News

Governor Lalong bids farewell to intending Christian Pilgrims; Urges them to pray for Nigeria

Published

3 years ago

March 15, 2023

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Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has asked intending Christian Pilgrims to the Holy Land to devote time in praying for the peace and progress of the State and the nation at large as they prepare for the spiritual exercise.

The Governor was speaking at a farewell ceremony for intending pilgrims from Plateau State to the Holy Land held at the Government House Chapel Rayfield Jos.

Lalong said Christian Pilgrimage to the Holy Land is an exercise that carries a lot of significance not only to those participating but to the Christian faith and society at large.

Lalong said “Dear intending pilgrims, you are embarking on this spiritual exercise at a time when our nation is in dire need for prayers as we conclude the general elections. Please pray for Plateau State and Nigeria that we will have a smooth transition and also experience more stability, prosperity and happiness. You should also ask God to give our leaders and indeed all Nigerians the wisdom to unite and deal with the myriad of security and economic challenges we face today. It is very important that you present our nation before God and solemnly reflect on your role as believers towards building a better Nigeria. Indeed, when we turn to God with a sincere heart, our land will be healed. Please pray earnestly for Plateau and Nigeria while you are there. Those who are coming into office in a few months need Gods guidance and direction”.

He also reminded them that Pilgrimage is not a jamboree or an exercise for frivolity. It is a deeply spiritual exercise that connects people to the Christian faith by offering them an opportunity to see, feel and touch some of the accounts rendered in the Holy Bible. It also enables them appreciate the spirit and letter of the Word of God from historical perspective to present age.

The Governor warned that any intending pilgrim that is caught trying to abscond will be made to face the full wrath of the law as Government will not take it lightly with those who attempt to bring the name of Plateau State and Nigeria to disrepute.

Executive Secretary of the Plateau State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board Very Rev. Fr. George Goshi Gorap praised Governor Lalong for his consistent sponsorship of pilgrims to the Holy Land saying from 2015 to 2023, about 4,570 pilgrims and officials performed the exercise from Plateau State with many sponsorship themselves and Government supporting the officials.

He said the Board is working in harmony with the NCPC to ensure that the exercise goes smoothly.

Chairman of the Board Rev. Koppah Shitkuum also commended Governor Lalong for not only enhancing Pilgrimage exercise in the State but also working hard to restore peace and and security in Plateau State.

In an exhortation, Rev. Dachomo reading from 1Peter 2:11-12 urged the pilgrims to take the exercise seriously and focus on renewing their relationship with God since they are pilgrims on earth looking forward to eternal life with Christ Jesus.

Related Topics:Christian Pilgrims Governor Lalong bids farewell to intending Christian Pilgrims lalong

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News

IASC Above45: ‘I Took After Rashidi Yekini’ – Jokesman Reveals

Published

56 minutes ago

August 17, 2026

Preport

WhatsApp Image 2026 08 17 at 2.03.09 PM.jpeg

Barrister Chijioke Iziolu Jokesman has attributed his impressive goalscoring instincts to confidence, discipline, and the influence of late Nigerian striker Rashidi Yekini, following another standout performance in the Island All Stars Above 45 Football Tournament.

Jokesman was on target again for his team, producing another quality finish despite carrying a groin injury that had already affected him in the opening game of the tournament.

Reflecting on the encounter, the veteran attacker described it as an interesting contest, while admitting that his team was missing several key players.

“It was a very interesting game even though most of our players were not around. Our midfield wasn’t together, but we give God the glory for the result,” he told SPORTS247.

Jokesman also stressed the importance of sportsmanship, insisting that football should always be played in the right spirit.

“Most of my goals are classy goals, but it is just a game. Fair play is what we preach in every game,” he added.

The experienced forward revealed that his groin problem from the first match had not completely healed before he featured again.

“In the first game, I had a groin after scoring. I tried to manage it but was substituted. Today, the groin wasn’t fully healed, but I wanted and needed to play,” he explained.

The injury returned after he scored, forcing another substitution. Jokesman believes his absence subsequently affected his team’s attacking threat but remains optimistic about returning fully fit for future competitions.

“I pray that by the next tournament, my leg will be perfectly okay, and you will see what we can do,” he said.

‘I Took After Rashidi Yekini’

Asked about the thinking behind what has been described as one of the best goals of the tournament, Jokesman revealed his confidence in his positioning and finishing ability.

“I knew once my positioning was right, the ball would enter the back of the net. I’m a good striker and confident with my abilities if there are people to feed me with the ball,” he said.

