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EYN Church Demolition: CAN demands rebuilding of all Churches demolish by Borno Government
EYN Church Demolition: CAN demands rebuilding of all Churches demolish by Borno Government
The Christian Association of Nigeria CAN have addressed a press conference in Maiduguri, the Borno state capital following the demolition of EYN Church Maduganari and killing and injuring of members by security attached to the Borno Geographic Information Services, BOGIS an agency in charge of land registration on the state.
Speaking at the briefing, the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Bishop Williams Naga condemned in strong terms the killing of Mr. Ezekiel Bitrus Tumba, a son of Cocin Church pastor, and demolition of the Local Church of Brethren in Nigeria.
Bishop Naga, who addressed the press on Saturday at the conference Hall, COCIN Church, Kirikasama, Maiduguri said “the incident which occurred on Thursday, August 5, 2021, which was the demolition of the EYN LCB Maduganari and killing of a brother, 29 years old Ezekiel Bitrus Tumba, and injuring of five others working at the Church premises by Civilian JTF was tragic, condemnable.
“Officials of Borno Geographic Information System (BOGIS) led by its Executive Secretary, Engr Adams Bababa, brought CJTF to the Church not only for demolition but also ended up killing our brother and son.
“The reaction by youths which followed was report caused by the seizure of peoples’ mobile phones and refusal to return same phones to the people by BOGIS.
“The entire Christian community has been thrown into mourning mood as a brother who was a breadwinner of his family was sent to his early grave by zealous BOGIS head and CJTF for the simple reason of stoppìng Church expansion in the state.
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“Unfortunately, we the Christians in the state have been denied Certificate of Occupancy to build Church by the state government since 1979, but we acquire lands/plots by ‘Deed of Assignment to build our places of worship”.
“It appears BOGIS with these latest activities is out to ensure no church is allowed to exist in the state, fuel tension and caused dissatisfaction among peace-loving Christians and Muslims in a fragile state as Borno.
“We, therefore, demand the following; 1. constitution of Judicial Panel of Inquiry to investigate the unwarranted killing and shooting at Maduganari Church so as to truly bring perpetrators to Justice. We demand that CAN should be represented in the panel.
“2. Rebuilding of all churches demolished and reopening of those sealed by BOGIS, for example; EYN LCB Maduganari, Jubilee Sanctuary Church, Pompomari By-Pass, Total Gospel Mission International (TOGOMI), Mairi Bakin Kogi, The Sanctuary Church, Behind A. A Filling Station, Tudun Wada and Christ Favour Land, Pompomari By-Pass.
“3. Immediate return of seized phones by BOGIS to the owners as such action is an infringement of their rights to communication and freedom of expression.
“4. His Excellency Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State should use his good office to address all existing pressing issues affecting the Christian Community in the state.” Naga stated.
He however called on all youths and the entire Christian Community in the state to remain calm, law-abiding, and allow themselves to be guided by the teachings of their Lord Jesus Christ.
Bishop Naga also thank the entire citizens of Borno state for their solidarity, concerns, and show of care on the unfortunate and avoidable incident, even as he commiserated with the EYN Church, the injured, and COCIN church pastor and his family who lost their son.
He further assured CAN will continue to encourage all people to be peaceful and prayed to God Almighty to restore peace in the land.
On CAN meeting with Governor Zulum some hours after the incident, Bishop Naga said, he actually led the delegation to Government House on the invitation of the governor to chat a way forward on how to address the issues at hand.
The Bishop also used the opportunity and informed that the remains of late Ezekiel would be buried on Monday at Christian cemetery, behind Maximum Prison, Maiduguri.
Our Correspondent observed that many pastors in charge of various churches across the state attended the press conference.
Nigeria@65: FG’s programmes improving welfare of Nigerians- NOA
The National Orientation Agency (NOA), on Wednesday said that the Federal Government’s programmes and policies under President Bola Tinubu-led administration were improving the welfare of Nigerians.
Mrs Adaline Patari, the State Director of NOA, Gombe State office, stated this shortly after a road show to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day anniversary in Gombe.
