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  • Lagos Assembly passed 300 bills, 2000 resolutions in 25 years- Speaker 

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    Lagos Assembly passed 300 bills, 2000 resolutions in 25 years – Speaker

    Democracy
    By Adekunle Williams
    Ikeja, June 12, 2024 (NAN) The Lagos State House of Assembly has passed 300 bills and 2,000 resolutions since the return of democratic dispensation in 1999.
    The Speaker, Mr Mudashiru Obasa, disclosed this at a programme to commemorate 25 years of unbroken democratic governance on Wednesday in Lagos.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the programme was organised by the Lagos State House of Assembly and had the theme: Building a Brighter Future: A journey of Hope and Aspirations.
    Obasa said  some of the   bills and resolutions were historic.
    The Speaker said  the bills were those that eventually became laws ,which  had impacted residents greatly as well as  people outside of the state.
    “Particularly worthy of mention are the Financial Autonomy law, Neighbourhood Safety Agency law, Regulation Approval law, and the Local Government Administration law, which created 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAS).
    “This is in addition to the existing 20 local government reas in the state for the purpose of bringing government closer to the teeming Lagosians.
    “The law also creates a four-year tenure for elected officials of the local government councils, making Lagos the first state in Nigeria to do so.
    “Also, there are the Traffic Sector Reform law which created the Bus Rapid Transportation (BRT) system and the Lagos State Transport Management Authority (LASTMA) law.
    “Our BRT law became a prototype design for many other states in Nigeria and some West African countries like Ghana and the Gambia.
    “As a matter of fact, most of our laws, including our House Rules, have become models for other State Houses of Assembly in Nigeria,” he said.
    The Speaker added that in the area of education, the Assembly had enacted the Lagos State University of Science and Technology law, which converted the old Lagos State Polytechnic to a full university.
    He noted that one of the beauties of law was  that it would   eliminate the discrimination against polytechnic graduates in the labour market .
    Obasa explained that the Lagos State College of Education was upgraded to Lagos State University of Education through an enabling law, thereby increasing the number of universities established by the state to three.
    The Speaker said  in a bid to proffer solutions to  the security challenges facing tbe country,  the Assembly pioneered the agitation for the creation of state police .
    He said due to constitutional constraints, an abridged form of security outfits called the Neighbourhood Safety Corps Agency was created to assist the police in maintaining law and order and enhance community policing in the state.
    Obasa recalled that the very first session of the Assembly was headed by Mr Oladosu Osinowo (Ikorodu Urban II constituency) between October, 1979 and September, 1983.
    He said Osinowo laid the foundation for the vibrancy of the House as well as the brilliant leadership for which the Assembly was revered.
    The Speaker noted that at the time Osinowo was Speaker, Alhaji Lateef Jakande was the governor of the state  and that his administration built the  Assembly complex.
    He said the second Lagos Legislative Assembly was headed by Mr Oladimeji Longe (itire-Ikate constituency) between October, 1983 and December, 1983 while Mr Shakirudeen Kinyomi (Ojo I constituency) was the Speaker in the third Legislative Assembly .
    The speaker said since  Fourth Legislative Assembly, led by  Dr Olorunnibe Mamora (Kosofe I constituency) ,was inaugurated by the then governor of the state and now President Bola Tinubu on the  June 2, 1999.
    “The Assembly has enjoyed relative stability in its leadership with only four Presiding Officers in 25 years of uninterrupted democracy in Nigeria.
    “This has, in no doubt, enhanced innovation, competence and capacity. Mamora led the House between June 1999 to June 2003, followed by Mr Jokotola Pelumi (Epe II), who led between June 2003 and December 2005.
    “Then, Mr Adeyemi Ikuforiji (Epe I) took the mantle and led between December 2005 and June 2015.
    “In addition, I am the current and longest serving legislator and Speaker in Nigeria, I was first elected Speaker in June 2015, I was re-elected in 2019 and again returned in 2023,” he said.
    The Speaker said the Assembly avowed commitment to excellence in all its ramifications had made the state the bride of all since 1999.
    Obasa said the Assembly had lived by its creed, reflecting positively on the constituents who had put their hopes on it as an alternative dispute resolution mechanism for prompt, fair and effective dispensation of justice. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    WAC/BHB
    Edited by Buhari Bolaji

