₦airaland Forum

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE 

THE BUHARI ADMINISTRATION AT 6: COUNTING THE BLESSINGS ONE BY ONE 


The Muhammadu Buhari administration clocks six years May 29, 2021. This milestone affords the opportunity to reflect, and recount the impact that has been made (and is being made) on different sectors of national life. 
From infrastructure, to finance, education, healthcare, sports, anti-corruption, human development , housing, oil and gas, foreign relations, and many others, the Administration is recording giant strides, enough to make Nigerians proud. That is, those who are dispassionate and fair-minded, not beclouded by political partisanship and undue cynicism. 
Some people claim: we don’t see what they are doing. We don’t hear about it. Well, here it is. A Fact Sheet, a report card on the Buhari Administration, just a bit of the successes, as the milestone of six years is attained. 
As it is said, the past is but a story told. The future may yet be written in gold. When the Administration breasts the tape in another two years, by the grace of God, the applause will be resounding, even from the worst of sceptics. Facts are undeniable, and always remain so. They are stubborn things. 


Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media and Publicity)
May 28, 2021

You might want to reach out to me on https:///2348034357683

Kobojunkie:
Benzyluv,I can't shake the feeling that what you have fallen for is nothing different from what over 2 billion who proclaim themselves Christians in the world today have, and that is an illusion that pretend to be God. Why? Because God is not in your churches and the many groups and denominations out there. He never commanded them so they are not of Him. He calls you instead to come DIRECTLY to Him instead. He will answer you, if you will be willing to submit to and obey His Law, Jesus Christ.

What's the favour of God?

Favour means goodwill, benevolent regard. Favour is the grace of God in a person. It's God's kindness to a person. A person has God's favour when He looks at them fondly, and when He does things that will be beneficial for them.

¶ People that were shown God's favour

Mary:
And the angel came to her and said, “Rejoice, favored woman! The Lord is with you.” Then the angel told her: Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. Now listen: You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will call His name Jesus.
Luke 1:28‭, ‬30‭-‬31

Mary had to find favour in God's sight before God picked her to birth the Holy one.

Joseph:
Then Pharaoh said to his servants, “Can we find anyone like this, a man who has God’s spirit in him? ” So Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Since God has made all this known to you, there is no one as intelligent and wise as you are. You will be over my house, and all my people will obey your commands. Only with regard to the throne will I be greater than you.”
Genesis 41:38‭-‬40

Joseph found favour in the sight of God. This made God reveal Pharaoh's dream to him.

¶People that were shown God's favour

Jacob:
As for the weaklings of the flocks, he did not put out the branches. So it turned out that the weak sheep belonged to Laban and the stronger ones to Jacob. And the man became very rich. He had many flocks, male and female slaves, and camels and donkeys.
Genesis 30:42‭-‬43

Jacob was faithful with Laban's sheep. This made him find favour in God's sight–God multiplied his resources.

Daniel
" He said to me, “Daniel, you are a man treasured by God. Understand the words that I’m saying to you. Stand on your feet, for I have now been sent to you.” After he said this to me, I stood trembling.
Daniel 10:11

God gave these four young men knowledge and understanding in every kind of literature and wisdom. Daniel also understood visions and dreams of every kind.
Daniel 1:17

Daniel feared God and found favour in God's sight and God made him find favour in the sight of men.

There are many more e.g. Abraham, Enoch, Nehemiah, Ruth, Esther etc.

¶ How to receive favour from God?

Obedience/Righteousness
In the kingdom of God, "Obedience is the strategy". To receive God's favour, one must be OBEDIENT.

there will be a blessing, if you obey the commands of the Lord your God I am giving you today, and a curse, if you do not obey the commands of the Lord your God and you turn aside from the path I command you today by following other gods you have not known.
Deuteronomy 11:27‭-‬28

My son, don’t forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commands;... Then you will find favor and high regard in the sight of God and man. Proverbs 3:1‭,4

A person who keeps God's instructions will find favour in God's sight. We should learn to have a regard for what God says. Then we will find favour on His sight.

For You, Lord , bless the righteous one; You surround him with favor like a shield.
Psalms 5:12

Righteousness means doing right. When we keep God's commands, we do right. Some people believe in being unrighteous and doing fasting, prayer, and other religious activities to find favour from God. Although it's not bad to fast, pray, and do good activities, they should stem from obedience to God.

Obedience will achieve more results than the fasts of a disobedient person. My point is: Look for the instructions and obey in the little, and you will find favour from God.

A person who constantly does unrighteousness should not expect much favour from God. God loves us because we are His children. He would want to favour us for that reason, but the ones that will be given more favour and authority are the obedient ones.

For one to be righteous, they have to know the right thing to do. It's easier to be righteous when one reads and knows scriptures. That's why we are encouraged to have a relationship, not only with Jesus, but also with His words.

¶ How to receive favour from God?

Humility
Humility is lowliness in mind. It's being submissive; It's submitting to others because God wants you to.

In the same way, you younger men, be subject to the elders. And all of you clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble. Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, so that He may exalt you at the proper time,
1 Peter 5:5‭-‬6

It's the humble people that will care about God's instructions. They are the ones that can go lowly things. God loves humble people. They go where He tells them to go. They say what's He tells them to say.
Jacob was submissive in Laban's house. So was Joseph in Potiphar's house. God exalted them in due season.

Humility will enable one see themselves as a slave/servant of God.


Pride is refusal to bend your will when God has asked you to. It's not submitting to an earthly person that God has asked you to submit to. It's rebellion to any kind of authority that God has placed over you. It's refusal to take instructions. These people won't find much favour in God's sight.

Abraham was a humble man. He left his comfort in obedience to God. And God favoured him immensely. Abraham's favour didn't stop at earth, but it continues in heaven. So the acts of humility we do will fetch us favour from God in this age, and in the one to come.

“I assure you,” Jesus said, “there is no one who has left house, brothers or sisters, mother or father, children, or fields because of Me and the gospel, who will not receive 100 times more, now at this time — houses, brothers and sisters, mothers and children, and fields, with persecutions— and eternal life in the age to come.
Mark 10:29‭-‬30


¶ How to receive favour from God?

Faithfulness
This is a problem for many children of God because it's linked to hardwork. To be faithful, one has to exert oneself.

The Lord said: “Who then is the faithful and sensible manager his master will put in charge of his household servants to give them their allotted food at the proper time? That slave whose master finds him working when he comes will be rewarded. I tell you the truth: He will put him in charge of all his possessions. But if that slave says in his heart, ‘My master is delaying his coming,’ and starts to beat the male and female slaves, and to eat and drink and get drunk, And that slave who knew his master’s will and didn’t prepare himself or do it will be severely beaten._
Luke 12:42‭-‬45‭, ‬47

Jacob found favour in God's sight and God gave him many goods. But before he got these goods, he went through this:
I’ve been with you these 20 years. Your ewes and female goats have not miscarried, and I have not eaten the rams from your flock. I did not bring you any of the flock torn by wild beasts; I myself bore the loss. You demanded payment from me for what was stolen by day or by night._There I was — the heat consumed me by day and the frost by night, and sleep fled from my eyes. For 20 years I have worked in your household — 14 years for your two daughters and six years for your flocks— and you have changed my wages 10 times!_
Genesis 31:38‭-‬41

Jacob was faithful even though Laban was unfaithful to some extent. Some of us are not faithful under the authority above us, even when they are nice, and we expect the favour of God.

Laziness will prevent us from exerting ourselves. That's why we should be willing to be hardworking. We should be willing to put in the extra effort required to get a job done. This will make us find favour in the sight of men and God.



Reverence/Fear of God

Reverence is veneration, (profound awe and respect for God.)

think about Him in all your ways, and He will guide you on the right paths. Don’t consider yourself to be wise; fear the Lord and turn away from evil.
Proverbs 3:6‭-‬7

Now the eye of the Lord is on those who fear Him — those who depend on His faithful love
Psalms 33:18

Who is the man who fears the Lord ? He will show him the way he should choose. He will live a good life, and his descendants will inherit the land. The secret counsel of the Lord is for those who fear Him, and He reveals His covenant to them.
Psalms 25:12‭-‬14

Therefore, since we know the fear of the Lord [and understand the importance of obedience and worship], we persuade people [to be reconciled to Him]...
2 Corinthians 5:11.

