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Church Retreat Ends In Disaster …8 killed, 27 Injured In Auto Crash

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Eight people have been reported dead and 27 others injured in two separate incidents in Kwara and Katsina States.

Our correspondent reports that five people, among them two children were said to have died during an Easter Retreat organised by the Deeper Life Bible Church in Ilorin, Kwara.

The incident reportedly occurred at the church’s Camp site located at Eyenkorin on the outskirts of the state capital in the early hours of Saturday.

Though officials of the church were not willing to comment on the incident, sources confirmed that the tragedy was caused by heavy rainstorm which caused a pillar at the camp to collapse on the worshippers.

The storm had accompanied the first heavy rainfall witnessed in Ilorin, this year. The rain which lasted for about two hours began at about 12.30 am.

Although the State Police Command’s spokesman, Dabo Ezekiel, an Assistant Superintendent of Police only confirmed the death of the pastor and claimed that several others only suffered injuries, other sources said seven people died from the rain-storms, besides the pastor.

Sources at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital confirmed that three of the victims were brought in dead, and that they included one woman and two children. The source, who asked not to be named, said: “three of the people were brought in dead, apart from two children and a woman who were in critical condition.”

Two others died while receiving treatment, one of them inside the theatre, the source added.

An eyewitness said one of the victims, a Pastor at the Church, who was on a motorcycle, died when he ran into an on coming vehicle while on his way to a hospital to donate blood to the victims.

The Police spokesman, Dabo Ezekiel confirmed the death of the pastor, while sources at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital said three of the victims were brought in dead while two other died while receiving treatment.

Meanwhile, two people had died, while 19 others sustained injuries in an auto accident which occurred at Bakin Dutse village in Funtua Local Government Area of Katsina state.

The Unit Commander of Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Funtua, Mr. Betara Umar, told newsmen that the incident occurred last Friday night.

Betara said the incident involved an articulated truck with registration number XB 535 FKA conveying passengers and goods, which lost control while avoiding another vehicle.

According to him, 45 passengers were in the vehicle that was travelling to Sokoto from Aba.

In a related development, armed robbers last Friday night killed one person and injured eight other people at Dayi village in Malumfashi Local Government Area of the state.

The robbers were said to have blocked the Malumfashi-Kano road and fired indiscriminately at oncoming vehicles.

A police patrol team immediately responded and dislodged the robbers before conveying the victims to Malumfashi Generla Hospital.

It was gathered that some of the victims who were in critical condition were referred to Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Shika-Zaria.

Our correspondent who was at the General Hospital reports that most of the victims were on admission, including one who gave his name as Alhaji Suleiman Mamman of Tashar-Fulani Village in the area.

Effort to obtain reaction of the police on phone was unsuccessful, as the Police spokesman, Shehu Koko could not be reached.

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Independence Anniversary:  Nigeria Is A Failed Grandfather – Monarch 

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A first class traditional ruler in Rivers State, His Royal Majesty, King Aaron Ikuru, has described Nigeria at 65 as a grandfather who cannot provide leadership to other African Countries.

The monarch  stated this in an interview at his palace in Ikuru Town, yesterday.

According to him, Nigeria would have been a  developed country to set the pace in the whole of Africa, considering its numerous resources.

“Nigeria is a grandfather but not behaving as a grandfather. Our country, Nigeria, before and from the era of Independence was in the state of becoming a great country, but unfortunately is not becoming anything.

“We should be far ahead with what we have in the country. God blessed us, we have almost what it takes in terms of mineral resources, manpower amongst others that can drive speedy development in the country.

“If we’re able to harness all the things we have, even America by now would have respected us”, he  said.

While blaming the past leaders of the country, the monarch called on the current leadership of the country to redouble efforts in order to narrow the differences in terms of development, exchange rate between naira and foreign currencies.

King Ikuru, who is also the Chairman of Andoni Area Traditional Rulers Council, however, lauded the efforts of the founding fathers, past leaders of the country for the achievements so  far.

He also expressed optimism that Nigeria would be great, calling on the opinion leaders to shun tribalism and political intolerance in the country.

 

“If Nigeria should experience rapid development in all sectors, it means we must shun tribalism and political intolerance, the interest of our country must be our priority.

“We need to fight corruption vigorously, and leaders must show good example of discipline and integrity”, he said.

