TheNewsGuru

Tag: Hardship

  • Why Nigerians deserve the hardship they are experiencing under Tinubu – Apostle Suleman

    Why Nigerians deserve the hardship they are experiencing under Tinubu – Apostle Suleman

    The Senior Pastor of Omega Fire Ministries, Apostle Johnson Suleman, has said that Nigerians are suffering under the administration of President Bola Tinubu as the result of the bad choices made during the 2023 elections.

    TheNewsGuru reports that Apostle Suleman made this known in Bauchi State during a two-day “Recovery Conference 2025”.

    The clergyman and his entourage had visited the Government House in Bauchi, where he met with the Executive Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed.

    Speaking with journalists during an interview at the Government House, Suleman blasted Nigerians, saying they deserve the hardship they are currently enduring.

    He further urged public to reflect on their choices ahead of the 2027 elections, warning that, “If they’ve suffered enough by then, perhaps they’ll make better decisions.”

    He added, “What Nigerians are going through is partly what they deserve. Before the election, we cried out, we screamed, we yelled.

    “The man (President Bola Tinubu) who came into leadership had no manifesto— just a sense of entitlement with his ‘it’s my turn’ mantra.

    “The oil sector has been plundered. In the next 10 to 15 years, I don’t think Nigerians will recover from the damage. Now, all we can do is pray.”

  • Southern traditional rulers tackle Tinubu, want lasting solution to hunger, hardship

    Southern traditional rulers tackle Tinubu, want lasting solution to hunger, hardship

    Traditional rulers from Southern Nigeria have advised President Bola Tinubu Federal Government, to as a matter of urgency, address hunger and economic hardship in the country.

    This is as the monarchs predicted a brighter future for Nigeria in 2025.

    The royal fathers who spoke on the heels of the recent stampedes during the sharing of food palliatives in parts of the country, said the sad incidents further highlighted the level of desperation in the country due to economic hardship.

    Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council in a statement signed by the Publicity Secretary and the monarch of Aro kingdom, His Eminence, Dr Eberechukwu Oji, expressed grief over the loss of lives during the recent stampedes in Abuja, Anambra and Oyo states.

    The monarchs condoled with the families of the victims and urged Governments, event planners and security agencies to take precautionary measures to forestall similar occurrences in the future.

    It read in part:”It is with profound sadness that we extend our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of those who tragically lost their lives in the recent stampede events in Anambra, Abuja, and Oyo States. These heartbreaking incidents, which occurred during events organized with goodwill intentions, are painful reminders of the fragility of life and the need for collective vigilance to prevent such tragedies in the future.

    “Our hearts go out to the innocent victims, whose lives were cut short in moments that should have been filled with hope and community spirit. We stand in solidarity with their families, friends, and all those affected by these tragic occurrences.

    “These events also highlight the urgent need for sustained efforts to address the economic challenges facing our nation. The desperation and overcrowding seen at these gatherings are symptomatic of deeper systemic issues that require immediate attention.

    “We urge the Nigerian government to continue working tirelessly to improve the economic situation, create more opportunities, and alleviate the pressures that drive citizens to such perilous circumstances.

    “Additionally, we call on event organizers across the nation to prioritize safety by involving local and national security agencies in the planning and execution of their programs. Adequate crowd control measures, risk assessments, and emergency response plans must be integral to any public event to ensure the safety and well-being of all participants.”

    ” May we honor the memories of those who lost their lives by working together to prevent such incidents in the future”, the statement added.

    Predict brighter future for Nigeria
    The monarchs in a separate statement, predicted brighter future for Nigeria in 2025.

    They noted the enormity of the challenges of 2024 but urged Nigerians to apply the lessons of the past year to build a stronger nation.

    “As we stand at the threshold of a new year, we extend our cautious but heartfelt optimism for a brighter and more prosperous 2025 for Nigeria. While the challenges of the past year have been profound, they have also underscored the resilience, unity, and indomitable spirit of our people.

    “Let us carry forward the lessons learned and the hope that together, we can create a safer, more secure, and economically stable nation.

    “May 2025 bring renewed opportunities for growth, healing, and progress, as we work collectively to address the systemic issues that have held us back and strive to uplift every Nigerian.”

    The monarchs further called for unity among Nigerians irrespective of their differences.

    “As we welcome this New Year, let us recommit ourselves to fostering unity, prioritizing safety, and building a future where tragedies like those we have recently mourned become a thing of the past.

