“The terrorists took advantage of the gaps in cooperation between both countries and exploited difficult terrains to make incursions in remote areas in some North Western states to spread their ideology,” he said.
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Avoid war without end, Osinbajo, Ooni, Sultan warn secession agitators
Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has warned groups and individuals calling for secession as a result of growing insecurity and perceived injustice, saying Nigeria cannot afford another civil war.
Indeed, the Vice President declared that agitation for disintegration could lead to a war without end and urged the political elite to rise up in defence of national unity.
Osinbajo, who spoke on Wednesday in Anambra State, received the support of two prominent traditional rulers – the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi; and the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, with both royal fathers cautioning against calls for secession.
Osinbajo spoke during a meeting with All Progressives Congress governorship aspirants in Anambra State.
He expressed worry over the silence of the elite on the spate of attacks in the South-East and other parts of the country.
At the session organised by Anambra APC patriots, led by Dozie Ikedife, the Vice President said Nigeria should avoid “a war without end.”
He said, “Everyone who thinks they have some monies stored up somewhere, will eventually run out of money. Everyone who thinks they can go and hide somewhere, won`t even find a place to hide. In the end, everyone will suffer.
“Even if you don’t suffer, your parents, children, young and old people and your relations will suffer. We cannot afford a war in this country, we can`t afford it.”
The Vice President said the failure of the elite to act now would expose the country to danger.
He said, “I pray that our country will never know conflict, but I know that every conflict is as a result of elite failure to speak up the truth and tell the truth to their communities.
“If we don`t speak up against disunity, if we keep quiet and remain under the radar, the enemies of peace and those who want to promote disunity will have their way. And when this happens, we will find ourselves running helter shelter.”
At another event in Lagos, Osinbajo, the Sultan, the Ooni and the APC national leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, attributed rising agitations and dissatisfaction across the country to illiteracy and misinformation.
They spoke at the presentation of a book titled ‘Islam in Yorubaland: History, Education and Culture’, by the Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria (MUSWEN).
Osinbajo said it was saddening that those who are ill-informed have taken the mantle of demanding separation and promoting issues capable of pitching Nigerians against one another in a bid to achieving their agenda.
He argued that though the country was facing challenges and that the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration was exploring different options to bring about lasting solutions, Nigerians should support the government by shunning divisive rhetoric and their promoters.
The Vice President at the Lagos forum was represented by the Special Adviser to the President on Political Matters, Senator Babafemi Ojudu.
He urged religious and traditional rulers to continue supporting the government in amplifying the message of peace and religious tolerance.
Sultan Abubakar said apart from history, religious leaders and scholars in Nigeria must feed their followers with the truth and the true meaning of the faiths they profess.
He called for religious tolerance to foster harmony across the country.
The monarch said it had become imperative for stakeholders to initiate policies that would bring down misinformation on religious differences.
Sultan Abubakar said calling for secession at the time Nigeria is seeking to fix its security apparatus.
Oba Ogunwusi also called for harmonious relationship among all tribes irrespective of their religious background. He called for unity among Nigerians.
He urged other regions to learn from the religious harmony in the South-West.
According to him, hardly is there a family in Yorubaland without having Muslims and Christians among them.
Despite this, Oba Ogunwusi said, it was rare finding people fighting over religion in the region.
Asiwaju Tinubu called for unity among Nigerians in the face of insecurity.
He urged Nigerians to support the Federal Government’s efforts at quelling insurgents and banditry in the country.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo at a different forum expressed optimism that the nation would soon overcome its security challenge.
He called for prayers for the nation to overcome the security situation.
He spoke at the 108th Annual Convention of the Nigerian Baptist Convention held at the Baptist International Conference Centre, KM 54 Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
Obasanjo said, “On the situation we are in the country, I am an incurable optimist about a number of things particularly about Nigeria. The situation in Nigeria threatening but we won’t be consumed by it.
“Keep praying that the situation will only be threatening, but we won’t be overcome by it. May we continue to prosper. Continue to pray for the nation’s leaders towards surmounting its challenges.
“The issue of insecurity is a very big challenge. We need prayers; we need you to continue to pray for the leaders in this country and continue to do your bit because the government alone cannot do it.”
metro
New terror group now operating in Kebbi, Sokoto – Defence HQ
New terror group now operating in Kebbi, Sokoto – Defence HQ
The Nigerian Military has said that a new terror group has been identified in the country.
The Defence Headquarters on Thursday morning said the group is in operation in Kebbi and Sokoto States.
Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba, revealed that this group is affiliated with jihadi organizations in Mali and Niger.
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The emergence of this new terror group is attributed to the political instability in Mali and Niger, which has led to a spill-over effect in Nigeria’s northwestern region.
New terror group now operating in Kebbi, Sokoto – Defence HQ
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A Life of Impact: Celebrating Alhaja Fausat Fadeke Atoke Bankole
A Life of Impact: Celebrating Alhaja Fausat Fadeke Atoke Bankole
BY SAKA GBEMINIYI
Alhaja Fausat Fadeke Atoke Bankole, a remarkable woman, left an indelible mark on the lives of those who knew her. Although she may not have had formal education, her wisdom, kindness, and entrepreneurial spirit inspired countless individuals.
Her passing leaves a void, but her legacy endures.
Born into a humble family, Alhaja Fausat’s determination and resilience shaped her future. She started very early in life as she ventured into business, leveraging her natural talent for herbal remedies.
Her expertise in traditional medicine earned her respect and recognition within her community.
As a recognition of her commitment to her profession, she was in 2019 honoured as APESIN of Alagbo of Ibadanland by her professional body.
Her successful business acumen provided for her family and created endless opportunities for others.
