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Nigeria: Lamentations of a Nation @62

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***Buhari Scores Self High, As Nigerians Despair, lampoon Government.

By: Editor

Every year, since 1960, Nigerians are being asked to evaluate the state of the Nigerian state, and every year, the reactions have been similar: that Nigeria could do better, given her huge natural and human resources endowments.
Reactions this year, marking the 62nd anniversary have however been different, as they were mostly repulsive and despairing, and full of lamentations.
More often, the performance of the Government in power has been the yardstick for measuring the country’s performance, and this year’s own is not different.
In what could be described as his valedictory Independence broadcast to the nation, President Muhammadu Buhari scored his Government high, but admitted that more still need to be done, to fully meet the expectations of Nigerians.
Taking a retrospective view of the state of the nation at the time he took over, the President felt his Government performed better than preceding regimes, and promised to make the country even much better by the time he departs.
Our correspondents who went round most state capitals and the Federal Capital, where events have been lined up to celebrate the country’s indipendence reports that, it was a mixed grill, but mostly negative.
Depending upon which side of the political divide they are, a few expressed satisfaction with the country’s performance, and gave thumbs up to the Government, while majority of our respondents do not appear impressed.
Greater number of respondents were full of lamentations and outright displeasure with the state of progress, even as they took a swipe at the Government for presenting a false picture of Nigeria.
According to them there is a seeming insensitivity on the part of the Government to the plights of Nigerians, as government officials seem to be grandstanding in the face of obvious failures in addressing the nation’s problems.
More worrisome to the more enlightened ones amongst our respondents were the issues if insecurity, the economy, lack of transparency on governance, collapsing educational values and the seeming grandstanding by Government in the face of the myriad of problems.
A legal practitioner Festus Olaitan, based in Abuja summed up the opinions in his reactions to our reporter in Abuja when he said”The only thing we are perhaps celebrating is the fact that we are still together as a country. We have so many things working against our continued existence as a nation state today, more than ever before but we are glued together by sheer divine Providence. I feel sad being a witness to events of today, though I am not losing hope”.
Abdulmalik Umar, a teacher in Nasarawa State was more blunt in his own response, as he outrightly dismissed the celebration mood, saying,”tell me in all honesty as a journalist what we are celebrating as a country. Are we celebrating Boko Haram, Banditry, Fulani killers, kidnappings or oil theft. Are we celebrating because our children are at home due to ASSU strike or are we celebrating the pervasive corruption going on under this Government? Just tell me what we are celebrating.”
According to Umar, the Government owes Nigerians explanations about the mismanagement of oil revenues, and the President must also tell us how people around him became so rich in so shirt a period without commensurate means or known businesses.”Let me tell you some, I used to defend this Government so much and I have parted ways with many friends because of it, but today I am disappointed and I have been abusing them and they know why; because they are worst than any other one before them”, Umar added.
But Umar was not alone in his criticisms as Comrade Moses Okechukwu told us at the Eagle Square, venue if the National celebrations that, he has gone to the square to see what Nigerians have to celebrate, because he does not personally see anything to celebrate.”I am here to look into their eyes and possibly tell them to go to hell. They are just deceiving us, but Nigerians are now wise. I am more disappointed with Lai Mohammed with all the lies he has been telling Nigerians. I pity Garba Shehu and Femi Adesina because I know they have lost their conscience as journalists. Everyday they tell lies too, even when they know people don’t believe them”.
On a general note, events marking the 62nd anniversary was everything but celebrations, as Nigerians do not seem happy with the situation if things in the country.
The Government which has embarked on self assessment drive is being faulted, as Nigerians seem to loose hopes.
Analysing the various responses, our editorial team agreed to send out reporters for vox pop, which will be published verbatim as the outcome turns in.

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EID-EL-KABIR: BELLO BABAYO BELLO COMMENDS TINUBU, SHETTIMA, GOMBE GOVERNOR AS HE FELICITATES WITH MUSLIMS NATIONWIDE

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The Executive Director, Networks, Niger Delta Power Holding Company Limited (NDPHC), Engr. Bello Babayo Bello, FNSE, has extended warm felicitations to Muslim faithful across Nigeria, particularly the people of Gombe State, on the occasion of the 2026 Eid-el-Kabir celebration, urging citizens to continue promoting peace, unity, love, and national development.
In a goodwill message released to journalists on the occasion of the Islamic festival, Engr. Bello described Eid-el-Kabir as a sacred celebration that reflects the virtues of sacrifice, obedience, faith, compassion, and gratitude to Almighty Allah as demonstrated by Prophet Ibrahim (AS).
He called on Muslims to use the spiritual significance of the season to strengthen the bonds of brotherhood, support one another, and continue praying for the peace, stability, and prosperity of Nigeria.
Engr. Bello also commended the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his commitment to national development, economic reforms, infrastructural advancement, and efforts aimed at strengthening unity and progress across the country.
According to him, the administration of President Tinubu has continued to demonstrate determination in laying foundations for long-term growth and national transformation through bold policies and strategic governance initiatives.
The NDPHC Executive Director equally praised Vice President Kashim Shettima, GCON, for his loyalty, dedication, and support toward the actualization of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Federal Government.
He noted that the Vice President has continued to play a vital role in promoting stability, inclusion, and effective coordination within government.
Engr. Bello further applauded the Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON, for what he described as purposeful leadership and remarkable strides in infrastructural development, healthcare, education, youth empowerment, and peaceful coexistence in the state.
He said the governor’s developmental policies and inclusive style of governance have continued to attract admiration and confidence from the people of Gombe State and beyond.
“Eid-el-Kabir remains a season of reflection, gratitude, sacrifice, and devotion to Almighty Allah. It is also a period that reminds us of the importance of unity, compassion, tolerance, and service to humanity. As we celebrate, we must continue to pray for our leaders and for the continued peace, progress, and prosperity of our dear nation,” he stated.
Engr. Bello urged Muslim faithful to extend love and kindness to the less privileged, widows, orphans, and vulnerable members of society during the Sallah festivities, stressing that charity and generosity are central teachings of Islam.
He also commended the people of Gombe State for sustaining the culture of peaceful coexistence, harmony, and mutual respect among diverse communities.
The engineering professional and public administrator expressed optimism that Nigeria would continue to witness greater development, unity, and economic advancement under the leadership of President Tinubu.
He prayed for Allah’s continued guidance, wisdom, protection, and blessings upon the President, Vice President, Governor Inuwa Yahaya, and all leaders across the country.
Engr. Bello finally wished Muslim faithful in Gombe State and across Nigeria a peaceful, joyous, and spiritually fulfilling Eid-el-Kabir celebration.

