora, for their contributions to the realisation of the project, recalling that vast lands across Orubo, Iragbon, Eluju, Arogbo, Idena, Magbon, Isapetu, Emulu and Ogunmogbo communities were provided for the airport’s development.

OUR economy has always been in a doldrums whether past or present. We continue to mismanage our economy whether knowingly or unknowingly. You cannot give what you don’t have, unfortunately, most of our leaders don’t have what it takes. Leadership in Nigeria is about whose fist is stronger and not ideas. The leaders that are in the know govern people according to their expectation. Having destroyed the educational system and weaponised poverty, some of our people don’t know any better. They praise politicians for the crumbs that are served to them. Their predicament makes them susceptible to the manipulation of the ruiners class (majority of our current leaders/politicians). The resilience of Nigerians is immense, so people remain docile and plod on. Our issues are obvious and not that difficult to solve but there is no will to tackle them. Nigeria, the so-called ‘Giant of Africa,’ is rich in natural and human resources. However, despite its potential, the country continues to face significant economic challenges. These problems have persisted over the years and have hindered sustainable development and poverty reduction. The major causes of our economic woes range from structural weaknesses and governance issues to external shocks and insecurity. Let’s break it down.

1. Overdependence on Oil: One of the most significant economic issues in Nigeria is its heavy reliance on crude oil exports. Oil accounts for over 90% of the country’s export earnings and a large portion of government revenue. This dependence makes the economy highly vulnerable to fluctuations in global oil prices. When oil prices fall, government income drops, leading to budget deficits, inflation, and economic instability. This ‘mono-economy’ structure has stifled diversification efforts in other critical sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and technology. In addition, the oil is being stolen. Bunkering remain rife and crude exploration is devastating to our environment, with local biodiversity loss. It is on the record that we don’t know the amount of oil that is pumped out of our fields. Whereas country like Saudi Arabia can account for every drop of oil they produce through technology; every inch of the pipeline is monitored remotely from a sophisticated control centre.

2. Poor governance and corruption: Corruption remains a deep-rooted issue in Nigeria. Mismanagement of public funds and widespread corruption at all levels of government reduce the effectiveness of economic policies and discourage foreign investment. Funds that should be allocated for infrastructure, education, healthcare, and economic development are often embezzled or misused. As a result, the country’s economic progress is slowed, and public trust in government institutions is weakened. 3. Inadequate infrastructure: Nigeria suffers from serious infrastructure deficits, including unreliable electricity, poor road networks, limited railway systems, and inefficient ports. These challenges increase the cost of doing business, reduce productivity, and discourage both local and international investment. Power outages, in particular, force many businesses to rely on expensive generators, reducing their profit margins and limiting economic growth. The current administration is investing heavily in road projects, but at the end of it all, half of the money will be siphoned into individuals’ pocket, the project will be shoddily carried out and incomplete. The roads will have no adequate drainage, landscaping and signage.

4. Insecurity: Insecurity has become a major threat to economic activities in Nigeria. Armed conflicts, terrorism (such as the Boko Haram insurgency), kidnapping, banditry, and ethnic clashes disrupt agriculture, trade, and industry. Farmers are often forced to abandon their land, leading to lower food production and increased food prices. Insecure regions also experience reduced investment and tourism, further weakening the economy. Can you imagine we have ramshackle armed bandits in charge of certain parts of Nigeria? It was well publicised recently that they were holding press conferences and parading their captives. That is in a country with the rule of law. What a shambles! 5. High unemployment and underemployment: Unemployment, especially among youth, is a critical issue in Nigeria. Millions of young Nigerians graduate from schools and universities every year, but few jobs are available. Many are underemployed or forced into low-paying informal jobs. This situation increases poverty and crime and reduces national productivity. The resources of the country has been cornered by few people, they are living large at the expense of the rest of us, hence the productivity is low. They missed the civic class and lack moral values. They are in government to enrich themselves and not to serve.

