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The Nigerian Army, following a successful operation in Gundumi forest in Sokoto, on Sunday, handed over 66 persons rescued from bandits and kidnappers to the Sokoto State government.

 

The Garrison Commander 8 Division, Bridgadier General Amos Tawasimi, while handing over the victims to the state government said 51 of the members were rescued on Friday while another 14 persons were rescued on Saturday.

 

“As part of our activities to ensure that the state is safe for people to go about their activities

 

“Three days ago, we stormed the Gundumi forest to rescue these numbers of people I’m which some of them have been abducted for months by these kidnappers,” he said.He commends the governor for his support to the security agents while assuring that his men will continue to live up to expectations.

 

Speaking while receiving the victims, Sokoto State Governor, Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto, commended the Nigerian Army and other security agents in the state for their efforts and commitment in tackling insecurity in the state.

 

“Today marks another significant milestone in our fight against armed banditry, kidnapping and rustling in the state as our security operatives have succeeded in rescuing 66 victims who were kidnapped from various villages and communities in Sokoto and other neighbouring states.

 

 

From what we have gathered, 51 of the victims were rescued on Thursday while 14 were rescued on Saturday.

 

“It would be recalled that a few weeks ago 51 victims had been rescued after our gallant soldiers dislodged these criminals from their hideouts around Tangaza forest in Tangaza local government area of the state.

 

“This is indeed a commendable effort by our security operatives, especially members of Operation Hadarin Daji to rid our state of armed banditry, Kidnapping, rustling, and other forms of criminality in line with the commitment of this government to restore peace in our dear state and ensure all our people who are now living in various camps across the state return to their respective communities and leave a normal life devoid of any fear of attack or kidnapping,” the governor stated.

 

 

 

 

Abuja: Pastor Kayode Aliyu of the Cherubim & Seraphim (C&S) Movement Church Worldwide, Daki-Biyu District, Kubwa Branch, says the permission by Pope Francis for priests to bestow blessings upon same-sex couples “is a sign of the end time.”

Corroborating Aliyu’s remark, the Senior Pastor and Leader In charge of the church, Special Apostle Alex Ogundipe, said the message was to the fact that “we are in the last phase of the world.”

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that Pope Francis was reported to have, on Monday, granted permission for priests to bestow blessings upon same-sex couples.

The head of the Roman Catholic Church, however, emphasised that such blessings should not be incorporated into routine church ceremonies or associated with civil unions or weddings.

But the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria said that Catholic Churches in the country would not bless same-sex unions, saying the blessing of the same-sex union is against God’s law, the teachings of the church, and the law of the country.

They made this known in a statement released and signed by the President of the conference, Lucius Ugirji and the Secretary, Donayus Ogun on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, while delivering a sermon titled: “End Time Survival: The Strategies to Survive the End Time,” on Sunday in Abuja, Aliyu gave 18 factors to identify the era.

Preaching from the books of Genesis 6: 11 to 18; Mathew 24: 1 to 14 and 2 Timothy 3: 1 to 5, the clergyman said “many shall be lovers of themselves, covetousness, boasters,

blasphemers, disobedience to their parents, unthankful, without natural affection, etc.”

Emphasising on people without natural affection and love for one another, Aliyu said God instituted marriage between a man and a woman, and not between man and man or woman and woman.

Giving biblical allusion from Romans 1: 18 to 28, the pastor said, “if we fail to have the knowledge of God, God will give us over to a depraved mind, so that we do what ought not to be done.”

According to him, a church said blessings should be administered on same-sex couples, though part of the church in Nigeria has gone against that; this is a sign of the end time.

Aliyu said what the Christians need at this end time was a gift of the discernment of spirit.
According to him, to survive the end time, you need discerning spirit that is based on the word of God.

“For end time survival, you don’t need prophesy. A husband can deceive wife and a wife can decide her husband,” he said.

The cleric, who called on the Christians to deal with those 18 factors listed in the message, urged everyone to be baptised in the Holy Spirit.

“If you have the fruit of the spirit, it will destroy the works of the devil in you,” he said.
Also speaking, Pastor Ogundipe said the church should not forget that the world is going to an end with its lustfulness.

He urged the parents to ensure that their children are taught in the way of God for the betterment of their future and society.

“Let us tell ourselves the truth In preparation for the gift (birth of Jesus Christ) that we will receive tomorrow,” he said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng) (Flowerbudnews)

Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, Boss Mustapha, has denied a report alleging his involvement in the illegal withdrawal of $6.3 million from the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, during the administration of ex-President Muhammadu Buhari.

 

According to reports, a special investigator appointed by President Bola Tinubu uncovered the alleged theft, which supposedly occurred on February 8, 2023 — weeks before the presidential election.

 

The report also alleged that Mustapha, alongside the embattled former CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele, ordered the removal of the cash under the guise of funding foreign election observer missions.

 

The investigator’s report claimed CCTV footage captured how the money was moved out of the CBN.

 

However, Mustapha, in a statement he signed and made available to newsmen on Saturday, emphatically refuted the accusations, calling them “outrageous and unsubstantiated”.