  • Democracy Day: FG seeks religious leaders’ support  

    Democracy Day: FG seeks religious leaders’ support
    Support
    By Collins Yakubu-Hammer
    Abuja, June 12, 2024  (NAN) Alhaji Mohammed Idris, Minister of Information and National Orientation, has urged religious leaders to support the Federal Government in the communication, understanding and delivery of democratic dividends to the citizenry.
    Idris made the appeal while declaring open the 2024 Synod of the Charismatic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) on Wednesday in Abuja.
    The conference has the theme, “Behold How Good and Pleasant it is for Brethren to Dwell Together in Unity”.
    According to the minister, the convening of spiritual leaders of immense influence and experience could not have come at a better time.
    “Your role as spiritual leaders in promoting peace, unity, and hope within our communities cannot be overstated.
    “Just a few days ago, your collective voices were heard loud and clear, urging Organised Labour not to allow their grievances to lead to a shutdown of the national economy.
    “We deeply appreciate this and other patriotic interventions from you.
    We are all united, as Nigerians, by a love of country and a consistent desire to see the peace, progress, and prosperity of the land.
    “Though tribes, tongues, religion, and political beliefs may differ, in brotherhood we stand, eternally proud of our country and full of belief in the limitless potential of its present and its future.
    “As a government, we need your support, advice, and feedback. Very importantly also, we need you to be aware of the efforts being made, and the challenges being faced.
    “This is important, so that you can help us communicate these to your congregations and the general public,” Idris said.
    The minister noted that, often, citizens are not aware of the opportunities arising from the implementation of government policies and programmes.
    He said that many ordinary Nigerians had benefited and are benefiting from presidential loans, grant schemes and other interventions, without needing to have any ‘connection’.
    Idris stressed that all they did was to follow a simple application process.
    “Information and awareness are critical, and this is where our religious leaders come in.
    “You have very influential platforms that can enlighten Nigerians on their rights, responsibilities, and the abundance of economic opportunities being thrown up by President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda,” Idris said.
    Meanwhile, the President-General of the CBCN, Prof. Leonard Kawas, called on Nigerians to be patient with the Tinubu Administration.
    According to him, the current challenges in the country are not caused by the administration.
    “But however, the President and his team are trying their best to ensure that we overcome those challenges, and make Nigeria a better place for all,” Kawas said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    CMY/COF
    ==========
    Edited by Christiana Fadare

  • Tinubu endorses Abibatu Mogaji stage project

    Seyi Tinubu and Ola Awakan
    Tinubu endorses Abibatu Mogaji stage project
    Project
    By Taiye Olayemi

    Lagos, June 12, 2024 (NAN) Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu, has endorsed a stage play to immortalise his grandmother, Alhaja Abibatu Mogaji.

    The play, “Abibatu Mogaji, the Opera”, is written by renowned playwright, Prof. Ahmed Yerima, and produced by Ola Awakan.

    The play tells the story of Mogaji, a business magnate and the Ìyál’ọ́jà of Lagos, who withered all storm to become successful, and also raised a child who is now the president of Nigeria.

    She was born Oct. 16, 1916, and died June 15, 2013.

    Tinubu gave the endorsement when Awakan paid him a courtesy visit on Wednesday.

    He said he was excited to see his grandmother  being immortalised through the arts.
    He promised to give his support and always collaborate on any meaningful project geared toward national development.

    The command performance of the stage production will hold July 9 at the New Banquet Hall, Presidential Villa, Abuja, with President Tinubu as the special guest of honour.

