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The National Coordinator of the Association of Former APC State Chairmen (AFSC-APC), Chief (Hon.) Basil Ejidike JP, has called for an immediate truce and an end to all political attacks against the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, following the formal burial of Ms. Mary Habila and the disclosure of the circumstances surrounding her passing.

The controversy began when Ms. Habila, a medical staff member attached to Senator Umahi, died at his residence in Uburu, Ebonyi State. The tragic event sparked intense public scrutiny, with critics and political opponents demanding Senator Umahi’s resignation, an investigation, and his removal from office by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The narrative, however, reached a turning point after Ms. Habila’s family formally laid her to rest in Nok, Jaba Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

In their official public statement and tribute, her family revealed that she had lived with a pre-existing heart condition and died of cardiac arrest, vindicating the Minister of any involvement.

Reacting to the developments, Ejidike, the immediate past Anambra State APC Chairman, called for a truce, urging the Minister’s detractors to lay the matter to rest and ‘bury their heads in shame.’

‘Now that the family of the deceased has come out openly and publicly to disclose the cause of the death of their daughter, Ms. Mary Habila, what option does the shameless and envious accusers of the Hon. Minister have?’ Ejidike asked.

He criticised those who exploited the personal tragedy for political vengeance, characterising calls for the Minister’s resignation as an extreme act of desperation.

‘That a staff/employee died within the facility of her boss, obviously wasn’t something that should have attracted such public reactions and outbursts,’ Ejidike stated. ‘The call for Sen. Umahi’s resignation and investigation was the height of their desperation to extract a pound of flesh from the Hon. Minister. Death, we all know, is a necessity that will come when it will.’

Ejidike, who is also the Chairman of the Governing Board, National Root Crops Research Institute, Umudike, Abia State, further noted that the President maintained unshakeable confidence in the Minister throughout the ordeal.

‘Again, the call on President Bola Tinubu to remove Sen. Umahi from office was pure madness and portrayed their dirty inner thinking and state of confusion,’ he noted. ‘Mr President, understanding the antics of these shameless traducers, simply responded by encouraging the Hon. Minister to ‘go and build more roads.’

Commending Senator Umahi for maintaining his composure throughout the public attacks, Ejidike observed that ‘a clear conscience fears no allegation’ and expressed optimism that the family’s statement would finally bring closure to the matter.

‘With the formal burial of Ms. Mary Habila by her family members to rest peacefully in the bosom of the Lord, our maker… I hope that the dust is finally settled for good,’ Ejidike concluded, praying for the repose of her soul.

The South West APC Support Groups Council (APC-SGC) has unveiled the zonal edition of the Renewed Hope Unity Cup Football Competition for primary schools, using the beautiful game to unite communities and drum up support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.

Addressing journalists at the Nigerian Union of Journalists press centre in Iyaganku, Ibadan, the Deputy Director-General of the council, Ambassador Adewale Adeogun, emphasised that football remains a powerful unifying tool for talent discovery and mass mobilisation at the foundational level.

‘The introduction of the National Primary Schools Football Tournament is designed to discover young talents, promote unity among pupils across the nation, and mobilise parents and Teachers across the length and breadth of our Zone in particular and the Nation at large,’ Adeogun stated.

Tracing the council’s political footprint since 2022, Adeogun noted that its structures have consistently spearheaded voter education and sensitisation campaigns for the ruling party.

Beyond the football pitch, he highlighted that the umbrella body of all recognised APC support groups in the six south-western states has invested heavily in community-level empowerment, youth skills training, micro-grants, and issue-based campaigns.

While commending the party’s national leadership for forming the Presidential Campaign Council, the Deputy Director-General urged the party and government at all levels to accord the support groups due recognition and political patronage, specifically requesting collaborative support for their ongoing empowerment initiatives.

‘We in the Southwest APC Support Groups Council will collaborate very closely with the Presidential Campaign Council as constituted towards mobilising support for H.E. President and other APC candidates across the Southwestern Zone,’ Adeogun assured.

