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Tag: Christmas

  • Wike’s wife to Nigerians: Show love, exude forgiveness

    Justice Eberechi Suzzette Nyesom-Wike, wife of Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, governor of Rivers state, has called on Nigerians to show love and exude forgiveness this festive season and beyond.

    Justice Nyesom-Wike made this call Boxing Day while playing host to Children from the 23 Local Government Areas of the State.

    Addressing the Children at the party, Justice Nyesom-Wike preached love, unity and friendship as a way of moving the country forward.

    She said “Christmas reassures us of the love of God that is never failing, always constant. God loves us till eternity and he will never forsake us.

    “Christmas is a joyous time and that’s why people share gifts at this time, show love to one another and exude forgiveness.

    “Those who are privileged reach out to people who are in need as much as possible. That is the only way we can show that we are Christians and that we love God”.

    Justice Nyesom-Wike added that “If we don’t love our fellow human beings that we see, how can we love God that we don’t see physically.

    Justice Nyesom-Wike used the Christmas Party to reach out directly especially to Rivers kids as she shared gifts, danced with them and sang different Christmas songs with them.

    Aside children from the 23 Local Government Areas of the state, Children of non-indigenes from different states of the Federation enjoyed the splendour of the Christmas Party hosted the wife of the Governor.

    On hand to lend support to the Rivers Governor’s Wife were the Deputy Governor of the State, Ipalibo Harry Banigo; Chief Judge of Rivers State, Justice Adama Iyayi-Laminkanra; female Commissioners and wives of Commissioners and senior government officials.

    ImageFile: Wike’s wife to Nigerians: Show love, exude forgiveness1The Wife of the Rivers State Governor had a special message for the children.

    She said “My message to the children is that they should learn to co-exist. Though we have different religions, we are God’s children, so we should learn to co-exist, learn to love and cooperate to move Nigeria forward.

    “My message to the Children of Nigeria is that we should all learn to live together and love God by expressing love to everyone that comes across us.

    “Christmas is all about love. It is all about God’s unfailing love. We thank God for the opportunity to celebrate Christmas”.

    Deputy Governor Ipalibo Harry Banigo, in her remarks, prayed God to preserve Governor Wike for him to continue to develop the State and defend the people.

    Country President of International Federation of Female Lawyers, Mrs Inime Aguma said that the Wike Administration has lifted Rivers State through quality programmes, hence the economy of the State is waxing stronger while other states are in recession.

    The children were treated to exciting fireworks, jokes and displays by television cartoon characters.

  • In-Photos: Woman stabs husband to death on Christmas over alleged refusal to give money

    Tragedy struck in the Ikorodu area of Lagos State on Christmas Day when a woman identified simply as Iya Bose reportedly stabbed her husband to death over his refusal to provide money for the family.

    The suspect brutally hacked her husband to death in Majidun Awori in Ikorodu after a brief argument.

    The state police spokesperson, Dolapo Badmus confirmed the incident to newsmen, saying the suspect has been arrested and would be charged to court upon completion of investigation.

    See photos below:

     

  • Fireworks, knockouts usher in Xmas despite ban

    Residents of Mararaba town, near Abuja, on Saturday night defied subsisting police ban to usher in Christmas with fireworks and knockouts.

    On Friday, the police reminded Nigerians that the ban remained in force nationwide, warning of dire consequences for violations.

    “Parents and guardians are advised to prevail on their children and wards to desist from these acts that are capable of causing tension, fear and apprehension in their neighbourhood.

    “Violators will be promptly arrested and prosecuted,” Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Don Awunah, said in a statement.

    However, the warning fell on deaf ears as fireworks lit the skyline of the populated suburb, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.

    A NAN correspondent, who monitored the traditional Christmas eve celebrations in the town, reports that knockouts also featured prominently.

    At many roadside bars visited, residents, including males and females, young and old, were seen dancing to latest Nigerian music amid free use of the banned items.

    The violations were encouraged by non-enforcement of the ban as police patrol teams went about their business.

    A firework user at a public bar on Abacha Road, who identified himself as T-Gold, told NAN that he was not even aware of any ban by the police.

    “I am not aware that the use of firework is prohibited by the police, and I doubt because I have been throwing ‘banger’ since yesterday without being questioned.

    “A police patrol team has been going up and down this road, and as you can see, it is celebration galore with fireworks and knockouts, no challenge,” he said.

