NEWS
Independence: Jonathan urges Nigerians to Remain Optimistic

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has urged Nigerians to remain optimistic in the dream of building a great and prosperous nation.
He also urged the citizens to be resilient in the face of challenges facing the country.
Jonathan said this in a message to mark the 64th Nigeria’s independence anniversary by his media aide, Ikechukwu Eze, On Tuesday in Abuja.
He said that today marked a significant milestone in the nation’s history, emphasising the need for deepening the roots of democracy and a culture of credible, free and fair elections in the country.
According to him, since 1960, Nigeria has come a long way, making measured strides in various sectors and overcoming countless obstacles in its journey of nationhood.
“Over time, we have indeed made modest progress in our hopes and shared dreams as citizens of our nation.
“We have had sustained democracy in this 4th Republic for 25 years, after seeing the end of military rule in 1999.
“We have recorded perceptible growth in our economy and our gross domestic products (GDP). We have to sustain our unity and belief in the social fabric of our nation,” Jonathan said in the statement.
The former president, however, said that today Nigerians still faced significant challenges that test their resolve and resilience as a people.
These, according to him, border on the inability to meet Nigerians’ goals and expectations on security, economic growth, national cohesion and general infrastructure development.
“For us to deepen the roots of our democracy and foster inclusive economic growth, we must strengthen our institutions and develop a good democratic culture that will support peaceful, transparent, free and fair elections.
“This is the basis for good governance, sustainable democracy, national unity and peaceful coexistence.
“As a nation, we must recommit to the principles of justice, equity and inclusion.
“We must harness our diversity, tap into our youth’s potential, and leverage our natural resources for the benefit of all.
“As we mark this important day, I encourage Nigerians to remain optimistic, resilient and committed to our nation’s greatness, despite the odds.
“With a common purpose, zeal and love for one another, we can overcome our challenges and build a prosperous nation of our collective dreams, where every citizen has equal opportunities to thrive”. (NAN)
Foreign News
Trump Tells Iran to Make Nuclear Deal ‘Before it is too Late’

U.S. President Donald Trump has called on Iran to conclude an agreement with Washington on its controversial nuclear programme, amid a series of Israeli strikes on nuclear facilities and military leaders.
“There is still time to make this slaughter come to an end,” Trump wrote on his social media platform Truth Social on Friday.
“Iran must make a deal, before there is nothing left, and save what was once known as the Iranian Empire,” Trump continued.
“JUST DO IT, BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE.”Observers consider it unlikely that Iran’s leadership would opt for a diplomatic approach in light of the Israeli attacks.
Israeli media reported that Tehran had retaliated with an attack involving about 100 drones, all of which were shot down.
“I gave Iran chance after chance to make a deal,” Trump wrote.
“The U.S. makes the best and most lethal military equipment anywhere in the World, BY FAR, and Israel has a lot of it, with much more to come and they know how to use it,” Trump wrote. (dpa/NAN)
NEWS
Nigeria Condoles India over Tragic Plane Crash

The Federal Government on Thursday condoled the Indian government over the tragic crash of Air India Flight-171 in Ahmedabad.The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, disclosed this in a statement issued by Kimiebi Ebienfa, Spokesperson of theMinistry.Tuggar said, “Nigeria expresses profound sorrow and extends its heartfelt condolences to the government and people of India over the tragic crash of Air India Flight 171 in Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025.
“This devastating incident which claimed the lives of over 290 individuals has left the global community in mourning. “Nigeria stands in solidarity with India during this period of immense grief and unfortunate loss.“While initial reports indicate no Nigerian citizen was aboard the flight, the Nigeria High Commission in New Delhi remains in close contact with Indian authorities to verify this information and provide consular assistance where necessary.“In this moment of shared sorrow, Nigeria reaffirms its commitment to global aviation safety and supports the call for thorough investigation into the crash with a view to preventing such tragedies in the future.”The minister further commiserated with the families of the bereaved and all those affected by this tragic incident. (NAN)NEWS
Benue Speaker Advises Youth to Participate Actively in Politics

The Speaker, Benue House of Assembly, Mr Hyacinth Dajoh, has advised youths in the state to participate actively in the economic and political development of the country.Dajoh gave the advice in his Democracy Day message issued by his Press Secretary, Mr Terver Zamber, in Makurdi.
The speaker urged youths to show more interest in the economic and political development of the country. He said that they had the required education, exposure, and numerical strength to make a positive impact on both the economy and governance. Dajoh assured the youths that the assembly under his leadership would continue to enact laws to protect democracy and the rule of law.The speaker urged Nigerians to be more determined in ensuring that democracy worked in the country.He said that democracy remained the best option for the country.The speaker added that through the determination of the citizens and their active participation in the democratic process, Nigeria would be a great country.He saluted the heroic deeds of patriots who worked assiduously to actualise democratic rule in the country, especially the symbol of the June 12 struggle, the late M.K.O. Abiola.According to him, only a truly great, peaceful and prosperous Nigeria could be a befitting compensation for their sacrifices.He commended President Bola Tinubu and Gov. Hyacinth Alia of Benue for their roles in upholding democratic principles.Dajoh said that more sacrifices were required from the citizens to ensure that the country got the best of democracy. (NAN)