NEWS
Niger: IBB Supports CAN’s Crusade of Reintroducing CRK in Public schools
From Dan Amasingha, Minna
Former Nigeria Military President, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB) has thrown his weight behind the Christian Association of Nigeria desire of reintroducing CRK as a subject in public Schools across the Country.
The former Military leader noted that “there is hope for the future of the country, it is the only way we can change the society for the better.
”General Babangida made the call when he hosted leadership of Niger state Chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), led by the state Chairman, Most Rev.
Dr. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna who was on a familiarisation visit to his hilltop mansion, Minna.He explained that there is a need for Nigeria to go back to the teachings of religious knowledge in schools.
It should be noted that, the call for the reintroduction of Christian Religious Knowledge (CRK) to public schools in Niger state have been topmost amongst topical issues by various stakeholders as it was gathered that proposals have been submitted to the state government.
Commending the state CAN for its effort in ensuring that morals are inculcated in the lives of youths, the Elder statesman said he will be ready to champion the cause for a better society.
In his words: “I can see that you are making a lot of efforts in trying to bring back morals and religious knowledge in our society.
“This is the only way we can change our society, by teaching Christian Religious Knowledge, Islamic Religious Knowledge and other moral subjects in our public schools.
“It may not be easy, but I know it is what this country needs at the moment. We need to go back to what it used to be, especially in the teachings of religious knowledge.”
General Babangida while disclosing that, in his secondary school days during the 50s and 60s, Christians and Muslims prayed and played together in love and unity added that “religious knowledge was one factor that sharpened the society in my growing days but somehow as a nation, we missed it somewhere.”
Reassuring, he said “I think we can still get it right, I am very confident that, with people like you (CAN), and your efforts, we can get things back to normal.”
Pledging his unflinching support, General Babangida said “I believe this government will be very interested in issues that can bring peace and good morals. You are doing it for the society, and the society automatically becomes the beneficiary. And when society benefits from it, then we have a better society.
“I am prepared and I will be ready anytime with any good cause you have. I will be ready to speak to the President (Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu) and the State Governor (Rt. Hon. Mohammed Umaru Bago) and I can assure you that something will be done both at national and state levels”.
Speaking earlier, the State CAN Chairman, Most Rev. Dr. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna said the leadership of CAN visited the former Military President to formally introduce themselves, get counsels and draw from his wealth of experience.
Most Rev. Dr. Yohanna who is also the Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese described General Babangida as one who believes in the unity and peaceful coexistence of Nigeria irrespective of tribe, religion or political differences.
According to him “your Excellency sir, we see you as a father who gives great counsels to everyone that comes to you for a better Nigeria where everyone can live in love and cohabit peacefully.
“However, one major worry we have as a body is the future of our children. We are doing all we can to curtail any form of restiveness and to ensure we inculcate in our youths good morals for a better society.
“As such, one of the best strategies we believe in, is to catch them young especially in basic schools. And we strongly want to appeal to you to join us in the call for the reintroduction of Christian Religious Knowledge (CRK) in the curriculum of all public primary and secondary schools across the state and the country.
“We believe through the teachings, we can inculcate good morals in our children, tackle insecurity and put an end to youth restiveness.”
Bishop Yohanna also disclosed that the state CAN has made several efforts including submitting proposals to the government and hoping for positive action.
Furthermore, he assured the elder statesman that Christians all over the state are not relenting in praying for leaders both past and present, at state and national levels, adding that “we also pray for our unity and peaceful coexistence especially amongst both faiths.”
Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the President Chief Ajuri Ngelale has quit his job. He said in a statement in a Abuja that he would proceed on an ” indefinite leave, to deal with ” medical matters” affecting him amd hia immediate family.Hos statement reads: “On Friday, I submittd a memo to the Chief of Staff to the President informing my office that I am proceeding on an indefinite leave of absence to frontally deal with medical matters presently affecting my immediate, nuclear family.
While I fully appreciate that the ship of state waits for no man, this agonizing decision — entailing a pause of my functions as the Special Adviser to the President on Media & Publicity and Official Spokesperson of the President; Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Action, and Chairman, Presidential Steering Committee on Project Evergreen — was taken after significant consultations with my family over the past several days as a vexatious medical situation has worsened at home.I look forward to returning to full-time national service when time, healing, and fate permit.I respectfully ask for some privacy for my family and family”
By David Torough, Abuja
About 1000 Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), under the auspices of Coalition Of Civil Society Organisations (CCSOs), on Saturday Faults President Bola Tinubu’s Economic Team and called for immediate reconstitution.Expressing deep concerns over the state of the economy and escalating fuel prices compounding the hardship of Nigerians despite the recent protest, the groups said Tinubu must act now to avert disintegration.