Patari said that programmes and policies of Tinubu-led administration had supported many Nigerians from the student’s loan to conditional cash transfer to support to small businesses amongst others.
She stated that the initiatives by the present administration had restored hope and put the country amongst serious countries pursuing better reforms to improve their economy while revamping infrastructure.
According to her, many undergraduates benefitting from the student’s loan scheme which has removed all financial hindrances impeding access to tertiary education now feel a sense of belonging.
She said that the programmes and policies of the Federal Government have benefitted many households and improved their welfare in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu.
“The reforms of the Federal Government are working and many persons are proud to be Nigerians and more persons are now trying to do the right things as Nigerians.
“People are beginning to see themselves as proud Nigerians and that confidence of being a Nigerian is being restored.
“Today, many Nigerians are benefitting from the programmes of the current administration, this means that the country is now working for them,” she said.
While acknowledging that there were still challenges that needed to be addressed, Patari said, at 65, we have made tremendous progress especially working together in peace and unity.
She urged Nigerians to continue to support Tinubu administration’s programmes towards building a better country that works for all Nigerians.
The state director said that with the necessary reforms being carried out and already yielding results in the economic, agriculture, security and other sectors, more Nigerians would be prouder to be Nigerians in the future.
“Today, the country is progressing and we are united; we are now prouder to be Nigerians and I can tell you that the labour of our heroes past, indeed is never in vain,” she added.
Commending the contributions of youths to national development, Patari urged them to have a positive mind-set towards Nigeria and to always express optimism of a better Nigeria for everyone.
Patari also lauded the renewed strength with which NOA under the Director General of the agency, Malam Lanre Issa-Onilu was being driven.
She said that government’s policies and programmes were getting more supports from Nigerians because of the constant engagements of Nigerians by the NOA nationwide.
The event also featured sensitisation of residents on Federal Government’s policies, programmes and the need for the people to support the current administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda
Nigeria@65: FG’s programmes improving welfare of Nigerians- NOA
Nigeria, European Union hold inaugural Trade and Investment Dialogue
By: Michael Mike
Senior Government officials of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the European Union (EU) have today met in Abuja to assess the vibrant economic partnership between the two parties and chart a way forward.
The inaugural Nigeria-EU Senior Officials Trade and investment Dialogue (TID) was anchored by the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment (FMITI), Ambassador Nura Abba Rimi, and Director of the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Trade and Economic Security (DG TRADE), Ms Dora Correia,
The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investments, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, and the EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot,, welcomed the launch of the Dialogue, which they said underscored the growing importance attached to trade and investment in the EU-Nigeria partnership.
This Senior Officials’ meeting marks an important step in strengthening the trade and investment partnership between the EU and Nigeria, and provided opportunity for the officials to exchange views on areas of mutual interest; address potential challenges and explore opportunities for further collaboration.
Discussions focused on a range of issues, including trade and investment policy, cooperation on market access barriers and requirements, preferential trade and investment arrangements, investment, collaboration within the World Trade Organization (WTO), regulatory measures that could impact trade and investment, and the identification of trade and investment-related development cooperation areas.
Both sides expressed their interest to continue the Dialogue, with the second TID billed to take place in Brussels, Belgium, in 2026, on a date to be jointly decided.
Nigeria, European Union hold inaugural Trade and Investment Dialogue
FG Declares Wednesday, Oct. 1 Public Holiday to Marks 65th Independence Anniversary
By: Michael Mike
The Federal Government has declared Wednesday, 1st of October as a public holiday to commemorate Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary.
The Honourable Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government, congratulated all Nigerians both at home and in the diaspora on this historic occasion.
Tunji-Ojo, in a statement by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, enjoined citizens to continue to uphold the patriotic spirit, unity, and resilience that have sustained the nation since independence in 1960.
He urged Nigerians to further keep faith in the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, which is anchored on national rebirth, economic transformation, and collective prosperity.
The Minister expressed confidence that, with the cooperation of all Nigerians, the country will continue to grow stronger in peace, progress, and development.
He wished Nigerians a happy and memorable 2025 Independence Day celebration.
FG Declares Wednesday, Oct. 1 Public Holiday to Marks 65th Independence Anniversary
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