The fear of God is to depart from iniquity. The fear of God is healthy and it comes by obeying God. Without the fear of God, a believer will act lawless. A great desire w must want is the fear of God in our hearts.

Daniel and his friends respected and feared God. God also honoured them. God honours the ones that honour Him.

At that time those who feared the Lord spoke to one another. The Lord took notice and listened. So a book of remembrance was written before Him for those who feared Yahweh and had high regard for His name. “They will be Mine,” says the Lord of Hosts, “a special possession on the day I am preparing. I will have compassion on them as a man has compassion on his son who serves him. So you will again see the difference between the righteous and the wicked, between one who serves God and one who does not serve Him._
Malachi 3:16‭-‬18

Fear of man: fear of being rejected by men, fear of their opinions, fear of being persecuted, etc, are things that prevent us from fearing God. We must cast these cares on God and choose to fear Him at all times.

¶ Do we need God's favour?/Advantages of God's favour

Yes, we need God's favour. We should not treat it lightly. With God's favour, one can do a thousand more things than his contemporary. One will shine out among his peers.

Daniel and his contemporaries enjoyed God's favour. Through them, laws in nations were changed.

Daniel distinguished himself above the administrators and satraps because he had an extraordinary spirit, so the king planned to set him over the whole realm.
Daniel 6:3

For You, Lord , bless the righteous one; You surround him with favor like a shield.
Psalms 5:12

The Angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him, and rescues them.Psalms 34:7

God will protect the ones that have found favour in His sight.


¶ Conclusion

As Christians, we have a benefit of enjoying God's favour. However sin limits the extent of God's favour we can receive. Let your focus rest on being more obedient, humble, faithful and reverent of God. These are the primary things.
In turn, God will cause His rain to fall on us.


¶ Prayer

I pray we find favour in God's sight. I pray that this message sinks in. I pray for grace for us to accept corrections and do the needful.

May God help us. Amen.

++ STILL ON THE ILL-FATED AIRCRASH: COMMENTS ON FLT-LT TO ASANIYI'S FIANCEE.

"Femi I have no regrets walking this journey with you, you asked me to be your wife last year in August and I gave you a resounding yes. One of the last things you said to me was to keep on being humble and continue to give. You were a giver, oh you were such a giver.
Femi mi...

Femi mi, Olowo ori mi, who will hype me now when I make a new hair, who will call me fine girl, who will call me the most beautiful woman in the world. I have cried and cried and cried. People have spoken to me, James and Kamal have told me you wouldn't want me to be sad

...and I know that for sure because whenever I am sad and I cry, you will be like "what's the meaning of this now". The world deserves to know how great you are. To Nigerians and the world at large, my fiance FLIGHT LIEUTENANT TO ASANIYI was a great man who dedicated his life to...

serving this country. Pls pray for him, pray for his family and pray for me. Adigun miiiiii, Femi miiiiii, Hot choco miiii sun re o!!!!

I want your blue diary so bad because you had lots of intelligent things written in there. You treated me already like we were married.

...You would always say "babe don't worry, everything will be fine, don't worry"

Hot choco miii, jo ma fimisile OLUFEMI TAIWO ASANIYI I love you now and forever..."

~Bunmi Oladuntoye.

STATEMENT

To honor the memory and services of the late Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru and other military officers, who lost their lives in an unfortunate plane crash on Friday, President Muhammadu Buhari has authorized that the National Flag should be flown at half-mast in all public buildings, facilities and official residences with effect from 24th to 26th May, 2021.

Similarly, the President has also approved a work free day for members of the Armed Forces on Monday, 24th May, 2021.

Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha announces in a statement, today.

'It's Time to Stand with the Yoruba nation,' By Prof. Banji Akintoye


We welcome the meeting of significant leaders of Southwest APC in Lagos on Sunday May 23rd 2021 to discuss the unsavoury state of Nigeria.

By the grace of God your political party APC is the strongest political party in the Yoruba southwest. It is the party of the most important Yoruba political leader of today.
Of the six states of the Yoruba southwest your party controls five of the state Governorships and State Assemblies.
In this party also are most Yoruba high officials in the Nigerian federal government.
Therefore the APC is the party that is in charge of the Yoruba wellbeing and future today.
Because of these important realities we ask you to give serious considerations to the following at your meeting:

In the interest of our Yoruba nation and your own political future you cannot and must not continue to keep quiet while the Yoruba nation is seriously endangered by Fulani marauders, militia and terrorists that have invaded the Yoruba homeland for over five years raping, maiming, killing, kidnapping, destroying their farms and other means of livelihood and generally brutalizing your people.
We Yoruba people remember the enormous pride we felt when you accomplished what looked impossible by helping Gen Buhari win the presidency.
We had good reasons to expect at the time that many good things will follow upon your victory into our homeland, but since then your people have been going through unbelievable brutalities at the hand of the Fulani terrorists now joined by international terrorists such as isis, iswap and al-qaeda.
In the face of the killings, maiming of the people and destruction, extortion of ransom- something unknown before in the history of the Yoruba, namely the fleeing of large numbers of Yoruba people abroad as refugees is now happening.
As you illustrious sons and daughters of Yoruba nation meet on Sunday, please we urge you to accomplish a number of things in the interest of the Yoruba nation and your selves.
1). You must demand the security of life and property in Yorubaland.
2). You must demand that Fulani marauders and terrorists vacate Yorubaland unconditionally and immediately.
3). To achieve 1 and 2 above, you must demand that all obstacles and encumbrances placed on the path of Amotekun by the Federal Government be removed forthwith.
4). You must declare your unclouded support for the accepted norm in all the world today that all ethnic nationalities have the right of self determination, and that that right is inalienable according to the constitution of the United Nations, The United Nations’
declaration of the rights of indigenous peoples and the various instruments of the African Union. All of which constitutions and conventions and declarations Nigeria is signatory to and therefore constitute parts of the laws of Nigeria.
5). As is the norm of federalism the world over, you must demand for the right of each component Nationality of Nigeria, to exercise their right of self determination without let or hindrance.
6). You must demand the convocation of a negotiation conference to settle the raging controversies over the future of Nigeria before any 2023 general elections.
7). You illustrious sons and daughters of the Yoruba people must be careful not to continue to appear to be swimming against the tide of Yoruba desire in the world; you must be careful not to make your selves enemies of your Yoruba nation.
We close this fraternal letter by wishing you success in your meeting and pray that you will emerge heroes among your people.
For too long the Yoruba people have been sold cheaply by their own leading citizens, we pray that you will so conduct yourselves on Sunday that you will emerge as true leaders of the Yoruba nation and worthy sons and daughters of your people.

Prof. Banji Akintoye.
President, Ilana Omo Oodua

SOUTHWEST APC LEADERS MEETING.....

Statement by South-West APC Leaders

Concerned about the state of the nation particularly the serious security challenges facing the country, All Progressives Congress leaders in the South-west met in Lagos on Sunday May 23, 2021.
The meeting was characterized by open and frank discussions of the difficulties now facing Nigeria.

Based upon these deliberations, the following points of agreement were reached:

1. The Leaders commiserate with and condole the President and Commander-in-Chief, President Muhammadu Buhari, the military authorities, families of the Chief of Army Staff and other officers who died, and indeed the entire nation over last Friday’s tragic plane crash in Kaduna.

2. They express their strong opposition to separatist agitations and hate speeches. While urging those indulging in such to desist forthwith, they renew their belief in the unity, stability and sustainability of the country.

3. We note with significant concern the security situation in the country. Terrorism and violent criminality threaten many areas, adversely affecting the lives and livelihoods of too many innocent and peace-loving Nigerians. While mindful of the resource and other constraints facing the nation, we urge the federal government to continue to make the necessary expenditures and allocate sufficient resources to enable the military and security agencies to tackle the difficult security challenges confronting us.