The monarch used the opportunity to wish Nigeria happy independence anniversary.

By: Enoch Epelle 

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FG begins payment of N32,000 pension increment to retirees – PTAD

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The Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate has announced the start of implementation of the new pension increments for pensioners under the Defined Benefit Scheme, saying the adjustments will be reflected in the September 2025 payroll cycle.

In a statement signed by Management and posted on its X handle, PTAD said the increase package includes a fixed N32,000 payment alongside percentage increases of 10.66% and 12.95% for eligible categories, which will benefit about 832,000 pensioners under its management.

Recall that PTAD in August announced President Bola Tinubu approved a series of measures, including new welfare benefits for pensioners under DBS.

The approval follows a formal request by PTAD’s Executive Secretary, Tolulope Odunaiya, seeking an emergency budgetary allocation to implement pension reforms and welfare benefits for the scheme’s retirees.

The measures include a N32,000 pension increment, percentage increases for pensioners of defunct and privatised agencies, pension harmonisation for all DBS pensioners, enrolment into the National Health Insurance Scheme, and the settlement of long-standing unfunded pension liabilities.

In a statement yesterday, PTAD said the partial release of N820.188 billion by the Federal Ministry of Finance from the emergency funding has made it possible for pensioners to begin receiving the enhanced payments immediately.

The statement read, “Further to the President’s approval of the emergency budgetary allocation for the payment of the new pension increment rates for Pensioners under the Defined Benefit Pension Scheme (DBS) that was earlier published by the Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate on Friday, 8th August, 2025, the Directorate is delighted to announce the commencement of the implementation of the 832,000, 10.66% and 12.95% pension increment for eligible pensioners under the management of PTAD, in the September 2025 pension payroll cycle.

“This achievement has been made possible through the partial release of 820.188 billion by the Federal Ministry of Finance, from the initial 845 billion emergency funding approval granted by the Federal Government.

“This milestone clearly reaffirms the Federal Government’s dedication to safeguarding the welfare and entitlements of DBS Pensioners in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda.”

The directorate thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the emergency allocation.

It also acknowledged the role of the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun; the Minister of State for Finance, Dr Doris Uzoka-Anite; the Accountant-General of the Federation and key presidential aides and parliamentary committees for their “timely interventions” and support.

The statement also expressed appreciation to organised pension groups, including the Nigeria Union of Pensioners and the Federal Parastatals and Private Sector Pensioners Association of Nigeria, for their cooperation during negotiations and implementation planning.

“We further assure all our DBS Pensioners and Stakeholders that the Directorate will continue to collaborate with the relevant authorities towards release of the outstanding approved funds and subsequent fulfilment of all future obligations relating to the pension increments and the landmark reforms,” the statement added.

The DBS covers pensioners who retired before the introduction of the Contributory Pension Scheme in 2004, including those from defunct public institutions, privatised agencies, and treasury-funded parastatals.

Over the years, many have faced irregular payments, delayed harmonisation, and inadequate healthcare access, challenges that the new reforms are expected to address.

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Nigeria At 65: NOA urges citizens to foster unity, progress

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The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has urged Nigeria. citizens to remain united, peaceful to enhance development of the  nation  as it celebrates 65th independence anniversary.

Mr Mkpoutom Mkpoutom, Director of NOA in Akwa Ibom,  gave the charge in Uyo yesterday while addressing newsmen and stakeholders to mark the anniversary.

Mkpoutom said it was essential to recognise that the strength of Nigeria lay  in its diversity

“With over 250 ethnic groups and an array of languages, the nation embodies a unique blend of heritage.

“This diversity should be seen not as a dividing line but as a unifying force that propels the country toward progress.

“As Akwa Ibom embarks on another year,  it is crucial for all citizens to foster a sense of unity and shared purpose.

“Embrace dialogue, understanding and collaborate with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu in its efforts to addressing pressing challenges like poverty, security, education, and healthcare, thereby paving  way for a brighter future for all.”

The state director, however, appealed to Nigerians from all walks of life to renew their commitment to a more prosperous, peaceful, and equitable nation.

“Let this anniversary serve as a reminder of the collective strength that lies in every citizen,” he said.

He urged everyone to contribute positively to the development of a better society.

Mkpoutom urged the people and all citizens to honour the labours of heroes past, as they celebrated the present, while working diligently toward a future filled with hope and opportunities for generations to come.

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