Ahead of the nationwide protest slated for August 1, 2024, the leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, has asked Nigerians to consider alternative means of expressing their grievances.
CAN, in a statement on Friday, said it deeply empathizes with the pain, anger and frustration that many Nigerians are experiencing.
However, in the statement signed by its President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, CAN noted that while peaceful protest is a constitutional right of citizens, experience has shown that the planned protest could be hijacked by hoodlums.
The statement reads, “As we navigate this period of crisis, it is imperative to uphold the constitutional rights of every Nigerian to peacefully protest and express their grievances.
“The right to assemble and voice discontent is a cornerstone of our democracy and must be protected and respected by all.
“Peaceful protests are a powerful tool for civic engagement, allowing the populace to communicate their concerns and hold leaders accountable. However, the anxiety related to the impending protests is heightening, especially given the volatile experiences in countries like Kenya and Pakistan.
“We must also draw from our recent history. The #ENDSARS and #RevolutionNow protests, though rooted in genuine grievances, were marred by tragic incidents where miscreants hijacked the process.
“This led to widespread looting, destruction of properties, and unfortunate loss of lives. These experiences have shown us that mass demonstrations can quickly degenerate into chaos if not properly managed and coordinated.
“In light of the planned protests scheduled to commence on 1st of August, CAN urges all Nigerians to consider alternative means of expressing their grievances.
“We recommend giving the government more time to address these pressing concerns. This period should be used to explore other legal avenues that will not easily give hoodlums the opportunity to hijack the exercise to destroy our national assets or endanger lives and properties.
“Dialogue, petitions, and town hall meetings are viable options that can yield positive results without the risk of disorder.
“We call on the government to cut the cost of governance and expedite its efforts to alleviate the hardships in the land. The opulent lifestyle of political office holders must be addressed to demonstrate the sincerity of those in government to improve the living conditions of the people.
“Likewise, it is imperative that the government implements the newly approved national minimum wage to provide immediate relief to struggling families.
“Furthermore, specific measures must be taken to put an end to kidnappings, banditry, and mass killings that have plagued various parts of our country. The security and well-being of every Nigerian should be paramount, and urgent action is required to restore peace and order.
“We also call on the government to expedite its efforts to alleviate the hardships in the land. There is an urgent need for more refined and effective policies that address the root causes of the economic challenges we face.
“The government must deepen its consultations with stakeholders, including religious leaders, to create a more inclusive and comprehensive approach to problem-solving. By working together, we can devise sustainable solutions that reflect the needs and aspirations of the people.
“In these trying times, let us all remember the words of our Lord Jesus Christ: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God” (Matthew 5:9). As we seek to bring about positive change, let us do so with a spirit of peace, love, and unity. Our strength lies in our ability to come together, support one another, and work collectively toward a better Nigeria.
“We pray for wisdom and discernment for our leaders, resilience and hope for our citizens, and divine intervention to guide us through these difficult times.”
Protest: Consider alternative means of expressing grievance – CAN tells Nigerians
Protest: Consider alternative means of expressing grievance – CAN tells Nigerians
Gaza: Senior Hamas leader dies in Israeli custody
A senior Hamas leader from the West Bank, Mustafa Muhammad Abu Ara, has died in Israeli custody.
Abu Ara’s death followed a severe decline in his health, according to an early Friday statement from the Palestinian Commission of Detainees Affairs.
Reuters reports that the 63-year-old who had been incarcerated at the Ramon jail in southern Israel, was transferred to a hospital where he later passed on.
“Prior to his arrest, he was grappling with severe health issues and required intensive medical care. However, since his arrest, Sheikh Abu Ara, like all detainees, has encountered unprecedented mistreatment… since the onset of the extermination war,” the statement read:
The Palestinian organization said the deceased was detained in October of the previous year, endured torture and was denied medical treatment.
Meanwhile, Israel has not yet responded to the allegations.
According to the Palestinian Prisoners Association, at least 18 Palestinians have died in Israeli custody since the start of the Gaza war on October 7.
Meanwhile, according to Israeli reports, Hamas-led attackers killed 1,200 people and taken over 250 captives. Approximately 120 hostages remain in captivity, with Israel estimating that a third of them may have died.
Gaza: Senior Hamas leader dies in Israeli custody
‘It won’t produce any result’ – Edo farmers reject planned nationwide protest
The Edo State chapter of All Farmers Association of Nigeria, AFAN, has distanced itself from the proposed planned protest against President Bola Tinubu’s administration, over the continued economic hardship in the country.