4. For Nigeria to overcome these challenges, we must do so with unity of purpose and action. The desire for peace and the chance for a prosperous and just society is universal and transcends all regional, religious or ethnic divisions. Sadly, many public figures have made statements that spark division and undermine the needed unity of purpose. We urge government at all levels, security agencies, and public leaders across the country to do everything possible to prevent tension so that we sustain the necessary unity to defeat these challenges to our national security. All responsible Nigerians must speak and act in a manner that strengthens our common cause against these common threats to our collective peace, justice and development.

5. We restate our abhorrence of violence as a means to achieve either political or economic power and influence. We strongly condemn violence of any form in any part of the country, regardless of ethnic or regional identity of the perpetrators of the violence or of the victims. Government must do all it can to protect potential victims and to assist those who have previously been victimized by terrorism or widespread banditry.

6. We hold to the view that true federalism where more power and resources are allocated to the states will be an essential part in strengthening society and improving democratic governance so that we beat the present challenges but also engender durable peace and security. True federalism and the reallocation of resources and authority that comes with it will empower the states to solve localized issues before they spread and transform into national ones. In addition to mitigating political competition for control of the national government, greater federalism will empower grassroots economic development and political reforms that will stand as bulwarks against the terrorism and criminality now experienced in too many parts of the nation. A hallmark of this enhanced federalism will be the establishment of state police forces.

7. We endorse the position of the Southern Governors taken at their May 11, 2021 summit in Asaba, Delta State, regarding ranching. We do so because such a decision will lessen tensions between farmers and herders while also helping the long-term economic viability of both the farming and herding communities. We are mindful of the short-term dislocation this might cause but are also mindful that this position is in the best interests of all parties concerned. We, therefore, recommend that the federal and state governments cooperate fully with each other to enact the necessary measures to encourage this more effective and modern method of cattle-rearing so that both farmers and herders can pursue their livelihoods with greater productivity and in a more cooperative relationship that minimizes the friction between these two important pillars of our agricultural economy.

8. We also thank traditional rulers for their important role in the polity and appeal to them to keep intervening to maintain peace and stability.

9. And finally, we use the opportunity of the meeting to urge the Federal Government to provide, through the CBN, short, medium and long term financing for states and those who may wish to set up ranches as part of the agricultural sustainability policy.

First Lady, Aisha Buhari and her children paid a condolence visit to the family of the late Chief of Army Staff. Lt. Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru on Sunday afternoon, May 23.



The late Chief of Army Staff and 10 other military officers died in an aircraft crash on Friday May 21.



More photos below.

PRESIDENT BUHARI SPEAKS WITH FATI ATTAHIRU, PRAISES MILITARY’S EFFORTS TO FIGHT TERRORISM AND BANDITRY

President Muhammadu Buhari has described Lt. General Ibrahim Attahiru, the late Chief of Army Staff as an outstanding soldier and an institution builder, who fought valiantly for Nigeria until he breathed his last.

In a telephone conversation Sunday evening with Mrs. Fati Ibrahim Attahiru, the wife of the late COAS and the spouses of the other deceased officers through her, President Buhari hailed the sacrifices of the military men who lost their lives and the Armed Forces in general, saying that Nigerians will continue to appreciate and support the fearlessness with which our courageous soldiers are confronting the threats facing the nation.

He gave the grieving spouses assurances that the nation will never forget the supreme sacrifice of their spouses, urging them to take solace in the surge of extraordinary feelings of emotions across regions, religions and tribes all over the country in appreciation of their sacrifices.

The President who had earlier given directives to the Defense headquarters and the Ministry of Defence to do everything a government can do to provide comfort and ease the hardships of the families of the deceased, prayed to Almighty God to repose their souls and grant their families the fortitude to bear the losses.

Mrs Attahiru, on behalf of the rest of the families thanked the President for the love and care he has shown to them.



Garba Shehu
Senior Special Assistant to the President
(Media & Publicity)
May 23, 2021

�� FRESH SPRING��

SUFFER FOR HIS SAKE
20th May 2021


Now, let’s stick with loving Jesus when He’s in heal mode; active heal mode.
"...The Lord is saying there’s going to be healings. There’s somebody here. You, that young lady, God is saying..."
How many of you like to watch that? How many of you like to be the person giving words of knowledge to people? How many of you just love the idea of being used like that by God? When you touch people, they fall. You don’t even touch, they fall. Ah power!
That’s you with Jesus taking a beautiful selfie. You can show someone the selfie and say "This was me and the Lord healing someone of cancer. This is me and the Lord healing someone’s leg."
Then when the Lord goes over to suffer mode, fasting mode or pray-till-you-sweat blood mode, you say 'you know what? I’ve noticed people have different callings. This isn't my calling.' and you chicken out.

Where is your selfie with the Lord from when He was being disgraced?
Like Peter, you say

'Me? Who? My name is Peter. Jesus? Who is He? I Don’t know Him'.
The third time, the Bible says he [Peter], swore with oaths:

'God punish me if I know that Man',

Because Jesus was in suffer mode.
We don’t like suffer mode. How can we suffer? (Sings)
'Me I no go suffer lie lie, I no go beg for bread.
God of miracles na my papa oh'

God of miracles? What about God of suffering?
God please save us from us. May God save you from you.
May you not read the Bible paying attention only to the things you like.
May you be willing to suffer with Jesus as much as you love to enjoy with Him.

From a message by Pastor Ita Udoh

Bringing to living Waters from the very presence of God through God's Words.

NITDA DG URGES AFRIONE TO CRASH PRICES OF SMART DEVICES FOR AFFORDABILITY

Mallam Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has urged the smart device manufacturing and assembling company, Afrione to crash prices for more affordable devices.He made the demand during a visit to Afrione corporate head office on Thursday in Lagos state.

Abdullahi said that reduction of the price of the smart devices is possible, citing the example of sim cards which were expensive at the beginning but now they are almost free. Similarly, the mainframe and early computers were of high prices but today they are affordable.
Abdullahi said “as regulators we stimulate demand for digital devices and what can you do to crash your prices so more Nigerians can have access to smart devices”.
DG NITDA commended Afrione for their improvement especially in the aspect of the new device as he was taken on a tour of the factory.

Abdullahi also presented the strategic Road Map and Action Plan and encouraged them to do more.

While responding to Abdullahi's demand, the CFO Afrione, Suloch Raja, said the company’s smart devices “can be compared to Samsung or any other device in the world in terms of affordability and quality with a year warranty.”
Raja added that “Afrione being the first African brand and first manufacturer and assembler in Africa as of today, is also planning to introduce new devices such as laptops which could be out by the end of the year.”
“Not a single tablet was sent back for anything regarding quality so we are confident that we will be able to get to your needs in cost and quality, slashing it down without compromising the quality,” said Raja.

He added that, “The devices will have specific educational applications that are being worked on, according to institution such as universities, polytechnics and so on.”

“We are focusing on the universities and schools as of now so we can target the students in such a way that after the government subsidies, it becomes very standardized, affordable at the best price and quality and in two years, we should have a class room in each polytechnic”.

“We would love to partner with NITDA, we assure you on our quality and would love to prove it.”“We are currently working on getting after sales service in every state, once the device has an issue in 24hours it should be repaired and we engage Nigerians in the Factory as 80% of the workers are Nigerians” CFO Afrione stated.
Raja also stated that their initiative is to provide employment opportunities, develop skills, empower Nigerian youth and Nigerian Economy which is in line the NITDA’s mandate.

Friends mourn as newly married NAF pilot dies in Kaduna crash
Kayode Oyero
22 May 2021




Friends, family members and associates of a Nigerian Air Force pilot, Flt Lt Alfred Ayodeji Olufade, are inconsolable at the moment as the young officer, who recently got married, died when a Beachcraft 350 aircraft crashed at the Kaduna International Airport on Friday.