    Awakan said he was happy to have the president’s son as a major collaborator in the project.
    He said the project was to celebrate the strength of motherhood by spotlighting the pains, joy, struggle and successes of Mama Mogaji, to highlight the benefits of political mentorship.
    According to Awakan, there will be additional performances on July 11, at the NAF Centre, Abuja and July 14, at the Glover Memorial Hall, Lagos.(NAN) (nannews.ng)
    PTB/FAA
    =======
    Edited by Folasade Adeniran

  • ASR Africa, BUA Group donate N10m to empower widows

    L-R: Dr Ubon Udoh (MD/CEO, ASR Africa), Dame Olabisi Alokolaro (President, IWS), Mrs Banke Adeola (⁠Chairperson, Widows Trust Fund), ⁠Mrs Umoren Cecilia-Aqua (IWS Trustee), ⁠Mrs Feyisola Abiri (Ex-Officio) and Mrs Olande Atere (⁠General Secretary, IWS) during ASR Africa presentation of the N10 million Grant to International Women’s Society.

    Donation

    By Rukayat Adeyemi

    Lagos, June 12, 2024 (NAN) The Abdul Samad Rabiu Initiative for Africa (ASR Africa), in commemoration of the 2024 International Widows’ Day, donated N10 million grant to the International Women’s Society (IWS) on Tuesday in Lagos.

    ASR Africa is a brainchild of African industrialist, philanthropist, and Chairman of BUA Group, Mr Abdul Samad Rabiu.

    The initiative, established in 2021, aims to provide sustainable, impact-based, homegrown solutions to developmental issues affecting health, education, and social development within Africa.

    Dr Ubon Udoh, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of ASR Africa, announced the donation at the Widows Feast and Empowerment Programme organised by IWS in Lagos.

    According to Udoh, the grant is part of ASR Africa’s ongoing efforts to invest in social development, one of its primary focus areas.

    He noted that the grant also reflected the commitment of the chairman of ASR Africa and BUA Group to improving the livelihoods and welfare of Nigerians.

    He said that the grant, distributed to widows in partnership with IWS, aimed to bring relief to the beneficiaries while ensuring its relevance and sustainability.

    Udoh appreciated the significant work done by IWS since its establishment in 1957.

    Commenting on the donation, Mrs Adeola Adebanke, the Chairperson of the Widows’ Trust Fund of IWS, expressed joy and satisfaction.

    She stated that not less than 250 widows benefited from the empowerment programme.

    Adebanke explained that the programme, organised yearly through the IWS WTF, is held to feast with and empower the widows.

    She further explained that the IWS WTF plays a vital role in supporting widows by providing them with the resources, skills, and connections needed to build a bright future.

    Adebanke prayed that the ASR Africa/BUA Group chairman continues to make significant strides and break new boundaries.

    The widows unanimously expressed their gratitude to ASR Africa and BUA Foods Plc for the timely palliative care packs received.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 250 widows received palliative care packs from BUA Foods Plc, which comprised rice, pasta, edible oil, and semolina.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    RUKY/AWA
    ==========
    Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa

  • Borno govt approves N521.4m for pilgrims BTA, sacrificial animals 

    Borno govt approves N521.4m for pilgrims BTA, sacrificial animals 

    Approval

    Maiduguri, June 12, 2024 (NAN) Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno has approved the release of N521.4m for the purchase of sacrificial rams and payment of the differential balance recorded in pilgrims Basic Travel Allowance (BTA).

    Sen. Kaka-Shehu Lawan, Chairman of the state Amirul Hajj Committee, made this known on Wednesday in Maiduguri while briefing newsmen. 

    Lawan said the measure was to ensure that Borno pilgrims were properly mobilised to perform the Hajj exercise with ease.

    According to him, the sum of N261m was for the purchase of sacrificial animals, while 260.4m was for the BTA differential.

