By Chijioke Okoronkwo

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has assured Nigerians of the restoration of peace and a more prosperous future for all regardless of current challenges.

Osinbajo spoke with State House correspondents after the Easter Sunday service at the State House Chapel, Aso Villa, Abuja.

According to him, Easter is a key celebration for Christians because of its significance.

My message is really a prayer; the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ is a defining moment for us Christians; and one of the most important things to bear in mind is the resuscitation of hope.

Where there is despair, I pray that hope would be restored, where there is fear, I pray that there is courage and confidence.

Where there is deprivation, I pray that there is prosperity, and there is abundance.

There may be things that appear dead but the power of the resurrection is one that assures us that life will come after death.

So, we are completely confident especially for our country that everywhere we suffer deprivation, there will be restoration, and that is the promise of the resurrection, he said.

Easter Sunday is celebrated worldwide by Christians to mark the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.

Osinbajo was joined at the service by his wife, Dolapo, Sen. Emmanuel Bwacha, and a member of the House of Representatives, Danjuma Shiddi, both from Taraba State, among other senior officials in the presidency. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Source: NAN News

By Bridget Ikyado

The General Overseer, All Christians Fellowship Mission, Rev. William Okoye, has described Easter as the bedrock of the Christian faith.

Okoye made this known in an Interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Easter Sunday in Abuja.

According to him, without the suffering, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, there is no way the sins of the believers will be forgiven.

There is no way we can be made children of God, forgiven, cleansed and made children of righteous.

There is no way we can live above sin, have victory over sin and the challenges of life.

He has given us victory over death itself, in other words, He has given us life beyond the grave, that even if we die physically we will live forever with Him in eternity, Okoye said.

He said that God has promised eternal life through Jesus for all believers.

The general overseer said that human transgression and disobedience was the genesis of all sicknesses and calamities on earth.

After God created man in His likeness and image, man enjoyed a robust fellowship with God until man was tempted by the devil to sin against God, he said.

Okoye, however, said that God showed His love and Mercy and rescued humans from Satan and death, through Jesus Christ.

Jesus came to suffer and die and to resurrect from the dead, forgive our sins and then deliver us from the consequences of our sins.

It is a victory over sin and death and all the challenges of this life, he added.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Source: NAN News

By Joan Nwagwu

Minister of Labour and Employment, Sen. Chris Ngige, has said that he would make a pronouncement on his journey to the presidency on Tuesday.

Ngige said this at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, at a reception organised by members of the All Progressive Congress (APC) South-East Progressive Forum, according to a statement made available by his media office in Abuja.

The group is among the numerous other political and apolitical groups across the country, urging Ngige to join the presidential race.

The statement said Ngige, while addressing the crowd at the airport, said he had consulted widely and the time has come for him to speak.

He recalled that last December he received a similar call from his brothers of the APC stock and some that have not even practiced politics who came to his hometown, Alor, and pressurised him to join the presidential race.

Make no mistake about it, the presidency is due to us in the Southern part of Nigeria. It is also truism that of all states in the South, only the South-East has not tasted the presidency. That gives much weight to the demand you are making.

In PDP, they are arguing whether it will be North or South. In our own party, APC, we have already agreed that it is South.

I told my supporters when they came on December 31 last year that I will speak after the spiritual season of Lent, to enable me consult my God, angels and archangels. Easter is tomorrow.

It is the resurrection day. We shall rise with the resurrection and after Easter Monday, I will make a pronouncement on my journey to the presidency, he said.

Ngige who is also a former Anambra State Governor said he had done consultation with mortal and immortal people and they are now going to speak.

According to him, I have ears and heard your message clearly. You should all come to my hometown, Alor, in Idemili South local government area of Anambra State on Tuesday. I will make a pronouncement that day.

Regarding the issue of consensus among the APC aspirants in the South-East, he said the issue has not arisen now, saying such discussion would come after the expression of interest and buying of forms.

He commended members of the APC South-East Progressive Forum for trooping out in large numbers to receive him and prayed God to honour each and every one of them the way they have honoured him.

Earlier, the spokesman of the group, Mr Tony Chime, told Ngige that they trooped out to plead with him to join the race for the presidency.

Chime said they had screened many people presenting themselves for the post of president, but are yet to see the material wanted.