Olufade and the newly appointed Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru, as well as nine other military personnel were onboard the jet when it crashed around 6pm on Friday. The 11 souls died in the tragic incident.

Friends and associates of Olufade have since taken to the social media to express raw grief over the sad demise of the officer.

A tweep, @Sir_KB, wrote, “My heart is in pain. I lost my friend. Flight Lt. AA Olufade. He got hitched months back and often teased me to get out of the bachelorhood. Rest well Freddy.”

@OvieNews said, “Rest in Peace Alfred. Flight Lt. AA Olufade just married two months ago. Our Heroes.”

Also, @SodyBar stated, “Olufade is a close associate. He got married February this year. We’re all disheartened!”

“We’re all saddened by his death. Everyone affiliated with Kuje seminary will surely miss him. May the Almighty grant you eternal rest,” @EmekaWilfred wrote.

Press Statement

Subscribers Not Required To Submit International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) Number.

The attention of the Nigerian Communications Commission has been drawn to several media publications to the effect that the Commission will require Nigerians to submit the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) of their phones to it from July, 2021.

At no time did the Commission issue a Statement regarding the registration of IMEI by subscribers and it has no plans to do so.

The reports in question have emanated from a section of the Revised National Identity Policy for SIM Card Registration recently launched by President Muhammadu Buhari and which has been uploaded on the Commission’s website.

It is pertinent to state that the Commission is in the process of deploying a Devise Management System (DMS). The DMS will essentially protect subscribers against phone theft and will identify and enable the elimination of fake devices from the networks. The system will capture IMEI automatically without any requirement for subscribers to submit same.

The general public is advised to disregard the said publications, which have created the erroneous impression that telephone subscribers will be required to register their IMEI with their networks.

Signed:
Dr. Ikechukwu Adinde,
Director, Public Affairs,
NCC.
May 21, 2021.

The Nigerian Army regrets to announce the passing away of its Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Ibrahim Attahiru. The sad event occurred following an air crash in Kaduna which also claimed the lives of 10 other officers including the crew.

The COAS was enroute Kaduna from Abuja on Friday, 21 May, 2021 when the unfortunate incident happened.

Details of the sad incident and burial arrangements will be communicated soon.

Mohammed Yerima,
Brigadier General,
Director Army Public Relations.
21 May 2021.

KEYNOTE ADDRESS BY HIS EXCELLENCY THE VICE-PRESIDENT, FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA, PROFESSOR YEMI OSINBAJO, SAN, GCON, AT “AN AFTERNOON OF TRIBUTES FOR DEPARTED MEDIA LEADERS” ORGANIZED BY THE NIGERIAN PRESS ORGANIZATION (NPO) AND THE BROADCASTING ORGANIZATION OF NIGERIA (BON).

(Friday, 21st May 2021 at the MUSON Centre, Lagos)

Protocol

Let me begin by stating how privileged I am to be here at this unique gathering to honour the memory of recently departed leaders in the media. The roll call of these leading lights  that have left us is a truly impressive one and it can  be said without exaggeration that eternity has claimed a rich harvest. These men were remarkable and outstanding – giants of their craft in every right. While we recognize that their exit leaves a significant vacuum, this gathering serves a threefold purpose.

It is at once a celebration of their lives and the illustrious tradition to which they belonged, a reflection on their legacies, and an affirmation of the great values for which they stood.

The Nigerian press has deep roots going back about 150 years. Indeed, the Nigerian press came into existence before the Nigeria itself and was instrumental to the birthing of this nation.
The pantheon of the heroes of  free speech as an institution to which our honorees belong is rich.  Several luminaries of the anti-colonial and nationalist movement were also leading figures in the press. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Ernest Ikoli, Anthony Enahoro, Herbert Macaulay first established themselves as journalists of repute. Indeed, at one point, Azikiwe and Obafemi Awolowo controlled five and ten newspapers respectively.

Considering its origins as a bastion of the nationalist struggle, it is not surprising that relations between the Nigerian press and the Nigerian state were largely adversarial in the years after we gained our independence from the British. This dynamic was accentuated by the succession of military dictatorships that seized power following the collapse of the First Republic in 1966.

Since military rule is defined mainly by the abbreviation of civil liberties and in particular the right to freedom of expression, the press found itself on the opposite side of a confrontation with the military regimes of that era. The apogee of the tensions between the press and the military in the 1970s was the nationalization of the Daily Times. Those with long memories will remember the 1970s as the era in which Gbolabo Ogunsanwo and Eddie Aderinokun came into their own as editors of the Sunday Times and Daily Express respectively. Both of these giants held court as two of the most respected journalists and public commentators of their time.    

Who can forget  Ogunsanwo’s interventions on the Joseph Tarka-Godwin Daboh affair; the cement importation scandal or Cement Armada; Kuku-TOS Benson tango etc.

Eddie Aderinokun was exceptional , an accomplished poet, Ebony on Snow, Dance of the Vulture and the prescient Dark Days are Here. He was one of the earliest and most influential  promoters  of Nigerian music and entertainment.

Broadcast journalism also had its shining exemplars of professional excellence.  Thus, the late Ben Egbuna was the golden voice of the network news of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) in the 1980s and 1990s that guided the nation through a turbulent period.  A forty-year veteran of the broadcast industry, he would serve as news director of the Voice of Nigeria and rise to be the Director-General of the FRCN and also serve as the president of the African Union of Broadcasters. But what will live long in our memories is the rich texture of his voice interpreting national events for millions of Nigerians for nearly two decades.

And there was also in that era Another iconic figure  Bisi Lawrence, a.k.a Uncle Bizlaw, whose multifaceted career saw him write a hugely popular long-running column in Vanguard, serve as General Manager of Radio Lagos from where he midwifed the establishment of Lagos Television which pioneered 24-hour broadcasting in Nigeria. He also earned acclaim as a seasoned sports administrator. Having begun his career at the Nigeria Broadcasting Service, the precursor to FRCN, Bizlaw’s remarkable footprint of excellence spanned spanned Radio, Television and print journalism as well as sports administration.

In the illiberal and hostile climate of the 1980s and 1990s, many journalists took to the front lines of civil society’s struggle against tyranny at great risk to their personal wellbeing and safety, using their publications to advocate for democracy. Many of you in this room and your absent colleagues are veterans of that period and paid the price of voluntary deprivation, imprisonment, exile and in some cases the ultimate price.

Mallam Ismaila Isa, for example, who served as president of the Newspaper Proprietors Association of Nigeria (NPAN) from 1995 to 2002 – possibly the darkest era in the life of the Nigerian media – was right in the trenches at the time rallying the press corps against official censorship of the press.   There are many stories of how he helped many news publications to stay alive in difficult times .

That we have a democracy today owes in large part to the sacrifices of the media, of those of you gathered here and those that have departed. These are sacrifices that should never be forgotten.

As I said earlier, your departed colleagues were true giants of their craft whose significance in public life loomed larger than their chosen vocations might have indicated. Alhaji Lateef Jakande is best remembered now for serving with great distinction as the first elected Governor of Lagos between 1979 and 1983. But even before then he had an accomplished career as a journalist that started in 1949 from the Daily Service and led him in 1953 to join the Nigerian Tribune where he rose to become editor-in-chief. He was also the first President of the Newspaper Proprietors Association of Nigeria, (NPAN). 

Tony  Momoh  was an authentic prince of Auchi, Edo state. He was the 165th child of King Momoh I of Auchi. (The king had ‘just 257 children’).  Tony Momoh’s personal battle for press freedom earned him a place in the constitutional annals of Nigeria in the famous case of Tony Momoh and the Senate. Joseph Wayas, former senate president, summoned him to appear before the chamber over an “uncomplimentary” and “contemptuous” publication. The senate sought to compel  him to disclose his source of information. Momoh sued the Senate at the Lagos High Court over what he described as an attempt to infringe on press freedom in the country.
Momoh argued that a journalist  had the constitutional obligation to hold the government accountable at all times and that this duty would be jeopardized if he had to disclose his  sources. The High  Court agreed  that an individual had the right to refuse to disclose their source of information.
However , an appellate court, overruled the high court  holding that the 1979 constitution did not shield a journalist from disclosing his source of information. Tony Momoh went on to become one of  founding fathers of the APC.