    With determination and collaboration, we can transform our aspirations into tangible realities.”

  • Hardship: Okpomo supports Delta residents with monthly stipends

    Hardship: Okpomo supports Delta residents with monthly stipends

    A Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain from Emevor in Isoko North Local Government Area of Delta State, Chief Emmanuel Okpomo has fulfilled his promise of providing monthly stipends to some indigenes of his community to cushion the harsh effects of the economy on the people.

    Okpomo, who is the Executive Assistant to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State on Beautification, said that the gesture was in line with the Governor’s M.O.R.E Agenda for the people of the state.

    Presenting the first set of stipends on Tuesday at his Emevor country home, Chief Okpomo who is the “Okpomo” of Okere-Urhobo kingdom, said that a total of 15 beneficiaries got N20,000 each for the month of October while 10 beneficiaries were paid N30,000 each in the month of September.

    According to him, we will scale up to 25 beneficiaries in the next month with a view to providing for more people as the economy bites harder on the people.

    Chief Okpomo who was in company of Hon. Sylvester Ifode, Hon. Lucky Okeremu and other PDP Chieftains, appealed to the beneficiaries of his gesture to make good use of the stipends to better their lives and that of their families.

    While thanking the people for their continued faith and support for the PDP, he commended Governor Oborevwori for the ongoing construction works on the Emevor-Orogun road phase 2.

    He described the governor as a promise keeper and urged the people to remain loyal to the party adding that the best was yet to come for the people of the community.

    Responding on behalf of the beneficiaries, youth Chairman of Isi-Emevor, Mr Lucky Onajemor commended Chief Okpomo for sacrificing to provide for the people and pledged their continued loyalty to the party and the government of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.

    The beneficiaries drawn from the five communities of Isi-Emevor, lauded Governor Oborevwori for demonstrating statesmanship in the construction of the Emevor-Orogun road adding that they would remain eternally grateful for his act of kindness to the Emevor people.

  • FG jittery, quickly denies report of increasing VAT to 10% despite hardship in Nigeria

    FG jittery, quickly denies report of increasing VAT to 10% despite hardship in Nigeria

    The Finance Minister and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, has denied a report of a potential hike in the Value-Added Tax (VAT) rate from 7.5% to 10%.

    In a statement released Monday, Edun clarified that the VAT rate is still firmly set at 7.5%, as outlined in Nigeria’s tax laws.

    “The current VAT rate is 7.5% and this is what the government is charging on a spectrum of goods and services to which the tax is applicable. Therefore, neither the Federal Government nor any of its agencies will act contrary to what our laws stipulate,” Edun affirmed.

    He elaborated on the need for a balanced tax system, emphasizing that Nigeria’s tax framework operates on three key components: tax policy, tax law, and tax administration.

    “The tax system stands on a tripod, namely tax policy, tax laws, and tax administration. All the three must combine well to give us a sound system that gives vitality to the fiscal position of the government,” the minister explained.

    Edun addressed concerns from the public about policies that might seem burdensome, assuring that fiscal measures are designed to foster sustainable growth and reduce poverty, not the opposite.

    “Our focus as a government is to use fiscal policy in a manner that promotes and enhances strong and sustainable economic growth, reduces poverty as well as makes businesses flourish,” Edun stated.

    In response to media reports suggesting the government is imposing undue hardship on citizens, Edun refuted such claims.

    Edun also pointed out recent government actions aimed at reducing the financial strain on Nigerians, particularly by eliminating import duties on key food items like rice, wheat, and beans.

    “The imputation in some media reports on the issue of VAT and the opinion articles that have sprouted from them seem to wrongly convey the impression that the government is out to make life difficult for Nigerians. That is not correct. If anything, the Federal Government has, through its policies, demonstrated that it is committed to creating a congenial environment for businesses to thrive.

    “In fact, it is on record that the Federal Government, as part of efforts to bring relief to Nigerians and businesses, recently ordered the stoppage of import duties, tariffs, and taxes on rice, wheat, beans, and other food items,” Edun noted.

    Edun reiterated that the VAT rate remains at 7.5% and will continue to apply to all eligible goods and services.

    “For emphasis, as of today, VAT remains 7.5% and that is what will be charged on all the goods and services that are VAT-able,” he concluded.

  • Hardship: President Tinubu told to reshuffle cabinet

    Hardship: President Tinubu told to reshuffle cabinet

    The Coalition of Northern Youths Consultative Movement (CNYCM) has urged President Bola Tinubu to reassess his cabinet and appoint action-oriented ministers capable of driving meaningful change.

