..…Says Christ’s resurrection symbolises Nigeria’s rising from challenges to glory

,,,,Commends President Tinubu’s bold reforms, calls for continued prayers

As Christians across Nigeria and the world celebrate Easter, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ifeanyi Godwin Araraume, has called on Nigerians to embrace the virtues of sacrifice, forgiveness, and renewed hope which the resurrection of Jesus Christ symbolises.

In his Easter message, which he personally signed, the former governorship candidate of Imo State reflected on the profound significance of the season, describing Easter as a divine testament that no night lasts forever, and that after every crucifixion comes a glorious resurrection.

“Easter is not merely a festival; it is a spiritual declaration that darkness does not have the final word. As Christ rose triumphantly on the third day, I believe Nigeria, too, is rising from every challenge to meet her God-ordained destiny,” Araraume stated.

The APC chieftain used the occasion to offer fervent prayers for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whom he described as a courageous leader steering the ship of state through turbulent but necessary waters.

“I pray that the God who raised Christ from the dead will raise every help that President Tinubu needs to succeed. I pray for divine wisdom, physical strength, and uncommon protection over his life. Let no arrow of the wicked find its mark in his camp. May his labours for our nation yield fruits that generations yet unborn will celebrate,” Araraume prayed.

He further commended President Tinubu for his bold and far-reaching reforms, acknowledging that while the policies may demand present sacrifice from citizens, the long-term dividends will be peace, stability, and shared prosperity.

“Mr. President has shown that he has the heart of a reformer and the backbone of a statesman. These are not easy times, but great nations are forged in the furnace of difficult decisions. I call on all Nigerians, regardless of party or creed, to support this administration with patience and prayer,” the Senator added.

Senator Araraume also urged Nigerians to show love to one another, especially to the less privileged, the grieving, and the displaced, noting that the true essence of Easter is found in selfless giving and communal solidarity.

“Let us visit the orphanage, feed the hungry, and extend a hand to our neighbour in distress. That is the gospel in action. That is the Nigeria we must build together,” he said.

He wished all Christians a peaceful, joyous, and spiritually fulfilling Easter celebration.

Signed:
Senator Ifeanyi Godwin Araraume
Chieftain, All Progressives Congress (APC)

…says visit aimed at lasting peace, not symbolism

The Presidency has explained why President Bola Ahmed Tinubu addressed victims of the recent Plateau State attacks at the Yakubu Gowon Airport in Jos, citing logistical constraints and urgent security considerations that shaped the structure of his visit.

According to a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President’s decision followed a series of developments, including an extended bilateral meeting with Chadian President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno and operational limitations at the Jos airport.

The Presidency said Tinubu had initially scheduled two engagements for Thursday: receiving the Chadian leader and proceeding to Iperu, Ogun State, but altered his itinerary after receiving a briefing from Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang on the scale of the attacks.

“Overnight, the Presidential Villa made arrangements for the visit to Jos, with presidential assets quickly deployed,” the statement said, noting, however, that the Chadian President’s visit could not be postponed due to its strategic importance.

The bilateral meeting, which focused on strengthening regional security cooperation, reportedly ran longer than expected, delaying the President’s departure for Jos.

Upon arrival in Plateau State, further constraints emerged. The Presidency explained that the runway at the Jos airport lacks navigational aids for night operations, making it impossible for the President to travel into the city, about 40 minutes away, and return safely before dusk.

“As a result, state and federal officials agreed to bring representatives of the affected communities to a hall adjoining the airport, enabling the President to meet them promptly while adhering to flight restrictions,” the statement added.

Present at the meeting were top security officials, including the Minister of Defence, the Chief of Army Staff, and the Inspector-General of Police, who had earlier visited Rukuba, identified as the epicentre of the violence.

The President had also deployed a high-level team ahead of his arrival, including his Senior Special Assistant on Community Engagement, to undertake groundwork on security stabilisation and community relations.

Beyond offering condolences, Tinubu used the meeting to engage stakeholders on ending the protracted cycle of violence in Plateau State.

