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Nothing Is Safe In Nigeria, CAN Laments
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has passed a damning verdict on the security situation in the country, saying that nothing is safe in the country.
CAN also said that the country has been overwhelmed by insecurity, adding that there was apprehension everywhere by everybody.
The CAN Secretary General, Barrister Joseph Daramola, passed the verdict at a press briefing titled, “Insecurity in Nigeria: The Role of Nigerian Women in Conflict Resolution, Peace Building and Mediation”, organised by the African Union ECOSOCC Nigeria, yesterday.
Daramola, on behalf of the President of CAN, Revd Samson Ayokunle and CAN, appreciated the African Union ECOSOCC Nigeria for the invitation and those invited to participate.
He said the theme of the press conference couldn’t have come at a better time than now.
“This country, this time around, is known to be insecure in all aspects of it, be it politically, economically, socially and religiously.
“Nigeria, at this time around, is polarised with insecurity caused by corruption. No facet of life in this Nigeria is secured now. Everyone is afraid; afraid to sleep in their houses, afraid to go out of their houses, afraid to go to worship God in their various places of worship.
“Workers are afraid to go to work, parents are afraid to send their children to school, students are afraid to go to class, not to talk of being in school. And lately, husbands and wives are afraid of each other and all because of insecurity.
“Security concerns everywhere in the country. This country is overwhelmed by insecurity. There is apprehension everywhere by everybody. Hopes have been lost and dashed by Nigerians. There is no trust any longer anywhere on anybody or institution”, Daramola said.
Daramola further said in order to move forward, there was the need to put an end to the preaching of religion in the country, withdraw proliferated arms in the country from those who are illegally in possession of arms and to ensure the enforcement of human rights as enshrined in the Constitution.
He also listed obedience to the tenets and principle of equity, justice and balanced objectives of governance have women as president or vice president of the country, women in charge of finance and as Inspector General of Police as part of the ways the nation can move forward.
On the role of women in conflict resolution, Daramola said generally, women were indispensable gender in all ramifications, a fact which he said, was established in the beautiful Garden of Eden.
He further said women had a special and very important role to play, not only in the lives of men, but in the nation.
“If we are to be sincere to ourselves, they are like mother hen who protects her children or chicks by covering them up with her wings and keep them under their stomach as security for the chicks. She protects them from external aggressions”, Daramola also said.
In his remarks, the Nigerian Representative of the AU-ECOSOCC, Dr Tunji John Asaolu, said the event was aimed at re-building and strengthening women’s leadership to play more active role in Africa’s transformation in line with the African Union visions, its aspirations and by extension, reawakening the spirit of culture and pan Africanism.
“The role of women is generally the same all over the world. Women are not only at the centre of development, but are central to the development of the continent and so, the African Union places very high premium on the issues of women. That is why the African Union Agenda 2063, Aspiration No. 6 places specific emphasis on an Africa whose development is people-driven, relying on the potential offered by people, especially its women and youth and caring for children”, Asaolu said.
On his part, the National Secretary, Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Baba Othman Ngelzarma, appealed for special attention towards supporting women pastoralists.
While decrying the pitiable living conditions of women pastoralists in the forest, Ngelzarma said the attention was needed considering their vulnerability, lack of education and skills.
The State Coordinator of the forum, Archbishop Lucky Aroh, made this known during a breakfast and thanksgiving meeting held in Port Harcourt, where leaders gathered to pray for the stability of the party and the safety of its candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.According to him, the meeting was convened to seek divine intervention for peace, unity, and security among APC candidates across Rivers State.
“Today we are praying for APC stability in Rivers State and the security of our candidates that have been elected to contest the 2027 elections. It is a breakfast meeting,” Aroh said.
He further expressed optimism that the party’s candidates would not disappoint the people if entrusted with leadership responsibilities.
“They will not fail when elected into office. We are here as fathers of the land to let them know, and I must tell you the truth that these are the authentic people that will do well in Rivers State,” he added.