    The situation was the same at other places visited by NAN, including several roadside bars on Old Karu Road.

    As of midnight of the Christmas eve, knockouts and fireworks were still renting the sky in different parts of Mararaba.

  • As you celebrate Christmas, remember Nigeria in your prayers, Buhari urges Christians

    President Muhammadu Buhari says Nigerians should use the Christmas period to pray for divine guidance for the country to overcome its current socio-economic challenges.

    The President, who made the call in Abuja on Saturday in his 2016 Christmas message to Nigerians, noted that “there is no better time than now in our nation’s history to pray for divine guidance to get over our current challenges.’’

    He said that the nation could have peace if all citizens learnt to tolerate and appreciate one another, respect constituted authority, and be each other’s brothers’ keepers.

    “As we celebrate this year’s Christmas, I believe that it is very appropriate for us to reflect on the love of God, aptly espoused in the teachings and lifestyle of Jesus Christ.

    “During his earthly sojourn, Jesus Christ repeatedly reminded his disciples and followers of peace that come in the midst of trials and tribulations on earth.

    “During this period, we should remember to offer special prayers to God for all our heroic citizens who paid the supreme price to restore peace and security in the North East and other flash points in the country,” he said.

    He also urged Nigerians to remember in their prayers, the security forces in the frontline, making sacrifices to rid the nation of terrorism and violence.

    President Buhari also enjoined the citizens not to forget the plight of the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), as well as those who had suffered untold hardship as a result of activities of insurgents and terrorists.

    The President reassured that his administration’s immediate priority was to alleviate the poverty of Nigerians by quickly stimulating the economy.

    “I assure Nigerians that our government is doing its best to make life easier for all.

    “Let us therefore, renew our hope in the God-ordained unity, progress and prosperity of our great nation.

    “I wish all travellers safe movements and a memorable holiday as we celebrate with our families and friends,” he said.

     

    NAN

  • Ambode advocates love, peaceful co-existence at Christmas

    Ambode advocates love, peaceful co-existence at Christmas

    Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State, has advised Nigerians to embrace the virtues of love and peaceful co-existence that the Christmas season symbolised.

    The governor gave the advice in his Christmas goodwill message signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Habib Aruna and made available to newsmen on Saturday in Lagos.

    He urged Nigerians to seize the moment to reach out to fellow Nigerians, who were in distress at this period of the nation’s history.

    He said that despite the economic challenges, Nigeria was still making steady progress.

    While urging Nigerians not to lose faith in their belief, the governor assured that the nation would experience better days ahead.

    Ambode said: “the season of Christmas is one that exemplifies the virtues of love and peaceful co-existence.

    “We must continue to extend hand of love, benevolence and live as one family irrespective of our creed or colour.

    “We must also continue to respect each other’s right to live freely and peacefully.

    “The period of Christmas commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ, who is the symbol of Christianity and the harbinger of peace, love and good tidings

    “There is no better way to celebrate the season than by showing love and being our brother’s keeper.

    “Let us cultivate the habit of giving to those who need our help at this time; it would go a long way to put smile on their faces.”

    He said that Nigeria had continued to draw strength from its diversity and stressed the need for Nigerians to stand together and join hands to move the nation forward.

    The governor urged residents of the state to be safety and security conscious, especially during the festive period and refrain from habits that could endanger their lives.

    He urged them not to hesitate to report suspicious activities around them by using the Toll free lines 767 and 112.

    He also urged the residents to continue to support his administration’s policies and programmes, stressing that the efforts of his administration to develop Lagos would be extended to the length and breadth of the state.

  • Nigerians defy recession, besiege motor parks for Christmas

    Nigerians have defied the impact of the country’s economic situation to travel for Christmas as many motor parks in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) witnessed massive turnout of travelers on Saturday.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that many of the motor parks around Jabi and Utoko axis of the city recorded massive passengers turnout since Friday.

    Mr Jude Ugwu, Public Relations Officer, Peace Mass Transit (PMT), said that people still prefered to travel despite the economic downturn and the increase in fares.

    Ugwu told NAN that the PMT park recorded an upsurge of passengers on Friday which he described as the ‘’peak day’’ for travelers.

    According to him, what PMT is experiencing this year is the same as last year.

    “We had a surprise because we were not expecting passengers to turn out the way they did this year considering the cost of fare and the economic situation in the country today.