Sam Nda-Isaiah was also another media icon whose path led from journalism to politics. Though originally a pharmacist, what earned Sam national acclaim were his forthright and uncompromising columns, first in Daily Trust and then in Leadership, the paper he founded in 2004. And he carried that principled forthright disposition into politics. In the years before and after his presidential bid in 2015, he established himself firmly as one of the most principled voices in the media.

One remarkable attribute of the luminaries we are celebrating today is the wide-ranging nature of their careers. Their vocational pursuits cut across the public and the private sectors and they scaled impressive heights of accomplishment in both domains. I have in mind a gentleman like Mallam Wada Maida who served as Chief Press Secretary to President Muhammadu Buhari back when he was Head of State. He went on to serve as Editor-in-Chief of the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, between 1985 and 1994 before becoming the Agency’s Managing Director in 1994. He would go on to co-found the Daily Trust and was Chairman of the Board of NAN until his passage. Such was his work ethic that he was at work right until his last day on earth. 

I am gratified that members of the media profession are honouring the memory of their departed colleagues. There is a great need to memorialize those who have gone before us and ensure that their words and deeds are kept aflame as a guiding light for successive generations especially so that the young Turks grasp the significance of the tradition to which they belong.

I have gone to these lengths in exploring history because the true character of an institution and the true weight of its calling is revealed by its past – by its trajectory through time. At times, it may seem that the media and the government are mortal foes but the occasionally turbulent nature of our relationship is part of the natural creative tension between our institutions arising from our differing mandates. Those of us who govern must do so with the understanding that power is a public trust and it is your calling as journalists to invigilate us and hold us accountable. I urge you to continue to do so relentlessly, fairly and unapologetically. When we are both true to our respective callings, our democracy is strengthened.

However, there is a reason why the media is described as the fourth estate of the realm. In terms of the sheer ability to influence hearts and minds and direct the public imagination, no other institution comes close to its power. You can shape how people think and you can interpret reality in a way that animates our most constructive public-spirited instincts or in a way that summons our darkest and most destructive impulses. You have the power to elevate public debate in a way that no other institution can.

It is said that journalism is the first rough draft of history. It is true that reportage shapes the perception and understanding of events. It shapes memories. And because of all this it can influence behaviour. There are arguably no bigger influencers than those who report and interpret the world to us. This is considerable power and it comes with responsibility.

And I emphasize this because we are at yet another defining moment in  history.  The age of the  technology  revolution . Where, once the dissemination of news was the preserve of states and corporations, the information revolution has completely democratized the media environment. The very meaning of the term “media owner” has changed and no longer refers to people with your profile. In this era of citizen journalism, everyone now has a voice whether through blogs, websites, online publications and podcasts.

The democratization of information unleashed by the information age has also introduced related risks with implications for economic and sociopolitical stability. Individuals and private interests now control means of information dissemination that were once the exclusive preserve of corporations and governments. These capabilities are increasingly used in all sorts of maligning ways by those that harbour ill-intent. Fake news is being trafficked on a scale that is capable of warping the perception of reality by huge numbers of people and inducing social conflict. 

I believe that media leaders must use the  considerable influence you have to seek ways of achieving a consensus on the responsible use of social media. But that is a matter for a much fuller discussion. For the moment, these developments converge with this period of turbulence in the life of our nation, there is really only one question that matters – are we building up our country or are we tearing her down? This is a question that we must ask ourselves in every sphere of endeavour. It is the plumb line with which history will judge our generation. Because there is really only one divide at this point. It is the line between those who are committed to constructive action and those who are pursuing a destructive course.   

Our country is not perfect and we all know this. But the cure for her imperfections is most certainly neither destruction nor a heedless descent into anarchy being promoted by some voices. We all have a share in the much needed work of rebuilding, redesigning, reforming and healing our nation.

Creating commonality of purpose in ethnically and culturally diverse societies is challenging the world over. However, nation-building is not the sole preserve of politicians and governments; in fact, it is just as much a task for civil society of which the media is an important member.

The giants we are celebrating today understood that journalism operates in a social context and cannot be value-neutral.  This same cognitive commitment is incumbent upon all media practitioners. We are at a time in our national odyssey in which retailers of discord and merchants of strife are working assiduously against our collective potential as a people.

Among the powers of the press is the ability to amplify and drown out voices. Media practitioners have a responsibility to exercise discernment in their deployment of their platforms. In this regard, we must ask ourselves whether we are empowering and amplifying the most insensate, intemperate and incendiary voices in our midst while marginalizing voices of reason. It is true that freedom of expression is enshrined in our constitution. But we all agree that society, progress and order depend upon the responsible exercise of freedom, otherwise the end result will be anarchy.

As we struggle to build our nation with the bricks of mutuality, plurality and tolerance, I would suggest that those of us that stand as gatekeepers in the fourth estate must demonstrate a greater awareness of the sensibilities and sensitivities of our society. Debates over our country’s future will always be intense and passionate but they need not be toxic or polarizing. The media can help to promote a climate of civility in which even the most contentious national issues can be discussed in full and frank terms without degenerating into chaos. Let us reject the temptation to fracture our society and chose instead to elevate those constructive elements in our midst that can promote justice, healing and togetherness.   

The media has been at the forefront of all our epochal struggles from the fight against colonialism to the struggle to entrench democracy. A third struggle is now underway. It is the quest to deepen democracy and to realize our collective possibilities as a just, prosperous and progressive nation. I remain unyielding in my belief that we have a common destiny and that we, the constituents of this nation, are stronger together. I believe that all of us have a stake in advancing the cause of justice, equity and progress. This is a task that is incumbent on all of us.

The media leaders in whose name and memory we have gathered today are giants precisely because they understood the struggles of their times and embraced their roles in them. In so doing, they wrote their names in gold and remain reference points for succeeding generations. Today, we too must embrace the quest before us, make common cause with progressive nation-builders across all divides, take ownership of our country and build a sustainable future for our children.

Finally, let me commend the NPO and BON who conceived of a memorial of such taste and magnitude. Among our people, there is a common saying that the care or loyalty demonstrated by those championing our cause when we are long gone is far more genuine than the obsequiousness of those engaged in “eye-service” when we are still in a position to pay back.

For this, let me therefore salute the exemplary leadership exhibited by NPO and BON. With this, you have really lived up to expectation as the ultimate custodian of the finest of Nigeria’s own media tradition. Well done.

Thank you for listening.

HonNL:
SOURCE

Names of 11 Personnel on board Crashed Military Plane Finally Emerge
21-May-2021
Nigeria_News, Defence
By Olayemi Esan, Abuja

Names of Personnel onboard the ill-fated NAF Beachcraft 350 aircraft that crashed on Friday evening near the Kaduna International Airport which claimed all 11 lives onboard. Names of personnel on board have been revealed. They are:

COAS ENTOURAGE

1. LT GEN I ATTAHIRU.

2. BRIG GEN MI ABDULKADIR.

3. BRIG GEN OLAYINKA.

4. BRIG GEN KULIYA.

5. MAJ LA HAYAT.

6. MAJ HAMZA.

7. SGT UMAR.

CREW

8. FLT LT TO ASANIYI.

9. FLT LT AA OLUFADE.

10. SGT ADESINA.

11. ACM OYEDEPO.

The Abuja City Journal Defense Correspondent learned that the ill-fated aircraft crashed at the airport’s runway about 6 pm due to bad weather.
Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer of the Accident Investigation Bureau, Nigeria, Akin Olateru, confirmed the incident.
Also, the Nigerian Air Force confirmed that there was an accident involving one of its aircraft in Kaduna but did not provide details.
“An air crash involving a @NigAirForce aircraft occurred this evening near the Kaduna International Airport. The immediate cause of the crash is still being ascertained. More details to follow soon,” the NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Edward Gabkwet, said in a statement.