    “For the BTA, each gets 500 dollars,” he said. 

    While reiterating the commitment of the state Government to the welfare of pilgrims, he urged the pilgrims to pray for leaders, more peace and prosperity of the state and nation in general.

    According to him, the initial arrangement was for each pilgrim to receive 415 dollars instead of 500 dollars, adding that providing the balance was a big relief to many pilgrims in the holy land.

    He thanked the Governor for his support to the committee towards ensuring a smooth exercise. 

    He said that all pilgrims from the state were hale and hearty and ready to commence the Hajj rituals starting on Friday. (NAN) 

    YMU/ETS 

    ========

     

  • Orthopaedic Hospital Jos gets approval to recruit 204 staff – MD

    Orthopaedic Hospital Jos gets approval to recruit 204 staff – MD

    Recruitment
    By Blessing Odega
    Jos, June 12, 2024 (NAN), The Medical Director, National Orthopaedic Hospital, North Central, Jos, Prof. Iche Onche, said on Wednesday that the hospital had secured approval to recruit 204 staff members.

    Onche disclosed this when the House of Representatives Committee on Specialty Healthcare visited the facility on oversight.

    He said that the facility recently got approval from the National Establishment to recruit more workers.

    He, however, said that the recruitment would follow “strenuous due process to ensure that the existing vacancies are filled.

    “We are going through the ministry and I believe, in the next few weeks, we will have a waiver for employment.

    The hospital boss also said that the renovation of the hospital had reached about 65 per cent completion.

    “Our initial plan was to open our doors for services by April this year, but because of paucity of funds, we couldn’t.

    “We cannot continue with the renovation but we believe that with the coming of the committee, a lot will happen when the members  return to Abuja.

    “The ministry is trying to set up an intervention fund for equipment.

    “And on July 1, I am going to present our report card to the Minister of State, Health, and part of it is our request for funds,” he said.

    Onche thanked the Plateau Government for rehabilitating the access road leading to the hospital.

    The Chairman of the committee, Dr Alex Egbona, said they were in Jos “to see things for ourselves”.

    Egbona said that they interacted with the medical director on phone and in Abuja but had yet to see the hospital physically.

    He said that the hospital was approved in 2021 and that they were in Jos to inspect the level of work at the site.

    “To our surprise, in spite of the lean resources, the medical director has done well, in terms of basic infrastructure.

    “When we return to Abuja, we are going to appeal to the ministry to release funds for the hospital to take off effectively,” the lawmaker said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    UBO/USO
    Edited by Sam Oditah

  • Lawyers laud Tinubu’s Democracy Day speech

    Democracy

    By Chinyere Omeire/Sandra Umeh
    Lagos, June 12, 2024 (NAN) Some lawyers in Lagos have commended President Bola Tinubu over his Democracy Day speech, saying it came at the right time to assuage the myriad of challenges being faced by Nigerians.
    The lawyers disclosed this in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday.

    They told NAN that the President outlined the true position of the country’s journey to democracy.

