society
MASSIVE SUPPORT FOR NEW RIGASA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AS AFAKA COMMITTEE SUBMITS 318,600 SIGNATURE PETITION
MASSIVE SUPPORT FOR NEW RIGASA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AS AFAKA COMMITTEE SUBMITS 318,600 SIGNATURE PETITION
In a significant step towards the creation of a new Local Government Area, the Afaka Ward Technical Working Committee for the proposed Rigasa Local Government has formally handed over data containing 318,600 signatures of supporters to the Central Working Committee (CWC).
The handover ceremony, which took place at the Skill Acquisition Centre in Mando Sabon Garin Afaka, was witnessed by a broad coalition of Afaka ward stakeholders, including traditional rulers, religious leaders, and youth representatives.
The Chairman of the Technical Committee, Tasiu Musa, while presenting the data, clarified that the 318,600 figure represents a significant portion of public support but is not the ward’s total population. He stated that the enumeration was halted due to constraints of time and finances needed to support supervisors and enumerators. He expressed profound gratitude to the Central Working Committee for its financial backing, which made the extensive data collection possible.
In his address, the Chairman of the Central Working Committee, Alhaji Muazu Abubakar Mohamed Ruma (Tafidan Afaka), commended the technical working Committee for its diligence in achieving the milestone. He then issued a strong appeal to the National Assembly and the Executive arm of the government, urging them to prioritize the creation of the Rigasa Local Government with its Headquarters in Sabon Garin Afaka.
“With this overwhelming number, it is clear that the people have spoken. The combined population of just Rigasa and Afaka is over five million,” Alhaji Ruma noted. “The creation of this Local Government should be a priority for all arms of government to bring governance closer to the people.”
The event featured addresses from prominent religious leaders who unanimously threw their weight behind the movement and praised the efforts of both committees.
Malam Bashir Adam Saleh Algoni, the Deputy Imam of Zangon Daura Jumma’at Mosque in Mando Sabon Garin Afaka, applauded the initiative and the meticulous work of the committees. He offered prayers for the success of the proposal and for divine guidance for the government in considering the request.
Similarly, Sheik Muhammadu Salisu Musa Sudais, the Chief Imam of Sudais Jumma’at Mosque and Hayin Idi Musa Jumma’at Mosque in Mando, described the movement as a righteous struggle for development. He commended the Central and Technical Working Committees for a job well done and prayed for unity and progress.
In a show of cross faith solidarity, Reverend Job David Abubakar, the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Airport Afaka, also expressed full support. He joined his voice in appreciating the committees for their dedication and service to the community. Reverend Abubakar further offered prayers, asking for divine intervention so that “those who are going against this movement may come back to their senses and join hands to move Afaka ward forward for the collective good.”
This submission from Afaka Ward follows the earlier completion and submission of data from the Rigasa ward, consolidating the widespread demand for the new local government creation. The movement now awaits the consideration of the state and national assemblies.
celebrity radar - gossips
Accolades to Empress Genevieve Wining as she Celebrate birthday in Grand style
Accolades to Empress Genevieve Wining as she Celebrate birthday in Grand style
Emmanuel Clement
Vilnius, Lithuania – The Grand Hotel Vilnius will host a grand birthday celebration in honor of Her Majesty The Empress Genevieve Wining of the United Kingdom of Atlantis (UKA) on April 4th, 2026.
The four-day event promises to be an extravagant affair, marking the special birthday of Empress Genevieve Wining. The celebration will take place at the prestigious Grand Hotel Vilnius, Lithuania, renowned for its luxurious ambiance and exceptional service.
According to the event flyer, the birthday celebration will be a spectacular occasion, fitting for an empress. Guests can expect an elegant setting adorned with golden accents, sparkling champagne, and festive decorations, creating a regal atmosphere befitting the occasion.
The Empress Genevieve Wining of UKA is expected to grace the event, which will include various festivities and celebrations in her honor. The occasion aims to bring together dignitaries, followers, and guests to commemorate the empress’s birthday with grandeur and joy.
For media inquiries, accreditation, or further information about the birthday celebration of The Empress Genevieve Wining of UKA, please contact the event organizers.
Courtesy of His Excellency Emperor Prof. Solomon Wining. UKA
society
Democratic Accountability in Focus as NGIJ Courts NILDS for Strategic Collaboration
Democratic Accountability in Focus as NGIJ Courts NILDS for Strategic Collaboration
The Nigerian Guild of Investigative Journalists (NGIJ) has sought a strategic partnership with the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) to enhance legislative reporting, strengthen democratic accountability, and promote evidence-based journalism in Nigeria.
The proposal was made during a courtesy visit by the NGIJ delegation, led by its President, Mallam Abdulrahman Aliagan, to the Institute’s headquarters in Abuja.
The Director-General of NILDS, Professor Abubakar O. Suleiman, was represented at the meeting by the Director of Legal Services, Professor Ibrahim Danwanka. Also in attendance were the Special Adviser to the DG on Media, Mr. Muhammad Abdulkadir and the Director of Information, Mr. Emmanuel Atakpo.
Speaking during the visit, Aliagan described the engagement as a strategic step toward building synergy between investigative journalism and legislative research institutions. He commended the leadership of Professor Suleiman for transforming NILDS into a leading centre for legislative studies and democratic governance in Africa.
“This visit is not merely ceremonial—it is deeply strategic. NGIJ and NILDS share a common vision of strengthening democracy, promoting accountability, and deepening good governance in Nigeria,” Aliagan said.
He explained that while NILDS advances democratic governance through research and legislative capacity development, NGIJ complements these efforts through investigative journalism and public-interest reporting.