 

He described the allegation as a “malicious fabrication” and an “orchestrated” attempt to assassinate his character and besmirch my reputation.

The ex-SGF added that he lacked knowledge of the purported “Presidential Directive” cited in the report as justification for the withdrawal.

 

He noted that he was never involved in discussions or transactions related to any payments for foreign election observers.

 

Mustapha quizzed the timing of the allegation, pointing to its publication during the “sensitive pre-Christmas period” as an indication that it was a deliberate attempt to exploit public sentiment and sow seeds of doubt.

The former SGF called for a thorough and transparent investigation into the matter, urging the authorities to “probe the source of the fabricated documents” and expose those behind the “smear” campaign.”

 

He equally appealed to the public and the media to exercise critical thinking and not succumb to misinformation

.

 

NEWS RELEASE

 

BON Awards: Governor Adeleke Unveils Creative Industry Agenda

 

OSOGBO- 24/12/2023- Osunstate.gov.ng

 

A day after hosting 2023 BON Awards in Osun state, Governor Ademola Adeleke has unveiled his administration’s plan for the creative industry inclusive of entertainment, culture and tourism.

 

Hosting top stars of the Nollywood industry at his country home of Sunday, the state Governor opened up on his expansive agenda for the sector which involved hosting of several global standard events, creation of entertainment village in the three senatorial districts, infra upgrade of tourist sites, logistics support for Osun as a film locations, cluster industry for craft sub-sector among others.

 

The Governor disclosed his intention to take advantage of the state’s global music stars such Davido and Bred to host global concerts and push towards an annual global Yoruba Heritage week to draw thousands of tourists from South America, Europe and North America.

 

According to Senator Adeleke who is now christened “a dancing and working Governor”, the plan also touches on the development of the hotel sector in terms of standardization and facilitation to secure and maintain high quality service for global visitors and national visitors the state will be receiving starting from next year.

 

He described Nollywood as the uncelebrated booster of the national economy, assuring that his administration is prepared to collaborate with the iconic platform to deepen Osun as a global tourist destination.

 

Governor Adeleke narrated that his focus on infra upgrade in the last one year was to attract investors and the creative industry people to Osun, adding that ” we are working to make the roads motorable, the health centers workable, the workers very happy, the water access very accessible, the school facilities very conducive and security truly water tight.

 

” The entertainment sector is a huge money spinner. In other developed countries, national earnings run into billions of dollars. In Africa, Nollywood is a household name.

 

” Osun as the cradle of the Yoruba nation must rise to serve as the center of the creative industry. As the custodian of Yoruba major cultural assets, we must be the capital of the cultural creative industry. That is what my administration is committed to.

 

” We will support you as a very important economic driver. We will soon call for a further partnership meeting”, the Governor noted.

 

Speaking earlier , the Founder of BON Awards, Seun Oloketuyi who led the Nollywood team to the Governor commended the Governor for hosting the 2023 BON Awards, describing the Governor as a major of the entertainment industry.

 

” We appreciate your hosting us as well as granting new energy to the Awards by your active participation. We look forward to deeper collaboration “, Mr Oloketuyi noted.

 

In attendance at the event was the publisher of Ovation Magazine, Akinrogun Dele Momodu, Fred Amata, Adebayo salami, Keppy Ekpeyoung, Toyin Adegbola,Shushu Abubakar among others.

 

Signed

Mallam Olawale Rasheed,

Spokesperson to the Governor.

 

 

By Biola Lawal

Abuja” (Flowerbudnews): As Nigerian Christians join their counterparts from across the world to celebrate this year’s Christmas, the Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Dauda Ali Biu has felicitated with tthem, assuring the Corps’ readiness to make the highways safe during the Yuletide.

This was contained in his Christmas message in which the Corps Marshal reiterated his earlier call for people to guide against bad driving habits that could compromise the safety of road users, a statement by DCM Bisi Kazeem disclosed.

The FRSC boss particularly cautioned travelers against dangers that go with road travels in this period of increased human and vehicular traffic, stressing that people must show extra vigilance while using the road to overcome any form of carnage.

Dauda Biu further called on road users to support the ongoing road safety sensitisation programmes by the FRSC to address issues of poor attitude to road usage, saying such behaviour accounts for why the periods of Christmas and new year become the most challenging to the campaigns for safer road environments in the country.

He further noted that while FRSC as part of its annual end of year special patrol has put adequate measures in place and mapped out strategies to address all the anticipated traffic challenges that could hinder free movement of people and vehicles, such measures would remain inadequate without cooperation from members of the public particularly those that travel on the roads.

He therefore warned people against offences like route violation, overloading, speeding, light signs violation and driving under the influence of alcohol/drugs which have been identified as being responsible for most crashes and deaths that occur during the yuletide seasons.

All road travelers must observe basic traffic rules to ensure the desired safety outcome, not only during the Christmas and new year celebrations, but beyond the seasons.

He assured the public that adequate patrol and Rescue logistics as well as personnel have been deployed along all black spots and major highways across the country to ease movement of travelers and render prompt medical care in case of crashes related and other emergencies.