He further declared that the council is fully prepared to execute a strategic engagement drive across the region to showcase the tangible achievements of President Tinubu’s administration in tackling economic reforms, infrastructure decay, and security challenges.

‘We shall ensure massive mobilisation through strategic engagement with the people of the Southwest, while showcasing the various achievements of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his genuine intentions towards pulling the country out of economic crisis, addressing infrastructural decay, insecurity, and driving progress and development,’ he affirmed.

Flanked by the Zonal Secretary, Dr Lawrence Enaholo, the Deputy Director-General reiterated the unalloyed loyalty of the support groups to the Renewed Hope Agenda, maintaining that recognising and rewarding the grassroots base is a vital investment in the APC’s future electoral victories.

He added, ‘Beyond electioneering, APC-SGC South West has also invested directly in our communities. Some of our programmes and achievements include but are not limited to:

‘The introduction of the National Primary Schools Football Tournament, designed to discover young talents, promote unity among pupils across the Nation and mobilise parents and Teachers across the length and breadth of our Zone in particular and the Nation at large.’

‘Empowerment programmes for women, youths, and artisans, including skill training, micro-grants, and business support tools.

‘Continuous Voter Education and Issue-based Campaigns. This deepened support for the APC’s governments and the Renewed Hope Agenda in every LGA.

‘We are also using this medium to commend the APC National Leadership for the formation of the Presidential Campaign Council (PCC), and hoping for better collaboration and partnership with them (PCC) as partners in progress. While also appreciating the APC-led governments at Federal, State, and LGA levels for the visible achievements in infrastructure, social involvement, economic reforms, and youth development.’

The group, however, calls for recognition from the party hierarchy and leadership.

‘As critical stakeholders who contributed immensely to these victories, we respectfully call on the party (APC) and government at all levels to accord the South West APC Support Groups Council due recognition and better political patronage. Specifically, we appeal for:

‘Support and Collaboration for our Empowerment programmes, to enable us to sustain our grassroots supporters.

‘We in the Southwest APC Support Groups Council will collaborate very closely with the Presidential Campaign Council as constituted towards mobilising support for H.E. President and other APC candidates across the Southwestern Zone.

‘We shall ensure massive mobilisation through strategic engagement with the people of the Southwest, while showcasing the various achievements of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his genuine intentions towards pulling the country out of economic crisis, addressing infrastructural decay, insecurity, and driving progress and development.

‘It is our belief that these efforts are anchored on the programmes and policies of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration.

‘We believe that to whom much is given, much is expected. Rewarding the base is investing in the future of the APC. We remain loyal to the party and to the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’, he noted.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) on Wednesday inaugurated the Presidential Committee on the National Threat Assessment and Five-Year Strategic Defence Operations Plan, charging members to approach the assignment with the highest degree of professionalism, objectivity, urgency and patriotism.

The committee, established by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has 90 days to produce a comprehensive National Threat Assessment and a rolling Five-Year Strategic Defence Operations Plan for the President’s consideration and approval.

The SGF, who described the assignment as one of considerable national importance, urged members to bring their collective expertise to bear on developing a coherent framework that would strengthen Nigeria’s capacity to anticipate, plan for and respond to current and emerging security threats.

He assured the committee of the full support and cooperation of the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, adding that it had been authorised to consult or co-opt representatives of other Ministries, Departments and Agencies whose specialised knowledge might be required.

According to a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Yomi Odunuga, Akume said the inauguration marked an important step in strengthening the country’s ability to understand and respond effectively to an increasingly complex and evolving security environment.

He observed that contemporary security threats had become increasingly interconnected and adaptive, with the capacity to exploit gaps between institutions, jurisdictions and operational theatres.

While acknowledging significant successes recorded by the Armed Forces and other security agencies across different theatres in recent months, the SGF said Nigeria must move beyond responding to individual security challenges to building a system capable of anticipating threats, setting priorities, allocating resources rationally and sustaining operational momentum.

Such a system, he said, must also ensure that national security objectives are consistently translated into measurable outcomes.

