NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Politics

Shettima urges NASS to shun division, partisanship

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NASS

By Salisu Sani-Idris

Vice-President Kashim Shettima has charged the National Assembly to uphold good leadership qualities, prioritise unity and national development over political divisions and partisan interests.

He made the call on Monday when President Bola Tinubu hosted the leadership and members of the House of Representatives to Iftar (breaking of Ramadan fast) at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Shettima, who spoke on behalf of President Tinubu, also urged lawmakers to embrace their responsibility with humility and a shared commitment to progress.

He said “In the end, history will not judge us by the number of personal battles we fought against one another, but by the bridges we were able to build together.

“We are gathered here this evening not as adversaries in a contest for power, but as partners in the noble task of nation-building.”

Reflecting on the significance of Ramadan, which coincides with the Lenten season, the Vice-President called for deep introspection and a reaffirmation of commitment to Nigeria’s unity.

Shettima said the government’s economic policies were yielding results, adding that the economy has turned the corner.

The Vice-President also lauded the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, and the House leadership for fostering harmony within the legislature.

Shettima urged the leaders to govern with empathy, fairness, and justice, reminding them that their positions were a sacred trust of the Nigerian people.

“Leadership is not about personal gain; it is about service. It is a burden vested in us by God, tested by history, and measured by the impact we leave behind,” he said.

Earlier, Abbas thanked President Tinubu for the invitation to break fast with him and for always showing respect and concern for the House of Representatives.

“As we all know, the month of Ramadan entails many things, one of them is reflection; where were you before, where are you now and where do you want to be?

” I believe Nigeria, more than ever before, needs this type of reflection,” he said.

He implored both Christians and Muslims to dedicate the fasting period to pray for the country.

The Speaker said Nigerians knew what the Tinubu administration had achieved within just two years and the period offered a moment for every Nigerian to reflect and pray for the country.

“Prayers for the economy; prayers for improved security, prayers for the leaders and prayers for the citizens.”

He pledged that every member of the House of Representatives was in support of the President.

He noted that the policies of the government were for the betterment of the people and Nigeria as a country.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that on behalf of the House of Reps, Abbas donated N705 million to the President.

According to him, the money is a six-month 50 per cent deduction from their salaries to augment the humanitarian engagements of Mr President and to support vulnerable people in the country. (NAN)

Edited by Maureen Atuonwu

General News

Shettima calls for unity to sustain Tinubu’s reform

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Unity

By Salisu Sani-Idris

Vice-President Kashim Shettima, has called for unity and collaboration among leaders to sustain the gains  of President Bola Tinubu’s reforms.

Shettima made the call during an Iftar hosted by President Tinubu for Senate leaders at the new State House Banquet Hall in Abuja.

Shettima emphasised that Nigeria had reached a crucial point where Tinubu’s bold leadership and well-thought-out policies must be properly executed to create lasting change.

He noted that Nigerians were beginning to see the benefits of these reforms, such as falling food prices, lower petrol costs, and stability in the forex market.

He also highlighted the economy’s projected growth of 4.3 to 4.6 per cent in 2025, commending Tinubu’s “bold vision” and courageous decisions.

Shettima urged political leaders to collaborate in maintaining this momentum, stating that unity was essential for the nation’s progress.

He expressed gratitude to the Senate for its cooperative relationship with the executive branch and urged lawmakers to see themselves as one family, regardless of political affiliation.

“What unites us supersedes whatever divides us,” he said, assuring of continued collaboration between the two arms of government.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio thanked President Tinubu for his support of the 10th Senate and pledged continued cooperation.

He prayed for divine wisdom and good health for both the President and Vice- President, to ensure the success of the Renewed Hope Agenda.

The event was attended by key senators, including Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, and former Senate President Ahmed Lawan.(NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Defence/Security

Terrorism: Nigerian military ready to work with Sahelian states – CDS

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Sahel

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, says the Armed Forces of Nigeria is committed to working with Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger in spite of their withdrawal from ECOWAS.

Musa gave the assurance in Abuja, when he received a delegation of the Sahelian Think Tank from Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger known as ‘Alliance De Sahel’.

The delegation led by the Coordinator, Fusion Center for Dialogue and Peace Processes, Aliyu Gebi, is in the country to under study Nigeria on its non-kinetic approach to tackling the menace of terrorism and the success of operation Safe Corridor.

The defence chief stressed the need for Nigeria and the Sahelian countries to work together to address terrorism, adding that whatever happens in the Sahel resonates with the country and vice versa.

He said that the militaries of the region were working together to achieve peace, and revealed his intention to visit Mali and Burkina Faso.

“This meeting came at a very good time, especially now that so many things are happening in Africa. It shows the unity of purpose.

“Your presence here from the Sahelian countries shows that we are still united, in spite the challenges.

“And for all Africans, we must unite. The enemies we are dealing with are enemies that don’t mean well for us, especially in the Sahelian region.

“They have no respect for life, no respect for humanity, no respect for boundaries.

