NEWS
Christian Genocide: CAN Blasts Presidency, over Statement
By Laide Akinboade, Abuja
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), on Tuesday,
blasted the Presidency over a statement credited to them which, CAN said, it misrepresented its stand on the killings of Christians across the country.
This was contained in a statement issued and signed by CAN President in Abuja, the leadership also denied a media report
that the CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, dismissed or downplayed the ongoing killings by describing them as a *’so-called Christian genocide.
It would be recalled that the CAN President had a meeting with Barrister Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Policy Communication, at the National Christian Centre, Abuja, on Monday, .
He stressed that CAN had made clear its position on the issue and has long been established and remains unchanged.
The statement reads, “The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) wishes to correct recent media reports following the visit of Barrister Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Policy Communication, to the CAN Secretariat at the National Christian Centre, Abuja, on Monday, 20 October 2025.
“During the visit, Barrister Bwala sought to understand CAN’s position regarding the global reactions to remarks by United States Senator Ted Cruz, who described the widespread attacks on Christian communities in Nigeria as a ‘Christian genocide.’ He noted that both Christians and Muslims have suffered from insecurity, adding that the current administration inherited the problem and is working to address it”.
The statement continued, “CAN made it clear that its position on this issue has long been established and remains unchanged. Across many parts of Northern Nigeria and the Middle Belt, Christian communities have suffered repeated, organised, and brutal attacks which have left thousands dead, villages destroyed, and families displaced. These are not isolated crimes but a continuing pattern of violence that has persisted for years without justice or closure”.
Condemning the Presidency statement, “However, CAN was alarmed to see a press statement reportedly issued by Barrister Bwala, titled ‘Presidency Debunks Western Christian Genocide Narrative in Dialogue with CAN Leadership.’ The report falsely suggested that the CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, dismissed or downplayed the ongoing killings by describing them as a ‘so-called Christian genocide.’
“That portrayal is completely false and grossly unfair. The meeting was recorded by CAN’s media team, and at no point did Archbishop Okoh use such words or express such a view. Referring to the tragedy as a ‘so-called genocide’ trivialises the pain of countless Christians who have lost loved ones, homes, and places of worship in targeted attacks.
“During the meeting, CAN’s Director of Planning, Research and Strategy, Bishop Mike Akpami, presented verified data from www.orfa.africa showing consistent and targeted attacks on Christians across several regions of Africa, including Nigeria.
“The meeting was attended by Archbishop Daniel Okoh, President of CAN; Rev. (Dr.) Stephen Panya Baba, Vice President; Apostle (Prof.) Samson Fatokun, General Secretary; Dean Rev. Ozumba, Emmanuel Nicodemus, Director of Education, Women & Youth; Dame Comfort Otera Chigbue (Esq), Director of Legal & Public Affairs; Bishop Mike Akpami, Director of Planning, Research & Strategy; Prophet Commodore Abimbola Ayuba, Director of National Issues & Social Welfare; Rev. Dr. Simon Dolly, Secretary, North Central Zone; and Dr. Victor Ivoke, Senior Special Assistant to the CAN President. For the avoidance of doubt, Rev. Dr. Uzoaku Williams, Assistant General Secretary; and Dr. Celestine Aharanwa, whose names appeared in some reports, were not present at the meeting”.
The CAN boss therefore noted, “CAN calls on the Federal Government and security agencies to act with urgency, fairness, and transparency to halt these killings and bring all perpetrators to justice. It also urges media professionals and government officials to speak with truth, empathy, and responsibility, as careless words can deepen wounds and undermine peace”.
The Chairman of Jema’a Local Government Area of Kaduna State, Mr Peter Tanko, has paid the 2026 West Africa Examination Council (WAEC) registration fees for 250 indigent students in public Secondary Schools.
Speaking at the inauguration of the WAEC fee payment exercise in Kafanchan, Tanko said that the gesture was borne out of his compassion to support less privileged students.
According to him, no child should be denied the opportunity to access education because of lack of funds.
He reiterated his commitment to initiating policies and programmes that would have direct bearing on the lives of the people.
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Mr Yunana Barde, lauded the council chairman for placing premium on educational development of his people.
Barde said that the importance of education to societal development could not be overemphasised.
Also speaking, Audu Dogara, the council’s Education Secretary, described the intervention as an investment in the children and the future of the local government.
He admonished the beneficiaries to see the gesture as an opportunity for them to give their best in the examination.
Mr Emmanuel Utung, Chairman of the WAEC Sponsorship Committee, said that the beneficiaries cut across the 12 wards of the local government.
According to him, the gesture would go a long way in easing the financial burden on the beneficiaries’ parents.
Miss Benedicta Boniface, who spoke on behalf of the beneficiaries, thanked the chairman for his magnanimity and promised that they would not disappoint him.
A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Abayomi Mumuni, has warned against any attempt to replace Vice President Kashim Shettima on religious grounds ahead of the 2027 general elections
Mumuni said this on Wednesday in reaction to the controversies erupting from the omission of Vice President Shettima’s photograph from a banner displayed at the North-East Zonal Public Hearing on the amendment of the APC constitution.
According to him, the North presently lacks a Christian candidate with the political clout and followership needed to deliver substantial electoral support.
He said the idea of dropping Shettima could undermine the APC’s chances of retaining power.
There have been speculations about a possible plan to drop Shettima from the party’s 2027 presidential ticket.
Mumuni further said that discussions about replacing Shettima with a Christian vice-presidential candidate, ostensibly to address concerns about religious inclusivity, are not strategically sound in the current political climate.