We appeal to you, our father, brother and son to please come out and join the race. We know that it is the turn of the South and when it comes down South, we know that it is the turn of the South-East and you are eminently qualified to deliver, he said.

Ngige later paid a visit to the Governor of Enugu State, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, as part of his consultations with political leaders across the country. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Source: NAN News

Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta has called on Christians to pray for socio-economic and political rejuvenation of Nigeria to stem insecurity, political and economic challenges plaguing the country.

Okowa made the call in his Easter message contained in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Olisa Ifeajika, on Saturday in Asaba.

He said that the resurrection of Jesus Christ, symbolised in Easter, remained a turning point in the lives of Christians.

The governor reminded the Christian faithful of the sacrifices of Jesus Christ for mankind and urged them to return to God in full supplication for a rebirth of Nigeria.

According to him, the power of the resurrection provides opportunity for Christians to seek God for His intervention at this critical period in Nigeria when citizens are weighed down by unprecedented hardship.

He asserted that the turbulence in the polity could only be surmounted through dedicated prayers by Nigerians, adding that with prayer at Easter, challenges bedeviling the country would be overcome.

He said that it was a time for people to show love to one another, especially against the backdrop of the prevailing hardship occasioned by insecurity and economic challenges.

He urged well-meaning Nigerians to render assistance, particularly to the downtrodden.

The governor said that as the 2023 general elections in the country beckoned, Nigerians should exercise their power to enthrone a new leadership in the country that would rescue it from imminent precipice.

I call on Christian faithful to go to God in prayer to heal our country from insecurity and economic challenges.

As Christians, we must reflect on the importance of Easter in our daily living, not only with other Christians, but with people of other religious beliefs.

Let me urge Nigerians to extend the spiritual benefits of the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, which include love, peace, justice, sacrifice and kindness, to one another, especially in these trying times.

As Christians, it is incumbent on us to continue to uphold the principles of our faith as they relate to honesty, justice, integrity, accountability, compassion, selflessness and the pursuit of the common good for our nation.

I also urge that as we celebrate the Easter, let us be vigilant andsecurity-conscious in our environment and report all suspicious movements to security agencies.

May the lessons and blessings of Easter help us to overcome the challenges bedeviling our beloved country, the governor said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Source: NAN News

By Uchenna Ugwu

Some consumers have expressed concern over the continuous hike in prices of foodstuffs and other items in the country.

The citizens who spoke in a survey conducted by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Kpirikpiri and Margaret Umahi International Markets, revealed that prices of food items are skyrocketing, a situation which is making life unbearable for the citizens.

Mrs Akunna Nnachi, a housewife, pleaded with the government to urgently address the situation as it was taking a toll on her family.

She said that a kilogram of Cow and Goat meat now sell for as high as N3,200 against N2,500 it sold previously.

Prices of food items and transportation have continued to increase, and addressing factors that cause the hike will be stop the increase.

I was told by a meat seller that a live goat now costs between N50,000 and N70,000 because of expenses done when transporting them to Abakaliki, Nnachi said.

Mr Ejike Egbo, a Consumer, also appealed to government to look into the matter as the situation has become so intense that an average family now requires double the amount used previously to cook a pot of meal, to cook these days.

She said, a life bird was sold for N3,500 and N8,500 depending on the sizes.

Egbo lamented that after she expended such an amount of money on just a food item, it would be difficult for her to purchase other food items that would be needed for her to prepare her meal.

Ada Madu, another housewife, revealed that a basket of tomatoes sells for between N20,000 to N22,000, depending on the freshness and the specie.

Before now, I bought it between N6,000 and N8,500; this is really on the high side and to top it all, about four pieces is sold for N200, Madu said.

Chineye Egbo, another consumer, also said she bought a custard-bucket of Garri between N1,000 and N1,300 depending on the brand, a situation which she described as not good.

However, Mrs Ogonna Eze, a trader at Kpirikpiri market who reacted to the consumers complaints, sympathized with them and said that they were not responsible for the hike in food prices. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Source: NAN News

By Muhammad Nur Tijani

The Kano State Agricultural Development Project (KSADP) in collaboration with Sasakawa Africa Association on Saturday distributed inputs to 5,500 farmers to encourage wet season activities.

The state Deputy Governor,Nasiru Gawuna, said this at the inauguration of the inputs distribution exercise in Kano.

He said the government was providing the inputs to the beneficiaries through the Agricultural Mechanisation and Extension Services delivery support project initiated by the KSADP.