http://abujacityjournal.com/news.php?a=Names-of-11-Personnel-on-board-Crashed-Military-Plane-Finally-Emerge

Names of 11 Personnel on board Crashed Military Plane Finally Emerge
21-May-2021
Nigeria_News, Defence
By Olayemi Esan, Abuja

Names of Personnel onboard the ill-fated NAF Beachcraft 350 aircraft that crashed on Friday evening near the Kaduna International Airport which claimed all 11 lives onboard. Names of personnel on board have been revealed. They are:

COAS ENTOURAGE

1. LT GEN I ATTAHIRU.

2. BRIG GEN MI ABDULKADIR.

3. BRIG GEN OLAYINKA.

4. BRIG GEN KULIYA.

5. MAJ LA HAYAT.

6. MAJ HAMZA.

7. SGT UMAR.

CREW

8. FLT LT TO ASANIYI.

9. FLT LT AA OLUFADE.

10. SGT ADESINA.

11. ACM OYEDEPO.

The Abuja City Journal Defense Correspondent learned that the ill-fated aircraft crashed at the airport’s runway about 6 pm due to bad weather.
Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer of the Accident Investigation Bureau, Nigeria, Akin Olateru, confirmed the incident.
Also, the Nigerian Air Force confirmed that there was an accident involving one of its aircraft in Kaduna but did not provide details.
“An air crash involving a @NigAirForce aircraft occurred this evening near the Kaduna International Airport. The immediate cause of the crash is still being ascertained. More details to follow soon,” the NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Edward Gabkwet, said in a statement.


http://abujacityjournal.com/news.php?a=Names-of-11-Personnel-on-board-Crashed-Military-Plane-Finally-Emerge

17 Killed as Three NAF Jets Crash Within Three Months
21-May-2021
Defence, Special_Report
By Arome Attah and Olayemi Esan

Within three months, (February- May 2021) 17 military officers have lost their lives in three crashes involving Nigerian Air Force jets. These incessant crashes of NAF jets have raised concerns as it relates to the safety of military aviation in Nigeria, which development experts say is not good for the safety record of the country.

Recall that on Sunday, February 21, 2021, seven NAF officers died onboard a Beechcraft KingAir B350i aircraft when the jet crashed in Abuja. The jet which was en route to Minna in Niger State crashed close to the runway of the Abuja airport. The cause of the crash was said to be engine failure.

As if that was not enough, on Wednesday, March 31, 2021, NAF spokesman, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, said an Alpha-Jet aircraft involved in the anti-terror war against Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province lost radar contact in Borno State. Though the aircraft was declared crashed, the two airmen on board the crashed aircraft have not been found to date.

These two air accidents are almost nothing compared to the sad and tragic crash involving the newly appointed Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru and ten others onboard a NAF Beachcraft 350 aircraft on May 21, 2021 when the automobile bird crashed near the Kaduna International Airport

Commenting on the latest crash, the NAF spokesman said in a statement that “An air crash involving a Nigerian Air Force aircraft occurred this evening near the Kaduna International Airport. The immediate cause of the crash is still being ascertained. More details to follow soon,”.

Observers and stakeholders are worried over the frequent crashes of NAF jets in Nigeria, this is more so as civil aviation has not recorded any crashes involving commercial flights in about a decade.

https://abujacityjournal.com/news.php?a=17-Killed-as-Three-NAF-Jets-Crash-Within-Three-Months

Gen. Attahiru's Wife not in the Crashed Aircraft, Army Confirms COAS Death
by Olayemi Esan and Arome Attah

Contrary to earlier reports carried initially, Mrs Fati, wife of late Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru is not amongst those that died in the military aircraft that crashed landed at the Kaduna International Airport. Mrs. Fati Attahiru, ACJ can now confirm is alive and in Abuja.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Army has announced the passing away of its Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Ibrahim Attahiru

In a statement signed by Director Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Mohammed Yerima and made available to Defense Correspondents on Friday, the sad event occurred following an air crash in Kaduna which also claimed the lives of 10 other officers including the crew.

Yerima added that the COAS was en route Kaduna from Abuja on Friday, 21 May, 2021 when the unfortunate incident happened.

"Details of the sad incident and burial arrangements will be communicated soon", the statement reads.

UPDATED: How Chief of Army Staff Attahiru, 7 Others Die in Beachcraft 350 NAF Aircraft Crash.
Olayemi Esan, Abuja

The NAF Beachcraft 350 aircraft crashed at the Kaduna International Airport on Friday had claimed all eight lives onboard.

The Abuja City Journal Defnece Correspondent learnt that the ill-fated aircraft crashed at the airport’s runway about 6 pm due to bad weather.

Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer of the Accident Investigation Bureau, Nigeria, Akin Olateru, confirmed that the eight souls died onboard.

“Beachcraft 350. 8 souls on board. Unfortunately all dead,” Olateru wrote in a WhatsApp note

Also, the Nigerian Air Force confirmed that there was an accident involving one of its aircraft in Kaduna but did not provide details.

“An air crash involving a @NigAirForce aircraft occurred this evening near the Kaduna International Airport. The immediate cause of the crash is still being ascertained. More details to follow soon,” the NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Edward Gabkwet, said in a statement.

Details later…

Bialegend:
Has bokoharam arrived there yet?

It was aircraft malfunctioning

Armed Forces of Nigeria Mourns after Losing COAS, 10 Others in Air Mishap
Admin 21-May-2021 Defence
By Olayemi Esan, Abuja

The Armed Forces of Nigeria on Friday was thrown into mourning when 11 of its personnel died in an ill-fated Aircraft near Kaduna International Airport.

Acting Director Defence Information, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu in a statement said, "It is with a heavy heart that the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) regrets to announce that this evening at about 1800 hours, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Ibrahim Attahiru in the company of his entourage, who were on an official trip from Abuja to Kaduna, were involved in an air mishap".

Nwachukwu said the unfortunate incident occurred after landing at the Kaduna International Airport due to inclement weather.

He added that the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Lucky Irabor has therefore directed that an Accident Investigation Board be constituted to unravel the immediate and remote cause(s) of the unfortunate accident.

"As we pray for the repose of the souls of our gallant and committed Chief of Army Staff and other personnel on board with him, the AFN solicits the support and understanding of all Nigerians in the face of this tragic incident.

"We wish to state that the Armed Forces of Nigeria remain resolute in combatting the security challenges bedevilling our nation. The sacrifices of our dearly departed heroes will not be in vain" he said.

Meanwhile, the CDS urges all military personnel and their families to take heart and be condoled on this tragic loss.

The CDS also reassures all Nigerians of the commitment and loyalty of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to the Constitution and Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as it continues to carry out its responsibilities.

[url]https://abujacityjournal.com/news.php?a=Armed-Forces-of-Nigeria-Mourns-after-Losing-COAS,-10-Others-in-Air-Mishap[/url]

STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE
NIGERIA WILL CONTINUE PROMOTING AFRICAN BROTHERHOOD, SAYS OSINBAJO

VP receives The Gambian President’s Special Envoy

We thank Nigeria for all the support – President Barrow’s Envoy

Nigeria will continue to support the aspirations and activities of the government and people of The Gambia especially in ways that promote African brotherhood, according to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.

Prof. Osinbajo stated this today when he received, at the Presidential Villa, the Special Envoy of President Adama Barrow of The Gambia, Hon. Mamadou Tangara who is also the country’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad.

The Special Envoy came to personally deliver a message from The Gambian President to President Muhammadu Buhari.

“We strongly remain in support of all of the activities of the government and people of The Gambia and stand with you in all ways,” the Vice President said while receiving the message on behalf of the President.

“The Nigerian government remains committed to its relationship with The Gambia. It is a long-standing relationship of brothers of so many years, and we consider it an important relationship not just within the ECOWAS sub-region but also we consider that as African brothers, we owe a responsibility to ourselves and to the world, to work together for the best purposes and for the best objectives that we have set for ourselves as a people.”