According to him, the northern region currently lacks a Christian candidate with sufficient grassroots support and nationwide appeal to complement President Bola Tinubu’s electoral strength.
“Any miscalculation in this regard could jeopardise the winning ticket for the current administration,” he warned.
…Says it Has Committed Over US$45 Million in Expenditures in Senegal
By Mike Odiakose, Abuja
The management of Oranto Petroleum, the firm owned by Nigerian billionaire and philanthropist Prince Arthur Eze, has shed light on why it suspended any further investments in the St Louis & Cayar Licenses in Senegal.
The Senegalese government had in January 2026 officially revoked an offshore oil exploration license held by Atlas Oranto Petroleum.
The Senegalese government alleged that the holder had failed to provide the required bank guarantees and carried out only minimal exploration work since the block was awarded.
Responding to the revocation of the license, the management of Oranto Petroleum declared the government of Senegal insisted on US$ 25 Million Bank Guarantee as against agreed Corporate Guarantee as being provided by other Operators in Senegal.
According to the management, “till date, Oranto Petroleum has committed over US$45 Million in expenditures in Senegal covering activities such as seismic acquisition & interpretation, acreage rental, social projects and training of Senegalese locals as stipulated in the contract.
“Oranto Petroleum remains a foremost player in Hydrocarbon Exploration in Africa having committed over US$500 Million in exploration and development of hydrocarbon in Africa.”
The company expressed reservations on why the Senegalese government will single it out for false narratives which it classified as “unfair, unjustified and targeted.”
Part of the statement read: “Oranto Petroleum would like to use this opportunity to respond to the false narrative currently being perpetuated by the Government of Senegal on the St Louis & Cayar Offshore Licenses previously operated by Oranto Petroleum.
“As a matter of fact, Oranto Petroleum in 2025 decided to suspend any further investments in the St Louis & Cayar Licenses in Senegal after the Government of Senegal insisted on US$ 25 Million Bank Guarantee as against agreed Corporate Guarantee as being provided by other Operators in Senegal.
“For record purposes, till date, Oranto Petroleum has committed over US$45 Million in expenditures in Senegal covering activities such as seismic acquisition & interpretation, acreage rental, social projects and training of Senegalese locals as stipulated in the contract. These records exist and can be fact checked.
“It is worth mentioning that for reasons best known to the Government of Senegal, Oranto Petroleum has been singled out in this false narrative – this we classify as unfair, unjustified and targeted.
“We would like to use this opportunity to state that other foreign entities operating in Senegal are also facing challenges doing business in Senegal and this calls for concern.
Some of those include: Woodside currently in court of Arbitration with Government of Senegal on issues bothering
around back costs for the Sangomar Development –
https://www.africabusinessplus.com/en/829378/woodside-vs-dakar-arbitration-proceedings-can
2. Alleged plans by the Government of Senegal to nationalise Kosmos-run Yakaar-Teranga Gas
Project – https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/senegal-plans-nationalise-kosmos-run
yakaar-teranga-gas-project-2025-12-10/
and 3. British Petroleum’s exit from Senegal over disagreement with Government – https://www.offshore
technology.com/news/bp-exits-senegal-gas-field/
“It is worth noting that Oranto Petroleum remains a foremost player in Hydrocarbon Exploration in Africa having committed over US$500 Million in exploration and development of hydrocarbon in Africa.
“OrantoPetroleum as per business model remains an early explorationist focused on acreage derisking and later stage development in collaboration with third party Operators.
“Oranto Petroleum remains respectful for the rule of law in all jurisdictions where it operates and urges the public to disregard any narratives that continuously focuses on demarketing African investment opportunities geared towards the greater good of Africa and her citizens.
False claim against Tinubu: DSS tenders Sowore’s post, plays video evidence in court
ShareThe Department of State Services (DSS), on Thursday, tendered a generated copy of the message posted by Omoyele Sowore on...
Kaduna council boss pays WAEC fees for 250 indigent students
Share The Chairman of Jema’a Local Government Area of Kaduna State, Mr Peter Tanko, has paid the 2026 West Africa Examination...
Imo records over $1m from non-oil exports in 2025 – NEPC
ShareThe Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) says exporters in Imo generated a total of 1,244,095 dollars as proceeds from export...
NSCDC decorates 265 newly promoted officers in Kano
ShareThe Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Kano State Command, on Thursday decorated 265 newly promoted officers of the...
EFCC implicates banks, Fintechs in N162bn financial scams
ShareThe Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has implicated a new generation bank, six Fintechs and microfinance banks in major...
Replacing Shettima will Jeopardize Tinubu’s Reelection – APC Chieftain Warns
ShareA chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Abayomi Mumuni, has warned against any attempt to replace Vice President Kashim...
Why We Suspended Investment in Oil Exploration in Senegal – Oranto Petroleum
Share…Says it Has Committed Over US$45 Million in Expenditures in Senegal By Mike Odiakose, Abuja The management of Oranto Petroleum,...
NAFDAC begins enforcement of ban on sachet alcohol
Share The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) says it has began enforcement on the ban of...
PDP will soon Return to its Winning Days Says Turaki
ShareSpeaking to newsmen after the closed-door meeting, Turaki said that the party was being repositioned to reclaim its status as...
Police Arrest Bus Driver over Girlfriend’s Death in Edo
ShareThe Edo State Police Command has arrested a 42-year-old commercial bus driver, Osabohien Ogieva, in connection with the death of...