Drawing comparisons with Nigeria’s legendary goalscorer, Jokesman added: “I think I took after Rashidi Yekini. I believe strongly that an attacker must be able to shoot.”

He explained that his ability to strike with both feet remains one of his major strengths.

“My strength is in my shot, and I make use of both feet — left and right. Once the ball is right, I can strike from any angle,” he stated.

At almost 54, Jokesman believes his longevity is a product of discipline and urged younger footballers to maintain healthy lifestyles, train properly, and avoid habits that could undermine their careers.

He advised aspiring strikers to embrace discipline, self-restraint, proper training, and adequate rest, insisting that with the right attitude, “the sky is your limit.”

Business

NGX Trading Volume Surges 127% as Investors Exchange ₦176.06bn in One Week

Published

2 hours ago

August 17, 2026

Preport

Trading activity on the nations bourse recorded a sharp increase in the week ended August 14, 2026, as investors exchanged 12.153 billion shares valued at ₦176.058 billion across 224,146 deals.

The performance represents a 126.8 percent increase in traded volume compared with the 5.359 billion shares worth ₦139.053 billion exchanged in 261,869 deals in the previous week. Turnover value also increased by 26.6 percent, while the number of deals declined by about 14.4 percent.

The increase in activity was also reflected in other trading indicators. Market depth improved to 27.76 percent from 21.67 percent in the previous week, while average daily value traded rose to ₦35.21 billion from ₦27.81 billion.

The Financial Services Industry dominated market activity, accounting for 11.212 billion shares valued at ₦88.991 billion across 102,246 deals. The sector contributed 92.25 percent of total equity turnover by volume and 50.55 percent by value.

The Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Industry followed with 246.127 million shares worth ₦51.605 billion traded in 27,169 deals, while the Services Industry ranked third with 198.195 million shares valued at ₦1.995 billion across 13,747 deals.

Activity was particularly concentrated in three equities; Fortis Global Insurance Plc, Cornerstone Insurance Plc and Consolidated Hallmark Holdings Plc. The trio accounted for 9.488 billion shares worth ₦36.219 billion in 1,781 deals, representing 78.07 percent of total equity turnover volume and 20.57 percent of turnover value for the week.

The fixed-income segment also recorded increased activity, with investors trading 232,979 units valued at ₦226.258 million in 35 deals, compared with 117,372 units worth ₦121.249 million in the previous week.

In the Exchange Traded Products segment, 2.346 million units valued at ₦501.051 million were traded across 5,291 deals.

Despite the surge in trading activity, the broader equities market closed lower as investors took profits following recent gains. The NGX All-Share Index declined by 1.20 percent to 242,619.20 points, while market capitalisation fell by 1.19 percent to ₦156.624 trillion.

Market breadth, however, showed some improvement. 26 equities appreciated during the week, unchanged from the previous week, while the number of declining equities eased to 59 from 63. 62 equities closed unchanged, compared with 58 in the preceding week.

The market breadth ratio consequently improved to 0.69x from 0.62x in the previous week, indicating a narrower gap between gainers and decliners despite the decline in the benchmark index.

Trans-Nationwide Express Plc led the gainers’ chart with a 32.09 percent increase, followed by International Energy Insurance Plc, which advanced 31.68 percent, and Sovereign Trust Insurance Plc, which gained 13.77 percent. On the other side, AVA Capital Plc topped the losers’ chart with a 34.55 percent decline, followed by Unilever Nigeria Plc, down 18.94 percent, and Zichis Agro Allied Industries Plc, which shed 15.08 percent.

Meanwhile, Lasaco Assurance Plc expanded its share capital following the listing of 9.236 billion additional ordinary shares on the NGX Daily Official List on Wednesday, August 12, 2026.

The additional shares arose from the company’s rights issue of five new ordinary shares for every six existing shares held as of February 20, 2026. Following the listing, Lasaco Assurance’s issued and fully paid-up share capital increased from 11.084 billion shares to 20.320 billion ordinary shares of 50 kobo each.

Despite the week’s moderation, the broader market remains firmly positive for the year, with the NGX All-Share Index recording a year-to-date return of 55.91 percent as of August 14.

Sectoral performance has been even stronger in parts of the market, with the NGX Oil and Gas Index up 94.81 percent year-to-date, followed by the NGX Premium Index at 85.14 percent and the NGX Industrial Goods Index at 82.84 percent, underscoring the strength of the market’s gains despite the week’s profit-taking.

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