Extending Mr President warm regards to his The Gambian counterpart, Prof. Osinbajo assured that President Buhari will treat President Barrow’s request with “all the urgency it deserves”.

Speaking shortly after presenting President Barrow’s special message, Mr Tangara said he is in Abuja to solicit Nigeria’s support for his country’s quest to produce the next President of the ECOWAS Commission.

The Special Envoy said Nigeria’s support will be instrumental in actualizing his country’s ambition, and noted that The Gambia is committed to serving the commission with dedication and in accordance with the ideals advocated by Nigeria, especially in repositioning the commission for better results.

Appreciating Nigeria’s contributions to the prosperity and progress of The Gambia, Mr Tangara said his country owed much of its growth in the different sectors to the immense assistance provided by Nigeria.

He noted Nigeria’s support to The Gambia in the areas of the judiciary, military, and education, among others, stating that if Nigeria was to withdraw its technical support, for instance, “The Gambia’s judiciary will crumble and be in total chaos… We thank Nigeria for all the support.”

Other members of The Gambian delegation included the country’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, Ambassador Mohamadou Musa Njie, while the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Gabriel Aduda led other officials from the ministry to the meeting.

Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity
Office of the Vice President
19th May 2021

Federal Ministry of Information & Culture
PRESS RELEASE

Work For National Unity, Minister Tasks NIPR
“I have decided to take up the (NIPR) President on this offer, by appealing to the NIPR, which I consider a key stakeholder on national issues, to use its powerful platform to work for the unity of this country.
That task has never been more urgent than now, against the
background of discordant voices in the country and growing calls for separation.
“I see the NIPR as a capable partner in the government's efforts to douse the tension in the land and beat the drum of unity, rather than the drum of war,” he said.
Alhaji Mohammed said while it is alright for citizens to call for restructuring and true federalism, what is not acceptable is the call,
in certain quarters, for secession, stressing that whatever challenges we face today, as a nation, can and will be surmounted.
“In fact, the Federal Government has set in motion the necessary machinery to frontally tackle the challenge of insecurity. We should
therefore not allow today's challenges, whether in the area of the economy or security, to jeopardize our unity,” he said.
The Minister said without a country that is peaceful and secure, there can be no development, adding: ''That’s why this administration is doing everything possible to return peace and security across the country.''
He also sought the partnership of NIPR in the fight against fake news and misinformation, which he described as a clear and present danger to the peace, security and development of any nation.
“Another area in which I want to task the NIPR is the Federal Government's fight against fake news and misinformation. The NIPR can and should leverage its powerful platform to ensure that the menace of fake news and misinformation is confronted squarely.
This is because this twin evil is a clear and present danger to the peace, security and development of any nation,” Alhaji Mohammed said.
He urged NIPR to assist the government by ensuring that members of the Institute do not become accessories to the spread of fake news and misinformation.
“I say this because some of your members have been found waiting in this regard, as they have placed pecuniary interests and motives above professional ethics and patriotism.
''If you recall the sad incident of the P&ID saga, it was a member of this Institute, a firm of Public Relations Consultants, that was hired to give the impression to the world that Nigeria indeed entered into an agreement with P&ID and actually reneged and as such Nigeria should pay over US$9 billion.
''It took this Ministry and others to go to the UK to debunk the misinformation and change the narrative. I have no doubt that NIPR can prevent a recurrence of this kind of behaviour on the part of its members,'' the Minister said.


Segun Adeyemi
Special Assistant To The President (Media)
Office of the Minister of Information and Culture
Abuja
20 May 2021

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE



HER PATRIOTIC FERVOUR WILL BE REMEMBERED ANYTIME THE NATIONAL PLEDGE IS RECITED, PRESIDENT BUHARI PAYS TRIBUTE TO PROF. ADEDOYIN,NATIONAL PLEDGE COMPOSER



President Muhammadu Buhari has paid heartfelt tribute to Professor Felicia Adebola Adedoyin, renowned professor of Education and composer of the National Pledge, saying her patriotic fervour will be remembered anytime the national pledge is recited.



President Buhari asserts that the thoughtful and solemn words of the National Pledge by the iconic composer, have become an invocation to every citizen of the country to serve our fatherland with faithfulness, loyalty and honesty.


The President submits that Nigerians will continue to honour the memory of this legend who in 33 words gave us a timeless promise to keep for the nation.



President Buhari extends his commiseration to the Adedoyin family, friends and associates as well as the Government and people of Oyo State on the passing of the academic and writer, whose immense works will remain indelible in our minds.



He prays Almighty God to grant the departed eternal rest.



Femi Adesina

Special Adviser to the President

(Media & Publicity)

May 19, 2021

“THE DECADE OF BABES”


[Continued from “The Decade Of Ministry” ]

After the previous vision, I saw what I have tagged, “The Decade of Babes“.I had the impression it was showing what would happen in the decade following this one.

I saw that the horsemen from this decade changed into centaurs. So now, there was a line of half-men with white half-horse parts, and the other line was half-men with brown half-horse parts. Also, the long swords from those who were formerly horsemen had been changed into very long spears. These two lines, as two walls, formed a passageway for whoever was to pass through.

There were ten pairs as well, representing 10 years.

There was something different about these. They were standing still with such reverence, you could tell they were either expecting somebody extremely important to pass through, or they were in awe of those about to come through.

Then I saw children (say between 5 to 8 years of age) begin to come through the passageway.They looked like they were even dancing. They were dancing/marching through in a single file. This time, there was no slicing or ‘deworming’ as with the previous decade. Rather, the centaurs were hitting the ground with the ends of the shafts of their spears, causing a great quaking. As the children kept walking through, amidst the quaking, things that they should be rid of were just jumping out of them. The quaking also went ahead of them to cause terror in the camps of the enemies they were to fight. It seemed they had more giants to fight, and bigger ones at that. And they were excited! It looked like they would achieve much more success than the warriors of the previous decade.

Then I noticed something wonderful. After a while, it seemed the children that were now coming through were reducing in size. This is what I mean: much younger children, say toddlers, were now the ones coming through. It looked extremely ridiculous. But that was not the worst (or best?) I was yet to see. Then after a while, it was babies — real babies.They still had diapers on. I don’t know how, but they were walking on their feet, though there were some that crawled through.

It seemed very obvious to me that literal babes and sucklings were going to dominate the decade following this.

Concerning 2021…

I kept hearing the need to watch and pray,because “…TEMPTATION IS COMING!” It didn’t sound like a general temptation, but something specific that was going to come for us.

A winning strategy was brought to mind:

Concentration of Forces: Overcome one enemy everyday, not every enemy in one day.

There was something about a coming drought — I got Jeremiah 14 & 28. It felt like it was going to be physical.



– Bro. SE

©God’s Lighthouse 2021.

“THE DECADE OF MINISTRY”

(1 of 2)

As we worshipped…

I saw two lines of men on horses. The two lines were arranged such that they formed a passageway, as each of the two lines formed a ‘wall’. The line to the right was made up of white horses (I think the horsemen were dressed in white too), while the one on the left had brown horses (and horsemen dressed in brown). There were about ten men and ten horses on each line, and they were spaced some distance apart from each other. Each man held a long sword in his hand. Each pair (consisting of white and brown) of these men represented a year in the present decade ( especially from 2021 to 2030 ). I had heard this decade called, “The Decade of Ministry”.

Then I saw people begin to go through the passageway. When they got to the first pair (that is the first white man and the first brown man), the men sliced them into halves at their belly region. They did this by swinging their swords towards the person at the same time. I saw that within the people that were being sliced were big worms that needed to be gotten rid of.

Once these worms were exposed by the action of these swords, they would suddenly begin to disappear, and their host would become whole again.

Also, these people became lighter (in weight).

Aside from exposing the worms, one thing I sensed that the sword did was to upload instructions into the people. They were instructions related to Ministry.

As the people moved on to the next pair of men, the same thing would occur: slicing through their bellies and exposing their innards. If there were still remnant worms that were not exposed by the previous pair of horsemen, they would be exposed now. And if there were any that escaped this pair, they would be exposed by the next… and so on — down to the tenth pair.

