AANI EXTENDS YULETIDE GREETINGS AND COMMENDS NIGERIANS FOR THEIR RESILIENCE

On behalf of the National Executive Council and the National Executive Committee of the Alumni Association of the National Institute (AANI), I extend heartfelt greetings to all members of the association and the entire Nigerians on the joyous occasion of Christmas and the dawn of a prosperous New Year, 2025. As we celebrate this season of peace, love, and renewal, AANI acknowledges the commendable support, resilience, and perseverance of its members in the collective mission of advancing the progress and unity of our great nation. Your steadfastness and dedication continue to illuminate the values of the association towards a better society, and for this, we express our deepest gratitude.

This period of goodwill also serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring spirit of our nation despite the numerous challenges we collectively face. Therefore, I would like to extend our profound appreciation to all Nigerians at home and in the diaspora for their patience, understanding, remarkable resilience, and unwavering spirit in the face of the daunting security and socio-economic challenges that have tested our collective strength. Your enduring hope and faith in a brighter tomorrow inspire optimism for a better Nigeria.

I convey our profound gratitude to the valiant men and women of our Armed Forces, Police, and other security agencies for their commitment to safeguarding our nation’s sovereignty and ensuring the safety and security of all citizens and residents of this great country. Your dedication, courage, and sacrifices in the face of daunting challenges deserve our utmost respect and appreciation. However, we urge you to remain steadfast and resolute in your noble duty to protect our sovereignty and maintain peace. Please bear in mind that our nation appreciates you all.

AANI calls on the government at all levels to prioritise and enhance the socio-economic well-being of the citizens, addressing the root causes of conflicts and pressing needs of our people and fostering a society built on justice, equity, and inclusiveness. At the same time, we enjoin our vibrant youth to eschew all acts inimical to peace and security and to channel their energy toward constructive endeavours that contribute to national development. Shun acts of violence, extremism, and any behaviour that undermines the fabric of our society. Embrace education, innovation, and entrepreneurship as catalysts for positive change and contribute meaningfully to the advancement of our beloved nation.

As an association committed to the ideals of nation-building, AANI reaffirms its dedication to contributing to Nigeria’s national development through sound advice, policy advocacy, and initiatives that foster a better, more united society. Together, we can overcome our challenges and build a future defined by shared prosperity and harmony.

I would like to reiterate that in this season of reflection and renewal, let us all recommit to the values of love, tolerance, and selflessness that Christmas represents and embrace the New Year with hope and determination. On behalf of the entire Alumni Association of the National Institute, I wish you a joyful Christmas celebration and a fulfilling New Year. May 2025 bring peace, progress, and prosperity to us all, amen.

Thank you.

Ambassador Emmanuel Obi Okafor mni
AANI President
24th December 2024

Yuletide:Leader of Registered Sacred Cherubim and Seraphim, Church of Nigeria, Prophet Olagoke felicitates Nigeriansl

…calls for spread of love to others

The Leader of Registered Sacred Cherubim and Seraphim Church of Nigeria,Baba Alakaso/ Prophet Clement Taye Olagoke has felicitated with christians and Nigerians as the world prepares to celebrate Christmas.

The revered cleric also enjoined all to spread love to others by giving joy,and putting smiles on someone’s face.
In a statement from the office of the Sacred C&S office and made available to Journalists on Monday, Prophet Olagoke stated;

Our sunbeam song said,” Tis love, ’tis love,that makes the world goes round” It is this love that God, our father and creator,demonstrated in John 3:16,”For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son” . Love unprecedented, marvelous love, undiluted, awesome,in all ramifications.

“True Christmas is giving joy,and spreading love to others. Christmas is sharing, it’s giving joy to another. Let us try to make at least someone happy by putting a smile in someone’s face. Don’t bother how hard or difficult it is for you, remember that you are still better off than some other person.

Give and to you shall be given, God his only son giveth us.
May your church and family have a festive season that is full of wonderful treats and no stop laughter in happiness.

Shall we sing together,” We wish you a merry Christmas and a prosperous new year.

See you all in 2025 in His Grace.” The statement ended.

From Baba Alakoso /Prophet (Dr) Clement Taye Olagoke,of the registered Sacred Cherubim and Seraphim church of Nigeria.

“Grief and Survival: The Human Toll of Okija’s Deadly Stampede

The peaceful community of Okija, in Anambra State, was thrown into mourning on Saturday as a stampede at a charity event claimed the lives of no fewer than 22 people. The incident, which occurred at the Obijackson Centre in the Amanranta area, saw middle-aged women, the elderly, and children trampled in a desperate rush to collect palliatives.

The charity event, an annual initiative known for distributing 25kg bags of rice, vegetable oil, and cash, turned tragic when a massive crowd surged at the venue’s gate. Witnesses reported that impatience among attendees and inadequate crowd control contributed to the chaos.

A Husband’s Heartbreaking Loss

Uchenna Nwaudo, whose wife was among the deceased, shared his grief and disbelief over the loss. “I warned my wife not to go because our baby wasn’t feeling well,” he lamented. “I was at work when I got the call that she had been trampled upon. I rushed to the scene only to find her lifeless body, with our baby still strapped to her back. Miraculously, the baby survived.”

Overwhelmed by the chaos at the scene, Nwaudo could only retrieve his child and leave. Later, he identified his wife’s body at the mortuary and began arrangements for her burial.

Accounts from Survivors and Witnesses

One survivor, Ngozi, described the harrowing experience: “The crowd pushed, and I fell. People trampled on me. I couldn’t breathe and thought I wouldn’t survive. By God’s grace, I woke up in the hospital.”

Eyewitness Nnamdi Uzor recounted seeing lifeless bodies and belongings scattered at the venue. “A woman lay lifeless with her baby strapped on her back, but the child survived. It was heartbreaking,” he said.

Uju Udoka, a relative of another victim, shared her sorrow: “My sister, a nursing mother, went to collect the palliatives but never returned. It’s devastating for the family.”

Community Reaction

Dr. Paul Isioma Ohaguim, President-General of the Okija Progressives Union, expressed the community’s shock. “It’s a tragic and unfortunate incident. We’re working to confirm the casualty figures, but the loss is deeply felt,” he said.

While the organizers of the charity event have expressed regret, many, including Nwaudo, refrained from blaming them entirely. “This is a gesture they’ve done for years to help the community. The tragedy stemmed from impatience and the inability to manage the large crowd effectively,” Nwaudo noted.

A Reminder of the Need for Safety

The tragedy at Okija serves as a grim reminder of the need for stringent crowd management and safety measures during large gatherings. As the community grieves, questions remain about how such incidents can be prevented in the future.