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2023: Archbishop Martins Prescribes Divine Guidance for Peace

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Catholic Bishops hold conference

 

By Tony Agbugba

The Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, Most Rev. Alfred Adewale Martins has urged all Nigerians to seek divine guidance in the quest for peace in 2023, to ensure that the New Year is free from chaos and anarchy.

According to the Archbishop, peace remains crucial and inevitable if the country hopes to reclaim its once enviable position as one of the most peaceful and also one of fastest developing economies in the world.

In a homily delivered at the 2023 New Year Mass which was also used to celebrate the 56th World Day of Peace held at the Holy Cross Cathedral, Lagos, the prelate thanked Almighty God for the gift of the New Year and charged all Nigerians to play active roles in the forthcoming general election by ensuring that they vote in only God-fearing leaders who are capable of leading the country towards the path of prosperity.

While admitting that Nigerians went through very turbulent experiences in the year 2022, Archbishop Martins noted that what the country needs now are God-fearing leaders who will wipe away the tears of the citizens.

He equally assured the people that there was nothing too difficult for God to do as He can turn around seemingly hopeless situations for good.

“We need peace in Nigeria this 2023. Without peace, the forthcoming general elections would be a task in futility. I know many parts of the country are witnessing so much insecurity. That is why our security agencies must work round the clock to secure all parts of the country and ensure that all the criminal elements are brought to book.

“President Muhammadu Buhari has pledged that he will ensure that we have credible elections. I do not doubt that he means well. But he cannot do it all alone. We must all play our path by ensuring that we come out to vote for the right candidates and also make sure our votes count. That is a way of ensuring that our elections would be credible,” the prelate added.

He charged leaders of the various political parties to prevail on their supporters to adhere strictly to the provisions of the newly amended Electoral Act and avoid indulging in any form of electoral malpractices during the forthcoming elections.

On the recent shooting of Mrs. Bolanle Raheem by a police officer now on trial, Archbishop Martins, while condemning the act, said it was very sad that the police officer not only killed the deceased but also two of her unborn babies through his careless action on Christmas Day.

He added his voice to the clarion call for urgent police reforms, noting that such inhuman atrocities perpetuated by some men of the police force should no more be tolerated in a civilized society like Nigeria.

The New Year Mass also had in attendance the Presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr. Peter Obi, Prof. Pat Utomi, the gubernatorial candidate of the ADC party, Mr. Olufunsho Doherty and his deputy Governorship candidate, Mrs. Rosemary Giwa-Amu.

It was concelebrated by the Director of Social Communications, Rev. Fr. Anthony Godonu and four other priests, including the Cathedral Administrator Very Rev. Fr Paul Ijasan.

NEWS

Gunmen Kill Ex-Ogun State Broadcaster, Security Guard in Early Morning Attack

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Man Arrested For Burglary In Ogun Churches

Gunmen have killed a former staff member of Ogun State Television, Mrs. Kitan Oyesiku, popularly known as “Aunty Kitan,” alongside her security guard in a violent early morning attack in Agodo community along the Abeokuta–Siun–Sagamu Expressway in Ogun State.

The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Sunday, threw residents of the area into panic and mourning as news of the killings spread across the community.

The victims were reportedly attacked inside their residence by unknown armed men who stormed the compound and carried out the operation before fleeing the scene.

SEE MORE: Midnight Horror in Kaduna: Gunmen Kill Nine, Injure 11 in Fresh Community Attack

The security guard on duty was also killed during the invasion.

The attack took place within the Abeokuta axis of Abeokuta, raising fresh concerns over insecurity in parts of the state.

The bodies of the deceased have since been deposited at the morgue of the State Hospital, Ijaiye, Abeokuta.

As of press time, the motive behind the attack remains unclear, while security agencies are expected to launch a full-scale investigation into the incident.

An anonymous source who spoke on the development said the incident was discovered after concerned church members went to check on the deceased when she failed to appear at church service.