Also, they would keep getting lighter and lighter, and receiving downloads of instructions. This was not the case for every one of them, though.

I saw that in the distance between the first men and the second, some people picked up all their worms back. So when they got to the second pair of men and horses, they had to start all over again. For some, the relapse happened between the second and third; others, third and fourth… and so on.

One notable thing was that just as one can never reverse time (for instance: 2024 back to 2022), these people who went back to their vomit were not allowed to go back and start the journey again. They had to continue the journey like that, with all their worms intact…

(…) As a result, at the end of the day, there were two kinds of people:

The first set of people are those who allowed their worms to be removed at every stage without going back to ingest the worms. They kept becoming lighter and lighter until they became very permeable to light, such that they even began to appear transparent. They looked like they were spirits. I had also seen that in each stage, there was brighter light (in comparison with the preceding stage) shining down from heaven and all around, signifying the Glory of God.
These people who became very permeable to this light were also able to absorb the rays of light (glory) and then reflect them! (According to the laws of physics, this may appear ironic: an object should either absorb light or reflect it–not both). I repeat: they were humans, but they were so much dissolved in this glory that they were as spirit beings, especially at the end of the decade.

They were not just like beautiful mirrors — they were like stars!

The other people had the habit of going back to get their worms. They remained heavy, thick and dark! At the end of the decade, while their counterparts were radiating God’s glory, I saw that the rays of light would be bouncing off them. (Again, this defies the laws of physics: dark objects should absorb light).They were just as normal people.
They kept going through what they experienced at the first stage (with the first horsemen), as nothing was changing within them. They were just stagnant.

Now, I saw further diversification of callings and ministries happen with the first set of people — even before they got to the end of the decade (before they got to the tenth pair of horsemen):



A). Underground Warriors:

I saw that at the tail end of the decade, some of the glorious people were pushed into the ground. There, they had wars with mighty forces of darkness. In fact, from what I saw, it was kind of obvious that they had the toughest warfare to engage.The demonic princes they embattled looked mightier than the ones above the ground. These warriors were so skilled with the sword and were able to use different kinds and shapes of swords.And they had such an amazing speed! It was really interesting warfare, but one that would require an enormous amount of humility and willingness to remain undercover and unknown. Many intercessors were going to be classed here.



B). Ground Warriors:

These ones manifested later than the underground warriors. I saw them change into huge white horses. However, some of them were instead given white horses. Yet some of them became the white horses that other glorious ones rode. They were also engaged in warfare. The war intensified as they approached the very end of the decade. I don’t know how, but the slicing and uploading/downloading of instructions I had described earlier were still ongoing in the midst of the warfare.



C). Air Warriors:

These ones showed up at the very end of the decade. At least that was how it appeared. I saw that some of the white horses from the ground warriors became white pegasi. Some of the glorious ones who hadn’t become white horses turned into white pegasi. Some others among the glorious ones became huge white eagles. Some were carried by the white eagles instead. I saw that after a while, some of the pegasuses were also transformed into white eagles.

Finally, I saw some of the pegasi keep returning to the ground to pick some of the glorious ones and take them into the air. In all of this, there was a tough war in the air. There was just a lot of activity.

One thing was sure: the war would terribly intensify as we approached the end of the decade.



– Bro. SE

© God’s Lighthouse 2021.

JERUSALEM UNDER SIEGE

I had a dream, and though I can’t remember it entirely, this is the part I can recall:

In the dream, I was a certain King Daniel, king of Jerusalem, who had just wedded his queen. We decided to go on a vacation with her dad (who also was a king), but his Kingdom was mightier than mine. Somehow, I also knew that he was my father, or was like a father to me. Not too long after we reached his palace, we had a child; a son.

Then there was a particular day we were in my father-in-law’s room. He was sitting at the head of the gigantic bed while we sat at the foot of the bed. Suddenly, I fell into a trance (but it wasn’t just a trance; it was actually happening) and I began to see that my Kingdom Jerusalem was under attack. It was so terrible. Everything was being brought to the ground. I began to shake so much that I fell off from the foot of the bed to the ground. I was crying and praying vigorously and I kept saying something like, “Lord, please have mercy!” It felt so helpless because I couldn’t return to help my people and neither could I come out of the trance.

There was a lot of carnage. The whole palace had become alarmed by now. My queen started panicking (she had every right to, especially as I was acting convulsively) and saying to her father “That’s how he always does o!” She seemed so naive and ignorant while her dad seemed to be very relaxed about the whole situation like it was something he was expecting. You would be almost sure he was the one orchestrating it. I think he was the one who said something like, “Don’t worry. After this, there will be peace on every side.”

At a point while I was crying, I remember saying something like “there were three different armies attacking Jerusalem” and I was listing them. But I remember saying one of them loudly: “The Fleas are attacking!” and in the trance, I saw things that looked like flies or insects of some sort.
After a long time of the destruction going on in Jerusalem, it seemed my father-in-law sent his armies to rescue. But his armies seemed to be made up of funny things like wooden bots that looked like small kids. Even the machinery seemed wooden. After everything was over (I was still watching everything in the trance), I saw a figure that looked like a snowman only that he wasn’t made of snow, but wood.

At the end, my Father-in-law asked me and my queen, “Will you like your son to act the way you act?”


Possible Interpretation
This was the understanding I had of the dream:

~ The Queen represents the Church, Jerusalem also.
~ The destruction of Jerusalem here speaks of the coming judgment on the Church.
Before the judgment comes, it is imperative that the church becomes one with Daniel (The prophet Daniel of the Bible, who is known for his intercession via repentance). Because of their union, when King Daniel was praying, it was equal to his Queen praying as well. So, in essence, that was the church praying.

I understand that the intercession would not in any way stop the judgment from coming, but it will in a lot of ways determine how the post-judgment restoration was going to be. So, in the midst of the onslaught that is coming, we must not stop praying. I also had the impression that it was a crucial time for the church to study and understand the Book of Daniel.

~ The Father of the queen represents God, Our Father.

Concerning the fleas:
Dictionary definition: A flea is a small wingless jumping insect which feeds on the blood of mammals and transmits diseases through its bite, including plague and myxomatosis. Myxomatosis: a usually fatal viral disease of rabbits, causing skin tumors.

Then I got these two passages:
Exodus 8:20 – Since the Church has decided to behave like Egypt in so many ways, so also the judgment that came on Egypt will befall it. My attention was drawn to the fact that the plague of the fleas on Egypt was the 4th plague. I was reminded from my own Bible studies that “4” speaks of “Mercy.” Then I understood to some extent that the coming judgment was God’s mercy to the Church.

2 Samuel 2

4:12-15: I had the impression that the three options mentioned in this passage were the three armies attacking Jerusalem in my dream. The thing was that they were not options but were all going to come upon the church. I also believe that whatever plague which will break out in our land will be directly linked to the judgment coming on the church.

Concerning the son born to King Daniel and the Queen:
I think it speaks of the Overcomers (Man-child Company). The church will have to become one with Daniel, both as a book in the Bible and as a person, as an important part of the birthing of the man-child. This company will also act out Daniel and the Church’s prophetic intercession coupled with repentance.

– Bro S.E.
Thursday, January 23 2020

okay, I'll like to get an understanding of what you are emphasizing here with respect to the life testimony, what is your point of emphasis and you should back it up with scriptures in their context please.

Kobojunkie:
God said of those who belong in His New agreement, that He alone will teach them about Him - no longer will a man look to his neighbor to learn about God - Jeremiah 31 vs 31-34.

Jesus Christ repeated this message, adding that non of His followers set themselves as
* "Spiritual" fathers
* shepherds over anyone who belongs to Him
* leaders or authorities
* Master/Head/Rabbi over any one of His own
* Teachers over anyone who is His

He even warned them that they cannot serve two masters, declaring also that no one can come to Him except they be revealed through the Father.

So when you submit to the others, you do so against God and the teachings of Jesus Christ. So ask yourself this, how can a thing that is against God be of God?