News

Easter: Osinbajo preaches love, hope for Nigerians

Published

2 years ago

April 10, 2023

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, on Sunday, in Abuja, urged Nigerians to embody love, which is the crux of Easter Sunday commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead over two thousand years ago.

“It’s a message of the amazing love of Jesus Christ; amazing love of God, that he gave up his son so that you and I will not have to pay again for our sins,” Osinbajo told journalists shortly after the Easter Sunday Service held the Aso Villa Chapel, Abuja.

He said, “My message is contained in the scripture in John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son that whosoever believes in him will not perish, but have eternal life.

“It’s a message of the amazing love of Jesus Christ, God’s amazing love, that he gave up his son so that you and I will not have to pay again for our sins.

“So, it is an amazing day; a fantastic day and I wish you all a Happy Easter and a great and happy resurrection morning,” the VP stated.

On his part, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, said Nigeria’s growth was hinged on the willingness of her citizens to unite and sacrifice for the common good.

He said, “I would love Nigerians to learn two lessons; the lessons of sacrifice and legacy. Christ came into the world and sacrificed his life for humanity’s redemption. That teaches us that we must sacrifice for each other, our community, and our nation.

“The second lesson is the lesson of legacy. When he was leaving, he gave a commandment; go into the world and preach to everyone.

“So we have a responsibility as Christians to make sure that everyone heard about the gospel; the need for unity and for brotherliness and sacrifice for each other. That’s the only way we can grow.”

In his Easter message, the State House Chaplain, Joseph Malomo, noted that Nigeria needs saving, which requires sacrifice.

“Easter is a time of sacrifice. It’s a time when we see the love of God for the salvation of mankind. Nigeria has to be saved.

“So, we have sacrifices to make to ensure that just as Jesus saved the world, we also must save Nigeria.

“We must release ourselves and display that love for Nigeria and play our roles and give that sacrifice. Jesus died for Nigerians too. And Nigeria will rise just as he has risen,” said Malomo.

News

Electricity, telecom tariffs increase unconscionable, should be stopped – Shehu Sani

Published

15 hours ago

February 3, 2025

Seyi Babalola

Former lawmaker, Senator Shehu Sani, has described the planned increase in electricity and telecom tariffs as unconscionable.

The statement comes after the telecoms regulator last week approved the increase in mobile tariffs.

The federal government also recently said that plans were ongoing to increase electricity tariffs “over the next few months.”

However, Sani, who said the government’s plan is unreasonable, insisted that it should be halted.

The ex-lawmaker also expressed his support for the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) over the scheduled protest against the government’s proposal, calling it a welcome development.

“The planned increase in electricity tariffs in the midst of poor power supply and the proposal to increase telecom tariffs is unconscionable and should be halted. The scheduled labour union protest is a welcome development,” he posted on X.

News

Trump to cut off funding to South Africa, gives reason

Published

16 hours ago

February 3, 2025

Seyi Babalola

The United States President, Donald Trump, has revealed his decision to cut off all future funding to South Africa, citing poor treatment of “certain classes of people.”

Trump made this known on Sunday in a post on Truth Social, his social media platform.

According to Trump, South Africa was seizing land and mistreating some citizens without concern for the violations of their rights.

“South Africa is confiscating land and treating certain classes of people VERY BADLY.

“I will be cutting off all future funding to South Africa until a full investigation of this situation has been completed!” Trump wrote.

Reports suggest that the American leader may be defending White South Africans, some of whom have alleged that the South African policy is unfair to them.

News

Telecoms tariff hike: Nigerian govt in last-minute move to avert NLC shutdown

Published

16 hours ago

February 3, 2025

Seyi Babalola

There are indications that the federal government will on Monday meet with the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, to stop the planned Tuesday nationwide protest against the 50 percent telecommunications tariff hike.

A reliable source familiar with the matter, who preferred anonymity, disclosed this on Monday morning, noting that the meeting between the NLC leadership and the federal government is scheduled for 5 p.m. on Monday.

The source said the meeting was a “dialogue on matters of national interest as it affects Nigerian workers.”

According to the source, it will be an inter-ministerial meeting with the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), purposely to resolve issues raised by the NLC concerning the federal government’s approved upward adjustment to telecommunications tariffs, which the NLC, its allies, and others are vehemently opposing.

This comes as the NLC is already mobilizing workers for a mass protest tomorrow (February 4) against the 50 percent tariff hike approval.

On Thursday last week, in a letter to affiliate unions and state councils, NLC General Secretary Emma Ugboaja urged them to mobilize other Nigerians to send a serious message to the government.

The planned protest follows the 50 percent telecom tariff approval by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) on January 20, 2025.

The approval had sparked widespread rejection among telecom subscribers.