Author: Philomina Attah

Tinubu working to improve Nigeria’s economy – SGF
Tinubu working to improve Nigeria’s economy – SGF
Economy
By Philomina Attah
Abuja, June 6, 2024 (NAN) The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Sen. George Akume, has urged Nigerians to remain calm in spite of the current economic challenges.
“Nigerians must remain calm. President Bola Tinubu is working to improve the economy,” Akume said in Abuja on Thursday, while addressing the National Executive Council of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).
He said that the current administration took over power when the economy was in a turbulent state, noting, however, that massive reforms were being undertaken.
“One of them, which appears to be a little bit tough for people to understand, is the removal of subsidy on fuel. People should stop shouting; they need to know the actual truth,” Akume stated.
He said that government had taken several measures to address current hardships, including swift actions in implementing palliatives to cushion the effects of the reforms.
“We are all aware of the N35,000 wage award for workers, which means a N30,000 minimum wage with 35,000 on top of that.
“Additionally, 100 billion naira for CNG fuel buses will help reduce transportation costs and food prices,” he added.
He said that government also took some measures to support various sectors.
“These include the allocation of N125 billion in conditional grants and financial inclusion for medium and small enterprises, and 150 billion naira in palliative loans to states to mitigate the impact of fuel subsidy removal.
“We are providing 200 billion naira to support the cultivation of hectares of land, which is even more now,” Akume said.
He added that there were buses ready to be distributed soon, while rice and other essentials would also be made available.
On the recent industrial strike by labour union leaders, Akume condemned the shutdown of the national grid, describing it as a “treasonable offense”.
He said that there was nowhere in the world where labour ever interrupted the national grid, and advised labour against actions that could jeopardise government efforts.
“It is treason! Treasonable felony is economic sabotage, you don’t do that.
“We are trying to rebuild the economy. The nation is picking up, and they want to destroy it. Of what use is that to all of us? That is not the way,” he said.
Akume said that the federal government was not only committed to paying new minimum wage, stressing that it was also focusing on productivity and economic stability.
“Our people must rise up and have something in their pockets. It is not about demanding N100,000 without productivity.
“We are looking at controlling inflation and ensuring a balanced economy,” he asserted.
Akume urged religious institutions to provide essential services.
“The Church must collaborate with the government in providing facilities for people whether it is on education, health or agriculture.
“We don’t separate; we combine. There is a symbiotic relationship that can never be destroyed,” he said.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
APA/ETS
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June 6, 2024
Support fight against graft, EFCC chief charges youths
Support fight against graft, EFCC chief charges youths
Corruption
By Philomina Attah
Abuja, June 6, 2024 (NAN) The Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr Ola Olukoyede, on Thursday in Abuja urged the nation’s youths to support anti-corruption drives of the Federal Government.
He said this at the 2024 Committee of Youth on Mobilisation and Sensitisation (CYMS) National Conference in Abuja on Thursday.
He said youths were critical stakeholders in the fight against graft in the nation.
Olukoyede was represented by the Head of Publicity and Enlightenment, EFCC, Ms Aisha Mohammed, expressed optimism about the potential of youths to drive significant change in the society.
“As we stand here, corruption continues to undermine our society, economy and democracy. But amidst this challenge, I see hope.
“I see a generation of young people who are determined, passionate, and committed to creating a better future,” he said.
Olukoyede said there had been deliberate use of public resources for private gains which, according to him has led to stunted national progress.
The EFCC Boss proposed a comprehensive strategy to empower youth to become more involved in the fight against sleaze.
This according to him this should include educating and raising awareness among young people about the forms and impact of corruption, encouraging them to take on leadership roles in anti-corruption efforts.
“Youth-led initiatives and organisations will receive support, promoting active community engagement and participation in local governance,” he said.
According to him, establishing safe and confidential channels for reporting corruption is crucial, along with providing internships and job opportunities in anti-corruption organisations and government agencies.
He affirmed that youth-led campaigns and awareness programmes would target corruption, while policy involvement would also encourage youth to participate in policy-making and advocacy.
He then called for collective efforts to build a corruption-free Nigeria, emphasising the importance of harness youths energy, creativity and idealism for this cause.