“It is critical that we must work together to fight and defeat them, and I am happy that we have our brothers from Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso, and other countries here to come and see what we are doing with our disarmament programme with Operation Safe Corridor,” he said.

Musa emphasised that the kinetic and the non-kinetic operations must go hand in hand, adding that the kinetic accounts for only 30 per cent of the solution.

He said that the non-kinetic was basic, adding that there must be good governance within the countries, fairness, justice, and equity to be able to overcome the challenges.

The CDS advised the Sahelian countries to block terrorists access to mining sites and trace their foreign sponsors to block their sources of funding.

Responding, the leader of the delegation, reiterated that the region would be safer and stronger working together .

Gebi said that whatever happened in Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso would resonate in Nigeria.

He commended the Nigerian military for winning the war against insurgents but stressed the need to harmonise strategies towards winning peace.

He said the team was in Nigeria to study how to connect kinetic and non-kinetic operations to win peace.

The Head of delegation of the Alliance of Sahel States, Gen. Aime Sampore, said that, there was the recognition that a serene and stable Sahel would transmit directly to a serene, stable and prosperous Nigeria.

Sampore said that a serene, stable and prosperous Nigeria would also directly transmits, not only to a serene, stable and prosperous Sahel, but to the whole of Africa.

This, according to him, is the purpose of the visit. (NAN)

Edited by Deborah Coker

Religious

Onaiyekan urges Christian-Muslim unity during Lent, Ramadan

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By Abiemwense Moru

As Christians and Muslims observe their sacred seasons of Lent and Ramadan, the Catholic Archbishop Emeritus of Abuja, John Cardinal Onaiyekan, is calling for greater unity between the two faiths.

In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Abuja, Onaiyekan emphasised the shared values of both Christianity and Islam, particularly the belief in one merciful, all-powerful God.

He highlighted how both faiths held similar core principles, especially during times of fasting and prayer.

“Whether you are Christian or Muslim, we all believe in one God who is Almighty and merciful”.

Onaiyekan, noting the significance of the overlapping religious observances, highlighted that Muslims began their Ramadan on March 1, while Christians would begin their Lent on March 5 with Ash Wednesday

The cardinal urged believers to come together in prayer, fasting, and acts of charity during the unique overlap of Lent and Ramadan in 2025.

He called for unity between Christians and Muslims as they sought God’s mercy and engaged in spiritual reflection during these sacred seasons.

The cardinal acknowledged that though the two observances differ, their core principles were the same.

“Both Ramadan and Lent are times to draw closer to God, be more fervent in prayer, and help the poor.

“This year, as they coincide, it is a divine reminder for us to come together and pray for our nations,” he explained.

He also stressed the importance of religious leaders promoting unity in their communities

“Priests, bishops, and imams must encourage their followers to approach these seasons with sincerity and righteousness.

“Fasting without a genuine heart and purpose won’t lead to meaningful change,” he said.

Onaiyekan also emphasised that during this unique period, the collective prayers of faithful Muslims and Christians would be heard by God.

“This is an opportunity for us to unite in prayer for mercy and healing,” he added.(NAN)

Edited by Vivian Ihechu

Education

Unite against poverty, destitution, Shettima urges northerners

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North

By Salisu Sani-Idris

Vice-President Kashim Shettima has urged northerners to form a single force to fight poverty and destitution irrespective of their political affiliations, religious persuasion, tribal or sectional backgrounds.

Shettima made the call when he hosted a delegation of Southern Kaduna stakeholders on a thank you visit to the Presidential Villa on Tuesday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the southern Kaduna stakeholders, led by Gov. Uba Sani of Kaduna State, were at the Villa to thank President Bola Tinubu for approving the establishment of the Federal University of Applied Science, Kachia, Kaduna State.

The Vice-President declared that the people of the north had no business  fighting one another, saying “what binds us together supercedes whatever divides us.

“Let’s unite and fight the scourge of poverty, destitution and backwardness.”

Shettima said President Tinubu had directed the Minister of Education to capture the new Federal University of Applied Science, Kachia, in the 2025 budget to enable the institution start academic activities by September.

Shettima also empahaised the need for northerners to accommodate and tolerate one another for the common good of the region.

“We should learn to accommodate and embrace one another; because for us in the North we are all united by our common heritage of poverty and destitution.

“The North is the poverty capital of the world. Of the 22 million out-of-school children, 20 million are from the North. So, we have no business fighting one another.

“We are essentially the same people. The Nok culture is one of the most celebrated cultures in Africa,” said Shettima.

The Vice-President commended Sani for the ongoing reconstruction of some major artery roads in Southern Kaduna.

Sani assured that Kaduna State government would issue the Certificate of Occupancy of the Southern Kaduna University, Kachia, land within seven days.

On his part, Mr Tunji Alausa, the Minister of Education, said the university would bring new opportunities to youths and women in the state and across the country.

“This university will offer various courses in areas of applied sciences, medicine, pharmacy, nursing and physiotherapy.