     

    At a State of the Nation press conference, CNYCM’s General Secretary, Bilal Galadima, and Kaduna State Coordinator, Yusuf Audu, highlighted the need for a cabinet reshuffle to tackle the country’s pressing challenges. They called for the appointment of result-driven, visionary ministers committed to national growth and development.

     

    “We urge President Tinubu to appoint ministers who are result-driven, visionary, and committed to the nation’s growth and development,” they stated. “The likes of Tunji Ojo, Wike, and Umahi have demonstrated exceptional leadership and should be considered for key positions in the cabinet.”

     

    The CNYCM expressed support for the government’s efforts to address national challenges but emphasized the need for a dynamic and performance-oriented approach. The Coalition praised ministers Olubunmi Tunji Ojo, Nyesom Wike, and David Umahi as “Cabinet Champions” for their impressive contributions to the nation’s development.

     

    Additionally, the group appealed for dialogue regarding the planned protests against bad governance, which have heightened tension and uncertainty nationwide. They noted that escalating hardships, including rising costs of food, medicine, and basic commodities, have pushed many Nigerians to the brink.

     

    CNYCM reiterated its commitment to supporting governmental efforts but stressed the urgency of adopting a more dynamic approach to governance.

  • HARDSHIP! Father of 5 takes own life

    HARDSHIP! Father of 5 takes own life

    A 43-year-old commercial driver has reportedly committed suic3de over economic hardship at North Suntreso in the Kumasi Metropolis of the Ashanti Region.

    The deceased, Kwabena Owusu, according to residents, hanged himself with a sponge in his bathroom.

    The wife of the deceased, Vida Pokuaa, disclosed to OTEC News Reporter Nana Akwasi Acheampong that the sad incident occurred around 8:30 pm on Tuesday, March 19, 2024.

    She revealed that she had a normal conversation with her husband prior to the incident, adding that she was taken aback when she saw her husband hanging a few minutes later in the bathroom.

    “I was going to the bathroom when I saw my husband hanging. I tried to get him out of the hanging sponge, but he was too heavy for me, so I rushed out for help; unfortunately, he was already gone when I got help from some passersby,” she said.

    Meanwhile, some residents in the area revealed that the father of five had been complaining of economic hardship after losing his job.

    They added that they suspect he might have committed the act due to economic hardship.

  • Hardship: President Tinubu admonishes well wishers not to celebrate his 72nd birthday

    Hardship: President Tinubu admonishes well wishers not to celebrate his 72nd birthday

    Due to hardship, insecurity and high cost of dollar, President Bola Tinubu has admonished well wishers not to commemorate his birthday with pomp and pageantry, when he clocks 72 later this week.

    Tinubu will clock 72 on Friday March 29, 2024.

    The president made this known Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information & Strategy on Sunday, said
    the day will be another important milestone in his life as a leader and a statesman.

    According to the president, it is not unusual that during an auspicious occasion as this, it is customary for family members, friends and associates to celebrate him in different ways.

    But as the leader of our country, President Tinubu in deference to this challenging times will not host any birthday event and does not want any of his associates and numerous well-wishers across the country to organise any celebratory event on his behalf or in his name.

    Onanuga said, “The President appreciates the honour of being the leader of Africa’s leading nation at this time and he is working very hard to make life better for the generality of our people.

    “Because of the present mood of the nation and recent killing of the officers and men of our Army and Police in Delta State and recent spate of security breaches by criminal elements in different parts of Nigeria, there should be no form of birthday event and placing of birthday goodwill advertorial messages in newspapers. Goodwill messages should not be placed on radio and television stations too.

    “He enjoins friends and associates who may wish to place goodwill advertorials to kindly donate the money to charity organisations of their choice in his name.

    “Although the President appreciates the gallantry of our armed forces in freeing our children kidnapped in Kuriga, Kaduna State and in Sokoto State, he will use the opportunity of his birthday to reflect and re-dedicate himself to the task of building a more stable, more secure, virile, prosperous and united Nigeria”.

  • Hypocrisy of sacrifice: Nigerians endure pains while leaders prosper – By Aiyedun Bosun

    Hypocrisy of sacrifice: Nigerians endure pains while leaders prosper – By Aiyedun Bosun

    By Aiyedun Bosun

    According to President Tinubu’s rhetoric, Nigerians must endure present pains for future gains, embracing the philosophy of short-term sacrifice for long-term prosperity. However, recent revelations expose a stark contrast between the sacrifices demanded of the populace and the lavish lifestyles enjoyed by the country’s leaders and their families.

