News

Celebrate Easter responsibly, Gov. Sanwo-Olu urges Christians

Published

2 months ago

April 4, 2026

Preport

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has urged residents of the state to embrace the lessons of the Lenten season by showing love, gratitude, tolerance and commitment to peaceful coexistence.

Mr Sanwo-Olu gave the advice in his Easter message to Lagos State residents.

The message was issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Gboyega Akosile, on Saturday.

The governor congratulated Christians on the successful completion of their 40-day Lenten fast.

The governor said the season of Lent, which came shortly after Ramadan, offered Nigerians a unique opportunity for reflection, sacrifice, spiritual renewal and appreciation of God’s blessings.

He said, “As we come to the end of the Lenten season and enter the Easter celebration, it is my wish that all the lessons learnt during the period of fasting will continue to reflect in our daily lives.”

He described the period as one that should inspire Nigerians to become more compassionate, united and committed to common good.

The governor stated, “Lent is a season of denial, reflection and gratitude. It is also a season that reminds us to be our brother’s keeper, to give, to love our neighbours and to build a community that works for everyone.”

Mr Sanwo-Olu said that Nigerians, irrespective of religious affiliations, should continue to live together in peace.

He added, “We may be of different faiths, but at the end of the day, we are all one people under the Almighty. This season should strengthen our resolve to live together as brothers and sisters.”

Mr Sanwo-Olu praised President Bola Tinubu for his ‘steady leadership.’

He said there were visible signs of economic recovery despite global pressures and local challenges.

He stated, “As tough as things may appear, especially in the area of security, the President has shown leadership and credibility. We have seen strength in the capital market, growth in the financial sector, reduction in food prices, economic growth and a month-on-month decline in inflation over the past year.

“These are strong economic indicators that suggest that we are gradually moving out of the most difficult phase of the economic challenge. Even with global disruptions that have affected prices of commodities, we have managed ourselves responsibly and we have not seen panic situations in our fuel stations.”

Mr Sanwo-Olu, however, expressed concern about the security situation in some parts of the country, particularly the killings in Plateau State and some other states.

He noted, “Our hearts go out to the families of citizens who are being killed needlessly in Plateau State and other parts of the country. Mr President has given his commitment to confront the situation frontally, and we can only continue to wish him well and support all efforts to restore peace.”

The governor said that Lagos State remained safe and secure, but urged the residents to remain vigilant and security conscious.

He advised Lagos residents to celebrate Easter responsibly.

“Lagos is a big state, a wonderful place and, indeed, an incredible home for all of us. I wish everyone the very best this Easter season,” he said.

(NAN)

News

Sen Jang Opposes Indigene Certificates for Hausa/Fulani Residents, Raises Concerns Over Plateau Identity

Published

2 hours ago

June 14, 2026

Preport

Former Plateau State Governor and elder statesman, Senator Jonah David Jang, has voiced strong opposition to proposals that would allow Hausa/Fulani residents in Plateau State to obtain indigene certificates, describing the issue as one with far-reaching implications for the state’s cultural heritage, identity, and indigenous rights. Jang made his position known while addressing ongoing debates surrounding citizenship, residency, and indigeneity, topics that have remained at the center of political and social discussions in Plateau State for decades.

According to the former governor, indigene certificates are historically linked to communities and ethnic groups recognized as the original inhabitants of Plateau State and should not be granted solely on the basis of long-term residence. He argued that while every Nigerian has the constitutional right to live and conduct lawful activities anywhere in the country, such rights should not automatically translate into indigene status, which he said carries unique cultural and historical significance.

Jang further maintained that preserving the distinction between residents and indigenes is necessary to protect the interests, heritage, and political representation of indigenous communities. He warned that altering the existing framework could create tensions and undermine the rights of groups that have historically been recognized as native to the state. The former governor emphasized the need for careful consideration of any policy changes relating to indigene certificates to avoid unintended consequences.

The comments have since generated mixed reactions among stakeholders across the state and beyond. While supporters of Jang’s position argue that protecting indigenous identity is essential for maintaining social and cultural balance, others contend that individuals who have lived in Plateau for generations should be afforded broader recognition and inclusion. The debate continues to spark conversations on the broader issues of citizenship, belonging, and equal opportunities within Nigeria’s diverse society.

News

Vincent Ugwoke Makes Nigerian Athletics History with NCAA Discus Bronze

Published

3 hours ago

June 14, 2026

Preport

Nigerian thrower Vincent Ugwoke produced one of the most significant performances in Nigerian field event history, launching a massive personal best of 63.89 metres to claim the bronze medal in the men’s discus throw at the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships.

Sports247 reports that the outstanding effort not only secured Ugwoke a place on the podium but also elevated him into the history books, recording the furthest discus throw by a Nigerian athlete since 2004.

Competing against one of the strongest collegiate fields in the world, Ugwoke delivered when it mattered most, producing a career-best mark to earn his first NCAA medal and underline his growing status among Nigeria’s elite field athletes.

The event was won by Jamaican star Ralford Mullings, who captured gold with a throw of 65.81m, while compatriot Racquil Broderick secured silver with a personal best of 64.15m. Ugwoke’s 63.89m throw completed the podium and ensured Nigeria was represented among the medal winners.

Beyond the medal itself, the significance of the performance lies in its historical context. Nigerian athletics has traditionally been known for its success in sprinting and jumping events, making Ugwoke’s achievement particularly noteworthy.

His mark stands as the best by a Nigerian discus thrower in more than two decades, highlighting both the quality of his performance and its importance for the development of field events in the country.

The bronze medal also caps an impressive season of progress for the Nigerian, whose steady improvement culminated in a breakthrough performance on one of collegiate athletics’ biggest stages.

Delivering a personal best under championship pressure is a testament to both his preparation and competitive mindset.

For Nigerian athletics, Ugwoke’s achievement serves as a reminder of the growing depth of talent emerging across different disciplines.

His success could provide inspiration for a new generation of throwers looking to make their mark nationally and internationally.

With a personal best, an NCAA bronze medal, and a place in the record books now secured, Vincent Ugwoke leaves the championships having achieved a truly memorable milestone.

His 63.89m throw will be remembered as one of the finest Nigerian discus performances of the modern era and a significant moment in the resurgence of Nigerian field events.