The SGF stressed that although heads of defence, intelligence and security agencies must retain the flexibility required to respond to immediate threats, their responses should be anchored on a shared national understanding of the security environment and a coherent short-, medium- and long-term strategy.

He noted that operational requirements were sometimes considered independently without sufficient reference to an agreed national threat assessment, clearly prioritised national objectives or a unified capability plan.

According to him, the situation made coordination more difficult and limited the efficient deployment of scarce resources.

The committee, he explained, is therefore expected to help establish a coherent strategic system in which Nigeria’s threat assessment determines operational objectives, while those objectives, in turn, determine the capabilities required.

Capability requirements, he added, should inform expenditure, procurement, force development and industrial priorities.

‘In simple terms, we must establish a clear path from threat to objective, from objective to capability, from capability to resource, and from resource to measurable outcome’, the SGF said.

He explained that the National Threat Assessment would provide the government with a comprehensive and objective understanding of Nigeria’s security landscape by identifying what threatens the country, why the threats matter, how they are likely to evolve and the consequences of failing to address them.

It would also determine appropriate government responses and provide a common planning basis for the Armed Forces, intelligence services and other relevant security agencies.

According to him, the assessment should enable the government to distinguish between immediate threats requiring urgent operational responses and emerging threats demanding early investment in intelligence, technology, infrastructure, doctrine, training and other capabilities.

The Five-Year Strategic Defence Operations Plan, on the other hand, would translate the National Threat Assessment into practical and prioritised operational requirements.

The SGF said the plan should establish what must be achieved in each operational theatre and identify the forces, capabilities, equipment, infrastructure, logistics, intelligence, technology and other enablers required to achieve the objectives.

It would also identify existing capability gaps and establish priorities based on the severity and urgency of identified threats, as well as provide a realistic implementation timetable specifying what is required, when it is required, why it is required, who is responsible for delivering it and how progress will be measured.

The five-year timeframe, he said, would provide the medium-term horizon required for force development, capability acquisition, infrastructure development, training, maintenance, research and development and the strengthening of Nigeria’s defence industrial base.

The plan would, however, operate on a rolling basis and be reviewed annually to accommodate emerging threats, changing operational realities, technological developments and lessons from ongoing operations.

Under its Terms of Reference, the committee is to review the principal existing and emerging security threats facing Nigeria and assess their relative urgency and strategic implications.

It is also mandated to define operational priorities and identify capabilities required in each theatre; determine capability gaps and equipment, logistics, infrastructure, technology, personnel and support requirements; and establish procurement priorities based on assessed threats and operational requirements rather than institutional preferences.

The committee will also establish implementation steps and realistic timelines for each priority, including measures for monitoring progress and assessing outcomes, as well as make other recommendations necessary for the formulation and effective implementation of the Strategic Defence Operations Plan.

The SGF said the nation’s military and security personnel, who continue to demonstrate courage and commitment in defending the country, deserve a strategic framework that clearly defines their objectives and provides the capabilities, resources and support required to accomplish them.

He thereafter formally inaugurated the committee on behalf of President Tinubu, wishing members wisdom, diligence, and successful deliberations in discharging the national assignment.

The committee, which will be coordinated and supported by the Office of the Special Adviser to the President on Homeland Security, Major General Adeyinka Famadewa (rtd), has as members the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (rtd); Minister of State for Defence, Bello Muhammad Matawalle; and Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede.

Others are the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-General Waidi Shaibu; Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke; Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas; Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu; Director-General of the Department of State Services, Tosin Ajayi; and Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency, Ambassador Muhammed Muhammed.

In his closing remarks, Famadewa expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for the confidence reposed in members and the opportunity given to them to contribute to the security and well-being of the country.

He urged members to work collectively and in synergy towards strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture, stressing that the assignment must be approached as a shared national responsibility.

Famadewa said his role would not be to command members of the committee but to facilitate collaboration and harness their collective expertise towards achieving the objectives set by the President.

