NEWS
Nigeria@63: CAN Urges Urgent Action On Economy, Terrorism
In a congratulatory message to Nigeria on her 63rd Independence Day anniversary, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) expressed desire to see urgent actions by the Federal Government (FG) to stabilise the economy and curb terrorism.
President, CAN, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, set out these details in an Independent Day message issued on Sunday.
He noted that the freefall of the Naira against major world currencies, particularly the dollar, has worsened the economy, thus, affecting the common man adversely.
He maintained that the FG ought to be doing more to combat terrorism and banditry in Nigeria.
He said, “This significant milestone reminds us of the progress we have made as a nation and the challenges that lie ahead.
“As we reflect on our journey, we urge the government to prioritise addressing the pressing economic challenges and the escalating state of insecurity in our beloved country.
(The) “CAN acknowledges the need for urgent measures to stabilise the Nigerian economy.
“The recent fall of the Naira against major world currencies, particularly the dollar, has had a profound impact on the lives of ordinary Nigerians.
“We call on the government to implement sustainable economic policies that will bolster our local currency, stimulate investments and revitalise key sectors.”
The national religious body also called on the FG to foster an environment for businesses to thrive, which would help in job creaton and alleviate poverty.
“By fostering an enabling environment for entrepreneurship and providing necessary support to small and medium-sized enterprises, we can create jobs and alleviate poverty, ultimately improving the quality of life for all citizens.
“Moreover, the escalating state of insecurity, especially in the South East region, demands immediate attention.
“We express deep concern over the spate of violence and bloodshed that has plagued communities, leading to loss of lives and displacement of innocent citizens,” he added.
Continuing, the CAN urged the “government to intensify efforts in combating terrorism, banditry, and all forms of criminal activities”
According to the Archbishop, the CAN would love to see adequate resources allocated to security agencies and urged the security operatives to collaborate more with local communities.
In addition, the CAN noted that in fighting terrorism, intelligence gathering must be strengthened.
“Restoring peace and security is vital not only for the affected regions but for the entire nation, as it will enable people to return to their farms, fostering food security and sustainable development.
“Furthermore, we emphasise the need for unity and national cohesion. Nigeria’s strength lies in its diversity, and we must harness this diversity for the common good of all citizens. Together, we can build bridges of understanding and foster an environment where all citizens feel valued and protected,” CAN stated.
The CAN wants to see the FG prioritise quality education and healthcare which, in its opinion, are “fundamental rights that must be guaranteed to every Nigerian. By investing in these critical sectors, we empower our youth with knowledge and skills and ensure the well-being of our citizens, particularly the vulnerable.”
According to Archbishop Okoh, the CAN was aware of the ongoing negotiations between the FG and organised labour on the removal of fuel subsidies, for which he urged both parties to seek a balanced solution that minimises the impact on vulnerable Nigerians.
Archbishop Okoh said, “The removal of subsidies is a significant economic adjustment with far-reaching consequences.
“We understand the government’s reasons but acknowledge the resulting distress and hardship.
“In conclusion, as we celebrate Nigeria’s 63rd Independence anniversary, let us not forget the challenges that confront us.
“CAN remains committed to promoting initiatives towards a prosperous and peaceful Nigeria. By doing so, we can achieve sustainable development, foster peace, and create a nation where every Nigerian can thrive.”
In a shocking incident on Sunday morning, unknown gunmen suspected to be kidnappers invaded the home of Alhaji Auwal, a prominent businessman, in Garo Town, Kabo Local Government Area of Kano State.
The gunmen, estimated to be around 10 in number, forced their way into the residence, breaking down a door to gain entry.
An anonymous source revealed that the attackers were heavily armed, with three carrying firearms and the rest wielding other weapons.
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They quickly gathered the entire family in one room, instilling fear and panic in the household.
According to the source, Alhaji Auwal pleaded with the assailants to spare his family and agreed to meet their demands.
The kidnappers, who were determined to extort money, received ₦8 million from the family.
Despite this payment, the gunmen took the businessman’s eldest daughter, Zainab, a secondary school graduate, before fleeing the scene.
The whereabouts of Zainab remain unknown, and as of now, the kidnappers have not contacted the family.
This abduction comes just 48 hours after the tragic kidnapping and subsequent murder of former Gombe State Permanent Secretary, Atiku Mu’azu, who was killed by gunmen after a ₦10 million ransom was paid.
The two incidents have left the residents of Kano in shock and fear, prompting calls for increased security measures in the area.
Attempts to reach the spokesperson for the Kano Police Command, SP Abdullahi Haruna, for comment were unsuccessful as his phone remained unreachable.
Authorities have yet to make any official statements regarding the investigation.
In a bold move, Colombian President Gustavo Petro declared on Sunday that he would not allow US deportation flights carrying Colombian migrants to access his country’s airspace.
The left-wing leader took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his strong stance, stating, “The United States cannot treat Colombian migrants as criminals. I forbid entry to our territory to US planes carrying Colombian migrants.”
Petro made it clear that such flights would only be accepted once Washington established a protocol to ensure the “dignified treatment” of deported migrants.
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The president later confirmed in a separate post that he had already turned back US military planes that were en route with Colombian migrants on board, although he did not provide further specifics on the matter.
While AFP sought confirmation from US authorities regarding the blockade of deportation flights, no immediate response was forthcoming.
Petro’s statements come just a day after Brazil’s government voiced similar outrage over the treatment of deported Brazilians.
Brazil condemned the US administration under President Donald Trump, citing instances where Brazilian migrants were deported while handcuffed on flights, describing it as a “flagrant disregard” for their basic rights.
In his remarks, Petro emphasized that he would be open to allowing civilian US flights to transport deported migrants as long as they were not subjected to treatment “like criminals,” signaling a broader call for humane treatment of migrants under international deportation policies.
An explosion at a mining site in Sabon Pegi, Mashegun Local Government Area of Niger State, claimed the lives of four individuals and left several others injured on Sunday morning.
The blast occurred as miners resumed operations, sending shockwaves through the community.
While the exact cause of the explosion remains undetermined, local residents have pointed to the poor handling of explosive devices by mining companies as a possible factor.
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The incident has sparked concerns about safety practices within the mining sector.
Community sources confirmed the recovery of four bodies, but authorities fear the death toll could rise.
Investigations are ongoing to establish the cause of the blast and assess the full extent of the damage.
One resident, Aminu, described the chaos that followed the explosion. “The sound was so loud that many of us thought it came from the hydroelectricity dam nearby. People panicked and ran into the bush for safety,” he recounted.
Another community member highlighted the potential role of mining operations in the tragedy.
“Mining companies here frequently use explosives during their activities, and this seems like an operational issue, not something related to terrorism,” the resident said, dismissing concerns about a security threat in the area.
As of the time of reporting, neither the state government nor security agencies have released an official statement regarding the explosion.
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