TVN reports that Alhaji Bako Dogwo, the state AFAN chairman, disclosed this during a meeting with members of the association in Benin City.
Dogwo said the association would not be part of the protest because some of its members lost property worth hundreds of millions of naira to the #EndSARS protest in the state.
He said as of the day, the members are still counting their losses as they were not compensated in spite of the recommendations of the panel set up by the government.
“We will stay away from it because protests have been going on for a long time in the country, and they have not produced any positive results.
“During the #EndSARS protest in 2020, AFAN members lost property worth several millions of naira. Their stores were broken into and property looted and destroyed.
“We are aware that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has sent a message appealing to Nigerians not to protest, that his government is doing a lot of things to address the economic hardship in the country.
“As a result of that we don’t want our members property and farms to be destroyed.
“The protesters can decide to go to our farm and destroy our crops. On that day we all will be going to our farms to prevent anybody invading the farms,” he said.
‘It won’t produce any result’ – Edo farmers reject planned nationwide protest
Don’t touch public assets – Adamawa NSCDC warns prospective protesters
The Adamawa State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, has warned would-be protesters to keep off critical national assets and infrastructure.
The State Commandant of the NSCDC, Ibrahim Mainasara, who said he has directed massive deployment of officers and men to ensure the safety and security of lives and property, stressed in a statement that looting would not be condoned.
“We will resist any attempt to disrupt public peace,” the commandant stated.
The statement, signed by the state command Public Relations Officer, DSC Nyako Baba, assured innocent residents of security, urging such people to shun the planned protest
“In collaboration with all sister security agencies, the NSCDC is committed to providing the necessary security for all law-abiding citizens of the state. We urge the youth to avoid participating in the planned protest and instead, explore peaceful means of making their voices heard,” the statement said.
It added that the NSCDC is dedicated to maintaining order and safeguarding the wellbeing of all communities.
Don’t touch public assets – Adamawa NSCDC warns prospective protesters
Abure mourns Iwuanyanwu
The National Chairman of the Labour Party, Julius Abure, on Friday described the passing of the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, as a great loss to the nation.
The ‘Ahaejiagamba Ndigbo’ died on Thursday at the age of 82 after a brief illness. His death was confirmed by his son, Jide.
In a condolence message issued in Abuja on Friday, Abure described Iwuanyanwu as an exemplary leader, renowned for his integrity, wisdom, and unwavering dedication to the well-being of the people of the South East and Nigeria as a whole.
He said, “His selfless contributions to the promotion of unity, justice, and equality will forever be remembered. He worked tirelessly to ensure a peaceful Nigeria. We recall his exploits in the areas of aviation, engineering, construction, publishing, and sports.
“Until his passing, as the President General of Ohanaeze, he championed the Igbo cause and worked hard to ensure that the South East was not marginalised in both the political and economic spheres.
“The Labour Party will greatly miss his guidance, countless counsels, and visionary leadership. We take solace in the knowledge that his legacy will continue to inspire us to strive for a better Nigeria.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and the entire Ndigbo nation. May his soul rest in peace, and may we find the strength to carry on his noble legacy.”
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NSCDC beefs up security ahead of planned protest in Anambra
The Anambra State command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps said it is strategising among its personnel and critical stakeholders to prevent vandalism of public assets in the state ahead of the nationwide protest across the country.
The state Commandant, NSCDC, Maku Olatunde, in a statement on Friday, said the command convened a strategic meeting of all Area Commanders, Divisional Officers, Heads of Formations and Tactical Commanders at the State Command Headquarters, in Awka, in order to achieve the aim.
Olatunde said the move was in anticipation of the planned nationwide protest, aimed to develop effective measures to protect critical national assets and infrastructure, prevent the breakdown of law and order, and ensure a unified response to potential security challenges.
He warned supervisory officers to maintain utmost vigilance and assume full responsibility for the security and protection of assets.
He said, “The command appealed to protest organisers to consider alternative lawful channels for articulating grievances, cautioning against infiltration by undesirable elements, including miscreants, hoodlums, and anti-progressive individuals.
“We reaffirmed our commitment to collaborating with other security agencies to maintain peace and order, employing all necessary and legitimate measures to prevent any potential breakdown of law and order, and to guarantee a safe and secure atmosphere for all lawful citizens in the state.”
Meanwhile, the command has boosted its fleet with the delivery of five refurbished IVM IKENGA vehicles to enhance its ability to respond to security challenges.
