From Ayinde Akintade, Osogbo

The Federal Fire Service, Osun State Command, responded to a distress call on a building collapse at Zone 8, Oke Alaafia Community, Owode Ede, Osun State.

The Command received the call at about 23:30hrs through its emergency line from one Mutiu (08032621997) and mobilized Appliance FFS 141 driven by AIF Adeyemi, with DSF Ogunremi in charge of the crew.

The incident involved a two-storey shopping complex used for commercial purposes. The building consists of six shops at the upper floor, six shops at the middle floor and two stores at the ground floor, covering an area of about 50m by 100m.

Preliminary investigation reveals that structural defects and the use of substandard materials are suspected to be the cause of the collapse.

During the rescue operation, five (5) trapped victims were successfully rescued alive and evacuated to Idera Specialist Hospital, Ede for urgent medical attention. Three victims were recovered suspected dead and handed over to the Nigeria Police Force, A Division, Ede.

The operation was conducted in collaboration with Osun State Fire Service, Ede Station. Also in attendance were a team of the Nigeria Police Force from A Division, Ede led by Bamidele and NSCDC personnel from Owode Ede Division led by CSC Oyekunle.

The stop message was received from ACF Akinjobi for the address. Search and rescue operation was completed and appliances with men returned to station at about 09:26hrs on 31st October, 2026.

Estimated property loss was put at ₦100 million, while property worth approximately ₦150 million was saved.

The Command commiserates with the affected families and urges the public to ensure compliance with building standards and to promptly report emergencies.

By Laide Akinboade, Abuja

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), at the weekend has expressed their concern over the reported conviction and imprisonment of a Christian woman, identified in circulating reports as Lami Samuel Dawa, in Borno State.

In a statement issued by CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh in Abuja stated that CAN is particularly concerned by reports that the case arose from circumstances involving the conversion of an adult woman to Christianity, although the precise facts and legal basis of the conviction are still being verified.

He however added that an appeal has been filed and CAN is committed to allowing the judicial process to run its course.

Okoh said, “Nevertheless, the case raises important questions about the protection of religious freedom and the fundamental rights guaranteed under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“The Association believes that every individual has the right to freely choose, change or practise their religion or belief without coercion, intimidation or unlawful punishment.

“CAN therefore calls on the relevant authorities to ensure that the rights of all parties are protected and that justice is served in accordance with the Constitution and the law.

“The Association will continue to monitor developments in the case and engage with the relevant authorities through appropriate legal and institutional channels.

“CAN remains committed to the peaceful coexistence of Nigerians of all religious backgrounds and to the protection of the fundamental rights and freedoms of every citizen”.

By Laide Akinboade, Abuja

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has commended the Dunamis International Gospel Centre for constructing a pedestrian bridge in Abuja, describing the project as an example of responsible leadership and the contribution religious institutions can make to public infrastructure and community welfare.

Wike said leadership, whether in government, religious organisations, private institutions or families, must be demonstrated through tangible contributions that improve people’s lives, rather than mere declarations of good intentions.

The minister stated this during the commissioning of the pedestrian bridge constructed by Dunamis International Gospel Centre as part of its corporate social responsibility initiatives in the Federal Capital Territory.

He said he attended the commissioning because he considered the church’s intervention an opportunity to recognise an organisation that had translated its religious teachings into practical service to society.

Commending the Senior Pastor of Dunamis International Gospel Centre, Dr Pastor Paul Enenche, and his wife for their leadership, Wike said the church had demonstrated that religious organisations could contribute meaningfully to addressing societal needs beyond preaching.

“Watching the documentary and seeing what you have done, touching lives, not only with your soul, but talking about the welfare of other people, that is leadership,” he said.

The minister noted that such interventions required sacrifices, particularly when religious organisations had other competing financial obligations, adding that choosing to invest resources in projects that benefit the wider community reflected a commitment to public good.

According to him, the church’s decision to undertake the project demonstrated that leadership was about making difficult choices and deploying available resources to meet the needs of others.

Wike also recalled the church’s previous engagements with the FCT Administration, explaining that an application submitted in 2018 was eventually brought to his attention when the church renewed its request in February 2026.

He said the approval was granted within a short period, which he described as evidence of the administration’s willingness to support initiatives that advance public welfare.

The minister urged individuals and organisations to acknowledge government efforts where progress had been made while also offering constructive criticism where improvements were necessary.

He said good governance should be assessed by what leaders had delivered to the people rather than by political rhetoric or public relations.

Wike further stressed that public office holders must be prepared to demonstrate their achievements, noting that leadership comes with the responsibility to account for the opportunities entrusted to them.

He argued that elected representatives must be able to point to concrete contributions made during their time in office rather than rely on claims of having represented their people.

According to him, future generations would remember leaders based on their actions and the impact of their decisions on society.

Wike also called for courage and consistency in leadership, saying those entrusted with responsibility must sometimes take difficult decisions, even when such decisions attract criticism.

He cautioned Nigerians against relying solely on social media narratives when assessing public office holders, urging them to examine the capacity, performance and actual contributions of individuals.

The minister said public discussions about governance should be guided by facts and verifiable achievements rather than unsubstantiated claims circulating online.

He also assured the church of the FCT Administration’s willingness to support initiatives that promote public safety and community development, while indicating that the government would consider a 50 per cent contribution towards an associated project.

Wike encouraged other religious institutions, corporate organisations and individuals to emulate Dunamis International Gospel Centre by investing in projects that address the needs of communities.

He said the pedestrian bridge represented the kind of partnership required to complement government efforts in providing infrastructure and improving the welfare of residents.

Enenche had emphasised that love, which forms the foundation of the Christian faith, must be demonstrated through giving, selflessness and meaningful contributions to humanity.

The cleric said people should be remembered for the problems they solved and the positive impact they made, rather than the wealth they accumulated.

He urged political, religious and other leaders to recognise that they would ultimately give account of how they utilised their positions, resources and opportunities.

Enenche maintained that the church’s responsibility extended beyond spiritual ministrations to practical interventions that improve the lives of people and contribute to the development of society.

The pedestrian bridge commissioning underscored the church’s corporate social responsibility commitment and the importance of collaboration between religious organisations and government in addressing infrastructure and public safety needs in Abuja.