    Mr Chibuikem Opara, a Senior Counsel, at Justification Chambers, Ikeja, said the speech was well articulated and came at the right time.
    Opara, however, urged the president to match words with action.
    “The president and his team should find a way to lift the prevalent gloom.
    “That’s the only way to ensure that the labours of our heroes past and the heroes of June 12, will not be in vein,” he said.
    Mr Onyekachi Ubani, former Vice President, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), also commended the president for his quick intervention in ending the industrial action by the organised labour.
    Ubani was reacting to the portion where President Tinubu indicated that government had agreed on a new minimum wage with labour.
    “ Part of the President’s  broadcast read;
    “In this spirit, we have negotiated in good faith and with open arms with the organised labour on a new national minimum wage.
    “We shall soon send an executive bill to the National Assembly, to enshrine what has been agreed upon,  as part of our law for the next five years or less.
    “In the face of labour’s call for a national strike, we did not seek to oppress or crack down on the workers as a dictatorial government would have done.
    “We chose the path of cooperation over conflict,” he had said.
    Ubani noted that with the portion of the speech, the principles of democracy had been thoroughly upheld.
    He further applauded the current administration for not “wielding the big stick” on partakers of the recent industrial action, adding that same, exemplied true democractic leadership.
    “The aspect of not punishing those who shut down the national grid, is very commendable. It then means that the ethos of democracy is being consciously imbibed by government.
    “It is indeed very commendable that government intervened swiftly in addressing the concerns raised by labour and have now reached a consensus without allowing same to linger,” Ubani said.
    According to him,  in the past, such industrial actions will  have lingered without quick resolve, adding that same is  not the case today, with the current administration.
    “The swiftness with which the issues were resolved by this government, is highly commendable.
    “If President Tinubu continues with the good steps he is currently taking to reform the economic and other aspects of social life, we will certainly get there.
    “My happiness is that we have been able to celebrate 25 years of uninterrupted democracy  and we are growing from strength to strength.
    “We will get there,” he said.
    Mr Chris Ayiyi, the Principal Partner, Ayiyi Chambers, however, expressed mixed feelings on the freedom of the press, over the years.
    According to him, freedom of the press should be the priority of this government.
    “I know the present administration inherited insecurity,  however, they should try more to minimise kidnapping in the country.
    “It is important that the economic reforms of this government are channelled toward empowering the youth, so the young ones will stop leaving the shores of the country,” he stated.
    Mr Ademola Owolabi, also a Lagos-based lawyer, congratulated all Nigerians for the 25 years of unbroken democracy.
    Owolabi said that democracy must not become an end, rather, must be a means to good and progressive governance.
    He suggested that Nigeria should reduce its states from the current 36 to 18, adding that the local governments  should be  completely handed over to the states.
    Owolabi added that the Senate should be scrapped.
    The legal practitioner said that the citizens should make sacrifices in the interest of the country.
    Mr Julius Ayoola, in his own opinion, said that the present government was on the right path.
    He, however, urged the government to cut down on its spending.
    “Nigeria is not doing so badly, but there are key areas we need to improve on, like the judiciary,” Ayoola said. (NAN)
    UNS/OCC/CCN/JNC
    ================
    Edited by Chinyere Nwachukwu/Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