According to a statement on Friday, the Superintendent of Corps and Head, Media and Tactical Operations, Okadigbo Edwin, said the five vehicles, which were previously grounded before the arrival of the present state Commandant in January this year, were restored to operational status through the collaborative efforts of the state government and the command.
The statement read in part, “The state government refurbished four vehicles, while the Command, under the leadership of Commandant Maku Olatunde, refurbished one vehicle, demonstrating a commitment to strengthening the Command’s operational capacity.
“The refurbished vehicles were formally presented to the NSCDC, Anambra State Command in a ceremony held at the Government House, Awka. Superintendent of Corps, Omatah Nnamdi, the NSCDC Unit Commander at the Government House, received the vehicles on behalf of the State Commandant, Comdt. Maku Olatunde.
“The command assured that the vehicles would be utilised effectively and it would significantly enhance the Command’s capacity to safeguard critical assets and infrastructure belonging to the federal, state, and local governments in Anambra State.
“The State Commandant conveyed the heartfelt thanks of the Commandant General, Dr Ahmed Abubakar Audi, to the state governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, and AVM Ben Chiobi (Rtd.), Special Adviser on Security to Mr Governor for their swift intervention in restoring the grounded vehicles to operational status, showcasing their dedication to supporting the NSCDC’s mandate.
“The addition of these five refurbished vehicles to our fleet is a welcome development, enabling us to more efficiently carry out our responsibilities,” he stated.
“We recognise the trust placed in us and pledge to leverage these vehicles to enhance the safety and security of lives and properties throughout the state.
Iwuanyanwu left legacy of fighting against injustices – Pro-Igbo Nationalist group
The Igbo Biafra Nationalists, IBN, has said the late President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, would be remembered for fighting against injustices.
The convener of the group, Uche Mefor, made this statement on Friday while speaking to newsmen in Owerri, about Iwuanyanwu’s death last Thursday.
TVN reported that Iwuanyanwu died on Thursday after a brief illness at the age of 82.
Mefor charged the governors of the South-East, members of the state Houses of Assembly, Federal Representatives, Senators, and the succeeding President-General of Ohaneze Ndigbo to uphold and advance Chief Iwuanyawu’s legacy.
He stressed the need to enhance the deceased’s vision for the South-East region and the Igbo Nation.
“The Igbo-Biafra nationalists and the Indigenous People of Igbo Nation for Self-Determination deeply mourn the passing of Chief Dr Emmanuel Iwuanyawu, President-General of Ohaneze Ndigbo, who left us at the age of 82.
“Chief Iwuanyawu’s loss is not merely due to his esteemed position as President-General of Ohaneze Ndigbo. His revolutionary spirit in confronting the longstanding injustices and subjugation faced by the Southeast region and the Igbo people within Nigeria’s socio-economic and political frameworks marked him as a distinctive leader.
“For the first time in Ohaneze Ndigbo’s history, he crafted a comprehensive plan and established structures to collaborate with South-East and Igbo political leaders, addressing the Igbo question in Nigeria with unwavering resolve. His vision included looking inward for the economic integration and development of Alaigbo and confronting the apartheid-like discriminatory policies against the South-East region, an initiative that heralded a new dawn for the Igbo Nation.
“Iwuanyawu’s contributions were profound and far-reaching. He embodied a unique combination of leadership, foresight, and dedication, pivotal in the current era for the South-East region and the Igbo Nation. His steadfast commitment to implementing the strategic proposals of the Igbo-Biafra Nationalists and the Indigenous People of Igbo Nation for Self-Determination, in collaboration with South-East political representatives, showcased his relentless pursuit of justice and autonomy for his people.
“We implore the governors of the South-East, members of the state houses of assembly, federal representatives, senators, and the succeeding President-General of Ohaneze Ndigbo to uphold and advance Chief Iwuanyawu’s legacy. It is imperative to not only sustain but also enhance his vision for the South-East region and the Igbo Nation,” he said.
Iwuanyanwu left legacy of fighting against injustices – Pro-Igbo Nationalist group
Apple seeks Google market share with launch of Apple Maps on Beta
American tech giant, Apple announced that it will be launching Apple Maps on the web on July 24 as it seeks a market share with search engine giant Google.
Users may receive driving and walking directions; find excellent places and essential information including photographs, hours, ratings, and reviews; conduct actions like ordering food directly from the Maps place card; and browse curated Guides to discover places to dine, shop, and explore in cities around the world.