He also said subcommittees would be established to facilitate the work, allow members to concentrate on specialised areas, and ensure the committee completes the assignment within the stipulated 90-day timeframe.

VIYA Health, the exclusive distributor of Incepta Pharmaceutical’s WHO PreQualified Family Planning solution, DMPA SC, in Nigeria, has held discussions with the Oyo State Primary Healthcare Board in Agodi, Ibadan, to expand access to quality, affordable family planning services across the State.

The meeting focused on expanding access to Medogen SubQ, a World Health Organization prequalified (WHO PQ) Family Planning product produced by Incepta Pharmaceuticals.

Medogen SubQ’s WHO prequalification demonstrates quality assurance signaling adherence with stringent international standards, strengthening credibility and reputation, thus, providing healthcare providers and women with a safe, effective and affordable contraceptive option that meets internationally recognised standards.

The Board’s Executive Secretary, Dr. Muideen Babatunde Olatunji, reiterated the state’s commitment to investing in health commodities, including strengthening the availability of family planning products, and collaborating in other areas of public health.

Olatunji added that expanding access to a wider range of safe and affordable family planning options through the state’s Primary Health Centres will strengthen ongoing efforts to improve maternal and child health outcomes while empowering individuals and families to make informed reproductive health decisions.

‘The Oyo State Government remains committed to improving access to quality primary healthcare services for our people. We commend VIYA Health for engaging with the Oyo State Primary Healthcare Board to expand access to safe, effective and affordable family planning commodities across our healthcare facilities. This collaboration will strengthen our healthcare delivery system and ultimately contribute to better health outcomes for women, children and families across the state,’ he added.

The Business Lead, VIYA HealthNigeria, Billy Shoaga,a pharmacist, said the ongoing collaboration reflects VIYA Health’s commitment to improving access to quality reproductive healthcare by working closely with State Governments and other key stakeholders.

Shoaga explained that increasing the availability of affordable, high-quality family planning commodities is critical to improving maternal and child health outcomes, reducing unmet family planning needs, and empowering women to make informed reproductive health decisions.

‘At VIYA Health, we are committed to ensuring that quality healthcare products reach the people who need them most. Through our strategic collaboration with the Oyo State Primary Healthcare Board, we are expanding access to a WHO-prequalified family planning solution that combines quality, safety and affordability. We believe that stronger public-private collaboration will play a vital role in improving public health outcomes and ensuring that more women have access to reliable family planning options,’ he said.

Former Lagos State governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola (SAN), has called for religious tolerance in society, stressing that faith should remain a personal conviction and should never be imposed on anyone.

Fashola made the call on Sunday while delivering a lecture at the yearly ‘God in My Life’ series organised by the Torchbearer Society of the Archbishop Vining Memorial Church Cathedral (AVMCC), Ikeja GRA, Lagos.

Speaking on the role of faith in human existence, the former governor described God as the ultimate architect of the universe, noting that all religions are rooted in Him.

According to Fashola, God’s presence in human life manifests in various forms, including family members, friends, associates, and institutions such as schools and workplaces that provide guidance and direction.

Reflecting on the theme of the lecture, Fashola, a Muslim, recounted his early roots in the Anglican Church and explained how those experiences shaped his development and influenced key decisions throughout his life.

He shared personal testimonies about his life journey, including several near-death experiences and moments of danger arising from what he described as youthful recklessness. He attributed his survival and eventual success to divine providence and God’s continuous intervention in his life.

Emphasising the importance of acknowledging God’s role in the affairs of humanity, Fashola challenged the audience to consider the limits of human control over life’s events.

‘If God gave us the opportunity to arrange our life’s journey by ourselves, can any one of us decide which phase of our life should come first?’ he asked.

He added that the very experience of living and navigating life’s uncertainties serves as a constant reminder of the presence and influence of God.

Fashola also used the occasion to advocate mutual respect among adherents of different faiths, reiterating that religion should unite rather than divide people.