He further appealed to Nigerians to report any cases of obstruction, crashes and other emergencies to the FRSC toll free line: 122 or directly call to the studios of the FRSC National Traffic Radio-107.1fm through the numbers: 08052998090 or 09067000015 for prompt response to the distress calls on all parts of the roads across the country.

The Corps Marshal wishes all Nigerians happy Christmas and safe celebration. (Flowerbudnews)

 

 

By Flowerbudnews
Enugu: The Owelle Ejikeme Odumegwu Foundation (OEO) has donated well-furnished station to Nigeria Police in Enugu State to support Federal and state governments efforts in fighting crime and criminality.

The OEO Foundation newly-built police station is furnished with solar lights, adequate offices furnishing with public conveniences with tiles, standard perimeter fencing and outer barb wire fencing of the entire land space of the station to forestall land encroachment.

inaugurating the Police Station located at Petsan Layout, Ogurugu Etteh in Igbo-Eze North Local Government Area on Sunday, the state Commissioner of Police, Mr Kanayo Uzuegbu, noted that the station would help in clamping down on kidnappers, night marauders, cultists and heinous crimes.

Uzuegbu, represented by the Police Area Commander of Udenu Area Command, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Ukwa Amanga, said that the police station came at the right time, noting: “There will be no hiding place for criminals within this axis of the state”.

 

“I am highly elated to be here. I have known the Founder of OEO Foundation, Owelle Ejikeme Odumegwu, for a long time and it was for the same reason that we are here for today that brought us together then.

 

“Owelle has been standing behind the Nigeria Police and giving us support in so many areas and I do not think the history of Nigeria Police will be complete without mentioning his name.

“He has done so much for Enugu State Police Command. I was aware when he renovate the Commissioner’s office at police headquarter in Enugu; he renovated so many police division in the state and we are here to commission a police station built single handedly by him.

 

“It is only God that will bless you and your Foundation. God will replenish your source,” he said.

 

The commissioner assure that police personnel would make judicious use of the station and its facilities.

“We give God the glory that the crime rate has started reducing drastically; while this police station and the present of officers that will man the station will bring the crime rate the barest minimum on this road and the adjoining communities in this council area.

“We want everybody to give us support, it is not one man’s support. Owelle Odumegwu has done his part and its now the turn of the community to give us their support by giving us information. If you see something say something and say it to the right person,” he said.

Earlier, Odumegwu said that he built the police station to compliment the only police station at the local government headquarter, stressing that it would help Nigeria Police respond to distress calls when the need arises.

 

He said that the station is situated on a large expanse of land, measuring 6,608.52 square meter, fenced all round with solar lights and I have also promised to build a shelter for the officers working here.

 

He said: “Like Nostradamus, I peeped into the future over some decades and rather than build industries and factories, it interested me most to build a facility for the police.

“I will proudly state also that my value for security and for the protection of life and property has prompted my renovating over 30 dilapidated police stations in Enugu State single handedly.

 

“I also renovated the CP’s building at the Command Headquarters and over one kilometre perimeter fencing of the Divisional Police Headquarters Enugu- ezike in 2018. This prevented the intrusion of unknown gunmen in the recent attack of the division.”

 

According to him, recently, resource persons in a security summit organized by Enugu State government (Gov. Mbah) and state Police Command, theorises that security actually is a catalyst to community development.

Odumegwu, who is also the Director of OEO Foundation, noted that it was important to mention that the new station, which would be a divisional headquarters, is so strategically placed at the border between and connecting Northern Nigeria, South-East abd South-South states of Nigeria.

 

He said there is no other police presence within a radius of over 40km from Enugu-Ezike Police Station which is said to be the most populous community in the whole of West Africa, housing over 42 villages.

 

Odumegwu, who made a vow to continue supporting the Nigera Police in combating crimes, urged
the Nigerian Police to embrace a proactive and informed approach of crime-fighting through intelligence- led policing.

“Since, policing involves everyone, community policing should not only be encouraged but should be seen as a powerful tool for effective and pragmatic crime prevention in our rural communities,” he added.

 

In a message, the Igbo-Eze North Local Government Chairman, Prince Ejike Itodo, expressed delighted on the rare donation, saying: “What happened today shows there is still hope in Igbo-Eze North council area”.

 

Itodo, represented by the Leader of legislators in the council, Mr Fabian Eze, noted that Owelle and his foundation had contributed immensely to the peace being enjoyed today by the people of the council area.

Speaking, Dr Sally Adukwu, former Member Economic Advisory Committee to the President, commended Owelle and his Foundation for his bold step to built the police station, stressing that he remained “a leader per excellence and problem solvers”.

 

“Owelle Odumegwu has done what the government officials could not do, and I advise that our people should queue behind him in all he does to ensure peace and development in the area,” Adukwu, who is also National President, National Association of Proprietors of Private School (NAPPS), said.

 

The President-General of the community, Mr Obunwa Mamah, lauded Owelle and his Foundation; adding that all the council of elders, cabinet member and leaders extend their appreciation. (Flowerbudnews)