Stop fueling ethnic, religious crisis, Epe monarch warns Nigerians – Newstrends
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Stop fueling ethnic, religious crisis, Epe monarch warns Nigerians

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Nigerians have been urged to stop spreading tales that can lead to ethnic and religious crisis, which may further cause division among the people.

This advice was given by the Oloja of Epe, Oba Kamorudeen Ishola Animashaun, urging them to always profess positivity about the country and its armed forces.
He spoke in his Epe palace Lagos during a courtesy visit by members of a media advocacy group, Prayer and Support for the Armed Forces and other Security Agencies.
He commended the group for coming up with such a great initiative of supporting the security agencies by praying for them while urging others to do same.
The monarch said, “I am deeply touched by the activities of this group. Quite nice that we have people in the media who realise that our armed forces need support spiritually. I promised to pass on the message to all our people in this town.
He also commended the armed forces while praying that almighty God would touch the hearts of the bad eggs among them.
The monarch said, “We really need to pray for our security agencies because it’s when they succeed that we are safe and can have rest of mind too.”
He called for a synergy among all the security agencies in order to truly achieve peace and security in our nation.
“Despite the fact that our military personnel have played major roles in various countries using all the resources at their disposal, human and capital, to restore peace in many nations, we are still finding it difficult to restore peace in our country.
The group’s convener, Mrs Mary Abayomi Fatile, queried.
She recounted many feats of the armed forces in the Gambia and other countries.
The monarch,  who received members of the group in the presence of his chiefs, reiterated  the need to love one another for us to achieve a united nation.
“Let’s stop the tales of woes, ethnic rivalry, negative tales. We should not allow people with evil minds to rule us or lead us astray. Let’s stop flaming anger and negativity,” He said.

“It’s indeed a great idea to have a group like yours that has self-consciousness to look at issues dispassionately.”
The group also paid a courtesy visit to the Commandant, Nigerian Army Ordinance School in Epe, Major General Adeyemi Alabi.
According to him, prayer is very important and prayer being a cardinal strength of the nation cannot be overlooked.
He urged members of the group to continue what they had started and be vanguard of the new generation of people ready to make the needed change.
According to him, security is everybody’s business. He therefore urged the populace to give security personnel all the necessary and useful information.
In her remark, a member of  the  group, Hajia Sekinah Lawal, reiterated the need for unity of purpose and sincere prayers “as we have all noted the challenges, succeses recorded by our security agencies in the ongoing fight against insurgents in the North-East Nigeria, and the lingering kidnappings and banditry across the country.
“As a group of media professionals,  we believe we need to engage in mobilising Nigerians for  special prayers and unique support for our gallant soldiers and other security personnel.”
As part of the group’s planned  activities, there was a sensitisation talk with some students of Yaba College of Technology,  Epe Campus.
The students were reminded on the importance of security agencies in our society, educating them on security as a social contract, changing their perception of security personnel  treating  them as heroes and heroines, advocating for oneness, cooperation and love among all security agencies for seamless operations among others.
In addition, another member of the group, Mr. John Obot of Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria,  FRCN, admonished the students to remain focused and shun all forms of drug abuse and  cultism.
Mary Abayomi Fatile urged them to keep blessing and praying for their nation and the armed forces.
“As citizens, let’s continue to say that God bless Nigeria. And always have firm belief in oneness of Nigeria.”
The group had also joined some church services and jumat prayers for awareness creation and prayers.

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Suspected IPOB members kill two soldiers in Imo

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December 28, 2024

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Nigerian Military Troop

Suspected IPOB members kill two soldiers in Imo

The Nigerian Army has confirmed the death of two soldiers and the theft of their weapons by operatives of the Eastern Security Network (ESN), the militant arm of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

IPOB is a separatist group advocating for the creation of the Republic of Biafra, citing longstanding grievances over the marginalization of Nigeria’s South-East region since the Biafra-Nigeria civil war.

In a statement released on Saturday, the Nigerian Army explained that the incident occurred in Osina, Ideator North Local Government Area of Imo State, when troops from the 34 Artillery Brigade, returning from a routine patrol, responded to an emergency call about an attack on Osina Community by IPOB/ESN forces.

The statement revealed that upon arrival, the troops engaged the “terrorists” with overwhelming firepower, resulting in casualties among the attackers. However, the Army did not provide specific numbers, only noting that the “dissidents” eventually withdrew in disarray.

“Unfortunately, two security agents had been killed in action and one other missing in action, with their weapons—a AK-47 rifle and a tear gas launcher—being seized by the terrorists,” the statement said.

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The Army confirmed that the bodies of the fallen soldiers had been recovered, and the troops pursued the fleeing militants.