6. Inflation and currency instability: Nigeria has been plagued by high inflation and exchange rate instability. Inflation erodes the purchasing power of citizens, leading to a decline in living standards. Frequent devaluation of the Naira, currency scarcity, and multiple exchange rates confuse investors and make economic planning difficult. A self-inflicted woe. The current administration attempts to address this pales insignificant to what is required. The reforms need to be radical and swift. 7. Weak industrial and agricultural base: Despite its agricultural potential, Nigeria imports a large portion of its food and manufactured goods.

Poor support for local farmers and industries has led to low productivity. Many factories operate below capacity or have shut down due to high production costs and poor infrastructure. Multinational manufacturing companies have left our shores and locations converted to churches where Nigerians go to pray for jobs. What a mess, Nigerians are tempting God. Unless we have a reset, we will continue to wallow in the multidimensional poverty that is rife in the country.

8. Debt Burden and Poor Fiscal Management – Nigeria’s rising debt profile is another source of concern. A large percentage of government revenue is spent on debt servicing, leaving little for investment in critical sectors. Furthermore, poor tax collection systems mean that the government relies heavily on borrowing rather than generating sustainable income. We continue to borrow for consumption. The cost of government is high with bloated executive and legislature.

9. Rapid Population Growth – Nigeria’s population is growing rapidly, putting pressure on non-existent or woefully existing infrastructure, education, healthcare, housing, and the labor market. Unfortunately, economic growth has not kept pace with population growth, resulting in widespread poverty and urban congestion. Our best asset remains our people but we failed to make adequate investments in human capital.

10. Poor Education and Health Systems – Education and healthcare are essential for developing a productive workforce, but these sectors are underfunded and poorly managed in Nigeria. Many children lack access to quality education, and healthcare facilities are often inadequate. This limits human capital development and reduces the nation’s capacity for innovation and growth.

There is no denying that Nigeria’s economic problems are complex and interconnected. Addressing them requires bold and sustained efforts by government, private sector, and civil society. Diversifying the economy, fighting corruption, investing in infrastructure and education, and improving security are critical steps towards achieving economic stability and long-term prosperity. With the right policies and commitment, Nigeria can overcome these challenges and unlock its full economic potential.

The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has signed two Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) and the Service Compact with All Nigerians (SERVICOM) to strengthen data management and enhance service delivery in the country’s health insurance system.

Speaking on Tuesday, NHIA Director General, Dr. Kelechi Ohiri, said the agreements mark an important step toward making the agency’s operations more evidence-based and responsive to citizens’ needs.

He said, ‘Today is a landmark day for us because we have been able to sign MOUs that represent real commitments by the respective organisations. These are not just documents; they are concrete steps toward improving data quality and service experience for Nigerians.’

Ohiri explained that the partnership with NBS would help the NHIA ensure that its policies and programmes are guided by accurate and inclusive data.

‘People often ask how we measure the impact of what we do,’ he said. ‘This partnership with the National Bureau of Statistics ensures we are measuring the right things – especially those that affect the poor and vulnerable. It also includes capacity building and research relevant to our Nigerian context.’

He said the collaboration reflects a shared goal of using reliable data to improve decision-making in the health sector.

‘This is both a commitment of the Statistician-General and myself to work together towards improving data quality and to be able to answer simple but crucial questions – what works well in Nigeria, and are we having measurable impact on people’s lives?’

On the second MoU, Ohiri said the partnership with SERVICOM aims to improve the service experience of more than 20 million Nigerians covered by health insurance programmes.

‘For us at NHIA, these are people whose experiences matter,’ he said. ‘Partnering with SERVICOM, whose mandate is to enhance service delivery, aligns with the President’s vision for universal health coverage. UHC is not just about access; it’s about the quality of care that people receive.’

He noted that the agreement, which coincides with Customer Service Week, will strengthen feedback systems and complaint resolution mechanisms.

‘When people go to a facility, if there are complaints, we want to hear them – and more importantly, we want to resolve them,’ he explained. ‘We want enrollees to know their rights and to have clear channels of communication when they experience service failures.’