“The visit was not merely symbolic. It was a strategic, high-level engagement aimed at addressing the root causes of the decades-old conflict,” the statement said.

During the interaction, the President listened to victims and community leaders, assuring them of the Federal Government’s commitment to justice and lasting peace.

He also announced plans to deploy 5,000 AI-enabled surveillance cameras across the state to enhance monitoring, improve intelligence gathering, and aid in identifying perpetrators of violence.

Tinubu further invited community leaders to Abuja for expanded consultations aimed at developing sustainable solutions to the recurring crises.

The meeting, which was broadcast live, was described as solemn and reassuring, with the Presidency noting that it helped boost residents’ confidence in government efforts.

“President Tinubu achieved the purpose of his visit, despite attempts in some quarters to ridicule it. He sent a clear message that sustainable peace must be built with the people, not imposed on them,” the statement said.

…Private sector, states rally behind national fight against hunger
…Programme targets vulnerable households, children under six
By Bolaji Ogundele, Abuja
Nigeria’s private sector leaders and state governments on Thursday pledged over N30.5 billion in support of the National Community Food Bank Programme, a flagship initiative championed by the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, to combat hunger and food insecurity across the country.

The pledges were announced at the official launch of the programme and inauguration of its Board of Trustees, drawing commitments from major corporate organisations, philanthropic foundations, and subnational governments.

Leading the pack, the Aliko Dangote Foundation, represented by its Managing Director and CEO, Zouera Youssoufou, on behalf of Africa’s richest man, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, committed N20 billion in-kind support over five years.

“It is an honour to stand here today on behalf of the organised private sector. This programme directly addresses food insecurity among vulnerable households, particularly children under six.

“Aliko Dangote Foundation will commit N20 billion in-kind support over the next five years on the provision of fortified and nutritious food products”, Youssoufou said.

She urged broader corporate participation, saying, “I would like to call on the entire organised private sector to actively support this programme,” adding that its success would deliver “a Nigeria where no child goes to bed hungry,” in line with “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.”

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited also pledged N10 billion over five years, with Sofia Mbakwe representing the Group Executive Officer, Bayo Ojulari.

“This ceremony stands as a powerful testament of purposeful leadership by Her Excellency Senator Oluremi Tinubu,” Mbakwe said.

Highlighting the programme’s framework in partnership with the Bank of Agriculture, she added, “NNPC Limited is committing a starting sum of N10 billion to be disbursed over the five-year period.”

She assured that the company would “leverage our strategic partners and stands ready to work with you to ensure that this program delivers lasting and measurable impact.”

Also lending support, the Sir Emeka Offor Foundation pledged N500 million, announced by its representative, Chidioke James.

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“Today is not just about launching a fund. It is about launching hope. No society can truly prosper while hunger persists.

“We are very proud to stand with the mother of the nation, the First Lady. The founder has asked that I announce the commitment of 500 million.”

At the grassroots level, the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) pledged full institutional support for the programme, describing it as timely and critical.

Represented by Hamisu Mohammed, ALGON said local governments, as “custodian of the community and the masses,” view the initiative as “a signature legacy project.”

“This initiative comes at a critical time for food insecurity and rising cost of living. Local government fully appreciates grassroots-driven solutions,” he said, pledging “cooperation and partnership particularly in rural and underserved communities.”

Similarly, the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) and Governor of Kwara State, Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq, assured that state governments would provide substantial counterpart funding.

“Across our states, we see the pressure many households face in accessing affordable and nutritious food. More than one third of the children under five are stunted. This points to chronic undernutrition with lasting consequences for fiscal growth and development. This is not only a health issue, it’s a national issue,” he said.

He praised the First Lady’s “personal commitment” to tackling hunger and aligned the initiative with ongoing state-level nutrition interventions.

“The NGF stands ready to work closely with the federal government… I’ll confer with my colleague… we’ll present a counterpart fund that will closely align to what the Federal Government is donating,” he added, referencing the Federal Ministry of Health’s N17 billion pledge.