Speaking earlier, the National Chairman of the forum, Professor Olanrewaju Abraham, commended the Rivers State chapter for organizing the programme, noting that the national body of the forum believes strongly in the power of prayer.
He stated that political leadership provides an opportunity to influence society positively, including advancing moral and spiritual values, while expressing confidence that APC candidates at all levels would emerge victorious in the upcoming elections.
Also speaking, the Rivers State Women Leader of the APC, Hon. Darling Amadi, praised the forum for its commitment to prayers for peace, stability, and the protection of party candidates.
Represented by the Deputy Women Leader of the party in the state, she described the initiative as commendable and urged other political and support groups within the party to emulate the gesture in promoting unity and stability.
By: John Bibor, Menebe Emmanuel & Fortune Paibi
The colourful celebration took place at the Port Harcourt Golf Club, where friends, associates, and well-wishers converged to pay tribute to the revered elder statesman.
Chairman of the occasion, High Chief (Dr.) Ikenna Okafor, described the celebrant as a detribalised Nigerian whose generosity, humility, and commitment to humanity have earned him admiration across different communities and backgrounds.
According to Dr. Okafor, Pa Osagwe-Ogo’s impact on society and the development of his community remains unparalleled. He noted that members of the golfing community are proud to be associated with a father figure who consistently promotes the welfare and well-being of those around him.
He further stated that the history and growth of the Port Harcourt Golf Club cannot be told without acknowledging the significant role played by the celebrant, whose wisdom, encouragement, and leadership have helped sustain the club over the years.
“We are here to celebrate a man who has impacted humanity positively, a peace-loving individual and an epitome of hope for the younger generation. We pray to emulate his virtues. Today, we celebrate a bridge-builder, a trailblazer, and an iconic leader whose life continues to inspire many,” Dr. Okafor said.
He expressed delight at the large turnout of guests from various walks of life, describing it as a testament to the respect and affection Pa Osagwe-Ogo commands within and beyond Rivers State.
In his response, the celebrant, Pa Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, expressed profound gratitude to God for preserving his life and granting him the privilege of attaining the milestone age of 70.
He also thanked members of the Port Harcourt Golf Club, family members, friends, and associates for identifying with him during the celebration and for their unwavering support over the years.
The event featured the cutting of the birthday cake, presentation of awards to deserving members of the club, goodwill messages, and moments of celebration among guests.
The ceremony was attended by notable personalities from the business community, the golfing fraternity, and other sectors, all of whom joined in celebrating the life and legacy of the respected elder statesman.
The awards, which formed part of activities marking Nigeria’s Democracy Day on June 12, were formally presented on Tuesday at the Ministry of Information and Communications in Port Harcourt.
Presenting the awards was Hon. Abdul Hameed Oladipupo Alli, popularly known as “Mr. Nigeria,” Publisher of Asiwaju Trumpet Magazine and Achievers World International Magazine.
Governor Fubara was recognised for his efforts in sustaining peace, stability, and a conducive political atmospherJohn Bibor / Menebe Emmanuel / Fortune Paibie in Rivers State. The organisers noted that his administration has fostered harmony and strengthened civic participation across the state.
Dr. Sirawoo, on the other hand, was honoured for his exemplary administrative leadership and significant contributions to effective information management within the Ministry of Information and Communications.
Representing Dr. Sirawoo at the presentation ceremony, Dr. Christian Davies received the award on his behalf and expressed gratitude for the recognition. He described the honour as a reflection of Dr. Sirawoo’s unwavering commitment to professionalism, excellence, and dedicated public service.
Dr. Davies assured the organisers that the award would be formally conveyed to the Permanent Secretary.
The event also featured the presentation of commemorative publications highlighting major governance and civic milestones in Rivers State, including Easter celebrations, Workers’ Day activities, the Governor’s third anniversary in office, and Democracy Day programmes.
Organisers of the awards commended the Rivers State administration for what they described as sustained peace, political stability, and improved civic engagement, noting that these achievements have contributed significantly to the state’s continued development.
By: Jessica Sambol