In his keynote address, the Chief Host and Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Lagos West, Rt. Revd. Olusola Odedeji, hailed Fashola for serving as a role model to young people. He noted that youths from across the diocese turned out in large numbers to participate in the event and draw inspiration from the former governor’s life experiences.

On the theme, Bishop Odedeji described ‘God in My Life’ as a call to reflection, testimony, and gratitude.

‘God in my life is a call to reflection, testimonies and appreciation,’ the bishop said, adding, ‘We can be lonely but not alone.’

The annual lecture series, organised by the Torchbearer Society of AVMCC, provides a platform for distinguished Nigerians from diverse backgrounds to share personal reflections on their relationship with God and the role of faith in their journeys through business, leadership, public service, and other spheres of life.

Welcoming the guest speaker to the event, a member of the Torchbearer Society and former Chairman of Nestle Plc, Chief Olusegun Osunkeye, praised Fashola for his giant strides in public service, noting his tremendous impact to the church and the state at large, during his tenure.

The event attracted clergy, professionals, community leaders, and young people from across Lagos, underscoring the growing relevance of conversations on faith, leadership, and national cohesion.

Fourteen branches of the Nigerian Association of Medical and Dental Academics (NAMDA) have voted to embark on a three-day nationwide warning strike beginning next Tuesday.

The Association said it was proceeding with the industrial action after the Federal Government failed to conclude negotiations on the welfare and conditions of service of medical lecturers across the country.

According to a press release signed by NAMDA National Secretary Professor Aniekan Peter, the FG has not formally documented the payment of medical lecturers under the CONMESS salary structure.

Prof Peter also cited the non-payment of MCATA EAA, Excess Workload Allowance, and Professorial Allowance as reasons for the strike.

The press release reads, ‘Despite the dearth of medical lecturers and the worsening ‘Japa’ syndrome, the federal government appears to have continued to ignore the legitimate concerns of medical lecturers.

‘Medical lecturers are therefore being pushed into an avoidable strike. The warning strike is scheduled to commence next Tuesday and will be total and comprehensive across medical schools in the country.

‘The critical issues affecting medical lecturers include: Failure of the Federal Government, through the Ahmed Yahale Committee, to conclude negotiations on the conditions of service of medical lecturers.

‘At a time when the country is already experiencing a severe shortage of medical lecturers, it is unfortunate that the Government is allowing these avoidable issues to escalate.

‘The ‘crime’ of these elite doctors is simply that they have chosen to stay back and serve their country despite the harsh economic realities they face.

‘We call on the Federal Government to listen, return to the negotiating table and resolve these issues before the warning strike becomes inevitable.’

An entrepreneur, diplomat and philanthropist Otunba Adejare Rewane Adegbenro has defended President Bola Tinubu’s May 2023 removal of the petrol subsidy.

He described the former regime as a ‘rent-distribution system’, whose benefits were captured by car-owning, urban, higher-income households and by smuggling networks rather than by ordinary Nigerians.

Adegbenro said in a statement that the old subsidy channelled roughly N18 trillion over 12 years through a small number of importers and marketers, with pricing and disbursement decisions made opaquely inside Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and the presidency, and that its removal had produced measurable gains despite a rough transition.

He said monthly FAAC allocations to federal, state and local governments have risen since removal, giving sub-national governments – including opposition-controlled states – fiscal room they lacked before, while the parallel exchange-rate premium that fuelled fuel smuggling and forex racketeering has narrowed.

He noted NNPC has also begun publishing some data on fuel-related expenditure, though disclosures remain incomplete.

Adegbenro argued the removal carried a credibility benefit beyond fiscal savings, saying it had signalled to investors and multilateral lenders that Nigeria could sustain a politically costly reform, and that this credibility had lowered the barrier for the private-sector entrants the deregulated downstream market was designed to attract.

He was reacting to Africa Democratic Congressman (ADC )presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar’s pledge to restore the subsidy if elected in 2027, citing the Tinubu government’s failure to account for the savings generated since removal.

Adegbenro said that grievance was legitimate but did not justify reversing the policy, warning that restoring the subsidy would recreate the same opacity Atiku says he wants addressed.