    President Tinubu’s speeches echo with calls for patience and resilience in the face of economic hardships. He emphasizes the need for Nigerians to bear the brunt of austerity measures, citing the necessity of belt-tightening to steer the nation towards economic stability and growth. His mantra of “baby steps pain” urges citizens to endure temporary discomfort for the promise of a brighter tomorrow.

    Yet, the actions of the administration paint a different picture. While ordinary Nigerians struggle to make ends meet, the first family indulges in extravagant expenditures funded by taxpayers’ money. Reports reveal budget allocations of billions of naira for non-essential items such as presidential yachts, lavish renovations, and luxury vehicles for the first lady’s office.

    According to the 2024 budget, a staggering 1.5 billion naira has been earmarked for vehicles for the first lady’s office, despite the absence of constitutional recognition for such an entity. Similarly, 5 billion naira has been allocated for a presidential yacht, a symbol of opulence that stands in stark contrast to the dire economic realities faced by many Nigerians. These expenditures raise questions about the priorities of the administration and its commitment to the welfare of the people.

    The meagre allocation of 5 billion naira for student loans further highlights the disparities in resource allocation. While the first family luxuriates in extravagance, students across the country struggle to access affordable education. This discrepancy underscores the disconnect between the leadership and the plight of ordinary citizens, exposing the hypocrisy of calls for sacrifice in the face of unchecked privilege and excess.

    According to the first lady’s earlier statements during the campaign period, her family does not rely on Nigeria’s resources for survival. This assertion begs the question of why taxpayer funds are being squandered on frivolous expenses instead of being directed towards projects that benefit the broader populace.

    Furthermore, the inclusion of the president’s sons in official delegations and their participation in luxury activities using the country’s presidential jet to polo tournaments raises concerns about nepotism and abuse of power. These instances of preferential treatment further erode public trust in the government and reinforce perceptions of elite impunity.

    According to reports, legislators have allocated a staggering 56.7 billion naira to purchase SUVs, further highlighting the misallocation of resources and the privileging of personal comfort over public welfare, to this the president as “the apostle of bearing the temporary pain” does not see anything bad in that. This disparity between the sacrifices demanded of citizens and the indulgences enjoyed by elected officials epitomizes the entrenched inequality and injustice that pervade Nigerian society.

    In conclusion, President Tinubu’s exhortations for Nigerians to endure present pains ring hollow in the face of the administration’s profligate spending and preferential treatment of the ruling elite. Until leaders demonstrate genuine commitment to the welfare of the people and lead by example, calls for sacrifice will continue to fall on deaf ears. It is time for accountability, transparency, and true leadership to guide Nigeria towards a future where prosperity is shared by all.

    Bosun writes from Dublin and can be reached via aiyedunbosun@yahoo.com

  • HARDSHIP! Dangote begins distribution of N13bn rice to vulnerable Nigerians

    HARDSHIP! Dangote begins distribution of N13bn rice to vulnerable Nigerians

    Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, through his Humanitarian Foundation, has launched the distribution of rice worth over N13 billion to vulnerable groups across Nigeria.

    The foundation is also distributing meals to at least 10,000 Muslims observing the Ramadan fast in Kano State.

    A statement signed by Samira Sanusi, an official of the foundation in Kano, said the foundation plans to distribute one million bags of rice – worth over N13 billion across the 36 states of the federation and Abuja to alleviate the suffering in the country.

    Mrs Sanusi said the gesture was in addition to the daily distribution of 20,000 loaves of bread to Kano residents and 15,000 to Lagos residents, which the foundation started in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic.

    Mrs Sanusi explained that the Ramadan-free meals include jollof rice, white rice and stew, jollof spaghetti, yam, beans with chicken and beef, packed with a bottle of water and drink for each person.

    She said the packed meals are distributed at Juma’at mosques, streets, prisons, orphanages, remand homes, and other places in Kano City and its environs.

    Aside from the commencement of free bread distribution four years ago, Mr Dangote has been quietly feeding those in need in Kano for over 30 years, Mrs Sanusi said.

    This, according to her, had been done from his mother’s residence in Koki and various cooking locations.

    “This feeding programme feeds 10,000 Kano residents daily with breakfast, lunch, and dinner, a unique feat that has been in existence for over 30 years,” she said.