This initiative will eventually allow people all around the world to access Maps straight from their browser, eliminating the requirement to use a ‘third-party’ server or browser to access Apple Maps.
READ ALSO: Apple warns iPhone users of possible spyware attacks in 98 countries
By making Apple Maps available online, Apple intends to provide a more flexible and user-friendly mapping service, potentially attracting customers away from more well-known competitors like Google Maps.
“Now, users can get driving and walking directions; find great places and useful information including photos, hours, ratings, and reviews; take actions like ordering food directly from the Maps place card; and browse curated Guides to discover places to eat, shop, and explore in cities around the world.
“Additional features, including Look Around, will be available in the coming months,” the tech giant wrote.
The post Apple seeks Google market share with launch of Apple Maps on Beta appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from TVN.
UNILAG, LASU, Pan-Atlantic varsity partner US mission on educational growth
The U.S. Mission celebrated the 50-year Sister Cities partnership between Lagos and Atlanta with a new educational collaboration involving Spelman College and three Lagos-based universities.
This partnership aims to enhance US-Nigeria educational ties through teaching, research, and exchanges focused on women’s education, STEM, and the creative industries.
Four representatives of the involved stakeholders signed an agreement establishing a framework for the collaboration in Lagos.
A recent statement obtained by According Online titled, “U.S. Mission Celebrates 50-Year Sister Cities Partnership Between Lagos and Atlanta with New Educational Collaboration,” disclosed this.
It read, “Spelman College, a leader in the education of women of African descent based in Atlanta, has signed an agreement establishing a framework for collaboration with three Lagos-based universities – University of Lagos, Lagos State University, and Pan-Atlantic University.
“This agreement, signed in recognition of the 50-year Sister Cities partnership between Lagos and Atlanta, aims to deepen U.S.-Nigeria educational ties and support teaching, research, and student and faculty exchanges, with a focus on women’s education; science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM); and the creative industries.”
President of Spelman College and a member of the U.S. President’s Advisory Council on African Diaspora Engagement, Dr Helene Gayle emphasised the importance of educational partnerships.
She noted that the goal is to strengthen ties between the African diaspora in the U.S. and African communities.
Gayle also added that these partnerships create opportunities for exchanges, mutual learning, and solving global challenges together.
The president was joined by vice-chancellors of the three universities for the signing ceremony at an event hosted at the University of Lagos.
Speaking during a panel discussion to commemorate the launch of the agreement, Gayle “highlighted the importance of partnerships in higher education.”
“One of the overarching goals of the U.S. President’s Advisory Council on African Diaspora Engagement is to strengthen educational ties and exchanges between African diaspora in the United States and African communities.
“By forging strong partnerships, we create opportunities for our students and faculty to engage in meaningful exchanges, learn from each other, and co-create solutions to shared global challenges,” she stated.
Meanwhile, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, described the newly formed partnership as a historic event that marks the beginning of a new era of educational collaboration between the United States and Nigeria.
“It’s about collaboration, not competition,” she said.
“As a group of universities, we are moving forward our agenda to work collaboratively in teaching, research, as well as student and faculty exchanges, that benefits both of our two countries.”
Also, U.S. Consul General Will Stevens welcomed the partnership and expressed the U.S. government’s commitment to supporting initiatives that promote access to quality higher education and strengthen human capital for inclusive economic growth and development in Nigeria.
“This is a giant step forward,” Stevens said.
“Bringing U.S. and Nigerian universities closer together to explore educational partnerships is one of our key Mission priorities.”
The U.S. Mission has a longstanding commitment to supporting educational institutions and strengthening an education system that enables students to access quality education throughout Nigeria.
One of the U.S. government-sponsored academic exchanges is the Fulbright program which provides opportunities for Nigerian university students and faculty members to engage in collaborative research in U.S. institutions across various academic fields.
No fewer than 31 Nigerian universities are affiliated with the U.S. Mission through the Fulbright program.
In recent years, Nigeria has received more than 30 scholarships annually for university scholars including Ph.D. candidates to travel to U.S. universities to conduct research, exchange ideas and contribute to finding solutions to shared global challenges.
I’d rather die than cast incompetent actors in exchange for s3x -Actor Kelvin Ikeduba
Talented Nollywood actor and producer Kelvin Ikeduba has told those who care to listen that he would rather die than cast incompetent actors in exchange for s3x.
The feisty thespian who disclosed in a chat with Hip TV said that he would in no way give a girl a role for s3x because he is very passionate about his work.
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