Rather than reversal, Adegbenro proposed an independent audit of subsidy-removal savings and NNPC’s ‘Energy Security Expenses’ before the National Assembly, targeted cash transfers to transport and low-income households in place of the subsidy, and continued investment in domestic refining capacity and market liberalisation.

The management of dancer and entertainer Poco Lee has broken its silence on reports linking the ongoing legal case against him in the United Kingdom to allegations of drink spiking.

In a statement issued amid growing discussions on social media, the management urged the public and the media to exercise restraint, stressing that the matter is before the UK courts and should be allowed to run its course.

Poco Lee, whose real name is Iweh Pascal Odinaka, is scheduled to appear at Snaresbrook Crown Court on September 15, 2026, for plea and trial preparation.

Addressing the reports circulating online, Poco Lee’s management specifically disputed claims that drink spiking forms part of the allegations or charges before the court.

The statement read, ‘We are aware of the ongoing public discussion surrounding allegations made against our client, Poco Lee, currently before the courts in the United Kingdom.

‘As this matter is now subject to legal proceedings, we urge the public, media, and all well-meaning individuals to exercise restraint in commenting on the details of the case. Allegations are not evidence of guilt, and no conclusions should be drawn until the matter has been heard and determined through the appropriate legal process.

‘We are particularly concerned by the volume of unverified narratives currently circulating, including claims referencing ‘drink spiking,’ amongst other allegations which do not form part any of the allegations or charges before the court. We ask the public and media to desist from introducing details that are not part of the actual case, as doing so only fuels misinformation and causes unfair prejudice to all parties involved’.

The team also emphasised the principle of fair hearing, urging members of the public not to treat allegations as established facts or reach conclusions before the legal process is completed.

‘Every individual is entitled to a fair hearing and to have their matter determined by due process of law, not by public opinion. We respectfully request that this right be respected in this instance, as it would be for anyone else.

‘We will provide updates through official channels as appropriate and thank the public for their understanding and restraint during this period,’ the statement added.

As the case continues, Poco Lee’s management said it would communicate further developments through official channels and appealed to the public to allow the courts to determine the matter without the influence of social media speculation.

For now, the allegations remain unproven, and the outcome will ultimately be determined through the UK judicial process.

The National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) says it is working with security agencies to stop the planned ‘Media Press Call and Movie Premiere of ‘Living in Colors” scheduled for this weekend at a cinema in Lagos.

The Board said preliminary investigations show the film’s trailer contains explicit pornography and promotes same-sex relationships.

In a statement on Monday, the NFVCB said the film has not been submitted, vetted, nor classified by the Board. As such, any public exhibition or promotion of it is illegal.

The Board disclosed it has contacted the management of the exhibition center and venue providers.

‘Hosting an unclassified film is a direct breach of digital and theatrical content laws, which will result in the immediate sealing of the facility and revocation of operational licenses,’ the statement warned.

The NFVCB added that legal proceedings are being initiated against the production company, as well as the individual producers and promoters involved.

According to the Board, under the NFVCB Act and the Same-Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act, it is a criminal offence to publicly show or distribute unclassified or legally prohibited content.

The Board reiterated its commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s moral, cultural, and constitutional values.

‘Content creators, cinema operators, and media distribution platforms are strongly advised to desist from aiding the promotion of this unlawful work or face the full wrath of the law,’ the statement added.

The NFVCB said it will continue to monitor all media channels to ensure compliance with film classification and content regulations nationwide.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu yesterday urged Muslims to pray against insecurity and the resolution of other national challenges as they celebrated Eid-el-Maulud, the birthday of Prophet Mohammed (SAW).

He called for the renewal of commitment to the virtues of devotion, perseverance, tolerance, humility and selflessness exemplified by his life.

The President, Vice President Kashim Shettima, governors and other top government officials urged the faithful to support the needy and extend a duty of care to the vulnerable.

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), which extended its goodwill and solidarity to Muslims, cautioned politicians against exploiting religion and ethnicity to garner votes.