Aliagan highlighted the Guild’s activities across the country, particularly its Governance Assessment Visits conducted in Kogi, Bayelsa, Ondo, Kwara, Osun, and Kaduna states, noting that such engagements have improved public discourse and strengthened accountability at the subnational level.
“Our mission is to promote ethical investigative journalism, strengthen transparency in governance, and build capacity for data-driven reporting that connects citizens with democratic institutions,” he said.
The NGIJ President also proposed collaboration in areas such as training on legislative processes, joint research and publications, policy dialogues, data sharing, and fellowship programmes for journalists and researchers.
He further informed the Institute of the Guild’s plan to host the Dele Giwa Memorial Annual Lecture on Investigative Journalism in June as part of activities marking Democracy Day. The Guild requested that Professor Suleiman serve as keynote speaker and sought approval to use NILDS’ auditorium for the event.
“We are confident that your presence and intellectual contribution will greatly enrich the discourse and lend national significance to the event,” Aliagan added.
Responding on behalf of the Director-General, Professor Danwanka welcomed the proposal and described the initiative as timely and beneficial to national development. He commended NGIJ for its commitment to accountability journalism and its recognition of the Institute’s growing impact.
“If there is any institution journalists need to collaborate with, it is NILDS.
Legislative reporting requires specialised knowledge that many journalists currently lack,” Danwanka said.
He explained that NILDS was established by an Act of Parliament in 2011 and later expanded in 2017 to include broader responsibilities covering democratic institutions and civil society organisations.
According to him, the Institute has grown significantly under Professor Suleiman’s leadership, expanding from four departments to eleven, with increased staff strength and wider national, regional, and continental visibility.
Danwanka noted that NILDS currently provides research and capacity-building support not only to Nigeria’s legislature but also to parliaments across West Africa and other parts of the continent, including Kenya, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Ghana, and Togo.
“Legislature is a specialised field. Even experts from other disciplines must acquire knowledge of its processes to report it accurately. That is where NILDS comes in,” he said.
He assured the NGIJ delegation that all requests presented during the visit, including collaboration proposals, the use of the Institute’s facilities, and the invitation to the DG would be communicated for necessary action.
Danwanka also acknowledged NGIJ’s commendation of the appointment of Mr. Abdulkadir as Special Adviser on Media, describing the recognition as thoughtful and well-deserved.
The meeting ended with both parties expressing optimism about establishing a formal framework for collaboration, with a shared commitment to strengthening democratic institutions and improving governance through knowledge-driven journalism.
“This engagement marks the beginning of a sustainable partnership that will advance legislative excellence and investigative journalism in Nigeria,” Danwanka said.
society
GOVERNMENT MUST TACKLE NATION’S PRESSING CHALLENGES — BISHOP MARTINS URGES AT CHRISM MASS
GOVERNMENT MUST TACKLE NATION’S PRESSING CHALLENGES — BISHOP MARTINS URGES AT CHRISM MASS
By Ifeoma Ikem
The Holy Cross Cathedral, Lagos, was filled with joy, reverence, and renewed commitment on Holy Thursday as Catholic faithful across the metropolis gathered for the annual Chrism Mass — a solemn celebration marking the institution of the priesthood, the Holy Eucharist, and the blessing of sacred oils used throughout the liturgical year.
During the ceremony, the Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, Most Rev. Adewale Martins, described the Chrism Mass as a profound moment in the life of the Church.
He noted that it offers priests an opportunity to renew their vows and reflect on the centrality of the Eucharist, which he emphasized remains the heartbeat of the Catholic faith.
Addressing national issues, Bishop Martins acknowledged the government’s ongoing efforts to tackle Nigeria’s current challenges.
However, he stressed the need for more decisive and accelerated interventions, particularly in securing lives and easing the economic burdens confronting citizens.
He congratulated priests on their feast day and reflected on the rising influence of digital evangelization. While recognizing that many people now “inhabit online spaces,” he warned clergymen to handle social media with caution, discipline, and fidelity to Church teachings. According to him, digital influence must never overshadow spiritual integrity.
“The oils blessed today are not simply symbols; they speak of being set apart by a mark not earned, not crafted, but given,” he said. “As we renew our promises, we do not recreate ordination; we awaken memory. We were not ordained to build profiles but to bear Christ.”
He further noted that the digital world has become a place where people “gather, argue, celebrate, confess, misunderstand, and sometimes encounter truth.” For this reason, he said the Church recognizes the need to take the Gospel into that space without compromising its authenticity.
In his homily, Rev. Fr. Paul Akin-Otiko, Chaplain of St. Thomas More Catholic Chaplaincy, University of Lagos, emphasized the enduring significance of the Chrism Mass as an ancient tradition where sacred oils are consecrated.
He urged priests to pray fervently for the sick using the blessed oils, reminding them that true healing comes from God.
Fr. Akin-Otiko encouraged clergy to remain selfless, warning them never to turn the Church into a source of personal gain.
He stressed that their primary duty is the salvation of souls and the welfare of the people entrusted to them.
Monsignor John Aniagwu took a moment to appreciate Anthony Cardinal Olubunmi Okogie for his fatherly guidance and exemplary leadership. He prayed for God’s continued blessings, asking that all present be granted good health to witness many more Chrism Masses.
The highlight of the ceremony was the renewal of vows by hundreds of priests, who reaffirmed their commitment to lives of dedication, chastity, and obedience to the Church and their bishop — an act that drew heartfelt applause from the congregation.
The celebration concluded with songs of thanksgiving, joy, and renewed devotion.
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