News
Triple national stampede: Adopt realistic actions to tackle corrosive hunger- Reps Minority Caucus tell FG
…mourn victims of stampede across Nigeria
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
The House of Representatives Minority Caucus has advised the Federal Government to adopt a more realistic approach to tackle corrosive hunger as it mourn those who paid the supreme sacrifice in the Okija, Ibadan and Abuja stampedes.
This was contained in a statement dated December 22, 2024, signed on behalf of the caucus by its Leader, Rep Kingsley Chinda stating that:
“The Minority Caucus of the House of Representatives is deeply pained by the unfortunate triple disasters that occurred in Ibadan, Okija, and Abuja which led to multiple deaths, and many injuries during distribution of empowerment palliatives, and other giveaways.
” We are shocked at the severity of the pains, deaths, and injuries that happened at these respective locations while people were gathered to receive foods, and other items to mark the yuletide season.
“As a Caucus, it is saddening that in just few days, we lost about 70 people; including children, nursing mothers, women, and the elderly as a result of stampedes that happened at the distribution points.
” It is heartbreaking, and heartrending that these victims payed the supreme price in search of what to eat. Pathetic, and dehumanizing!
The caucus further stressed that: “Due to biting economic situation that has led to debilitating poverty, and corossive hunger, it is worrying that these terrible occurrences are gradually becoming the norm across the country.
“We are saddened that as a result of harsh economic realities, many people; who have fallen into untoward hardship, and penury throng any, and every empowerment palliatives event in search of what to eat.
“As a result of these disturbing trend, the Caucus strongly appeal to the Federal Government and various intervention agencies to take immediate actions towards increasing, and improving empowerment programmes.
“With the negative global attention these avoidable incidents have generated, we reiterate that the FG and State Governments should do more by ensuring that these palliatives percolate to the right people that need such.
“As we commiserate with the families of those who died at the stampedes, and identify with those who suffered various degrees of injuries, the Caucus calls for proper security arrangements; full-proof crowd management; and appropriate medical services at the venues of distribution of empowerment palliatives by governments, agencies, politicians, religious bodies, social groups, and individuals.
Bolaji Adedotun Olanrewaju, popularly known as Big Bolaji, a Nigerian gospel singer, is died.
His family confirmed the unfortunate news in an official statement on Saturday.
Reports indicated that Big Bolaji slumped and died at the age of 50 at an event last night during a concert.
“It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Bolaji Olarewaju, affectionately known as ‘Big B,’ a cherished father, husband, brother, and an esteemed figure in both the church community, an ordained Pastor in the RCCG and a giant in the music industry and our community. Bolaji left us on Easter Saturday, 19th April 2025, after a brief illness,” the statement read.
“His departure leaves a void in our hearts that can not be filled.
“Bolaji’s life was a testament to his passion for music, his unwavering faith, and his dedication to uplifting those around him. His legacy is not only in the melodies he created but in the lives he touched and the unquantifiable joy he spread.”
They added, “We take solace in knowing that his absence with us is his presence with the Lord, and the indelible mark he left on all who had the privilege of knowing him will not be erased.
“As we navigate through this time of loss, we kindly request privacy to mourn as a family. We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of love and support we have received and ask that you continue to keep us in your prayers.”
The family also noted that funeral arrangements would be communicated at a later date.
“Details regarding the obsequies will be shared in due course as we come together to celebrate Bolaji’s remarkable life and legacy.
“Thank you for respecting our wishes during this incredibly difficult time.
“With gratitude,
“The Family of Bolaji Olarewaju,” the statement added.
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, the Labour Party’s 2023 Vice Presidential candidate, has urged President Bola Tinubu to reconsider seeking re-election in 2027, claiming it would be politically unwise.
Speaking on News program, Baba-Ahmed said Tinubu should “throw in the towel” if he is truly the savvy politician many believe him to be. He argued that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has lost credibility, predicting their defeat in the next election.
Mocking Tinubu’s political maneuvers, Baba-Ahmed recounted how he backed various presidential candidates since 2007—culminating, in his words, in an “electoral heist” in 2023.
“If he’s that smart, it’s clear he’s going to lose in 2027,” he said, while suggesting that at least two candidates could defeat the president in the next poll.
He added that Tinubu, like former President Buhari, would fail to deliver on campaign promises. “Buhari didn’t develop Nigeria, didn’t provide security, didn’t fight corruption. Neither will Tinubu,” he asserted.
Baba-Ahmed expressed confidence that Nigerians will rise to reject bad leadership in 2027, uniting to bring genuine democracy to the country.
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