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Lalong calls on classmates at law school to promote unity

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2023: APC loses follower-ships over appointment of Dr. Nentawe as Party candidate in Plateau

Lalong calls on classmates at law school to promote unity

By: Sam Kayode, Jos

Plateau State Governor Simon Lalong has challenged Nigerian legal professionals to be at the forefront of promoting the principles of justice and fairness which are the bedrock for a peaceful and stable society.

The Governor was speaking at a reunion dinner of mates of the Nigerian Law School Class of 1991 held in Abuja to mark 30 years of call to the Nigerian Bar. 

Lalong said “Most of us have risen up to the occasion and given account of our call to the Bar where we went on to build careers in the Bench, the Bar as well as in politics, business and many other professions.

 “Ours has been a journey of hope, resilience, excellence and commitment to the cause of nation-building”. 

He asked them to use the opportunity of the 30 years celebrations to assess their achievements and critically evaluate their contributions to the growth of the legal profession and the nation at large. 

“As lawyers, society looks up to us for justice, human rights, peace, tolerance and equity. We cannot afford to let the people down or our noble calling. 

“This is why we must collectively work towards instilling discipline within the profession as well as demonstrating excellence in our various areas of service. 

“Let us pay special attention to the integrity and prestige of our profession by ensuring that we work within the code of conduct of our calling. We cannot fold our arms and see a few people dragging the dignity of our profession to the mud. 

“We have the best opportunity as classmates to tell one another the truth and offer valuable counsel when we see anyone going out of line”. 

“The  Governor said this is the time for the class of 1991 to use their positions to promote the unity, peace and prosperity of Nigeria. He said they must rise up and fight every form of injustice, bigotry, division and hatred which unfortunately appears to be on the rise in the country. 

Lalong said that since assuming office as Governor of Plateau State, he has been doing his best to break all barriers of hate, division, ethno-religious bigotry and crises merchandizing which had eaten deep within the State and exacerbated by politicians. 

“Even though such tendencies are not peculiar to Plateau State alone, I had to dismantle them in order to restore Plateau State to its original status as the Home of Peace and Tourism. Today, there is substantial peace and stability in the State because we ensured that most people got justice and fairness. 

Also Read: Nigeria: Between The Media and The DSS

“Inclusivity has reduced to the barest minimum the tensions that arose out of injustice and exclusion. Projects are spread across the State irrespective of tribal, ethnic, political and other considerations. 

“I have also completed many abandoned projects inherited from the previous administration even though of a different political party” he said. 

Class leader of Law Class of 1991 Jibrin Okutepa SAN, said the event was organised in continuation of activities to unite members of the class who are making impact in various capacities both on the Bench, Bar, Politics, Business, Academia and other fields. 

He said the class has proven to be very resilient and productive which is by the grace of God and the determination of members to make use of the knowledge given to them at the law school over 30 years ago

Chairman of the 91 Anniversary celebrations Prof. Paul Ananaba SAN, said the Class has shown great potential and contributed a lot to the development of Nigeria. He admonished the members to continue to do more for the nation by putting their heads together to promote the legal profession and also look out for one another. 

Governor Lalong led other members of the class to make contributions for the upliftment of one of the classmates who was involved in an accident and has lost his legs. 

Lalong calls on classmates at law school to promote unity

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Sultan of Sokoto calls for proper understanding of jihad, says Islam abhors extremism

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Sultan of Sokoto calls for proper understanding of jihad, says Islam abhors extremism

By: Zagazola Makama

The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, has stressed the need for Nigerians to understand the true meaning of jihad, noting that it is not about violence but about striving for excellence in all spheres of life.

The Sultan stated this on Thursday in Abuja at the public presentation of “Scars: Nigeria’s Journey and the Boko Haram Conundrum,” a book authored by former Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Lucky Irabor (rtd.).

He cautioned against misinterpretations of Islamic concepts, saying extremists and uninformed commentators had for decades wrongly associated jihad with terrorism and violence against non-Muslims.

