By Laide Akinboade, Abuja

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), at the weekend has expressed their concern over the reported conviction and imprisonment of a Christian woman, identified in circulating reports as Lami Samuel Dawa, in Borno State.

In a statement issued by CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh in Abuja stated that CAN is particularly concerned by reports that the case arose from circumstances involving the conversion of an adult woman to Christianity, although the precise facts and legal basis of the conviction are still being verified.

He however added that an appeal has been filed and CAN is committed to allowing the judicial process to run its course.

Okoh said, “Nevertheless, the case raises important questions about the protection of religious freedom and the fundamental rights guaranteed under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“The Association believes that every individual has the right to freely choose, change or practise their religion or belief without coercion, intimidation or unlawful punishment.

“CAN therefore calls on the relevant authorities to ensure that the rights of all parties are protected and that justice is served in accordance with the Constitution and the law.

“The Association will continue to monitor developments in the case and engage with the relevant authorities through appropriate legal and institutional channels.

“CAN remains committed to the peaceful coexistence of Nigerians of all religious backgrounds and to the protection of the fundamental rights and freedoms of every citizen”.

By Laide Akinboade, Abuja

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has commended the Dunamis International Gospel Centre for constructing a pedestrian bridge in Abuja, describing the project as an example of responsible leadership and the contribution religious institutions can make to public infrastructure and community welfare.

Wike said leadership, whether in government, religious organisations, private institutions or families, must be demonstrated through tangible contributions that improve people’s lives, rather than mere declarations of good intentions.

The minister stated this during the commissioning of the pedestrian bridge constructed by Dunamis International Gospel Centre as part of its corporate social responsibility initiatives in the Federal Capital Territory.

He said he attended the commissioning because he considered the church’s intervention an opportunity to recognise an organisation that had translated its religious teachings into practical service to society.

Commending the Senior Pastor of Dunamis International Gospel Centre, Dr Pastor Paul Enenche, and his wife for their leadership, Wike said the church had demonstrated that religious organisations could contribute meaningfully to addressing societal needs beyond preaching.

“Watching the documentary and seeing what you have done, touching lives, not only with your soul, but talking about the welfare of other people, that is leadership,” he said.

The minister noted that such interventions required sacrifices, particularly when religious organisations had other competing financial obligations, adding that choosing to invest resources in projects that benefit the wider community reflected a commitment to public good.

According to him, the church’s decision to undertake the project demonstrated that leadership was about making difficult choices and deploying available resources to meet the needs of others.

Wike also recalled the church’s previous engagements with the FCT Administration, explaining that an application submitted in 2018 was eventually brought to his attention when the church renewed its request in February 2026.

He said the approval was granted within a short period, which he described as evidence of the administration’s willingness to support initiatives that advance public welfare.

The minister urged individuals and organisations to acknowledge government efforts where progress had been made while also offering constructive criticism where improvements were necessary.

He said good governance should be assessed by what leaders had delivered to the people rather than by political rhetoric or public relations.

Wike further stressed that public office holders must be prepared to demonstrate their achievements, noting that leadership comes with the responsibility to account for the opportunities entrusted to them.

He argued that elected representatives must be able to point to concrete contributions made during their time in office rather than rely on claims of having represented their people.

According to him, future generations would remember leaders based on their actions and the impact of their decisions on society.

Wike also called for courage and consistency in leadership, saying those entrusted with responsibility must sometimes take difficult decisions, even when such decisions attract criticism.

He cautioned Nigerians against relying solely on social media narratives when assessing public office holders, urging them to examine the capacity, performance and actual contributions of individuals.

The minister said public discussions about governance should be guided by facts and verifiable achievements rather than unsubstantiated claims circulating online.

He also assured the church of the FCT Administration’s willingness to support initiatives that promote public safety and community development, while indicating that the government would consider a 50 per cent contribution towards an associated project.