Gawuna said the project targeted about 450,000 youth and women to create jobs and enhance effective utilisation of agricultural resources in the state.

The mechanisation project is a milestone to ensure food security in the state, which is witnessing fast-growing population, create jobs for the youth and women as well as provide raw materials for industries.

This will change the traditional agricultural pattern from subsistence to a major agricultural venture, he said.

Gawuna, who is also the commissioner for agriculture, said the project was designed to enhance food security, encourage agricultural productivity and reduce unemployment in the state.

Earlier, Prof. Sani Miko, Country Director, Sasakawa Africa Association, reiterated commitment towards accelerating agricultural productivity and competitiveness through increased farmer access to inputs.

The project strengthened seed system by injecting 20 metric tons of foundation seeds and 1,300 certified high-quality seeds in collaboration with IITA, ICRISAT and eight consortium seed companies, to ensure diffusion across every nook and crannies of the state.

Some 977 clusters with 114,719 farmers from 20 local government areas have been established, he said.

According to him, small holder farmers are receiving support through farmer learning platforms in the areas of crop production enhancement, input support, post-harvest handling, agro-processing, business development and enterprising management.

The association, he said, targeted 270,000 farmers this year across the 44 LGAs of the state while 11,800 of the farmers were participating in the improved vegetable production, processing and enterprise skills training programme.

He said that about 58,000 farmers were being trained on cereal crop production, adding that the scope of the programme would be expanded to cover wet season farmers.

Miko said the association would scaled up its interventions in the next four years, to address the root causes of low productivity and conflicts due to irregular migration in the state and the country at large. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Source: NAN News

By Chimezie Anaso

Mr Peter Obi, former governor of Anambra, has urged Christians to adopt the teachings of humility and love for one another during the Lenten period as a standard for their relations with fellow country men and women.

Obi, who made the remarks in his Easter message, also urged Christians to show commitment to the wellbeing of the country and remember her in their prayers.

He said the cardinal teachings of the faith are anchored on love, tolerance, forgiveness and accommodation of one another.

The PDP presidential aspirant congratulated Christians for successfully observing the 40-day lenten spiritual exercise and urged them to reflect the lessons of the exercise in their dealings with others.

He said as Christ gave his life on the cross to save mankind from eternal damnation, let us show love to one another. In our moments of merriment, let us remember the less privileged among us and extend to them, a hand of fellowship.

Easter calls for sober reflection. It is a moment to look back and chart a better path in our relationship with God and man.

I urge us to spare time to pray for our country, Nigeria, especially in its present trying moments, occasioned by debilitating economic challenges, ethnic strifes and spiraling insecurity.

Let us also ask God to direct our leaders on the path of honesty and sincerity as the country inches into an election programme, next year.

May the lessons of the 40-day lenten season guide us in showing love and compassion in our relations with our fellow country men and women, he stated. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Source: NAN News

By Ikenna Osuoha

Dr Ifeanyi Odii, governorship aspirant on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ebonyi has promised to create wealth if he becomes the next governor of the state.

Odii made the pledge on Saturday while returning his gubernatorial interest form at the PDP National Secretariat in Abuja.

He affirmed his determination to the creation of wealth in Ebonyi with his entrepreneurial background.

I will create wealth in Ebonyi using my entrepreneurial experience.

I shall work on human development which I have long been doing with my foundation, he said.

Odii, who is also the President of Ebele and AnyiChuks Foundation, solicited the support of Ebonyi residents, saying that he would devise policies that would be targeted at alleviating poverty.

Mr Ugorji Oti, former PDP Chairman in Ebonyi described the governorship aspirant as a man of integrity with the capacity to take the state to greater heights.

Oti, who expressed optimism about the chances of the aspirant becoming the governor, said that he had impacted positively the lives of indigent citizens of the state.

Also, Mr Samuel Onwe, Former Deputy Secretary, PDP in Ebonyi, called on Ebonyi people to support the aspiration of Odii, whom he said had shown capacity in leadership through his foundation.

Onwe said said that Ebonyi is a PDP state and would continue to vote and support the party.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that aspirants for different elective positions were at the party secretariat to return their expression of interest and nomination forms.

Source: NAN News

By Edeki Igafe

The Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, has said he did not endorse the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential aspirant Asiwaju Bola Tinubu in the 2023 General Elections, contrary to media publications.

