Author: darelasisi@gmail.com

ABUJA – I felicitate with fellow Nigerians at home and abroad on the occasion of the 59th Independence Anniversary of our dear country, Nigeria. As Nigeria comes of age, with its people increasingly asserting themselves in every sphere of life across the globe, there is indeed much to be proud of in being a Nigerian. Let us count our blessings and be driven forward by them. But there is still much to be done to fully realize the lofty dreams that inspired our founding fathers in their brave struggle that ended colonialism on our shores 59 years ago. We must…

By George Odok Mr Joseph Bassey, Deputy Speaker of the Cross River House of Assembly, has urged the Federal Government to allocate more funding to security agencies in the country. Bassey, who spoke in an interview with News Agency of Nigeria on Monday in Calabar, said the allocation of adequate resources to the agencies would check cases of insecurity in the country. He said that such funds could be invested in modern equipment like modern tracking systems, patrol vehicles and gadgets for intelligence gathering. According to him, Nigeria has come of age to have standard security agencies with up-to-date technological…

President Muhammadu Buhari Monday in Abuja pledged that his administration will continue to adequately fund the judiciary to enable it discharge its responsibilities. The President also said it is the collective duty of the three arms of government to ensure fair justice delivery and safeguard the rights of all Nigerians. The President spoke at the commissioning of the annex building of the headquarters of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN), Area 3, Abuja, which also marked the valedictory session of the President of the Court, Justice Babatunde Adejumo. President Buhari said: ‘‘You will all recall that in 2014, the…

Parents and Christian groups in Ghana have pushed back against a planned introduction of Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) for primary school children aged four. Education officials in Ghana say the UNESCO programme will empower children with information on their sexuality and reproductive health issues, according to BBC Africa report. Director of the Ghana Education Service says CSE will help “nurture positive attitudes, open-mindedness, respect for self and others, non-judgmental attitudes and a sense of responsibility concerning sexual and reproductive health issues”. But pressure groups in Ghana say the programme is a guise to introduce children to gay, lesbian, bisexual and…

The anniversary of Nigeria’s independence should be a period for sober reflections by all Nigerians, regardless of political affiliations, social, economic or tribal inclinations. The Buhari Media Organisation (BMO) expressed these sentiments in its reaction to Alhaji Atiku Abubakar’s comments where he raised issues on the repression of the press, persecution of judges, poverty level and high cost of governance in the country. In a statement signed by its Chairman Niyi Akinsiju and Secretary Cassidy Madueke, the group said Atiku’s views were myopic and reminded him, that it was on the basis of the atmosphere for free speech provided by…

Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde, has approved the mobilisation of contractors handling different projects for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Office back to site, charging them to ensure that they deliver the projects to specification and time. This was as the SDG Office has announced its readiness to introduce a community engagement initiative that will see community leaders, security agencies and government work together to safeguard government projects in localities. Governor Makinde made these known on Monday through his Senior Special Assistant on SDG, Mr Kunle Yusuff, during a meeting with the SDG contractors handling school renovation, furniture supply…

Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde, has felicitated with the people of Oyo State and Nigerians in general on the occasion of the nation’s 59th independence anniversary. Governor Makinde, in a message to the good people of Oyo State and his countrymen at large, called for renewed patriotism, perseverance and prayers to enable the country to wade through the myriads of socio-economic challenges currently facing the people. “I felicitate with our countrymen on the occasion of Nigeria’s 59th independence anniversary. As you all can see, the nation is wading through some socio-economic issues, which demand us to remain committed to the goal…

The Speaker of the House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila has called on Nigerian traditional rulers to join the House in its quest to build a better Nigeria. The Speaker said being the custodian of the nation’s tradition, traditional rulers should ensure that the unity and development of the country become the centre of their subjects’ commitment. Speaker Gbajabiamila spoke on Monday while receiving 13 traditional rulers from Akoko North West/East Federal Constituency of Ondo State in his office. The monarchs, led by the Okukare of Ikare land, His Royal Highness (HRH) Oba Akadiri Momoh, told the Speaker and…

LAGOS – The Nigeria Association of Chambers of Commerce, industry, Mines and Agriculture has joined the rest of the nation in celebrating the 59th Independence Anniversary of our country. Over the years our country has evolved to become an economic and diplomatic powerhouse on the African continent, National President of NACCIMA, Hajiya Saratu Iya Aliyu said in a statement. She noted that despite the challenges faced, “Nigeria has emerged as the leading economy on the African continent, and as a people, we have displayed resilience, in our tireless efforts to attain the Nigeria of our dreams. We therefore have cause…

Gov. Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa has approved the release of 18 prisoners serving various jail terms in the state in commemoration of Nigeria’s 59th Independent Anniversary. The governor said in a statement on Monday, that the action was in line with the constitution which granted him the power under the prerogative of mercy. The statement was signed by the Director-General, Media and Communications to the governor, Mr Solomon Kumangar. “In commemoration of Nigeria’s 59th Independent Anniversary, Fintiri has signed an Executive Order approving the release of 18 prisoners in five different correctional facilities across Adamawa State. “This is pursuant to…