…as Police mandate organisations to get security approval, support henceforth

Another stampede for food items has killed ten persons at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Maitama, Abuja.

The fatal incident happened on Saturday [December 21, 2024] morning.

The FCT Police Command has swiftly moved to the scene to maintain law and order.

In a statement by Superintendent Josephine Adeh, Police Public Relations Officer, FCT Police Command,
Abuja, the Police said the incident happened at 6.30 am.

The statement entitled: “TRAGIC STAMPEDE IN MAITAMA: FCT POLICE COMMAND CALLS FOR STRICT ADHERENCE TO EVENT NOTIFICATION” reads:

“The FCT Police Command expresses its profound sorrow over the tragic incident that occurred at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Maitama, on Saturday, December 21, 2024, during the distribution of food items to vulnerable and elderly individuals.

“This unfortunate event, which took place around 6:30 AM, resulted in a stampede that claimed the lives of ten (10) individuals, including four (4) children, and left eight (8) others with varying degrees of injuries. Four (4) of the injured have been treated and discharged, while the remaining victims continue to receive medical care.

“The FCT Police Rapid Response Squad and the FCT Joint Task Force have successfully evacuated the remaining crowd, which numbered over a thousand.

“The FCT Police Command extends its heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and wishes a swift recovery to the injured. In a show of compassion and support, the Commissioner of Police Cp Olatunji Disu psc, has visited the victims in the hospital to offer assistance and reassurance during this difficult time.

“To prevent such tragic incidents in the future, the Command mandates that all organizations, religious bodies, groups, or individuals planning public events, charitable activities, or large gatherings in the FCT must notify the Police Command in advance.

“This notification is crucial for the deployment of adequate security measures to ensure public safety and prevent avoidable tragedies.

“Failure to comply with this directive will result in the organizers being held liable for any incidents or loss of life resulting from negligence.

“The FCT Police Command remains steadfast in its commitment to safeguarding lives and property in the Territory. We urge the public to collaborate with the Police by adhering to these guidelines and promptly reporting emergencies through the FCT Control Room at 0803 200 3913 or 0806 032 1234.”

…reels out achievements

…treated 1,351 Bills, highest in Legislative biz since 1999

… passed 89 Bills

By Gloria Ikibah

Leaders of the tenth House of Representatives on Friday silenced arm chair critics declaring that the tenth House can never be a rubber stamp.

Speaking at a one-day Citizens Engagement, first of its kind in the annals of Nigeria’s National Assembly, the House leaders told Nigerians that the tenth House cannot be categorized as a rubber stamp.

The Speaker, Hon Tajudeen Abbas after listing the HoR people friendly motions and Bills that will enhance good governance championed by the House equally rejected the toga of rubber stamp.

The Majority leader, Prof Julius. Ihonvbere also noted that “the tax reform Bills before us has not passed second reading as we’re still adequately consulting.

“We cannot be categorized a rubber stamp as we know what we’re doing in the tenth House.

Speaking in the same vein, Minority Leader, Rep Kingsley Chinda said”we disagree to agree on topical issues and in most cases we table sensitive matters during our executive sessions and if there’s need to exchange blows, we exchange but not in public.

The Speaker vacated his seat for a 16-year-old girl to commemorate the International Day of the Girl Child.

” The constitutional review committee, led by the Deputy Speaker, continues its engagement with stakeholders on pivotal issues, including local government autonomy, electoral reform, and judicial independence.

“On 18th December 2024, President Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, presented the 2025 Appropriation Bill to the National Assembly. The House has committed it to committee review and will host a Town Hall in January 2025 to gather public input, ensuring that the budget aligns with the needs of Nigerians.

” We recognize the economic challenges arising from recent reforms, including removing subsidies. In solidarity with the Nigerian populace, Members have willingly relinquished 50% of their salaries to support government efforts to mitigate these challenges’ impact.

Also at the Citizens engagement, former Speaker of the HoR, Hon Patricia Etteh advised the House leaders to document Bills in various local languages to have a general positive effect as illiteracy tends to deny others of what they ought to know.

Speaker of the eighth HoR, Hon Yakubu Dogara hailed the program noting that it’s the first time reps directly talk to the people they represent.

The Citizens Engagement interactive session had people drawn from all strata of the society, academia, civil society groups, students, rural dwellers from all the six geo-political zones of Nigeria.

Popular Enugu-born relationship coach, Princess Joseph Okechukwu, who broke the Guinness World Record for the longest interviewing marathon by an individual has given reasons behind achieving such feat.

The Nkanu-born lady conducted interviews for 72 hours and 12 minutes, surpassing her initial target of 65 hours and 30 seconds.

The marathon, titled Kings’ Couples Palooza, began on Thursday, December 5, 2024, to December 8, 2024 at No. 61A Ezillo Independence Layout, Enugu, where Princess Okechukwu interviewed 103 participants, including couples, singles, widows, and divorced individuals, on topics related to relationships, marriage, and personal growth.

Speaking with newsmen after achieving this feat, Princess Okechukwu thanked God for the opportunity to have achieved one of her biggest goals in life.

She stated that the zeal to inform the world about the beauty of marriage, its benefits, and more in a society that is gradually losing interest in family values prompted the Guinness World Record attempt.

She posited that there is beauty in workable marriages, and its awareness needs to be made known to all, especially those who are already misinformed.

According to her:
“This was about promoting the beauty of workable marriages and inspiring a renewed interest in family preservation.
The primary vision behind this record attempt was to show the world the beauty of workable marriage and stir the passion in them to desire them, thereby promoting marital rebirth and family preservation.
This prompted me to conduct in-depth interviews with over 100 couples and individuals, just to show the world the beauty of workable marriages and steps towards having great marriages.
I believe that there is a need for global awareness of marital rejuvenation and family strengthening, according to UN Goal 16 (Peace, Family Strengthening).

There is a need to promote marital rebirth and family preservation through mutual respect, meaningful connections, understanding of gender roles and responsibilities, trust, and right communication in relationships.”

Princess Okechukwu also narrated the challenges and ordeals encountered during the Guinness World Record attempt, which she said almost demoralized her. However, her strong will and determination helped push her through.

“It was almost a failed mission. I had few individuals who believed in my vision, and to get the support of many was hard. A series of promises from people were not fulfilled.
But despite the absence of sponsors, physical supporters, and disappointment from expected and unexpected sources, I persevered and achieved my goal. Although I didn’t meet my initial proposed expectations, I believe that I delivered my best effort considering the resources available to me. My passion for promoting global awareness of marital rebirth and family preservation drove me forward, resonating deeply within me. I sought to demonstrate that a determined girl-child can accomplish extraordinary feats despite obstacles, as long as she believes in herself. Another source of my motivation was to make my husband, children, family, community, state, and country proud.”

She, however, thanked all those who availed their time, resources, and more to ensure a successful outing, while also urging everyone to join hands in strengthening the marital institution across the globe.

“I am grateful to everyone who supported me throughout this endeavor, including the participants, volunteers, and witnesses. This achievement would not have been possible without their collective efforts.
As I look to the future, I am excited to continue promoting the importance of relationships, marriages, family, and community building. This record attempt has inspired me to pursue new initiatives and projects that foster meaningful connections and personal growth. Let us all join hands to make marriage a formidable institution for societal growth across the globe.”

Reports also have it that independent witnesses and timekeepers verified the record attempt, ensuring all guidelines were followed during the Guinness World Record attempt, while volunteers also provided logistical support throughout the event.

Akeliciousnews