  • HARDSHIP: Delta approves over N674 million for students’ bursary

    HARDSHIP: Delta approves over N674 million for students’ bursary

    … to equip General Hospitals with N3 billion

    Delta State Executive Council, (EXCO), Wednesday, approved the payment of over N674,000,000 as bursary to students of its origin for the 2022/2023 academic session.

    The approval was part of the decisions reached at the State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.

    Briefing journalists at the end of the meeting, the State Commissioner for Information, Dr. Ifeanyi Osuoza, said Exco also approved phase two procurement of medical equipment for 20 general hospitals across the state.

    He listed the hospitals to include; General hospitals at Obiaruku, Abraka, Ekpan, Owa-Alero, Okwe, Koko, Orerokpe, Otu-Jeremi, Burutu, Abavo, Owa-Oyibu, Issele-Uku, Ibusa, Aviara, Onicha-Olona, Ofagbe, Aboh, Ashaka, Kiagbodo and Eku Baptist Government Hospital.

    Osuoza, who was flanked by the Commissioner for Works (Rural and Riverine Roads), Mr. Charles Aniagwu, his Higher Education counterpart, Prof Nyerovwo Tonukari, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme, and the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Sir Festus Ahon, said Exco also approved compensation for the construction of flyover at Enerhen Junction to First Marine Gate.

    He said: “We just finished EXCO meeting and some approvals have been given to some vital projects.

    “The EXCO has approved the release of funds for 2022/2023 payment of Students Assistance Scheme, otherwise known as Bursary.

    “There is approval for the upward review of the contract for the procurement of medical equipment at 20 General Hospitals in Delta State.

    “There is an upward variation of the contract for the remodeling of the uncompleted library building of the Basic Clinical building for the College of Health Sciences, Oghara, Ethiope West Local Government Area.

    “There is also approval for the compensation of buildings that will be affected by the construction of the flyover bridge from Enerhen Junction, Effurun to Marine Gate, Warri in Uwvie and Warri South local government areas, respectively.”

    Explaining further on the bursary payment, the Commissioner for Works (Rural and Riverine Roads), Mr Charles Aniagwu said; “on the hardship in the land, the reason the Governor is very much interested in this is because when parents are looking for money, they need the money to take care of their children, pay school fees and provide basic necessities.

    “As a government, we believe that if we are able to give some funds to these students, that way we have also been able to help their parents.

    “Any student that you make this money available to now, at least, for that month and maybe the next, will not ask his or her parents for money to buy one book or feed.

    “So, we are not just approving the bursary for our students for nothing. If we are able to reach out to as many as over 30,100 students of Delta State origin, you will know the number of households the government has been able to reach out to through this form of palliative.

    “As an administration, you will notice a number of things we have mentioned here that we are doing in the health sector. It is also with a view to ensuring that our people have access to medical facilities and that they are able to reach out.

    “Once we are able to put the hospitals in good shape and they are functional, it means that the funds that are available to you, even when we did not give it to you by cash, that as a government, we have also provided in that area.

    “If we give you money and the hospitals are not functional, you will discover that you are not going to eat the money. After all, they say the value of money is what money can buy.

    “So, we are providing you those things that you need money to buy; helping you solve that challenge, so that, at the end of the day, we are mitigating the excruciating conditions that we have found ourselves in.

    “All the steps being taken by the Oborevwori-led administration is with a view to making life much more livable for our people.

    “That we are ensuring that you have good roads, students have schools to go to, that our people have good hospitals and conversion of more schools to universities to ensure that our people have access to more higher education; all of them is to make life much more livable.”

    On gully erosion ravaging parts of the state capital, Aniagwu, said the state government was working on addressing the challenges posed by the 1.8km meters gully erosion site on the Marble Hill Road to Vanguard and NNPC, Asaba, and other sites across the state.

    He said over N2 billion was approved by EXCO for the payment of compensation on the flyover project from Enerhen to Marine Gate, Warri, and gave assurance that the present administration would continue to take proactive steps to mitigate the plight of Deltans.

    On his part, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme, said over N3 billion was approved for the equipment of 20 General Hospitals across the state. He also said
    there is a standing approval for immediate replacement of essential workers lost to brain drain, adding that the state government was committed to ensuring the health of Deltans.

    The State Commissioner for Higher Education, Prof Nyerovwo Tonukari, said over N674 million would be paid to 30,116 students of the state origin drawn from 195 institutions across the country for the 2022/2023 bursary, adding that processes for the payment of 2023/2024 has also began.