    “Eventually we saw a good turnout of passengers irrespective of what is on ground economically,’’ he said.

    Ugwu explained that even though the passengers were complaining about the hike in fare, they had equally shown understanding with the company considering the fact that prices of parts had gone up.

    He added that the only option available to the company was to increase the fare because of the fact that the buses often return to Abuja without carrying passengers.

    Other factors according to him, are the cost of spare part and prices of buses because the Toyota Hiace bus that normally sold for N9 million is now sold at more than N24 million.

    “So, if you don’t bring up the fare, you may not be able to stay back in the business.

    “We currently charge N9,500 to Lagos; N8,000 to Enugu; N8,500 to Onitsha; N7,000 to Nsukka and we take Port Harcourt N9,500.

    “What is important is that we have been able to make our vehicles road worthy, train our drivers to ensure safety on the road and carried out a comprehensive maintenance of our buses,’’ he said.

    Muhammed Hassan, Financial Secretary, National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Lagos Unit at Jabi Motor Park, said the passengers’ turnout was low on Saturday as against the rush on Friday.

    Hassan said that they loaded about 10 buses to Lagos and eight each to Ibadan and Akure on Friday.

    He added that five buses had so far been loaded to Lagos, two to Ibadan and three to Akure on Saturday morning.

    According to him, “passengers are paying N5,500 to Lagos as against N5,000 we use to collect but Ibadan, Akure, Oshogbo are still the same N5,000 and N4,000 respectively.

    “We have made sure that all our vehicle are in order because we check the tyres, the engine and even the body very well to avoid problems on the road.

    “We also check our drivers to be sure that they have not taken alcohol before driving and other safety measures and if we discover that a driver is drunk we discharge his passengers.”

    Hassan said the earlier traffic congestion on Lokoja-Abuja road had been controlled by FRSC and security agencies.

    Hassan Omika, a Driver at Jabi Motor Park, said the rush has drastically reduced compared to Friday when many people travelled.

    Omika said there was an increment of about N1,000 to the fare because most vehicles that took passengers from Abuja usually return empty.

    He explained that they were charging N2,500 to Anyigba and Ankpa before now but are currently collecting N3,500.

    At Chisco Transport, Utako, few buses were seen loading passengers.

    There were not many passengers but a staff of the company who refused to disclose his name said that Friday was the peak of their operation.

    He said that the current recession had also affected their patronage, adding that most of their luxurious buses travelled last night.

    Also, A passenger, Mr Thomas Amana, told NAN that he was traveling to Kogi state to celebrate Christmas with his family.

    He said that the period affords him the opportunity to spend quality time with his family, adding that he was adequately prepared for any hike in the transport fare.

     

  • Headies 2016: Uti Nwachukwu urges artists to spare Christmas gifts for IDPs

    Uti Nwachukwu, a Television personality, model, and actor on Friday urged artists in the country to remember Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) as they celebrate Christmas.

    Nwachukwu made the call while presenting the award for the Best Pop Single at the eleventh edition of the HIP television HEADIES music awards in Lagos.

    According to him, the plight of IDPs is a reality and a challenge facing the entire country.

    “While we are celebrating with our artists, presenting them with their befitting awards, let me seize this opportunity to remind every artist not to forget the IDPs.

    “Spare some gifts for them this season of celebration because while we are celebrating, they don’t have what it takes to celebrate the Christmas.

    “I have been there, I have seen them, it is not a tale that we should doubt,” Nwachukwu said.

    He, however, informed the artists to reach him for those that may have difficulty in getting across their gift items to the IDPs.

    The HIP TV HEADIES award included Best Street Song, Best Alternative Song, Best Pop Single, Best Rhythm &Blues Single, Next Rated Artist, and Artist of the year among other categories.

     

  • FG declares Dec 26th, 27th, Jan 2nd, Christmas, New Year holidays

    The Federal Government of Nigeria has declared Monday 26th, Tuesday 27th December, 2016 and Monday 2nd January, 2017 as Public Holidays to mark the Christmas, Boxing Day and New Year Celebrations respectively.

    The Minister of Interior Abdulrahman Bello Dambazau made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government in a statement signed by the Acting Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Alhaji Muhammadu Maccido on Wednesday.

    The minister enjoined all Christian faithful and Nigerians in general to remain supportive of the Government of President Muhammadu Buhari in his sustained efforts towards building a peaceful, united and prosperous nation.

