From Ayinde Akintade, Osogbo

Osun State Government has taken a giant step towards addressing the agitations of the people of Aduramigba Community in Egbedore Local Government area of the state.This was contained in a statement by the State Commissioner for Rural Development and Community Affairs, Alh.

Ganiyu Olaoluwa who doubles as the Chairman of the Committee set up by Mr. Governor to investigate the cause of the agitation of the community. The fact finding Committee met members of the Aduramigba Community, particularly the entire youths at the Palace of the community’s traditional ruler, the Olu of Aduramigba.In his response to the complaints of the residents, the Commissioner, who led the Committee to the community said the Government is ready to meet all their demands within a short period.While appealing to the Community to exercise patience and give peace a chance, he informed them that the report of the corrections demanded on the road would be immediately submitted to the Governor for action.Alhaji Olaoluwa added that all other demands of the community would also be attended to by the Governor, who will direct the relevant agencies to look into them without delay.The Commissioner added further that the incumbent Government of Senator Adeleke in Osun is a listening one while using the opportunity urging the entire residents of Aduramigba Community and its environ to always take their grievances to the Government instead of resorting to protests, which could be hijacked by hoodlums negatively.In his response, the Olu of Aduramigba Oba Emmanuel Babatunde Abidogun who was highly elated commended the Government for having a listening ear as well as their quick intervention as they promised of good things to come.In their separate speeches, members of the community expressed happiness and appreciated the Government of Osun State for the timely intervention while praying that their demands for provision of basic social amenities in their ancient community be met in good time.Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Committee said the rehabilitation of the road was carried out under the Rural Access and Mobility Project which is a World Bank Program to provide motorable roads to the rural area.The committee discovered that the standard set for RAMP roads which are only constructed to provide access to farmers to take their farm inputs out of their farms are usually not up to the standard of road met for urban areas.

From Christopher Tom, Uyo

The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) has urged President Bola Tinubu-led administration to demonstrate tangible action towards tackling the country’s socio-economic and political challenges rather than dishing out mere promises.It urged the President to show greater commitment to the implementation of his administration’s policies, beyond rhetoric.

The Christian body which rose from a four-day special retreat in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, lamented that worsening security challenges and economic instability occasioned by spiralling inflation and high cost of living to restore people’s confidence by focusing less on promisesPFN’s National Secretary, Bishop David Bakare who spoke with journalists at the end of the retreat in Uyo on Thursday emphasized the importance of divine intervention, while also underscoring the role of leadership and governance. He said “Our perspective at PFN is that Nigeria needs divine intervention. As a spiritual body, we are committed to praying for the country and the government. However, prayers must be accompanied by decisive action from leadership. “Bakare, who is also the President and Founder of Jesus Life World Outreach Ministries headquartered in Zaria, Kaduna State, while noting Nigeria is going through difficult times never before experienced in her political history assured that PFN will continue to pray for successive governments for God’s intervention and guidance.“Nigeria belongs to God. We will continue to pray for divine guidance and initiative for our leaders—not only to know what to do but also to have the capacity to do it,” he said.He noted that while the Tinubu administration had taken steps, such as the approval of forest guards and plans to deploy technology for border security, these initiatives must be backed by visible commitment and execution.“These are promising policies, but the government must prove to Nigerians that it is serious about implementation. It should not just be about what the government says—it must be about what the government is doing,” he emphasized. “Only then will the people’s trust be restored and the economy begin to recover.”Bishop Bakare added that the government must be strategic, sometimes employing both dialogue and decisive action where necessary. He stressed the need for investment in job-creating projects, warning that widespread unemployment fuels insecurity.“When people are engaged meaningfully, there will be fewer idle hands to recruit into criminal activities. Let the evidence of commitment be visible; we will back it up with prayers, and Nigeria will be better for it,” he said.Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State, who attended the retreat on Wednesday, praised PFN President Bishop Francis Wale Oke for maintaining a non-confrontational yet truthful approach in engaging government. He also solicited prayer support for his administration.During the retreat, prayers were offered for Nigeria, the PFN, and Akwa Ibom State.Bishop Bakare described the Uyo retreat as the first under the second term of Bishop Francis Wale Oke, who resumed office on February 11. Previous retreats under his leadership were held in Nasarawa and Oyo states.He explained that the Uyo retreat was convened to align the national leadership of PFN with the President’s vision, foster internal collaboration, and collectively seek divine direction for the nation.“It was a platform to unite the leadership, gain their commitment, and harvest their contributions. It also served as a time to pray for the country, the body of Christ, and our host state,” he said.According to him, over 90% of national executives were in attendance, with more than 70% arriving on the first day, Monday, May 12. He also acknowledged the presence of PFN patriarch, Baba Uma Ukpai, who played a foundational role in the fellowship’s formation and who, he said, inspired the choice of Uyo as the retreat location.“He came to encourage, pray for, and strengthen our leadership. His presence was a great blessing, and his counsel was invaluable,” Bakare added.The retreat featured daily devotions, teachings, revival sessions, and interactive visioning engagements, which helped deepen understanding and strengthen unity among the leadership.

From Joseph Ebi Kanjo, Benin

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo has called on Nigerians to collaborate with the government at all levels in the fight against poverty and hunger.The governor made the call at the New Festival Hall in Government House, Benin City, during the distribution of 13,000 10KG bags of rice donated by the Aliko Dangote Foundation to the vulnerable in the State.

Okpebholo said the fight against poverty and hunger is a collective responsibility of all Nigerians, noting that through partnerships, the government will build a more resilient, secure, and prosperous future for all. Represented by his deputy, Hon. Dennis Idahosa, the governor, said: “I express my heartfelt gratitude to the donor and his foundation for this notable act of generosity and compassion. This donation is a testament to the Foundation’s commitment to alleviating poverty and promoting food security as well as supporting the most vulnerable members of the society.”The initiative is to distribute one million bags of rice to the 774 Local Government Areas across the country, and the move is a laudable demonstration.”Edo State Government has aligned with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes food security for the nation.”We have launched the Back to Farm project, which is aimed at cultivating 3,000 hectares of land across the three Senatorial Districts of Edo State.”This effort underscores our administration’s commitment to achieving food sufficiency and enhancing agricultural productivity across the State.”I use this opportunity to call on well-meaning Nigerians to emulate Aliko Dangote’s generosity as the fight against poverty and hunger is a collective responsibility and together through partnerships like this, we will build a more resilient, secure and prosperous future for all.”As we commence the distribution of rice to the vulnerable across the State, I assure you that the process will be transparent, equitable, and will be carried out with utmost integrity.”We will ensure that these items reach the vulnerable and communities that they are intended for,” he added.