“Contact was again made with the criminal IPOB/ESN elements at Nkwachi Community, and in the firefight that ensued, one of the dissidents was neutralized while others, unable to withstand the troop’s firepower, retreated into the nearby forest. One AK-47 rifle with a fully loaded magazine was recovered, ” the statement said, adding that the troops continued their pursuit into Umalouma forest, where another intense exchange of fire took place.

“The dissidents eventually abandoned their weapons due to the troops’ superior firepower and scattered into the dense forest with severe gunshot wounds. An additional four AK-47 rifles, one Fabrique Nationale rifle, and two magazines were recovered,” the statement added.

The Army assured the public that operations would continue, with efforts to track down and eliminate the remaining criminals. “Further exploitation is ongoing as troops continue to track down the injured terrorists and flush them out of their hideouts and treatment locations,” the statement stated. “We urge all IPOB/ESN elements and other criminals hiding in the bushes to surrender to the nearest troops or face defeat, as the Brigade will ensure that the people of Imo celebrate the Yuletide season in peace, free from fear or intimidation.”

The Nigerian Army also called on the people of Imo State to continue providing timely intelligence to assist in the fight against criminal elements and help rid the state of lawlessness.

 

Suspected IPOB members kill two soldiers in Imo

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13 passengers burnt to death in Ondo auto crash

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December 28, 2024

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An accident scene File photo

13 passengers burnt to death in Ondo auto crash

The Federal Road Safety Corps, Ondo State Sector Command, says no fewer than 13 people were burnt to death along Ikare-Akoko/ Owo Road on Saturday in the state.

Dr Samuel Ibitoye, FRSC State Sector Commander made this known in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria on Saturday in Akure.

“FRSC regrets to inform the public about a road traffic crash that occurred today 28 December, 2024 at Abule Panu before Ose Bridge, on Owo-Ikare highway, Ondo State.

“The fatal crash which occurred at about 10:14 AM claimed 13 lives of commuters in two buses.

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“A total of 14 people were involved, out of which 13 were burnt beyond recognition, while only one was rescued alive with serious injuries.

“Eyewitness account indicates that the bus coming from Ikare axis had a tyre burst which led to loss of control.

“This was resultant in a head-on collision with the bus loaded with fabric coming from Owo axis.

“Immediately after the collision, the two buses went up in flames. The men of FRSC, Police and Fire Service were swiftly at the crash scene for rescue,” he said.

The FRSC boss said that the injured victim was taken to Federal Medical Centre, Owo, while the deceased were deposited at the morgue of the same hospital.

He, therefore, advised drivers to exercise patience on the roads and passionately maintain their vehicles.

“Passengers are also encouraged to speak out against dangerous driving because road safety is a concern of all,” Ibitoye said.

13 passengers burnt to death in Ondo auto crash
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NDDC empowers Niger Delta young entrepreneurs with N30bn

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December 28, 2024

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NDDC empowers Niger Delta young entrepreneurs with N30bn

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has pledged to galvanise the Niger Delta Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Trade, Mines and Agriculture (NDCCITMA) by releasing N30 billion counterpart fund for the development of young entrepreneurs.

The NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku who disclosed this in Port Harcourt, restated the Commission’s commitment to empowering the people of the region through economic programmes. 

He highlighted the NDCCITMA’s role in training youths, supporting SMEs, and designing industry-friendly skill development programmes.

Ogbuku said the NDDC was supporting the NDCCITMA to drive economic growth and development in the Niger Delta region by providing financial support, training and networking opportunities for businesses and entrepreneurs.

He said,  “We are providing N30 billion to fund projects and support businesses to ensure the sustainability of our youth development initiatives.

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“We will release the matching funds so the entrepreneurs can access them to boost their businesses. In our 2024 budget, we have provision for N30 billion which we are to use as matching funds for the chamber of commerce. We are working towards releasing this fund so that the chamber of commerce can start work in earnest.

“The Niger Delta Chamber of Commerce will strengthen young entrepreneurs in the region. It is no longer acceptable for our youths to be contented with receiving stipends while at home doing nothing.
Ogbuku remarked that the Commission was collaborating with the Bank of Industry, BOI, to ensure the success of NDDC’s youth development programmes.

“The current NDDC Board and Management choose to look at sustainable options in designing youth programmes. In the past, we did a lot in supporting entrepreneurs in the Niger Delta but these activities were not properly documented and backed with verifiable data.

“Our new strategy is to support genuine entrepreneurs rather than people who are just portfolio entrepreneurs because we know that the government alone cannot employ everybody. Many university graduates are coming out, and the government cannot employ all of them. However, we can empower them by creating an environment where they can engage other persons to expand their businesses.”

 

NDDC empowers Niger Delta young entrepreneurs with N30bn

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