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Nigeria @64: Soludo calls for collective action to salvage the nation

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As Nigerians prepare for the 64th anniversary of the nation’s independence which comes up on Tuesday, Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo of Anambra State has called on citizens to pray for the unity, progress and overall development of the country.

The Governor made the call Sunday as he joined worshippers at the Independence Day Service at the Cathedral Church of St. Faith, Awka.

The Independence Day Service, also known as the Interdenominational Church Service, is an annual event that brings together Nigerians of all faiths to pray for the country.

The event featured hymns, prayers, and exhortations from religious leaders and the choir.

Soludo arrived at the venue of the service alongside his deputy, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim, Chief Judge, Justice Onochie Anyachebelu, Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Solo Chukwulobelu, Chief of Staff, Mr Ernest Ezeajughi and members of the State Executive Council.

In his remarks, the Governor thanked the organizers of the event, stressing the need for continued prayers for the nation and its leaders.

“Today’s service is a reminder that we are first and foremost citizens of Nigeria, and we all have a role to play in building a strong and prosperous nation. Let us continue to pray for our leaders and the country at large,” he said.

“Today is Thanksgiving in commemoration of Nigeria as a sovereign nation. Your Grace, I appreciate your message. It is very well taken. We have important take homes.

“You admonished us that we had a glorious past before crude oil came. The message that Nigeria will be better or not depends on us. It is based on this that I bring you a message of collective responsibility.

“Yearly, it appears that Nigeria’s past is always glorious than our today.”

Borrowing from the late Sunny Okosun’s song forty years ago, the Governor enjoined the congregation; “Let’s save Nigeria, so Nigeria won’t die.”

“It is good to complain but better to do something about a bad situation. If you are living in an underdeveloped country, you must be multi-tasking – get a farm or something else.

According to Christian Aburime, Press Secretary to the Governor, in a statement sent to Nationwide Reports, Soludo called on the clergy to use the power of the pulpit to mobilize the people to action.

“On this 64th anniversary, we must emphasize that as government, here on earth, we must all do the work of God,” the governor stated.

The governor also refreshed the people on his administration’s achievements and assured them of his unwavering commitment to improving the lives of the people of the state.

He recalled that his government recently announced free education policy for senior secondary students in public schools as well as the commencement of the minimum wage by October.

“Last Thursday at the Dora Akunyili Women’s Development Centre, we announced that by October, we will start paying the minimum wage in Anambra. We also announced the extension of free qualitative education to senior secondary students in public schools in Anambra state.

“For too long, government has not paid attention to the poor. We are doing so to leave no one behind. We will also continue to subsidize returned mission schools.

“It costs us over 1 billion naira, monthly. It helps the church in moderating the money they charge in their own schools

“We are also working to ensure that 77 communities in Anambra who don’t have public schools do so. We are now working to ensure that our children must have a choice. It happened in the 70s, but we must go back to it, “the governor added.

Earlier in his message, the Archbishop Ecclesiastical Province and Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Rev. Alexander Ibezim reminded attendees of the significance of Nigeria’s Independence and the need for unity and love for one another.

Archbishop Ibezim urged Nigerians to eschew hatred, nepotism, and tribalism.

“This year’s Interdenominational Church Service is an opportunity for us to come together as a nation and pray for our country, especially our dear state of Anambra.

“It is a privilege for the church to celebrate Independence service in the church.

“Nigeria was formerly good until something happened. Presently, there is no middle class in Nigeria.

“You must understand that there is a lot of suffering and slavery in the land, but God gave hope, despite the situation.

“God specially trained Moses for such hard times. To lead well, every leader must emulate the life of Moses.

“Leaders should always give the message of hope and possibility of change and survival of the people.

“The people you are leading are not animals. We must show the people that tomorrow must be better; both the national and state governments.

“Truth is that it is better to live in Nigeria than live outside the country. True and responsible leaders with conscience lead during difficult times, “he said.

He reminded the congregation that righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach, calling on them to walk in righteousness.

The 64th Independence Day Service ended with the National Pledge, with attendees departing amid a glorious hope that Nigeria would become a great nation in the near future, with the Governor offering an optimistic note of saying that the state shall continue to participate in more of such life-defining events in Nigeria.

Service Commanders in Anambra state, the Judiciary the clergy, among others, also attended the service.

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Generator fumes suspected for death of UNN students

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Strong indications has emerged that the use of a generator in a poorly ventilated environment may have caused the death of some students of the University of Nigeria, Nssuka.