The Head, Back Office Operations, Office of the Ogiame Atuwatse III, Oriiz Onuwaje, gave the clarification in a statement issued on Saturday and made available to newsmen in Warri.

Onuwaje wasresponding to media reports that the king had endorsed Tinubu when a delegation of the South West Agenda for Asiwaju (SWAGA) and Delta for Bola Ahmed Tinubu visited him on Thursday at his palace.

Onuwajesaid the reports were taken out of context to suit a narrative.

He saidthat the Olu of Warri had no political affiliation to any political party, or candidate vying for any office in the forthcoming elections and accused the writer of the report of contravening the palaces non-partisan status.

On the instructions of His Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III, The Olu of Warri firmly refutes the statement claiming Ogiames endorsement of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.

Ogiame has no political affiliation or preferred political candidate for any office in the forthcoming 2023 elections, be it at the regional, sub-national, or national level.

Ogiame is a father figure to all and has no personal favourite or special interests in any candidate, or political party vying for any office in the forthcoming elections one way or another.

He will, therefore, not endorse or discredit any candidate to the detriment or advantage of others, he said.

Onuwaje noted that Olu of Warri is a father figure to all who had a genuine interest in advancing development of the nation.

Ogiame is duty-bound to receive and proffer advice and blessings to all those who seek his audience and counsel.

Therefore, His Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III is using this medium to make this important clarification.

For the avoidance of doubt and further requesting in the future, any queries and clarifications on palace communication should be directed to the palace media office, he said.

Source: NAN News

By Stephen Adeleye

The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), North West zone, has declared support for Gov. Yahaya Bellos (GYB) 2023 presidential ambition.

The youths made the declaration at the stakeholders meeting in Kaduna for North West states, organised by the NYCN, Kogi chapter.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the Kogi NYCN chapter under the chairmanship of Amb. Ogohi Usman, in 2021, embarked on a tour across the 21 Local Government areas of the state.

The youth further extended the tour to interstate across the North Central states to rally support for Bellos presidential ambition.

In his remarks, Chairman of Kaduna NYCN Chapter, the host state, Mr Bagudu Nathaniel, expressed delight in having the NYCN delegates from Kogi, noting that the chapter had fared well in the administration of Bello.

According to him, the quest to support the GYB2PYB aspiration for the 2023 presidential election is simply born out of the capacity shown by Bello and the transformation projects carried out in Kogi.

He added that he was quite sure and positive that when Bello became President Yahaya Bello (PYB), the total transformation he brought to Kogi would be replicated in Nigeria, with the issue of security in view.

In their various comments, the State Chairmen from Kano NYCN, Mr Awwalu Mohammed; and Jigawa NYCN Chairman, Mr Aliyu Yahaya, lauded the credible achievements of Bello in Kogi and the bold step taken to lead the presidential race for all Nigerian youths.

They noted that the Bello achievements were already speaking for him, adding that the network chain of the NYCN across the 36 states including FCT would be put to proper use.

They, therefore assured the governor of the total support of all Nigeria youths in the north west as well as the northern states in general.

Earlier, the Kogi NYCN Chairman, Usman, urged Nigerian youths to be united in taking over power in 2023, saying, power, as we all know, is not given but taken without violence.

According to him, following the official declaration of GYB, to honour the call of Nigeria youths to contest for the presidential election come 2023, the NYCN Kogi chapter, has continued its campaign for GYB2PYB emancipation.

According to him, bringing out and supporting a candidate is only the beginning of an election process.

Hence we must know that if our voices must be heard through the candidature of Yahaya Adoza Bello, who has finally harkened to the call of Nigerian youths.

We must all come out in our strength and voices to support him till the very end.

At the time Bello became governor, Kogi was groaning and bleeding, kidnapping and armed robbery were twin crimes that gained notoriety, making it one of the most unsafe and insecure in the country.

Though, a situation he inherited, he didnt bulge, but it was his first test and he grabbed the bull by the horn by now making the state the most secure place in the country.

With an emphasis on five thematic areas covering health, infrastructures and utilities, public service and pension reforms, education and youth engagement.

Bello was able to structure plans, programmes and policies of the government which all his giant stride projects were driven and implemented. he said.

Usman further stressed that surely the time is the youths 0 clock and it was the time for youth to take their future in their hands. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Source: NAN News