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BREAKING: Churches, Mosques Remain Shut In Lagos, Says Commissioner

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The Lagos State Government on Tuesday said that churches and mosques in the state might not be reopened soon for worshippers.

The Commissioner for Home Affairs, Prince Anofiu Elegushi, said this on the sideline of the 2020 Ministerial Press Briefing commemorating the first year in office of Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

The Federal Government had on Monday, June 1, lifted the ban on mosques and churches in the country, based on guidelines and protocols agreed with state governments.

Elegushi said that the reopening of the worship centers was not possible soon, as the state was the epicenter of the coronavirus pandemic.

”Even before the pronouncement by the Federal Government, we have been having meetings with the religious leaders, we even had one with Safety Commission, looking at the possibility of reopening of religious houses.

”We also had one with the leaders of the two faiths and I want to tell you categorically that at that meeting, the possibility of reopening religious houses was ruled out totally.

”They claimed that they cannot take such responsibility of ensuring that only 20 or 50 people are praying behind them.

”Like an Imam said, he doesn’t know what is going on at the back immediately he is leading a prayer. He said if more than 20 or 50 people are staying at his back he is not going to take responsibility for their presence.

”So, in the meeting, we ruled out in totality the issue of reopening the religious houses until we have a clear coast for us to do so.

”The Federal Government mentioned it, but it never ruled out the state in achieving that pronouncement, so all states will have to look at the possibility of doing so in their respective states.

”We all know Lagos is still having more figures. So definitely that will speak to our decision,” he said.

The commissioner, however, said that the governor of the state would come out with further directives on the matter.

(NAN)

BIG STORY

2025: President Tinubu’s Reforms Will Unlock Nigeria’s Potentials — First Lady To Nigerians

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The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has expressed optimism about the nation’s future, describing 2025 as a year of “prosperity and abundance.”

In a New Year message to Nigerians posted on X on Wednesday, she called for unity and renewed efforts toward building a thriving nation.

Tinubu emphasised the need for collective investment in rebuilding societal bonds and fostering inclusivity across all regions and demographics.

She urged Nigerians to rise above divisions and work toward mutual respect and understanding.

“As we journey through 2025, let us rise above our differences and rebuild the bridges that connect us—bridges of love, respect, and understanding.”

“It is a year to invest in one another; to nurture our youth and protect the dignity of our elders; to create a country where every Nigerian can thrive, regardless of where they are born, what they believe, or what language they speak,” she said.

The First Lady highlighted the administration’s commitment to ongoing economic reforms aimed at unlocking Nigeria’s vast potential under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu.

She stated, “I assure you all that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR is truly committed to and is already undertaking deepening reforms that will unlock our nation’s economic potentials.”

Senator Tinubu encouraged Nigerians to stand together and support one another, pledging that the government remains steadfast in its vision for a prosperous nation.

“Together, we can build the Nigeria we all desire. Together, we will. Happy New Year, Nigeria,” she added.

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BIG STORY

Federal Government To Establish Credit Guarantee Company, Targets 15% Inflation In 2025

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President Bola Tinubu says his administration will establish a National Credit Guarantee Company before the end of the second quarter (Q2) of 2025.

Tinubu spoke on Wednesday during his New Year speech.

The president said his administration would consolidate and increase access to credit for individuals and critical sectors of the economy to boost national economic output.

“In 2025, our government is committed to intensifying efforts to lower these costs by boosting “food production” and promoting local manufacturing of essential “drugs” and other “medical supplies,” he said.

“We are resolute in our ambition to reduce inflation from its current high of 34.6% to 15%. With diligent work and God’s help, we will achieve this goal and provide relief to all our people.

“In this new year, my administration will further consolidate and increase access to credit for individuals and critical sectors of the economy to boost national economic output.

“To achieve this, the federal government will establish the National Credit Guarantee Company to expand risk-sharing instruments for financial institutions and enterprises.

“The company—expected to start operations before the end of the second quarter—is a partnership of government institutions, such as the Bank of Industry, Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation, the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Agency, and the Ministry of Finance Incorporated, the private sector, and multilateral institutions.”

Tinubu said the initiative would strengthen the confidence of the financial system, expand credit access, and support underserved groups such as “women” and “youth.”

The president also said the company would drive growth, reindustrialisation, and better living standards for Nigerians.

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BIG STORY

Your Sacrifices Of Past 19 Months Won’t Be In Vain — President Tinubu To Nigerians

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President Bola Tinubu has praised Nigerians for their sacrifices since he took over the reins on May 29, 2023.

The president has implemented a raft of reforms that have left huge holes and dents in millions of pockets and bank accounts — culminating in Nigeria’s worst economic crisis in decades.

In August of 2024, Nigerians took to the streets to protest biting hunger, poor governance, and galloping inflation.

In his New Year message, Tinubu said there is light at the end of the tunnel.

“Dear Compatriots, I urge you to continue believing in yourselves and keeping faith in our blessed country,” he said.

“Let me use this New Year’s message to urge our governors and local council chairpersons to work closely with the central government to seize emerging opportunities in “agriculture”, “livestock”, and “tax reforms” and move our nation forward.

“I commend governors who have embraced our Compressed Natural Gas initiative by launching CNG-propelled public transport. I also congratulate those who have adopted electric vehicles as part of our national energy mix and transition. The Federal Government will always offer necessary assistance to the states.

“To all citizens, your sacrifices have not been in vain over the past 19 months. I assure you they will not be in vain even in the months ahead. Together, let us stay the course of nation-building.

“The New Year will bring us closer to the bright future we all desire and the Nigeria of our dreams.”

The president also said his administration will “continue to embark on necessary reforms to foster sustainable growth and prosperity for our nation.”

“I seek your cooperation and collaboration at all times as we pursue our goal of a one trillion-dollar economy. Let us stay focused and united,” he added.

“We are on the right path to building a great Nigeria that will work for everyone. Let us not get distracted by a tiny segment of our population that still sees things through the prisms of “politics”, “ethnicity”, “region”, and “religion.”

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