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2024: Anglican bishop, Aladekugbe urges govt. to prioritise practical solutions over palliatives
The Bishop of Ibadan North (Anglican) Diocese, Rt Reverend Williams Aladekugbe, has called on government at all levels to consider practical solutions in the new year rather than relying on palliatives.
Noting that such palliatives often fail to reach the populace and are exploited by unscrupulous politicians for personal gain, the Bishop urged all Nigerians to embrace righteousness, Godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness, emphasising the need to fight the good fight of faith for eternal life.
Bishop Aladekugbe delivered these calls in his New Year message on Sunday, imploring the government to prioritise investment in local government interests over federal issues to bring tangible benefits to communities and avoid chaos.
He further emphasised the importance of ensuring that no religion or tradition takes precedence over the constitution in every part of the country, warning that failure to do so would hinder national unity.
“We appeal to government at all levels to make life meaningful and livable for the citizens; the citizens are hungry and angry. The cost of living is astronomically high and unbearable. We implore the government to invest more in local government interests than federal government issues. This way, people can feel the effect of having a government rather than chaos in most parts of community living. We also plead that no religion or tradition should take precedence over the constitution in every part of the country. Unless this happens, we are obviously not one people.”
The Bishop expressed concern about the continuous devaluation of the Nigerian Naira and urged the government to address it seriously. He criticised the soaring prices of food items, highlighting the incongruity of a bag of rice costing N60,000 in a country where the minimum wage is N30,000.
Addressing the issue of safety, he noted that citizens often feel unsafe in the country, leading some to relocate due to perceived better security services in other countries. He cited Nigeria’s low ranking on the 2023 Global Peace Index (144th out of 163 countries) as evidence of the high rates of crime and insecurity.
Looking ahead to 2024, Bishop Aladekugbe urged Nigerians, especially the Church, to make a difference in the face of corruption and societal challenges. Expressing gratitude for surviving the ups and downs of 2023, he acknowledged the challenges, including pre-election issues, Naira redesign, cash shortages, fuel scarcity, elections, change of governments, and the withdrawal of fuel subsidy.
“As we begin the new year, we implore everyone to pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness. We must fight the good fight of faith and take hold of eternal life. As Christians, if we keep the faith and refrain from contributing to the ills plaguing our country, others will surely have a re-think.”
The Bishop concluded by thanking God for the new year and offering prayers for joy, peace, security, and fulfillment for all in 2024. “Happy New Year to us all,” he added.”
China has announced a sharp increase in tariffs on US imports, raising the rate from 34 percent to 84 percent, in response to new American trade measures that came into effect on Wednesday.
The decision, confirmed by China’s finance ministry, will take effect from 12:01 p.m. on Thursday. It follows the imposition of sweeping new US tariffs under President Donald Trump, including a hefty 104 percent duty on certain Chinese goods.
“The tariff escalation against China by the United States simply piles mistakes on top of mistakes and severely infringes on China’s legitimate rights and interests,” the ministry said in a strongly worded statement, warning of “firm and forceful” countermeasures.
Beijing has long opposed the increasing use of tariffs as a tool in trade disputes, and accused Washington of undermining the multilateral rules-based global trading system.
In a related move, China’s commerce ministry also announced it would blacklist six American artificial intelligence companies, including Shield AI Inc. and Sierra Nevada Corporation. The companies were accused of either supplying arms to Taiwan or collaborating with the island on military technology.
Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), Engr. Aderemi Oseni has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of former Oyo State Governor, Dr. Omololu Olunloyo, describing his death as a monumental loss to the people of Oyo State and Nigeria at large.
In a condolence message made available to the press on Sunday, in Ibadan by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, the lawmaker eulogised the late elder statesman as a distinguished scholar, consummate public administrator, and one of Nigeria’s most intellectually gifted leaders whose legacy would continue to inspire generations.
Dr. Olunloyo, who served as governor of Oyo State during the Second Republic, was reported dead at the age of 89. He was widely respected for his brilliance, administrative acumen, and unmatched depth in mathematics and public discourse.
Oseni noted that the late governor’s contributions to the development of Oyo State, particularly in the areas of education, governance, and intellectual engagement, are indelible footprints in the sands of time.
“We have lost a gem. Dr. Olunloyo was not just a leader, he was a father figure and a repository of wisdom. His demise is a personal loss to me and all lovers of progress and excellence in our society,” he stated.
While commiserating with the Olunloyo family, the people of Ibadan, and the entire Oyo State, he prayed for the peaceful repose of the departed soul and urged all to take solace in the rich and impactful life he lived.
Member representing Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives and Chairman, House Committee on Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), Engr. Aderemi Oseni has extended his heartfelt congratulations to Chief Sulaimon Ajeniyi Ajewole and other members of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) executives on their re-election.
Chief Ajewole was returned as the President-General of the apex Ibadan socio-cultural association, alongside other members of the executive council, who were all given the mandate to continue piloting the affairs of the association for another two-year term.
In a congratulatory message issued through his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, Oseni described the re-election of the Ajewole-led team as a reflection of the trust and confidence reposed in their leadership by the Ibadan indigenes at home and in the diaspora.
He commended the CCII leadership for its unwavering commitment to the progress, unity, and cultural advancement of Ibadanland while expressing optimism that the renewed mandate would further propel the association to greater heights.
“The re-election of Chief Ajewole and his team is not only a testament to their sterling performance over the last term but also an affirmation of their capacity to continue serving the interest of Ibadan indigenes. I extend my warmest congratulations and best wishes for a more impactful tenure,” he said.
The lawmaker further assured the CCII of his continued support for any initiative geared towards the development of Ibadanland and the preservation of its rich heritage.
The CCII is renowned for its pivotal role in mobilising Ibadan sons and daughters towards the socio-economic development of the65 ancient city and beyond.
