News
Vote To Stay Alive, Bishop Kukah Tells Edo Electorate
The Convener of the National Peace Committee, Bishop Mathew Kukah, on Sunday called on Edo electorates to vote to stay alive.
He made the call on Channels Television’s Edo Election Security Townhall, six days before the off-cycle governorship poll in the Niger Delta State.
“Let’s vote to stay alive,” he said amid concerns that violence could mar the exercise slated for September 21. “Let’s hope and pray that nobody would lose his life.”
“Our hope and prayer is that democracy will continue to offer us the opportunities that it has promised and that Nigerians will sign on to a peaceful country, democratic process.”
Kukah, the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto, also commended security agents and officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) who put in their best to entrench democracy in the country.
He noted that some of the electoral officials and security operatives lose their lives while in active service, acknowledging the hazards they face.
The Peace Committee Convener called on Nigerians to support security agents and admonished public officials to serve the masses diligently.
Averted Violence In 2015 Poll
During the programme, Kukah recalled the tension that gripped many Nigerians in the build up to the 2015 general elections.
The two major players in the then-presidential election were Goodluck Jonathan of the Peoples Democratic Party and Muhammadu Buhari, the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Jonathan later lost to Buhari and conceded defeat by placing a call to congratulate the retired Major General.
Kukah however noted that the Peace Committee averted what could have been a major violence that would have led to the loss of several lives.
He also eulogised the roles played by the former Secretary General of the United Nations, Kofi Annan.
“It is important to have an idea about how the Peace Committee came about. I keep hearing people saying that the Peace Committee has been with us and electoral violence has not stopped.
“Somehow people think that because the Peace Committee exists, there should no longer be any election that are free and fair.
“To go back, some of us may remember the 2015 election. One of the key players was Kofi Annan, they took particular interest in Nigeria’s 2015 elections,” he stated.
News
Tinubu Honors Lives Lost In Anambra, Abuja Crises Cancels All Events
President Bola Tinubu has called off all of his scheduled events in Lagos today in solidarity with the victims of stampedes in Anambra and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).The tragic incidents resulted in the deaths of 10 people, including children, at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama, Abuja, and at least 20 individuals from the Okija community in Anambra, during a rice distribution event on Saturday morning.
Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, revealed that despite dignitaries and senior officials being present at the event venue, the President made the decision to cancel his attendance after receiving updates on the tragedies.
Expressing his condolences, President Tinubu called for stricter crowd control measures by local authorities and organizations involved in public events. He emphasized that such tragedies, including similar incidents in Ibadan, Oyo State, were preventable if event planners adhered to safety protocols.
In his statement, President Tinubu extended his prayers for the souls of the victims, a swift recovery for the injured, and urged relevant authorities to ensure better operational standards for future events. He also wished the Lagos State government success in hosting the Boat Regatta, a major festival, which was set to take place in his absence.
News
SEE Black Market Exchange Rate: USD to NGN
As of Friday, December 20, 2024, the exchange rate for the US Dollar to the Nigerian Naira at the Lagos Parallel Market (Black Market) stands at:
Buying Rate: ₦1,656
Selling Rate: ₦1,660
These rates reflect the prices at which players in the Bureau De Change (BDC) sector are buying and selling US dollars.
It is important to note that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) does not recognize the parallel market, as the official directive encourages individuals wishing to engage in foreign exchange transactions to approach their respective banks for the official rates.
Official Dollar to Naira CBN Rate Today:
Highest Rate: ₦1,570
Lowest Rate: ₦1,532
Please bear in mind that the exchange rates at the black market or any other exchange point may vary based on market dynamics and fluctuations, so the rates you encounter might be different from those mentioned in this article.
News
Tinubu condoles with NUJ , IPI over Rafat Salami’s passage
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu extends his heartfelt condolences to the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) following the passing of Hajiya Rafat Onyeche Salami, the recently elected Treasurer of the International Press Institute (IPI).
Her loss has been deeply felt across the journalistic community and beyond.
Hajiya Salami also served as the Secretary of the NUJ, Abuja Council, dedicating her talents and passion to advancing journalism in Nigeria.
President Tinubu commiserates with the leadership and members of the IPI, the Voice of Nigeria (VON) staff, and the National Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), acknowledging Salami’s unwavering commitment to her profession and nation.
In her career as a reporter, broadcaster, and producer, Hajiya Salami tried to keep the public informed on crucial developmental issues.
Her advocacy for women’s and children’s rights was a testament to her strong voice and compassionate spirit.
President Tinubu calls upon her colleagues, friends, and family to honour her by continuing the impactful work she championed as they bid farewell to the multilingual and multitalented journalist.
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