The groups said the current situation across the country has cast doubt on the competence of the Tinubu economic team and called for urgent review. The CCSOs in a statement by its National Coordinator, Mallam Ibrahim Mohammed, pointed out that the plight of Nigerians is sinking low and their patience is wearing off following the deteriorating economy.The statement reads in part, “The Coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) is deeply concerned about the deteriorating state of the Nigerian economy, which is becoming increasingly unbearable for millions of citizens.“It is evident that the recent hike in fuel prices and the unstable exchange rate are the direct results of economic mismanagement by those responsible for overseeing our nation’s financial policies. The ripple effects of these failures are being felt in every household across the country, worsening poverty and crippling economic activity.“The floating of the Naira, which was initially sold to Nigerians as a means of stabilizing our currency, has done little to prevent the continued devaluation of the Naira. In fact, the exchange rate disparity has widened significantly, with the Naira losing value daily, impacting the cost of living, basic commodities, and inflation.“While this policy was expected to ease foreign exchange pressure, it has instead deepened economic challenges due to poor implementation and lack of strategic foresight.”The coalition also expressed concern over what it described as a death trap of indebtedness of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), which also they claimed had slowed down importation of Premium Motor Spirit, PMS, hence the current shortage of PMS across the country. “Of equal concern is the precarious position of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), which finds itself in a debt trap, with global suppliers of petroleum products losing confidence in Nigeria’s ability to honour its obligations.“Reports have shown that NNPCL has accrued debts totalling over $6 billion, causing petrol supply shortages. International suppliers are now reluctant to continue providing fuel on credit, exacerbating supply chain issues and pushing up the price of petrol at the pump”, they claimed.The CSOs also asserted that, “We hold the managers of the Nigerian economy responsible for these disturbing developments. Their inability to provide sound policies and long-term solutions has left the nation in this predicament.“It is clear that there is no cohesive strategy to address the rising debt, the growing imbalance in the foreign exchange market, or the country’s heavy reliance on importation for petrol supply. The recent hike in fuel prices reflects the collapse of responsible economic management and accountability.“Nigerians are left to bear the brunt of these failures. Businesses are shutting down, transportation costs have skyrocketed, and citizens are spending an increasingly larger percentage of their income on basic necessities. This state of affairs is unacceptable.”The group therefore placed some demands; Immediate intervention from the government: There needs to be a comprehensive and transparent plan to stabilize the Naira, restore confidence in the petroleum supply chain, and negotiate a restructuring of NNPC’s debts to ensure continuous fuel supply.“Accountability for economic mismanagement: Those responsible for the reckless management of our foreign exchange policies and NNPC’s debts must be held accountable. The government must also disclose its plan to mitigate the rising fuel costs and economic burden on Nigerians.“A return to sound financial policy: The floating of the Naira has proven ineffective under current conditions. We call for a re-evaluation of monetary and fiscal policies to stabilize the economy, reduce inflation, and attract foreign investment.“In conclusion, the Coalition of Civil Society Organisations reiterates that without immediate corrective measures, the economic situation will continue to deteriorate, leading to further hardship for the average Nigerian. The government must act decisively and responsibly to reverse this downward spiral”, they added.
There is growing tension in Ugondu community, Makurdi LGA, Benue state by young people opposed to the demolition of houses and destruction of rice farms in the area allegedly on the directives of senior Air Force officer, Air Commodore Akinbuwa Ayodele.
It was learnt that Commodore Ayodele, who is facing multiple legal actions following dispute over a plot of land located on George Akume Way Makurdi and owned in blatant disregard to the judicial process embarked on destruction of structures on the plot.
Eyewitness said when the equipment arrived no one imagined it was for destruction.
But in a militray- like operation, two flats of two units each, completely roofed, electrified and plumbing work completed were among the structures demolished as the bulldozers rolled over rice farms in the vicinity as well.
It was learnt that last year, a Makurdi High Court presided by Justice Mary Ijohor, granted an order of perpetual injunction, in the same matter, upon application by the supposed owner of the plot and awarded the sum of One Million Naira (N1,000,000.00) only, as cost. The matter, enforcement of fundamental rights, was marked as MHC/582/M/2023.
Godwin Akor whose rice farm was destroyed in a chat with newsmen said that he was shocked at the development. He however said he won’t speak more on the matter as it is still before the court.
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