The source said: “They had come around to check on Mrs Oyesiku when they did not see her in the church. On getting to her residence, they found out that the security officer had been killed, and they later also saw that the assailants had also killed Mrs Oyesiku. That was how they raised the alarm in the community.”

When contacted, the spokesperson of the Ogun State Police Command confirmed the incident and said an official statement would be issued after preliminary investigations.

Mrs. Oyesiku, a former broadcaster with the state-owned television station, was well known in media circles before her retirement.

Her death has sparked grief among colleagues, friends, and residents across Ogun State, as calls mount for improved security in the area.

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NEWS

Ekiti 2026: Tinubu Hails Oyebanji, Demands Cooperation from Opposition Parties

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President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State on his re-election, describing the outcome of the governorship election as a clear affirmation of the people’s trust in continuity, stability, and development-focused leadership.

Tinubu also called on opposition parties in the state to accept the results of the election and work with the re-elected governor to strengthen governance and accelerate development across Ekiti.

His message was contained in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, following the official declaration of results by the Independent National Electoral Commission (Independent National Electoral Commission).

ALSO READ: Ekiti Poll Shock: ADC Candidate Loses Home Ward to Oyebanji

The president said the victory represents a strong endorsement of Oyebanji’s performance during his first term in office, noting that the people of Ekiti have reaffirmed their confidence in his leadership.

He urged the governor to remain humble in victory and ensure inclusive governance that carries all stakeholders along in the next phase of administration.

“President Tinubu urges Governor Oyebanji to remain magnanimous in victory and to carry all Ekiti people along as he consolidates on his achievements in the next four years,” the statement read.

Tinubu further appealed to candidates who participated in the election to prioritize peace and unity, stressing the importance of collaboration in moving the state forward.

He noted that the election outcome should mark the beginning of broader cooperation among political actors in Ekiti rather than division.

According to him, Oyebanji’s first term witnessed notable progress in key sectors such as infrastructure, agriculture, education, healthcare, youth empowerment, and rural development under the BAO agenda.

The president described the renewed mandate as a reflection of voters’ confidence in stability and continuity of governance.

“The renewed mandate is therefore a clear vote of confidence in continuity, stability, and people-centred governance,” Tinubu stated.

He also reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to partnering with the Ekiti State Government to deepen development and ensure the delivery of democratic dividends under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

Tinubu praised the conduct of voters during the election, describing the process as largely peaceful, and commended security agencies for maintaining order throughout the exercise.

Meanwhile, Biodun Oyebanji was officially declared winner of the poll after securing 319,224 votes across all 16 local government areas of the state.

The victory makes him the first governor in the history of Ekiti State to win consecutive re-election, marking a significant milestone in the state’s political history.

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International News

“He Failed Badly” — Trump Says Starmer Will Step Down as UK PM

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U.S. President Donald Trump has predicted that British Prime Minister Keir Starmer will step down from office, accusing the Labour leader of failing on two critical issues — immigration and energy policy.

Trump made the remarks on Sunday in a post on his Truth Social platform, where he claimed Starmer’s leadership had fallen short in addressing challenges facing the United Kingdom.

SEE MORE:New US Strike on Iran Sends Oil Prices Soaring as Middle East Tensions Escalate

“Keir Starmer will resign as Prime Minister of The United Kingdom,” Trump wrote. “He failed badly on two very important subjects — IMMIGRATION AND ENERGY (OPEN NORTH SEA OIL!). I wish him well!”

The U.S. president did not provide any evidence to support his claim, nor did he reveal the basis for his prediction that Starmer would leave office.

Starmer, who leads the Labour Party, became Prime Minister after securing victory in the UK’s general election.

Since taking office, his government has faced criticism over a range of issues, including migration policies, energy security, and the cost-of-living challenges confronting many Britons.

Trump’s comments come as debates over immigration and energy continue to dominate political discussions in the UK.

However, there has been no official statement from Starmer, his office, or the British government suggesting that he plans to resign.

As of the time of filing this report, Starmer remains in office and continues to lead the government despite the claims made by the American president.

 

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