  • Democracy: APC assures better days ahead for Nigerians 

    Democracy: APC assures better days ahead for Nigerians
    APC
    By Emmanuel Mogbede
    Abuja, June 12, 2024 (NAN) The All Progressives Congress (APC) says the ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’ of President Bola Tinubu’s administration is on course, with better days ahead for Nigerians.
    The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mr Felix Morka, said this in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja, while congratulating Nigerians on the occasion of 2024 Democracy Day.
    “We remember and celebrate our illustrious patriots whose conviction and sacrifices bequeathed to us the democracy that we celebrate today.
    “Following protracted military rule, civilian democracy was restored to our dear nation in 1999, and has now endured for 25 years, uninterrupted.
    “With strident hope for a future of democratic consolidation and prosperity for our people, all Nigerians must take pride in this remarkable achievement,” Morka said.
    He said that embedded in the idea of political democracy, was the intrinsic and instrumental value of the sovereign power that it bestowed on citizens to choose who governed them.
    Morka said that it also granted citizens the power to hold those they elected into political offices accountable, through periodic elections and other constitutionally enshrined mechanisms.
    “However, like with every human device and agency, democracy is not without its imperfections and challenges; our country has had its fair share of setbacks, pain and disappointments.
    “These are inevitable and inescapable by-products of democratic construction, but importantly, it has set us irreversibly on course, to build a strong, vibrant and resilient nation.
    “Democracy provides us the opportunity of essential freedom to harness our finest human and material resources, under the participatory authority of our people, for beneficial and sustainable governance,” he said.
    Morka described President Tinubu as a veteran advocate, a defender of democracy and an exemplary progressive and visionary leader, whose contributions to the enthronement of democracy and nation building were simply monumental.
    He said that in just over one year in office, the Tinubu-led administration had made impressive gains, revamping infrastructure to support the massive expansion of the Nigerian economy.
    Morka said that the administration had also implemented multi-sector reforms to remove age-long debilitating policy distortions and contradictions in the economy.
    He said that the administration had tackled insecurity, revitalised the country’s security architecture and channeled resources to important social investments.
    Morka said that it also focused on poverty alleviation initiatives and initiated constructive engagements with relevant stakeholders, aimed at achieving better wages and living standards for citizens.
    “Tinubu’s bold target of building a $1 trillion economy for Nigeria in a few short years received amplified validation by the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
    “With its recent forecast that Nigeria’s economy would be nearly $2 trillion by 2029, there can be no better indication that the ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’ is right on course, and that our best days are ahead.
    “Being a clear-sighted democrat, President Tinubu is fully conscious of the existential challenges confronting our good people,
    particularly, the unintended economic hardship of necessary policies that he has enacted to reset our economy for sustainable growth and development,” the APC spokesman said.
    He said that Tinubu, like others before him, could have taken the easy and convenient road, doing more of the same, while the nation’s economic challenges persisted.
    Morka said that demonstrating courage, Tinubu decided to walk the difficult path and tackle those challenges at their roots.
    “He remains steadfast and committed to delivering a better, safer, stronger and more prosperous country; while taking deliberate and necessary measures to mitigate transient reform attendant hardships,” he said.
    Morka thanked Nigerians for their unwavering support for the Tinubu-led administration and the APC.
    He expressed confidence that the democracy being celebrated would usher in an era of economic freedom and secure a brighter future for Nigerians. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    EEM/FON/SOA
    ==============
    Edited by Florence Onuegbu/Oluwole Sogunle

  • June 12: Anyaoku leads patriots, activists to Abiola’s tomb, lays wreath

    Chief Emeka Anyaoku, former Secretary-General, Commonwealth of Nations, and Chairman, The Patriots with other members of the groups at the tomb of late Chief MKO Abiola on Wednesday to pay tributesyaoku

    Anyanoku

    By Adeyemi Adeleye

    Lagos, June 12, 2024 (NAN) Chief Emeka Anyaoku, former Secretary-General, Commonwealth of Nations on Wednesday, led some eminent leaders in the Patriots and pro-democracy activists to the tomb of the late Chief MKO Abiola to pay tributes.

    Anyaoku, in company of retired Maj.-Gen. Ike Nwachukwu, former Foreign Affairs Minister; Prof. Anthony Kila, Mr Wale Okunniyi and others, eulogised the patriotism of Abiola and his strong belief in the welfare of the people.

    “It is a great pleasure and honour for us to be here to remember the late Bashorun MKO.

    “I had the privilege of visiting him two times during his detention. Our conversation lasted 1 hour and 15 minutes, he showed me he was a true Nigerian patriot.

    “He (Abiola) was a clearly undisputable winner of the election that was annulled.

    “The man who would have been our president lies here. We recognise his contributions to the development of our country.

    “I was indescribably shock about his death. He died when people were looking forward to seeing him released.

    “He was a great leader that Nigeria never had. May his soul rest in perfect peace,” he said.

    Anyaoku said that Abiola was a true leader of all sections of the country, a democrat who believed in democracy, urging all to continue to struggle for democracy.

    “I believe it is only through a new people’s democratically made constitution that we will be able to live up to the hopes and to the belief represented by Chief MKO Abiola,” he said.

    Also speaking, Nwachukwu, who served twice as Foreign Minister of Nigeria during the military regime of Gen. Ibrahim Babangida, and as a senator, said that Abiola had a huge passion for the people.

    “When I met him, he was talking about repatriation of millions of people taken into slavery.