The suspicion emerged after a survivor of the incident disclosed that a generator was operating outside the corridor of the apartment where they gathered, while the doors and windows remained shut.

According to the 24-year-old survivor, an Art Education student, about 10 people attended the party organised by his friend, David, to celebrate the completion of his final examinations.

The gathering reportedly started around 11:30 a.m. at the host’s residence in the Hilltop area of Nsukka, with participants sharing alcoholic drinks and playing Truth or Dare.
Recounting his experience, the survivor said he suddenly lost consciousness after helping one of the participants who had vomited and returning to clean the floor.

He disclosed that his legs had become stiff and he could no longer walk before eventually passing out. The student said he regained consciousness at about 9 p.m., only to discover that his friends were lying motionless on the floor.

“When I regained consciousness at about 9 p.m., I heard someone saying that the host was shaking. I woke up and managed to look into the parlour, where I saw the host and other participants lying on the floor,” he recounted.

He said he subsequently contacted friends for assistance, before one of them eventually helped convey the affected students to Bishop Shanahan Hospital and other medical facilities in Nsukka.

The survivor further explained that the apartment was poorly ventilated, with the doors and windows shut, while a generator was running outside in the corridor. A fan was also operating inside the room.

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Speed Darlington begs Burna Boy to drop case

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Nigerian singer, Darlington Okoye popularly known as Speed Darlington, has apologised to Grammy-winning musician, Damini Ogulu, popularly known as Burna Boy, asking him to withdraw the charges against him and promising to stop making comments about his sexuality.

Speed Darlington made the appeal in a video posted on his Instagram page on Thursday, in which he expressed regret over the pain and embarrassment he might have caused the singer.

“This video is for Burna Boy. Burna, this is an apology video. I apologise for any pain that I have caused you. Any shame that I have caused you,” he said.

The singer admitted that he was wrong to assume that everyone had the same temperament, adding that he wanted an end to their disagreement.

“I made the mistake of thinking that everybody vibrates at the same frequency. That’s wrong of me. I apologise, Burna Boy,” he added.

He further pledged to refrain from making both direct and indirect comments about Burna Boy’s sexuality, making the withdrawal of the charges a condition for his promise.

“I give you my word that if you withdraw all charges and let everything die, I give you my word that I will never make any direct comment regarding your sexuality. “Even indirect comment. I will no longer try sustain. I give you my word. Let peace reign,” he said.

Speed Darlington also promised not to mention the singer’s name again if the legal dispute was resolved.

“I promise I will never use my mouth to mention your name,” he added.

 

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Why I left Peter Obi- Yinusa Tanko

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Yinusa Tanko, former national coordinator of the Obidient Movement, says he experienced a betrayal of trust and loyalty in Peter Obi’s camp, which led to his exit from the movement.

Tanko spoke on Thursday shortly after his unveiling as the coordinator of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) presidential campaign council.

Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Party (NDP), appointed Tanko as national coordinator of the Obidient Movement in September 2024, following a consensus to zone the position to the north.

He was later redeployed as Obi’s political adviser (north), a position he held until October 30, when he resigned.

However, Tanko said he never wanted to leave Obi’s camp, insisting that he was pushed out rather than choosing to exit the movement.

Tanko said although he appreciated the opportunity to serve Obi, he could not remain in a political group where his contributions were no longer valued.

“Well, you know, as you move along in politics, there may be a time when your group does not want you, does not need you or does not appreciate what you do,” he said.

“You don’t stay where you are being tolerated; you go where you are appreciated.

“As far as I’m concerned, I appreciate all the work I have done, and I appreciate him for giving me the opportunity. But the only thing I have suffered in that particular movement is betrayal of trust and betrayal of loyalty.”

Tanko said he served the former Anambra governor with diligence, honesty and integrity, adding that he still held him in high regard despite the circumstances surrounding his departure.

“Everybody knows that I have served with diligence, determination, honesty and integrity. That was how I served Peter Obi, and I continue to respect him,” he said.

“But now, since they don’t want me, people who appreciate me have picked me from the dustbin and made me a bride.”

Asked whether Obi would be pleased to see him in another political party, Tanko said he could not determine what was on the former governor’s mind.

“You cannot say what is on his mind; only he can speak for himself,” he said.

He added that his new political associates had recognised his contributions to nation-building and offered him another opportunity to serve.

 

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