“The President has mandated that the first set of students of the university should be admitted during this academic session.

“I have commissioned a team of senior staff at the Federal Ministry of Education as well as the National University Commission to immediately do the verification of the asset that is there,” said the minister. (NAN)

Edited by Salif Atojoko

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General News

Stakeholders call for unity, support among women

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By Lynient Akotonou

Nigerian women have been urged to unite and empower themselves to take up leadership roles in various sectors of the society in spite of challenges.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the call was made by stakeholders at the Women In Leadership and Entrepreneurship (WOILEN) conference, themed, “Empowered to lead, inspired to succeed, women shaping the future”.

Former Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Aisha Isma’il, in a keynote address, said that women must work to break societal limitations and take leadership roles in major sectors of the society.

“In human endeavors, have we aspired for excellence? Are we inspiring? Are women positive absolutely? And if we inspire, how come we are not in leadership? In the political, financial, economic and social scenes?”

She further stated that Nigerian men have failed in governance, development and peace and it’s up to women to take action and create positive change.

“It is up to us for the sake of our children and now our grandchildren, to wake up and use that small space given to us and explore.”

On her part, Mrs Adedayo Laniyi, Pioneer Mandate Secretary, Women and Children Affairs, FCTA, emphasised the importance of women in embracing their power and excellence.

She defined an empowered woman as one who acknowledges her potential, resilience and ingenuity.

Laniyi said that an empowered woman is one that embraces the power at her disposal to effect life changing initiatives.

She said that women in Nigeria must exploit their full potential by being original, exponential, and deliberate in their actions and deed.

Stella George, author and convener of the WOILEN Conference, explained that the conference was organised to connect women for collaboration, to inspire them with top speakers and entrepreneurs, and provide valuable insights for success.

“We want to see that their businesses thrive. We want to see that they get the full support. We want to see that they have everything that they need to have in order to move their businesses forward.

“We believe that women have so much potential. The leadership capacity of women cannot be overemphasised.”

She also called for further collaboration among stakeholders towards supporting women’s empowerment in the country.

“But we intend to see partners, government agencies, individuals, and businesses come together to support us, because we need to support women. The women need support.”(NAN)
Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Foreign

Dabiri-Erewa applauds NiDO-Americas for promoting interest of Nigerians abroad

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By Fortune Abang

Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO of the  Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), on Tuesday, applauded the Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation-Americas (NiDOA) for advancing the common interest of compatriots living abroad.

Dabiri-Erewa praised the NiDOA leadership in a virtual address during the NiDOA 2024 Annual General Meeting (AGM) and World Conference with the theme: “New Nigeria: Fresh Progress, Vision of United NiDO” held in the U.S.

She praised the leadership of NiDOA for the efforts it has been investing to foster unity among Nigerians living abroad.

“Amidst challenges NiDO faced at the last AGM, a lot has been achieved in one year.

“We want NiDOA to continue to set the pace for advancing unity among Nigerians living abroad.

“So we look forward to working with you and encouraging all of you.

“I appeal that we all work together along with President Bola Tinubu, who is willing to work with and for NiDO in moving Nigeria forward,” the NiDCOM chair said.

On the need to establish a Diaspora Board, Dabiri-Erewa explained that all statutory boards could be constituted only by the President.

According to her, former President Muhammadu Buhari did not constitute some boards while in office, including the NiDCOM board.

She added that President Tinubu would constitute the NiDO Board at the appointed time.

“To cut down the cost of governance, NIDCOM has now become an agency.

“What this means is that I don’t know whether there is going to be a board for it or not.

“I want to encourage you to stay united; unity is the keyword. NiDO has achieved so much more than we have been doing in the past.

“I want to thank you and wish you a successful AGM.

“More so, let us continue to promote a united NiDOA to set the pace for every other organisation in the diaspora,” she said.

In his speech, Amb. Abubakar Jidda, Consul-General of Nigeria in New York, congratulated NiDOA for organising the AGM.

According to him, the AGM makes it easy for everyone to see NiDO’s activities.

He expressed gratitude to Dr Victor Ubani, the Continental Chair of NiDOA, and his team for organising the conference.

“We lend our voice to some issues and challenges Nigeria is experiencing, and to see how we can ensure we have stronger organisations that are ready to contribute meaningfully to nation-building.

“In moving the nation forward we should be setting the pace for other countries and regions.

“The consulate is ready to support NiDOA in achieving its set objectives.

“We can work closely together to set the standard for other countries across the world, which is one thing I look forward to achieving,” Egopija said.

Ubani who is also the Coordinating Chairman of NiDO Worldwide promised to build on the gains the organisation has so far achieved.

“We are forging ahead and forming a new path to rebrand, and take NiDO to greater heights.

“We can do that by being patriotic and working together to ensure national growth.

“I call on everyone to collaborate with us so that we can realise the desired goals we have set.

“Let us see what we can do by coming together as Nigerians to move our country forward,” Ubani said. (NAN)

Edited by Emmanuel Yashim

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