    “He was a people’s man. He ran and won, but unfortunately that election was annulled.

    “Nigeria is crying for redemption, it is crying for growth, the only way we can have it is to have a people’s constitution. May his soul Rest In Peace,” Nwachukwu said.

    Dr Yinusa Tanko, the spokesperson for the Obi-Datti campaign organisation, said that late Abiola was a true epitome of the struggle for democracy

    “Here lies a true democrat, epitome of our true struggles. When we voted him, it was not about region or tribe, but for a true democracy.

    “The youth of Nigeria spoke that he was their choice for a better Nigeria. The Nigerian youth have resurrected and are demanding better government,” Tanko, representing the 2023 Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party, Mr Peter Obi, said.

    Alhaji  Shettima Yerima, National President, Arewa Youth Consultative Forum, said that Abiola was a symbol of unity.

    “It is unfortunate that this is not the kind of country Abiola died for. We gathered here to reflect on what he stood for.

    “The county is in dire need for help. We must assemble and see what we can do.

    “I felt strongly that these are moments we need to make this struggle more popular.

    “We still have a long way to go. We need to do better so that we can immortalise this great man,” Yerima, a human right activist said.

    Prof. Anthony Kila, one of the eminent leaders in the Patriots, said that the group came to recognise Abiola and many who toiled for democracy in Nigeria.

    “Everything started from this man, we convened to rededicate our commitment to democracy and struggle for a more perfect nation,” he said.

    Also speaking, Mr Wale Okunniyi, another leader of the Patriots and Convener, June 12 Pro-Democracy Movement of Nigeria, said that the group would not relent in fighting for a democracy that would work for the mass majority of Nigeria.

    Okunniyi urged President Bola Tinubu to facilitate a process of national dialogue and consultation that would give birth to a democratic constitution.

    Mrs Lola Abiola-Edewor, the first child of the late Abiola commended the Patriots and all pro-democracy activists for efforts to keep alive the memory and ideals of his father.

    “I am saying thank you for keeping faith and remembering him with love and passion, and for leaving everything you are doing to be here. I thank you all.

    “It is imperative to acknowledge the fact that MKO was all about hope,” Abiola-Edewor said.

    She urged Nigerians to continually pray for their leaders to be able to fulfill all promises of hope.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    AYO/FON/KAY

    ============

    Edited by Florence Onuegbu/Kayode Olaitan

  • Hunger eroding patriotism among Nigerians, says Cleric

    Hunger eroding patriotism among Nigerians, says Cleric

    Democracy
    By Uchenna Eletuo
    Lagos, June 12, 2024 (NAN) The General Overseer, Calvary Kingdom Church, Okokomaiko Lagos, Archbishop Joseph Ojo, says that hunger has eroded patriotism among many Nigerians.

    Ojo, an Executive of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Wednesday.

    He was reacting to President Bola Tinubu’s nationwide broadcast to mark this year’s Democracy Day celebration.

    He said that “hungry Nigerians waited patiently to hear from the president, steps taken to ameliorate their sufferings.

    “Nigerians expected the president’s message to dwell on measures taken by his government to crash prices of staple foods,” he said.

    The cleric spoke against the backdrop of rising cost of food items in the market.

    He said: “Hunger is eroding patriotism in the people.

    “Nigerians at this point expect messages of hope that will become a reality in the shortest time.

    “The address should have addressed the daily challenges facing the people, especially the soaring food prices, to give hope of a better tomorrow.

    “That rice and gari will become cheaper, petrol price reduced.

    “Those are what is uppermost in the minds of the suffering masses now,” the clergyman said.

    He further said that the country was in dire need of stable power to boost production.

    “The issue of electricity should be prioritised in the scheme of things to make the Democracy Day celebration worthwhile,” he said. (NAN)(wwwnannews.ng)

    EUC/OIF/USO
    Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo/Sam Oditah