Tanker Explosion: Reps presents N18m cheque to victims in Enugu

The Speaker, House of Representatives, Mr Tajudeen Abbas, Tuesday, presented a cheque for N18 million to the Enugu State Government as support to the victims of tanker explosion.

Report says that many people and families lost their lives and eight vehicles burnt in that fire accident after a tanker laden with fuel fell and exploded in the Ugwu- Onyeama axis of the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway on Jan.

25.

Presenting the cheque, the Speaker described the incident as a huge loss, not only to the Government and people of Enugu State, but also the nation as a whole,

Abbas was represented by Mr Nnolim Nnaji (Nkanu East/West) who led the Enugu State Caucus in the Green Chamber.

The speaker said that the support was in keeping with the tradition of the House of Representatives to ensure that governments and people of Nigeria were not alone in the face of such challenges.

Other Enugu State Caucus in the house that accompanied Nnaji include Messrs Martins Oke, Dennis Agbo, Mark Obetta, Anayo Onwuegbu, and Chimaobi Atu.

Abbas commended Mbah for his sterling leadership of the state and the prompt effort to comfort the families who lost their loved ones and supported the injured.

“On behalf of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, we commiserate with the Government and people of Enugu state over the tanker incident at Ugwu Onyeama.

“We acknowledge that you have done a lot to support both the injured and those who lost their loved ones.

“So, this is a cheque for N18 million to assist the state to further ameliorate their losses and challenges occasioned by the incident.

“We send our heartfelt condolences, once again and you can continue to count on our support,” he said.

Reacting, Gov. Peter Mbah thanked the Speaker and the Enugu State Caucus of the House of Representatives for the show of concern, assuring them that the donation would go straight to the purpose for which it was made.

“On behalf of the Government and people of Enugu State, I express profound gratitude and deep appreciation for this wonderful gesture.

“I recall that when the Ugwu-Onyeama incident occurred, taking the lives of several of our loved ones, the Speaker called and assured us that he was with us in prayers.

“Today, he has also shown us that he is not only with us in prayers, but also materially. He has equally come to mourn with us.

“This cheque of N18 million will go a long way in cushioning the effect of the incident on those affected and their families.

“Rest assured that as a government, we will ensure that this gets to them in a transparent, accountable, and just manner,” Mbah said. (NAN)

Prominent gospel artistes – Timi Dakolo and Victor Thompson – and others are set to perform at the maiden edition of Jesus + Nothing Worship, in celebration of Easter.The Love of God in Christ (LOGIC) Church, organisers of the worship, said that the event was aimed to put people in the right frame of mind to usher in Easter celebration.