“Jihad simply means striving — striving to be a better Muslim, a better Christian, a better citizen, and a better human being. It is not about killing anyone. Islam abhors extremism, and no true Muslim can claim to follow the teachings of the Prophet while embracing violence,” the Sultan said.

He explained that Islam, properly understood, promotes peaceful coexistence and good governance, adding that Islamic teachings have over the years helped shape Nigeria’s democratic journey by emphasising justice, accountability, and leadership responsibility.

According to him, Islamic institutions such as mosques, scholars, and traditional councils continue to play a stabilising role in the country by mediating conflicts, guiding leaders, and educating citizens on tolerance and civic duties.

“Islam is not about seizing power; it is about ensuring good governance and accountability in society. Our democracy has benefitted from these values because justice and fairness are principles rooted both in the Qur’an and in democratic practice,” he said.

The Sultan also called for stronger interfaith dialogue, stressing that Nigeria’s unity depends on mutual understanding between Christians and Muslims.

“If I know who you are, and you know who I am, we can live in peace. Understanding one another is the foundation for national security and stability,” he added.

He commended Gen. Irabor for writing the book, describing it as a timely resource that not only documents the scars of insurgency but also provides insights for policy, governance, and national healing.

The launch attracted dignitaries including former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, the Minister of Defence, service chiefs, traditional rulers, senior military officers, and members of the diplomatic corps.

Sultan of Sokoto calls for proper understanding of jihad, says Islam abhors extremism

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Jonathan says Boko Haram insurgency too complex, calls for holistic solutions

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Jonathan says Boko Haram insurgency too complex, calls for holistic solutions

By Hamza Suleiman

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has said that the Boko Haram insurgency remains one of the most complex and enduring security challenges in Nigeria’s history, warning that military action alone cannot end the crisis.

Jonathan stated this on Thursday in Abuja at the public presentation of Scars: Nigeria’s Journey and the Boko Haram Conundrum, authored by former Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Lucky Irabor (rtd).

He said that unlike previous crises in Nigeria such as the Niger Delta militancy and ethno-religious violence, the Boko Haram insurgency carried deeper scars because of its external connections, extremist ideology, and advanced weaponry.

“Boko Haram is more complex than what many people imagine. At some point, their fighters had more ammunition than our soldiers, which clearly showed that external groups were deeply involved,” Jonathan said.

The former President noted that the abduction of the Chibok schoolgirls in 2014 remained one of the most painful scars of his administration, stressing that no form of cosmetic remedy could erase it from the nation’s collective memory.

He recalled his personal engagement with Niger Delta militants as Vice President, saying that his decision to personally visit their camps without armed escorts was borne out of the conviction that dialogue must complement military action.

“In the Niger Delta, I met the militants in their camps. We succeeded in restoring peace not only because of military action but because we engaged them, listened to them, and created opportunities for their communities. That approach worked,” he said.

Jonathan, however, emphasised that Boko Haram presented a different challenge. According to him, the insurgency must be tackled through a holistic strategy that combines security operations with good governance, poverty reduction, youth empowerment, and social justice.

He said: “We cannot treat Boko Haram simply as a law-and-order problem. It is rooted in poverty, exclusion, and broken dreams. Only a comprehensive approach will deliver lasting peace.”

According to him, Nigeria must adopt a similar approach to Boko Haram by tackling poverty, unemployment, and social exclusion in communities vulnerable to extremist recruitment.

He commended Gen. Irabor for documenting his reflections, saying the book would enrich national understanding of insurgency and guide future leaders in shaping policy responses.

“Those who were directly involved must tell their stories. This book will help the nation understand what really happened, what lessons we must learn, and how we can do better in the future,” he added.

The event attracted dignitaries including former President Olusegun Obasanjo, former National Security Adviser Maj.-Gen. Babagana Monguno (rtd.), service chiefs, ministers, members of the diplomatic corps, and traditional rulers.

Jonathan says Boko Haram insurgency too complex, calls for holistic solutions

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Nigeria@65: FG’s programmes improving welfare of Nigerians- NOA

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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

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