Ohiri revealed that the NHIA resolved about 90 percent of over 2,000 complaints from enrollees last year.

‘We encourage people to speak up when there’s a problem,’ he said. ‘Silence is what I call the silence of the graveyard – it gives a false impression that everything is fine when it’s not. People must feel they can be heard, and we must make sure they are heard.’

He added that the NHIA’s enforcement unit investigates complaints, applies sanctions when necessary, and rewards facilities that perform well.

‘Feedback must not only be about sanctions. It should also be about rewarding excellence,’ he said. ‘We must encourage those who are doing well, while ensuring accountability for those who fall short.’

Ohiri said the SERVICOM partnership will also focus on preventing service lapses through regular monitoring, staff training, and improving empathy in healthcare delivery.

‘When people are sick, they are at their most vulnerable – that’s when they need empathy and support the most,’ he said. ‘Working with SERVICOM, which has deep experience improving public service delivery, allows us to build capacity and improve the patient experience.’

He concluded that both MoUs reflect a long-term commitment to better healthcare through collaboration and accountability.

‘This is government taking the bull by the horns,’ Ohiri said. ‘It’s about using evidence, building capacity, and strengthening accountability so that Nigerians receive the quality of care they deserve. Today is the beginning of a long journey, but one that will transform how health insurance works for every Nigerian.’

In his remarks, SERVICOM National Coordinator, Anthony Oshie, commended NHIA for initiating the collaboration and reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to strengthening service delivery in the health sector.

‘On behalf of the management and staff of SERVICOM, I want to sincerely thank the NHIA for choosing to collaborate with us,’ Oshie said. ‘We do not take this partnership for granted, and I can assure you that we will not let you down. We will always be there whenever our efforts are needed to strengthen service delivery in the health sector.’

He described the signing as ‘a significant milestone’ that will enhance citizens’ access to quality healthcare and promote accountability in public institutions.

‘The partnership we are entering into today will be a lasting one,’ he said. ‘It will help us achieve greater heights in the pursuit of service excellence and ensure that Nigerians enjoy the quality of care they deserve.’

Oshie emphasized that the collaboration is based on shared values of transparency and responsiveness, and will promote a stronger feedback culture in healthcare facilities.

‘We believe in continuous improvement,’ he said. ‘Two weeks ago, we received an MoU draft from NHIA, and our teams worked closely to review and finalize it. Today, we are ready to move forward-not just on paper, but in action-to make sure citizens can see and feel the difference in service delivery.’

He also highlighted the importance of citizen engagement, saying: ‘We must ensure that the Nigerian citizen-the end-beneficiary-is at the heart of every system. When patients visit hospitals, they should know what services to expect and have channels to make their voices heard when things don’t go right. That’s where SERVICOM comes in-to make sure that complaints lead to corrections, and that quality service becomes the standard, not the exception.’

Oshie thanked NHIA for aligning the collaboration with Customer Service Week, calling it ‘a fitting moment to renew national commitment to better service delivery.’

‘It is not just about signing an MoU,’ he added. ‘It is about building a partnership that will outlive us-one that will make healthcare more responsive, transparent, and people-centered. Together with NHIA, we will make this vision a reality.’

The Federal Operations Unit, Zone A of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) on Tuesday said it intercepted 125 contraband goods valued at over N1.18 billion within six weeks in Ogun, Ondo, Oyo and Lagos axis.

Displaying the contraband goods at the Customs warehouse in Ikeja, Lagos, the Comptroller of the Unit, Mohammed Shuaibu, highlighted the seizures to include, 5,015 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled rice, equivalent to eight trailer loads; 15 used (Tokunbo) vehicles; 640 parcels of Cannabis Sativa weighing 431.8kg and 460 jerrycans (25 litres each) of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).

Others are 143 bales of used clothing, two jumbo sacks of used shoes, and one sack of used clothing; 390 bottles of Codeine, 310 foreign-branded drugs, and 19 cards of Tramadol; 210 pieces of used tyres; and one 20-foot container (ONEU 2419369 FTC) containing 752 cartons of Calcium Lactate, intercepted for false declaration.