At a news conference in Lagos on Friday ahead of the concert, Mr Flourish Peters, Lead Pastor of LOGIC Church, said that the session would be centred on the message of redemption of mankind through Jesus Christ. Peters said Nigeria’s leading gospel artistes and emerging talents would be coming together for an evening of worship.According to him, the worship session is slated to hold on Friday evening at the LOGIC Church headquarters, Lekki, Lagos.He said the essence of the worship was for salvation through Jesus Christ and projecting gospel artistes within LOGIC church.He said, “Attendees will have the opportunity to fully immerse themselves in the message of grace and salvation through soul-stirring performances by award-winning gospel ministers.“These ministers include the acclaimed rave of the moment artiste, Victor Thompson; the inspiring Timi Dakolo, the dynamic Greatman Takit, and many more gifted artistes.“The maiden edition of Jesus + Nothing Worship presents an opportunity for individuals to experience the unifying power of worship.“This is important as we collectively reflect on the profound significance of Jesus Christ’s sacrifice and the abundant life we find in His resurrection.”Peters said that the worship experience would also feature captivating performances by other gospel music ministers such as Neon Adejo, SMJ, Noble G, Steve Hills, Lily Perez, Joxie, Anderson Qozan and Pastor Victor Paul.“Others are EmekaSongz, Flo, Dorcas Moore, Magpsalms, Mera Owili, Gerald Bishung, Phebe Lion, and the vibrant Evolution Children’s Choir.”Peters said that the Jesus + Nothing Worship would serve as an inspiring prelude to The LOGIC Church’s 2025 annual Jesus + Nothing Conference scheduled to hold from May 28 to June.He said that the worship and the conference underscored the church’s unwavering commitment to pure, Christ-centred understanding of the gospel expressed vibrantly through the power of music and the transformative Word of God revealing the gospel of Jesus Christ.He said the worship experience promised to be a life-transforming event, focusing on the profound significance of Christ’s death, burial and resurrection, and the redemptive grace freely offered through Him.“Attendees can anticipate an evening of deep spiritual connection and sincere worship.“The 2025 edition of the conference will be building on the significant momentum and success of the 2024 Jesus + Nothing Conference, which garnered substantial attendance.“We anticipate welcoming approximately 6,000 attendees to the subsequent conference in May.“ Jesus + Nothing Worship directly aligns with our mission to cultivate a family, where grace and faith are central to our teachings, and where the transformative love of God in Christ is tangibly felt, a welcoming home for everyone.“It also supports our broader vision to preach the gospel to all generations through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and to empower and impact individuals to flourish in every facet of their lives,” he said.The lead pastor said that the church would be looking into partnering with a good music streaming platform to create a playlist of the music rendered in the course of the worship experience.He said this was necessary to ensure it would inspire more people later as the worship experience would be held annually on Good Friday henceforth.Speaking on plans for the worship experience, Neon Adejo said that the lyrics of the song for the worship experience were inspired by Peters’ series of preachings, serving as the foundation for most of the song renditions at the event.Also, Timi Dakolo said, “I am doing this because I love God. He loved me first. The message is clear: it is a worship not a concert.”Margaret Benson, popularly known as Mag Psalm, thanked the church for believing in the crop of artistes involved in the worship.“The message to expect from us tonight is the love of God expressed on the cross which characterises the season.Mera Owili said that Nigerians should expect a different experience at the event. (NAN)

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has bagged the Kofi Anann’s award best road safety agency in Africa.

This is contained in a statement by the Corps Public Education Officer (CPEO), Olusegun Ogungbemide, on Thursday in Abuja.

Ogungbemide said that the Corp received the award at the 3rd edition of the Kofi Annan Road Safety Award held in Elzuwini in the Kingdom of Eswatini, South Africa.

He said that the achievement corroborated the Corps’ almost 4 decades of dedication, resilience and passion towards safeguarding lives on Nigerian roads.

Report says that Kofi Annan Road Safety Award was initiated by the Office of the United Nations Secretary General’s Special Envoy on Road Safety.

NAN also reports that its in collaboration with Kofi Annan Foundation to immortalise the contributions of African illustrious son Kofi Annan who served as the Secretary General of the United Nations.

Ogungbemide, however, said that the prestigious Road Safety Management Award represented a badge of honour for Nigeria.

He said it was also a pure testament of President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to unflinching support for the FRSC and his believe in the Corps’ potential to serve as a model for other African nations.

“Indeed, FRSC’s tireless efforts to reduce road crashes and promote safe driving practices have paid off, earning recognition across the continent.

“The recognition further speaks volume, as well as justifies the giant strides Nigeria has made in ensuring safety of road users and her leadership role in the Sub-region,” he said.

Reacting to the recognition, the FRSC Corps Marshal, Malam Shehu Mohammed, said that it was a testament to FRSC’s unrelenting passion for road safety.

Mohammed thanked the entire community of the motoring public, stakeholders, partners, and the Nigerian people for their support.

He emphasised that the Corps was able to achieve the enviable feat because of the collective energy and all round support received from the motoring public.

He also revealed that FRSC’s winning formula include innovative strategies, implementing cutting-edge road safety initiatives that drive results, collaboration, fostering partnerships with stakeholders.

This, he added, were to promote road safety awareness, community engagement, educating the public on safe driving practices, full deployment of technology and road safety protocols.

The Principal Staff Officer to the Corps Marshal, Assistant Corps Marshal (ACM) Meshach Jatau, received the award on behalf of the Corps in Ghana.(NAN)