“By supporting and enabling youth, we can create a corruption-free world,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the conference had as its` theme: Promotion of Peaceful Coexistence, Ethnic and Religious Cohesion in our Nation.
It brought together key stakeholders, including government officials, civil society organisations, and young leaders to brainstorm on the fight against fraud. (NAN)
(www.nannews.ng)
APA/KUA
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Edited by Uche Anunne
June 6, 2024
Adegbite in Tel-Aviv says FG rebrands pilgrimage
Pilgrimage
Abuja, June 5, 2024 (NAN) The Executive Secretary, Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission (NCPC), Bishop Stephen Adegbite says the Federal Government has changed the orientation of Christian Pilgrims embarking on religious exercise.
Adegbite disclosed this at the Nigerian House, Tel- Aviv, at a meeting with Israeli pilgrimage leaders and private Christian tour operators in that country.
A statement on the meeting was made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Abuja, by Mr Celestine Toruka, Deputy Director and Head Media, NCPC.
The executive secretary, in the statement, said since the assumption of office of the current NCPC leadership, the focus had been on rebranding the commission and mode of pilgrimage.
He said a new corporate slogan for NCPC is, “Service and Satisfaction’’.
The NCPC boss reiterated that, with the caliber of the Chairman and members of board of the commission, it is a new dawn for Christian Pilgrimage.
He commended the Nigerian Ambassador to Israel, Mrs Agatha Afoekelu, for her exceptional leadership stressing, “leaders are called to serve and not to be served’’.
Earlier, the Nigerian Ambassador to Israel, Afoekelu commended NCPC leadership for rebranding the commission and its activities.
She also stressed the need to replicate the Israeli agricultural technology in Nigeria, adding, “we need to bring something beneficial home.”
She explained that the reason why the Embassy existed was to promote the bilateral relations between Nigeria and Israel.
The Chairman of NCPC, Rev. Cletus Gotan expressed optimism that peace would continue to reign in Nigeria and Israel.
NAN reports that the pre-visit and retreat for the NCPC board, management, States Pilgrimage leaders, and Private Christian Pilgrimage Operators began on May 31 and will end on June 6. (NAN)
(www.nannews.ng)
APA/FEO/ROT
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Edited by Francis Onyeukwu/Rotimi Ijikanmi
June 5, 2024
NCPC Chairman says unity crucial to Nigeria’s growth

Unity
By Philomina Attah
Abuja, June 2, 2024 (NAN) Rev. Cletus Gotan, Chairman, Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), has emphasised the need for unity in Nigeria, stressing that it was crucial to building a strong and virile nation.
Gotan spoke in Abuja at a meeting with the NCPC board, management, state pilgrimage leaders, and Christian pilgrimage operators in Nazareth, Israel.
“We must all champion the cause of unity. We cannot get anywhere without it,” he stated.
Goran referred to John 17: 20-21, where Jesus emphasised unity, and encouraged Christian leaders to preach similar message to the Faithful.
He expressed optimism that God would grant the NCPC board the grace to lead excellently, emphasising the importance of selflessness.
“In NCPC, you and I have the responsibility to worship together so that truth and love should continue to bind us together,” he said.
He affirmed that Christianity had a strong tradition of pilgrimage, and highlighted the importance of reconnecting with God and learning about the history of Christianity.
The Nigerian Ambassador to Israel, Mrs Agatha Afoekelu, in a remark, acknowledged the significance of pilgrimage in Christianity, and commended the leadership of Bishop Stephen Adegbite, NCPC Executive Secretary.
She emphasised the need for pilgrims to conduct themselves properly and avoid negative tendencies.
“Pilgrimage is not a jamboree; it is a serious spiritual exercise.
“The Holy Land is holy and will continue to be holy,” she declared.
According to her, the Nigerian Embassy is working closely with Israel’s Ministry of Interior to ensure the comfort and security of Nigerian pilgrims.
Adegbite, in his remarks, expressed gratitude for the retreat and highlighted the transformation in NCPC’s image since he was appointed.
“We shall strive to meet everyone’s expectation. We are one family and we will leave a remarkable mark behind.
“This retreat is a period of spiritual rejuvenation and we are here to seek the face of God,” Adegbite said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
APA/ETS
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June 2, 2024