He said the operations were intelligence-driven and aimed at safeguarding Nigeria’s borders, protecting the economy, and ensuring consumer safety from hazardous and counterfeit goods.

Shuaibu emphasised the unit’s commitment to inter-agency collaboration, noting that the confiscated pharmaceuticals and cannabis would be handed over to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), respectively.

He reiterated the enforcement of the 2016 Federal Government ban on the importation of foreign parboiled rice through land borders, warning that ‘selfish and unpatriotic individuals’ who continue to flout the policy would suffer heavy losses.

Beyond enforcement, Shuaibu disclosed that the unit recovered N39.27 million in revenue through demand notices issued for import duty shortfalls between September 1 and October 7, 2025.

Receiving the drugs, the Deputy Commander of Narcotics, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Nasir Bungudu, commended officers of the NCS for their vigilance and intelligence in intercepting another shipment of Indian hemp believed to have been smuggled into the country through sea.

Bungudu also lauded the Customs’ sustained efforts in combating drug trafficking, describing their operations as ‘dogged and intelligence-driven.’

‘This is another Indian hemp that is not produced in Nigeria. It was brought in through the sea and the river. I thank the Customs for their ability to track and arrest the culprits. Their intelligence and timing in making such arrests are commendable,’ Bungudu said.

He assured that the NDLEA would continue to strengthen its collaboration with the Customs Service to curb the smuggling of illicit drugs into the country, especially through waterways and land borders.

Four suspects were arrested in connection with the seizures and would be handed over to the relevant agencies for investigation and prosecution.

Thirty-nine Nigerian artisans have departed for the Republic of Belarus under the National Directorate of Employment’s (NDE) International Job Placement Programme, a key initiative of the Federal Government aimed at promoting safe and regular migration pathways for skilled workers.

The beneficiaries, drawn from Benue State, are expected to take up employment opportunities in Belarus’s construction sector, in line with the government’s commitment to creating decent jobs and curbing irregular migration.

Speaking at a pre-departure ceremony in Abuja, the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkiruka Onyejeocha, described the programme as proof that Nigerian talent is not only capable but also globally competitive.

According to her, the initiative, born from collaboration between the Ministry of Labour and Employment, the Benue State Government, the NDE, the Benue State Bureau of Entrepreneurship and Wealth Creation, and Enhanced Entrepreneurs Belarus Nig. Co. Ltd., demonstrates that real progress thrives on alignment among stakeholders.

She urged the departing workers to honour their contracts, respect their hosts, and let their excellence showcase Nigeria’s story of resilience and skill.

Onyejeocha stated, ‘As a Ministry, our mission under the Renewed Hope Agenda is clear: to ensure every Nigerian can access decent, safe, and sustainable work. The International Job Placement Programme embodies that vision, proving that Nigerian talent is not only capable but globally competitive.

‘But this is just the beginning. The world of work is changing rapidly. To stay ahead, Nigeria must deepen international partnerships that promote knowledge transfer, technology exchange, and exposure to best practices. Programmes like this equip Nigerian professionals with global insights that strengthen our domestic capacity and competitiveness.

‘By engaging globally, we exchange innovation and standards that uplift our workforce and position Nigeria as a trusted player in the global labour economy. To our departing artisans, you carry the pride of our nation. Let your professionalism and integrity speak loudly. Honour your contracts, respect your hosts, and let your excellence tell the Nigerian story of resilience and skill. Remember, success abroad must translate into growth at home.’

In his welcome address, the Director-General of the NDE, Silas Agara, commended the Benue State Government for its confidence in the Directorate and its partners, both within and outside Nigeria, in ensuring that qualified Nigerians access decent jobs abroad with dignity.

He said, ‘We are collectively declaring here today that young Nigerians no longer need to undertake the dangerous journeys across the Sahara Desert or risk drowning in the Mediterranean Sea to reach Europe. All they need now are skills, competency, and the support of any subnational government to benefit from the International Job Placement Programme.’