CAN President Rev. Daniel Okoh, who called for religious harmony, advised Muslims and Christians to live in harmony.

In many parts of the country, Muslim groups undertook a series of activities to mark the day. Pupils had march past, Islamic organisations organized lectures, among other activities.

Tinubu urges prayers for nation

The president, who congratulated the Muslims, said they should used the celebration for introspection, prayer and reflection on the Prophet’s teachings.

He said in a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, that Nigerians had much to learn from the life and conduct of Prophet Muhammad.

President Tinubu said: ‘The Muslim faithful should make deliberate effort to adhere to the teachings of Prophet Muhammad. There are great lessons of devotion, perseverance, tolerance, humility and selflessness that we can all learn from the life of the Prophet.’

He urged Nigerians to pray for an end to insecurity and other challenges confronting some parts of the country.

The President said Muslims should imbibe the virtues of compassion and generosity, especially towards the less privileged, adding that they should extend a hand of fellowship to the needy and vulnerable in the spirit of the season.

Shettima calls for tolerance

Shettima urged Nigerians to reject hatred, division and intolerance and renew their commitment to peace, compassion and service to humanity.

He said the values exemplified by the Prophet should inspire Nigerians to strengthen the bonds of national unity and care for the vulnerable.

The Vice President said the occasion offered an opportunity for citizens to reflect on the enduring lessons of mercy, humility, justice, patience and service to humanity.

He said: ‘The life of the Prophet remains an enduring lesson in mercy, humility, justice, patience and service to humanity.

‘He taught us that true strength is found in compassion, that leadership must be guided by fairness, and that our faith is best expressed in the way we treat one another.’

Shettima said the lessons were particularly relevant as Nigeria continued to record sustained economic growth under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The vice president said the values of compassion, justice and service should encourage Nigerians to look beyond their differences and work collectively towards building a more peaceful coexistence.

He described Nigeria’s diversity as one of the country’s greatest strengths, stressing the need to foster peaceful coexistence among citizens irrespective of their religious, ethnic or social backgrounds.

Shettima said: ‘Our diversity remains one of Nigeria’s greatest strengths. We must continue to build a country where people of every faith and background can live together in peace, dignity and mutual respect’, Shettima said.

He also called on Nigerians to use the celebration to reach out to the less privileged and demonstrate kindness towards their neighbours and communities.

He said: ‘As we celebrate, I urge Nigerians to remember those in need and to extend kindness to our neighbours and communities. The true spirit of this occasion lies not only in remembrance, but in reflecting the Prophet’s example in our daily lives.’

CAN to leaders: don’t exploit

religion, ethnicity

CAN appealed to politicians not to exploit religious and ethnic sentiments for political advantage ahead of the 2027 general election.

Rev. Okoh also urged politicians to desist from actions capable of deepening religious and ethnic divisions, warning that while elections would come and go, the bonds holding the country together must remain intact.

He said the Eid-el-Maulud celebration offered Nigerians an opportunity to reflect on values of mercy, justice, compassion for the poor and vulnerable, honesty and peaceful coexistence.

Rev. Okoh said these values are particularly important at a time when Nigerians are grappling with economic hardship and insecurity.

The CAN president urged the leaders to move beyond promises and deliver visible results, particularly in the areas of security and economic relief.

He said: ‘I therefore urge the Federal Government and leaders at all levels to move from promises to visible action. Nigerians need greater security, economic relief and leadership that puts their welfare first.’

‘As we approach the 2027 elections, I also appeal to politicians not to exploit religion or ethnicity for political advantage. Elections will come and go, but the bonds that hold Nigeria together must remain.’

Rev. Okoh appealed to Christians and Muslims to reject attempts by individuals seeking political advantage to divide them along religious lines.

He said both faith communities have a shared responsibility to protect their communities, care for vulnerable Nigerians and work together to promote peace.

Okoh, however, expressed optimism about the future of the country, saying hope must be backed by responsible leadership, good citizenship and justice.’