NEWS
Jerusalem Gates will Reopen ‘Soon’ – NCPC Boss

By Laide Akinboade, Abuja
The newly appointed Executive Secretary of the National Christian Pilgrims Commission, Bishop Stephen Adegbite has revealed that the gates of Jerusalem will be open “soon”, adding that the revelation was from “a reliable source.
”Adegbite made the disclosure while addressing journalists after his appointment by President Bola Tinubu earlier in the day.
In a letter signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, President Tinubu appointed Adegbite as Secretary of the Commission “for an initial term of five (5) years, according to Section 2 (1) (c) and 4 (1) of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission (Establishment) Act, 2007”, with the appointment to take effect from January 4, 2024.
Until his appointment, Adegbite was Chairman of the Lagos State Chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria.
In his address, the new NCPC boss explained that the Commission was not redirecting the pilgrimage to Greece and Rome, emphasizing the spiritual and symbolic importance of the city of Jerusalem.
“I have told you, there’s no redirection. They are going to reopen Jerusalem gates very soon, and it’s likely to be tomorrow, from a reliable source. And when that is done, the ultimate end of any pilgrimage is Jerusalem.
‘Where Jesus walked, where he was born, where he died, where he resurrected, where he ascended; and that is our primary assignment. Any other country we now visit is by the side. So, Jerusalem is a destination and Jerusalem, there will be peace, and we are coming to Jerusalem”, he said.
The NCPC Boss also thanked his predecessors for the work they had done so far, while promising to work with the NCPC Board to improve the pilgrimage exercise.
“It is a new dawn, and you will agree with me that the biggest room in the world is the room for improvement. We appreciate the work of our predecessors, but we are here to contribute our own quota to key into the themed agenda of Mr President, the Renewed Hope.
And this year is our year of Renewed Hope and satisfaction. So, there will be Renewed Hope, a new dawn in the NCPC from today. And there will be satisfaction for this organisation and for Nigeria, and it’s going to be well with every one of us”, he stated.
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)