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Nigeria , under Tinubu is moving in the right direction – Catholic Bishops conference

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference, at its first plenary meeting of 2025 in Abuja at the weekend, gave an alarming prognosis of the state of the economy and the polity that sounded more like snippets from an outdated book.

In his opening address, CBCN President Archbishop Lucius Iwejuru listed youth unemployment, insecurity, poverty, corruption, and electoral fraud as some of the ills plaguing the country. He demanded quick action from leaders nationwide to stop the country from drifting.

President Bola Tinubu deeply appreciates the constant interventions of the Catholic Bishops in matters of governance in our country. The Conference of Catholic Bishops’ patriotic fervour and commitment to national unity, peace, and stability are unassailable and deeply valued and respected by the government.

While some of the governance challenges in the areas highlighted by the Bishops remain, it is important to state categorically that our country has made tremendous progress in all areas since President Tinubu assumed office about 22 months ago.

In terms of insecurity, Nigeria is more secure today than it was in 2023, thanks to our military and other security agencies and the strong leadership provided by President Tinubu as the Commander-in-Chief.

In the last two years, over 8000 criminals – bandits, armed robbers, Boko Haram terrorists, and kidnappers – have been eliminated, and over 10,000 Nigerians – primarily women and children have been rescued from their abductors. As a result of improved security in our communities, especially in the North-West and the North-East, farmers have returned to their farms, and our country has seen increased food production, which is currently driving down prices of essential commodities. Farmers in Kaduna, Kebbi and Jigawa are eloquent testimonies of the improved security ambience. Similarly, farmers growing cash crops in many parts of the country are experiencing a new life of boom and prosperity.

On the economy, Tinubu’s administration has stabilised the economy from the precarious situation it inherited on assumption of office. Our balance of trade has improved, foreign reserves are in a stronger position, inflation has moderated, our currency is gaining strength against convertible currencies, local refining capacity has tremendously increased on the back of Dangote Refinery and NNPCL Refineries in Port Harcourt and Warri, going on stream.

Realising the importance of youth to national development and economic growth, President Tinubu’s administration has designed programmes that will catalyse youth employment, enhance their capability, and harness their ingenuity, creativity, and talents for better productivity.

These programmes, including 3MTT, NATEP, LEEP, IDiCE, NiYA, and the Nigerian Youth Investment Fund, were designed to create over 10 million new jobs for young people.

More than ever, the country has increased revenue collection phenomenally and is mobilising more local revenue to fund critical development priorities.

Under President Tinubu, Nigeria spends more on economic and social infrastructure such as roads, power, healthcare, education, and security. The unprecedented N54.9 trillion 2025 budget is designed to revitalise the economy and set it on a new growth trajectory.

Local and international institutions have continued to praise the Tinubu administration’s implementation of necessary reforms.

Last week, Chatham House, a United Kingdom International Affairs policy think tank, praised President Tinubu’s economic management team. In an article, Chatham House said Nigeria’s economy had been most competitive under President Tinubu in 25 years due to his reforms.

While we agree that many Nigerians still face difficulties, we remain convinced that the government is making the right decisions that will lead to a better and more prosperous country. President Tinubu and his team will continue to work very hard on behalf of our compatriots to deliver the promise of a greater and stronger Nigeria.

The Tinubu administration is optimistic about the future and the ongoing positive changes.

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Bandits kill Imam, abduct 10 worshippers during Isha prayer in Katsina

Bandits on Wednesday night stormed a mosque in Tudun Malamai community, Faskari Local Government Area of Katsina State, killing the Imam who was leading the Isha prayer and abducting at least ten worshippers.

The incident, which unfolded during the night prayers, left two other individuals injured.

Details of the attack were made public on Thursday in a post by a prominent Katsina-based security analyst, Bakatsine on X.

“Yesterday night, bandits attacked worshippers during the Isha prayer in Tudun Malamai community, Faskari LGA of Katsina State. They killed the imam leading the prayer, injured two people and abducted at least 10 worshippers during the attack,” the post read.

The Katsina State Police Command is yet to issue an official statement regarding the incident as of the time of filing this report.

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Lagos Govt bans pregnant women from 2025 Hajj

The Lagos State Government has officially barred pregnant women from participating in this year’s Hajj pilgrimage, citing health and safety concerns.