Wike encouraged other religious institutions, corporate organisations and individuals to emulate Dunamis International Gospel Centre by investing in projects that address the needs of communities.

He said the pedestrian bridge represented the kind of partnership required to complement government efforts in providing infrastructure and improving the welfare of residents.

Enenche had emphasised that love, which forms the foundation of the Christian faith, must be demonstrated through giving, selflessness and meaningful contributions to humanity.

The cleric said people should be remembered for the problems they solved and the positive impact they made, rather than the wealth they accumulated.

He urged political, religious and other leaders to recognise that they would ultimately give account of how they utilised their positions, resources and opportunities.

Enenche maintained that the church’s responsibility extended beyond spiritual ministrations to practical interventions that improve the lives of people and contribute to the development of society.

The pedestrian bridge commissioning underscored the church’s corporate social responsibility commitment and the importance of collaboration between religious organisations and government in addressing infrastructure and public safety needs in Abuja.

The Lagos State Government has urged residents to take precautions against possible extreme heat as the dry season approaches and the El Niño climate challenge strengthens.

The state Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, issued the warning in a statement shared on X on Sunday.

Wahab warned that rising temperatures could worsen dehydration, heat discomfort, respiratory problems and poor air quality, particularly among children, older persons, pregnant women and outdoor workers.

He said: “As Lagos prepares for possible extreme heat conditions associated with the strengthening El Niño climate pattern and the transition into the dry season, I urge all residents to take necessary precautions to protect their health and wellbeing.

He attributed the state’s vulnerability to its high population density, rapid urbanisation, limited green spaces and built-up environment, which can intensify the urban heat effect.

“As a densely populated and rapidly urbanising coastal city, Lagos is particularly vulnerable to rising temperatures. Our densely built-up neighbourhoods, roads and limited green spaces can intensify the urban heat effect, making conditions more challenging for many residents.

“The anticipated conditions could increase heat discomfort, dehydration, respiratory challenges and poor air quality, particularly among vulnerable groups, including children, older persons, pregnant women and outdoor workers,” the statement said.

In his advisory, Wahab urged residents to stay hydrated, avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, wear light clothing and limit strenuous outdoor activities during the hottest hours of the day.

“I therefore call on every Lagos resident, community leader, market association, school, business owner and employer to take this advisory seriously. Let us make access to clean drinking water, shaded spaces and proper ventilation a priority, especially for those who work outdoors and those most at risk.

“Residents are also urged to stay hydrated, avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, wear light clothing, limit strenuous outdoor activities during the hottest hours and avoid open burning of refuse,” the statement said.

Residents were also advised to avoid open burning of refuse and prioritise access to clean drinking water, shaded areas and proper ventilation, particularly for vulnerable people and outdoor workers.

“Beyond immediate precautions, we must confront the environmental factors that worsen urban heat. Protect our trees, plant more, preserve our green spaces, dispose of waste responsibly and desist from activities that degrade our environment,” the statement added.

It stressed that the government would continue to strengthen public awareness and collaborate with relevant agencies and stakeholders to improve preparedness and response to extreme heat.

It added that households, communities and businesses all had a role to play in protecting public health and making Lagos more resilient to climate-related challenges.

“Keeping Lagos safe from the impacts of extreme heat requires action from all of us. Government will continue to strengthen public awareness and collaborate with relevant agencies and stakeholders to improve preparedness and response. But every household, street, community and business has a role to play.

“Let us act early, look out for one another and take collective responsibility for building a cooler, healthier and more climate-resilient Lagos,” the statement said.

El Niño is a natural climate phenomenon that occurs when sea-surface temperatures in the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean become warmer than normal.

It can disrupt atmospheric circulation and influence rainfall and temperature patterns in different parts of the world.

El Niño is the warm phase of the El Niño-Southern Oscillation, a climate pattern that also includes La Niña, its cooler phase, and neutral conditions. The phenomenon does not produce the same effects everywhere, as local weather conditions and other ocean-atmosphere processes can influence its impact.