Alhaja Fausat’s commitment to community service was unwavering. As a dedicated member of the Ansarudeen Society of Nigeria, she actively participated in various charitable initiatives.
Her selflessness and generosity inspired others to follow suit. She provided support to the less fortunate, offering guidance, shelter, and financial assistance whenever needed.
And as a mark of honour, the Oyo State chapter of Ansarudeen Society of Nigeria took over her burial and ensured that all Islamic injunctions pertaining to burial were dutifully carried out.
As a mother, her greatest joy was her family. She leaves behind a loving husband, Alhaji Abdu Waheed Bankole and children among whom are Mogaji (Alhaji) Abdu Akeem Adewale Bankole, Mr Sharafadeen Adebayo Bankole, Mrs. Ahmad Amidat Olaide and Mrs. Rufai Rukayat Adeola. Her grandchildren affectionately called her Grandma or Iya Agbo.
Her death will for very long time remained a mystery to some of her acquaintances as nobody expected her to leave at the time left.
Alhaja Fausat passed away at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan after a brief illness surrounded by loved ones and family members (both nuclear and extended).
The outpouring of love and respect was evident during the 8th day Fidau prayers, held at Aweni Arena, Oke-Ado, Ibadan.
Hundreds of people gathered to pay their respects, sharing stories of Alhaja Fausat’s kindness, generosity, and impact.
Those who knew Alhaja Fausat described her as a pillar of strength, wisdom and a generous benefactor to her community.
Her legacy extends beyond her immediate family. She touched the lives of countless individuals through her business, community service, and kindness.
Alhaja Fausat Fadeke Atoke Bankole’s life serves as a testament to the power of determination, resilience, and compassion.
Rest in peace, Alhaja Fausat Fadeke Atoke Bankole. Your life was a blessing to many, and your memory will continue to inspire generations to come.
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NAJA commended, holds training on CNG initiative Thursday
NAJA commended, holds training on CNG initiative Thursday
The Nigeria Auto Journalists Association (NAJA) will this Thursday October 31, 2024 holds a training/capacity building workshop on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) as an alternative fuel for vehicles in Nigeria.
Already, key stakeholders in the Nigerian automobile industry have commended the association for its initiative to organise the workshop.
The one-day training is slated for Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) building, Ikeja, under the theme: CNG/LPG/EV Initiative: Challenges, Sustainability, Opportunities, Alternative to Fossil Fuels in Nigeria’.
Some of the industry stakeholders said NAJA was showing the lead in the auto industry by propagating the government’s initiative, which they noted would bring succour to motorists and Nigerians in general.
Managing Director, Jet Systems Limited, Mr. Derek Ewelukwa, said the training and capacity building on the CNG initiative was timely.
He spoke in an interaction with the training committee, saying that by holding the workshop, NAJA was taking an important step in helping the public and key stakeholders to better understand the government’s CNG initiative.
He insisted that auto journalists as a vehicle of information dissemination and a channel of enlightenment, play a critical role in breaking down complex issues like the CNG initiative, stressing that through this platform, the media was helping to promote greater awareness and acceptance of cleaner energy options.
He enjoined other beat associations to emulate NAJA in propagating government schemes.
Ewelukwa said, “We want the public to understand the benefits of transitioning to CNG, as an alternative fuel to petrol and diesel, particularly in terms of cost savings, environmental impact, and energy sustainability.
“A key part of our participation, we will focus on addressing safety concerns and skepticism about the use of CNG, especially with fears surrounding gas explosions and/or fires.
“We will aim to educate and clarify that CNG systems are rigorously tested and designed with strict safety standards, making them a safe and reliable alternative.”
In his comment, Operations Manager, Mikano Motors, Mr. Syam Abdul-Kadir, said that the training would further bring to the fore necessary steps required by all; government, stakeholders and the public to make the new initiative work.
Abdul-Kadir also lauded the leadership of NAJA and its members for embracing the initiative, stressing that it would go a long way in boosting its public acceptance.
He maintained that as a new development, sensitising and educating the public with accurate and factual information was key.
He posited that by sharing the facts and statistics with the public, the company also intended to prevent a widespread fear of the unknown and provide them with renewed hope for a better Nigeria.
He added, “everybody is a stakeholder, whether you choose to use CNG powered vehicles or not, the CNG initiative on transportation will support the ease-of-doing business. It also has less emissions than fuel, so everyone is impacted”.
“It is critical to emphasize that all stakeholders need to be aware that the correct certifications and adherence to global standards for CNG use must be implemented. From the appropriate certified tanks and parts to the correct standards for dispensing, the goal is to encourage the use of CNG vehicles correctly.”
Chairman of the 2024 Annual Training/Capacity Building Workshop Committee, Adrian Egonu, said through the training in the past, many members of the auto journalists’ association had enhanced their knowledge base of the industry.
He explained that NAJA was intentional with the 2024 theme, noting that the Federal Government in the last 16 months had taken some giant steps to promote Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) and Electric Vehicles (EV), in line with global best practices for cleaner burning automotive fuels.
Egonu said that the 2024 edition would further ensure improved knowledge and skills of the journalists and commended sponsors for partnering with the association in its drive to contribute to the auto industry not just in Nigeria, but around the world.
He declared that the training would afford industry investors and sponsors the opportunity to showcase their products and reach a wider audience.
Chairman NAJA, Mike Ochonma, in his comment, commended the sponsors and partners for associating with NAJA.
He stressed that NAJA as the fourth estate of the realm would continue to play its critical roles of information, education and opinion molding without bias.
Other industry leaders that have confirmed participation include, the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), C
FAO Mobility, Fixit45 Limited and Pi-CNG.
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