The announcement was made on Wednesday in Badagry by the Commissioner for Home Affairs, Olanrewaju Ibrahim Layode, who stressed that the rigorous nature of the pilgrimage poses significant risks to the health of expectant mothers.

Layode noted that the state’s decision aligns with the directive issued by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), which has instructed State Muslim Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards not to register pregnant women for the pilgrimage.

Supporting the directive, NAHCON’s Commissioner for Planning, Research, Statistics, Information, and Library Services (PRSILS), Professor Abubakar Yagawal, reiterated the policy while addressing preparations for the pilgrimage, including the establishment of medical clinics in Makkah and Madinah and the distribution of Yellow Cards to various states.

Layode added that the Lagos State Ministry of Home Affairs is also acting on the directive of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who has emphasized the need to ensure that only medically fit individuals are cleared for the pilgrimage.

Governor Sanwo-Olu, during the First Family of Lagos State and Ministry of Home Affairs Eid-el-Fitr celebration, at the Lagos House, Marina, said: “By May, those travelling to Makkah will begin to travel. Please ensure you are in good health. If you are ill, refrain from travelling for the 2025 Hajj; stay back and pray here in Nigeria.”

According to the Commissioner for Home Affairs, “It is very dangerous, very delicate for expectant women to go for hajj exercise.

“The processes are rigorous. From Medina to Makkah, the Tawaf, the Safa and Marwah, these are not things an expectant woman should undergo. It’s not about fashion or naming a child after a prophet because they were born in Saudi Arabia.”

The commissioner revealed that in previous years, some women had attempted to hide their pregnancies in order to partake in the pilgrimage, with instances of individuals allegedly submitting their husbands’ urine for medical screening.

To prevent such deceptive practices, the state government has introduced advanced medical screening measures, including the deployment of mobile diagnostic vans equipped to detect pregnancies and tuberculosis at designated screening centres.

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FRSC: SGF approves appointment of three Deputy Corps Marshals

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, has approved the appointment of three Assistant Corps Marshal (ACMs) to the rank of Deputy Corps Marshal (DCMs), Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).

This is contained in a statement by the Corps Public Education Officer (CPEO), Mr Olusegun Ogungbemide on Wednesday in Abuja.

The SGF said that the newly appointed senior officers were to fill up existing vacancies in the South South, North East, and North West geopolitical zones.

Akume said that the appointment marked a significant milestone in the Corps’ efforts to enhance its leadership and operational capabilities.

He named the Officers to fill up existing vacancies as DCM Aliyu Datsama (North West), DCM Pauline Olaye (South South) and DCM Attahiru Hassan (North East).

According to Akume, the appointment of the seasoned professionals would bring fresh perspectives and expertise to the FRSC’s leadership team.

“They are expected to play a crucial role in shaping the Corps’ strategic direction and driving its mission to reduce road crashes and promote safe driving practices.

“The appointment is part of President Bola Tinubu’s drive towards rewarding excellence, diligence and hard work which is in line with the administrative philosophy of the present leadership of the Hope Agenda regime,”he said.

The FRSC Corps Marshal, Malam Shehu Mohammed, equally congratulated the newly elevated Officers for their excellent performances during the exercise.

Mohammed said that every promotion comes with greater responsibilities.

He charged them to put in their best in the course of their duties as the new rank calls for more focus, more dedication, commitment and passion.

He also admonished those who were not fortunate in this appointment year to keep faith alive and be loyal to the system.

The FRSC boss promised to improve the general welfare of the personnel of the corps while beckoning all personnel to be of good cheer and put in great efforts towards the realisation of the corporate mandate of the corps.

DCM Aliyu Datsama is presently the ACM in charge of Special Duties and External Relations. He has held several positions including Sector and Zonal Commanding Officer positions in different states and Zones.

On the other hand, DCM Pauline Olaye who is currently the Head, Project Implementation Office at the National Headquarters of the Corps is by virtue of her new appointment, the most senior female officer in the Corps.

She has held several positions of authority including the position of Assistant Corps Marshal, Special Duties and External Relations Department, as well as Zonal Commanding Officer Zone RS1HQ Kaduna.

In the same vein, DCM Attahiru Hassan is presently the ACM in charge of the Technical Service Department. He has held several positions amongst which include the positions of Corps Provost as well as Sector Commander.