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Dogara Celebrates Eid El-Adha, Urges Nigerians to Embrace Unity, Sacrifice, and Compassion

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Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara, former Speaker of the House of Representatives and Chairman of the Board of National Credit Guarantee Company Limited (NCGC), has extended heartfelt felicitations to Muslims across Nigeria and around the world on the occasion of Eid El-Adha.

In his Eid message, Dogara described the festival as one of the most profound moments in the Islamic faith — a sacred season that embodies the enduring virtues of sacrifice, obedience, faith, and total devotion to God, as demonstrated by Prophet Ibrahim (AS). He noted that beyond its spiritual significance, Eid El-Adha serves as a powerful reminder of the values of compassion, generosity, and love for humanity.

According to him, the celebration offers an opportunity for reflection and renewal, urging Nigerians to recommit themselves to the ideals of unity, peace, and mutual understanding. He observed that the true essence of Eid lies not merely in celebration, but in the willingness to serve others selflessly and uplift the less privileged.

“Eid El-Adha reminds us that greatness is found in sacrifice, service, and compassion for one another. It is a season that calls us to strengthen the bonds of brotherhood, extend kindness to those in need, and renew hope for a better and more united nation,” Dogara stated.

The former Speaker stressed that the lessons of Eid should transcend religious and ethnic boundaries, especially at a time when Nigeria needs collective commitment to peace, justice, and national cohesion. He called on citizens to rise above division and work together in the spirit of patriotism and shared destiny.

“As we celebrate this sacred festival, may the spirit of sacrifice inspire us to build bridges of understanding, promote harmony across our communities, and work collectively for a more peaceful, just, and prosperous Nigeria,” he added.

Dogara further prayed that the blessings of Eid El-Adha would bring joy to families, healing to communities, and progress to the nation. He encouraged the faithful to use the occasion as a time for spiritual renewal, deeper devotion to God, stronger family ties, and renewed commitment to the common good.

“As families gather in prayer and celebration, may this Eid remind us of our shared humanity and our collective responsibility to serve with humility, love, and sincerity. May the Almighty accept our prayers and sacrifices, bless our homes with peace and happiness, and guide our nation toward greater unity and prosperity,” he concluded.

Dogara wished all Muslim faithful a peaceful and joyous Eid El-Adha celebration filled with divine blessings, love, hope, and renewed faith in the future of Nigeria.

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Ukhomunyio Community Seeks Edo Government Intervention Over Insecurity

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A group of concerned stakeholders in Ukhomunyio Community, Okpella, Edo State, has called on the Edo State Government and security agencies to strengthen security presence in the area following recent security concerns and incidents of violence.
In a statement jointly signed by community stakeholders, the group said that the once-peaceful Ukhomunyio Community had in recent weeks experienced growing tension and insecurity.
The statement was jointly signed by Sam S. O. Afemikhe, Roland Ediawe, Dr Henry Idogun, Kasimu Sunday, Mark Adogah, Friday Ododeh, Omoreige Usman, Dr Victor Balogun, and Prince Haruna Ahmed.
The stakeholders urged the government to deploy more security personnel to the community and surrounding areas to help maintain peace and prevent further breakdown of law and order.
“We therefore call on the Edo State Government, security agencies, and all relevant authorities to immediately intervene by strengthening security presence within Ukhomunyio Community and surrounding areas,” the statement said.
They also called for a thorough investigation into recent incidents of violence and disturbances linked to the annual Olimi Festival.
According to the statement, the community recently recorded tragic incidents involving residents of Kalaba and Imioko villages, while some persons were reportedly abducted during the attacks and later reunited with their families.
The group described the incidents as unfortunate and contrary to the community’s peaceful traditions.
“We strongly condemn these acts, which are completely alien to the long-standing peaceful tradition of our community,” the statement added.
The stakeholders further expressed concern over violence that erupted during the recent Olimi Festival, saying some individuals allegedly used firearms during the celebration.
They said the violence resulted in casualties and injuries, with some affected persons currently receiving medical treatment.
“The Olimi Festival has historically been a symbol of unity, peace, celebration, and cultural heritage among the people of Ukhomunyio and Okpella in general,” the group stated.
According to the statement, the festival had historically symbolised unity, peace, and cultural heritage among the people of Ukhomunyio and the wider Okpella community.
The group also appealed to authorities to ensure that all investigations and security operations are carried out lawfully and fairly to avoid escalating tensions within the community.
Beyond strengthening security, the stakeholders called on authorities to prevent further violence and restore peace and confidence within the community.
They warned that continued insecurity could affect economic and social activities in the area, including operations linked to major industries.
As part of efforts to support investigations, the group announced a N1 million reward for credible information that could assist security agencies in identifying those behind the recent incidents.
Another N1 million reward was offered for information that could help authorities identify individuals connected to the violence during the Olimi Festival.

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