Agara explained that beyond its role in creating mass employment for the unskilled and unemployed, the NDE also has a statutory mandate to facilitate job linkages. He revealed that the collaboration between the NDE and Enhanced Entrepreneurs Belarus Nig. Co. Ltd., which began in 2019, has successfully secured employment opportunities for Nigerian artisans in various construction fields in Belarus.

‘We reached out to all State Governments to partner with EBNC in exploring opportunities in the booming construction sector in the Republic of Belarus for the benefit of our skilled artisans,’ he said. ‘Beyond the immediate advantage of decent jobs, this programme offers Nigeria an open door to the smooth transfer of skills and technology, as the participants will be exposed to world-class standards in construction skills and practices which they can transfer to Nigeria eventually.’

Agara expressed confidence that the artisans, who are the pioneer beneficiaries of the initiative, would uphold their contractual obligations and serve as worthy ambassadors of both Benue State and Nigeria.

‘I cannot overemphasise the need for them to show themselves as worthy ambassadors of Benue State and the Nigerian nation in the diligent discharge of their duties and general conduct in Belarus,’ he stated.

The National Coordinator of Young Christian Democrats (YCD), Mr Ezekiel Dinfa, has described the presidential hopeful, Dr Gbenga Olawepo Hashim, as a true unifier, having both northern and southern parentage.

Dinfa was reacting to a statement credited to President Bola Tinubu when he visited Jos at the weekend, asking Christians in the North to support him because he respects freedom of religion, arguing that his wife is a pastor.

According to him, only a president of Christian extraction from the North can protect the people against religious extremism and terrorism ravaging parts of Northern Nigeria and threatening more than 250 minorities who have, for centuries, maintained their identities.

‘This is not a time for that statement President Tinubu is talking about, as even southern Christians do not understand what we are going through. Only a northern Christian does.

‘We have already identified a northern Christian who can do the job in the person of Dr Joel Gbenga Hashim, and he is running on the platform of the PDP.

‘He is a successful entrepreneur and one of the founders of the PDP. He understands national security and economics,’ Dinfa stated.

He maintained that ‘Dr Hashim is a fair-minded democrat who will protect Muslims too because, like most northern Christians, he has his Muslim roots as well.’

Dinfa restated that Dr Hashim was capable of promoting national unity and harmony, given Nigeria’s ethnic heterogeneity.

‘Like our own son in Plateau, General Yakubu Gowon, who brought Nigeria back together when war broke out, Dr Hashim has the capability to manage Nigeria’s diversity, while most aspirants in the field do not even know or understand Nigeria,’ he said.

The member representing Ekiti/Isin/Irepodun/Oke-Ero Federal Constituency, Hon. Raheem Ajuloopin, has condemned the recent attack in Idofin Odo-Ashe in the Oke-Ero Local Government Area, describing it as an act capable of disrupting the peace and stability of the community.

It will be recalled that several people were killed and property destroyed by insurgents who recently attacked the community.

In a statement, the lawmaker expressed deep concern over the unfortunate incident and sympathised with the victims, their families, and the entire community affected by the attack.

He emphasised that acts of violence have no place in a civilised society and urged security agencies to intensify efforts to bring the perpetrators to justice.

While commending the swift response of both the federal and Kwara State governments, as well as security agencies and local vigilante groups, the lawmaker reiterated that the fight against insecurity requires collective responsibility.

He called on traditional rulers, community leaders, and residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with security operatives by providing timely and credible information.

‘Security is everyone’s business. We cannot afford to leave the safety of our communities solely to government agencies. Every citizen must be actively involved in safeguarding our environment and ensuring that peace prevails,’ he said.

He reaffirmed his commitment to continued collaboration with relevant authorities to ensure that lasting peace and security return to all parts of Kwara South and beyond.

Hon. Ajuloopin also appealed for calm, assuring that both the federal and state governments are working to address the root causes of insecurity and prevent future occurrences.