    Dambazau also urged Nigerians to use the occasion to pray for unity and peaceful co-existence across the country.

     

  • Pay us our salaries before Christmas or we will resort to taking bribes – FRSC officials

    Pay us our salaries before Christmas or we will resort to taking bribes – FRSC officials

    …Collect bribes and be dismissed, FRSC authorities dare threatening workers

    In what seems like a desperate approach to get the authorities to listen to their pleas and enjoy the forthcoming yuletide season, some aggrieved officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC have threatened to resort to openly collecting bribes from motorist if their November salaries and bonuses were not paid before Christmas.

    In a report by The Punch, the aggrieved officials who spoke on condition of anonymity said the Federal Government had refused to offer any explanation for the non-payment.

    An official, who identified himself only as Patrick, said the government had no excuse for refusing to pay them their salaries since the FRSC was a revenue-generating agency.

    He said, “The government is being very unfair to us. Christmas is next Sunday and many of us who are male officials have been asked to remain on the roads to ensure that the roads are safe.

    “How can the agency ask me to spend Christmas on the road and at the same time deprive me of my salary?

    “They should not turn corps officials into policemen because that is what will happen if we are not paid.”

    Another female FRSC official, who claimed to be a single mother, said the non-payment of salaries had affected her, as she had not been able to do any shopping for her children ahead of the Christmas and New Year’s celebration.

    She said, “Everyone knows that the prices of goods increase during Christmas and that is why most people try to do their shopping early December. It is bad enough that we are witnessing a recession but the government should not worsen our condition by withholding our pay.

    “What will I feed my children with this Christmas? Where will I get the money to take them out to have fun? They cannot tell us not to extort money from motorists and at the same time deprive us of our salaries. It is unfair.”

    Another official, who gave his name as Abiodun, recalled that in five months, corps officials had been receiving salaries on the seventh day of the following month.

    Abiodun said, “There have always been bad eggs in the agency, but the fact that most officials are well paid sort of reduced the number of bad eggs.

    “However, now that salaries are not being paid, the government seems to be giving officials the ‘green light’ to indulge in corrupt practices. You cannot flog me and ask me not to cry.”

    However, the FRSC’s Head of Media Relations and Strategy, Mr. Bisi Kazeem, while reacting to the threat, said salary issue was not the fault of the agency but the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System, the platform through which Federal Government officials were paid.

    He said, “The salary issue is from IPPIS and not from us; so, I suggest you get in touch with the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation.

    “The salary issue is being sorted out and anyone who takes bribes knows the implications. Anyone who is caught collecting bribes will be dismissed.”

     

  • Nigerian airports well positioned to handle traffic flow during Christmas – FAAN

    Nigerian airports well positioned to handle traffic flow during Christmas – FAAN

    The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has assured members of the public, especially passengers and airline operators of hitch-free movement of passengers and cargo during the forthcoming Christmas.

    This is contained in a statement issued by the Acting General Manager, Public Affairs of FAAN, Mrs Henrietta Yakubu on Tuesday in Abuja.

    According to FAAN, necessary operational and security measures have been put in place at all airports across the country.

    Yakubu stated that the authority had also charged all Airport Managers to employ measures to ensure that only eligible persons had access to all restricted areas at the landside, terminals and airside.

    She said that Bomb Detection Unit of the Nigeria Police Force had also been charged to be more alert to compliment the efforts of aviation security personnel at the security screening points.

    “To reiterate her commitment to safety of lives and properties, the Federal Government through the Nigerian Airforce recently conducted Counter Terrorism Simulation live demonstration at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.

    “Passenger facilitation at all our airports has also been enhanced by the upgrade of power installations, installation of modern and bigger conveyor belts and metal walk-through detectors, servicing of lifts and escalators.

    “Stringent measures are being taken to eradicate the menace of touts and other unwholesome activities around the terminals.’’

    Yakubu noted that the expansion and modernisation of airport terminals had provided better ambience and more space for restaurants at the terminals, as well as newly opened duty free shops.

    According to her, these provide duty-free shopping experience and help passengers relax comfortably while waiting for their flights.

    “FAAN, however, advises air passengers to make early arrangements for their travels and to leave home early on their travel dates, in order to complete their boarding facilities in good time.

    “We wish all passengers safe and enjoyable yuletide,’’ Yakubu added.

     

    NAN