Hot SOURCE News

Hot Source
Hot News
October 4, 2025
32 views

Conservative Anglicans Kick as Church of England Names First Female Archbishop of Canterbury

.She will be installed in March 2026

.Anglican church in Nigeria meets next week

Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja with agency report

The Church of England yesterday named Sarah Mullally the next Archbishop of Canterbury, the first woman to serve as ceremonial head of Anglican Christianity worldwide, prompting immediate criticism from conservative church leaders in Africa, who argue that it undermines biblical authority and ecclesiastical order.

Orthodox group of the Anglican communion comprising 80 per cent of Anglicans worldwide, including the Church of Nigeria under the auspices Global Fellowship of Confessing Anglicans (Gafcon), expressed displeasure over the appointment.

A bishop in the Nigerian Anglican Church said the choice was “very dangerous” because women should follow men. The Church of England’s evangelical wing also called for a halt to what it called a drift away from scripture.

The 63-year-old bishop, who once served as England’s top nurse, would, like her predecessors, face a Communion divided between conservatives and more liberal Christians over the role of women in the church and the acceptance of same-sexA couples.

While the appointment was welcomed by many religious leaders in Britain, Laurent Mbanda, archbishop of Rwanda and chairman of a global grouping of conservative Anglican churches, told Reuters that Mullally would not unite the Communion.

Bishop of London since 2018, Mullally has previously championed blessings for same-sex couples, a major source of contention in the global Anglican Communion. Homosexuality is outlawed in some African countries.

In an address in Canterbury Cathedral yesterday, she said she would seek to help every ministry to flourish, “whatever our tradition”.

On same-sex relationships, she told Reuters in an interview that the Church of England and the broader Anglican Communion had long wrestled with difficult issues.

“It may not be resolved quickly,” she added.

Mullally said she wanted the Church to tackle the misuse of power after sexual abuse scandals and safeguarding issues, and she condemned rising antisemitism following an attack on a synagogue in Manchester on Thursday which killed two men.

The Church of England, which broke away from Roman Catholicism in the 16th century, has allowed women to be ordained as priests for more than 30 years and to become bishops for more than a decade.

Those reforms have been rejected by many churches in Africa and Asia which fall under the Anglican Communion and consider the Archbishop of Canterbury as their ceremonial head but set their own rules.

“Christ is the head of the Church, man is the head of the family, and from creation God has never handed over the position of leadership to woman,” Nigeria’s Funkuro Godrules Victor Amgbare, Bishop of Northern Izon, told Reuters in Abuja.

The Vatican, which does not allow women to be ordained as priests, welcomed Mullally’s appointment in a statement, noting that the challenges facing the Anglican church were “considerable”.

Mullally will replace Justin Welby, who resigned over a child abuse cover-up scandal and who was criticised by some Anglicans for taking an activist role on social issues.

In yesterday’s cathedral address, she spoke of the difficulties of an age which “craves certainty and tribalism” and a country which is wrestling with complex moral and political questions.

She noted the “horrific violence” of the previous day’s synagogue attack, saying it revealed “hatred that rises up through fractures across our communities”.

Mullally is a former cancer nurse who worked as England’s Chief Nursing Officer in the early 2000s. She was ordained as a priest in 2002 and became one of the first women consecrated as a bishop in the Church of England in 2015.

The married mother of two adult children said there were similarities between nursing and Christian ministry.

“It’s all about people, and sitting with people during the most difficult times in their lives,” she once told a magazine.

Linda Woodhead, professor of theology and religious studies at King’s College London, said the Church needed Mullally’s strong management skills.

“Her emphasis on unity, gentleness and strength is exactly what the Church, and nation, needs right now,” she said.

Reflecting the Church’s status as England’s established faith, the appointment was announced by Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s office and given formal assent by King Charles. The monarch has been supreme governor of the Church of England for nearly 500 years since Henry VIII broke from the pope in Rome.

David Pestell, 74, who heads a tourist guide group in Canterbury, reflected on Mullally’s predecessors.

“Some of them have been very good, some of them have been pretty bad,” he said. “Some of them have been very contentious, and some of them ended up murdered. I hope it doesn’t happen to this one. It’s delightful.”

Orthodox group, under the auspices Global Fellowship of Confessing Anglicans (Gafcon), expressed displeasure over the appointment of a female – Dame Sarah Mullally as the next Archbishop of Canterbury.

Gafcon is a communion of conservative Anglican churches, aligned with the Confessing Movement, that was formed in 2008 in response to ongoing theological disputes in the worldwide Anglican Communion.

Although the Anglican Church in Nigeria had yet to respond formally to the development, the Director of Information, Mr. Akintunde Korede, said the leadership of the Anglican Church in Nigeria would most likely align with the position of Gafcon.

Korede, who spoke to THISDAY yesterday, said the Anglican Church of Nigeria, received the information about the appointment of the new Archbishop of Canterbury and would convene a meeting next week after which it will make its position public.

However, in a statement signed by Chairman, Gafcon Primates Council, The Most Reverend Dr. Laurent Mbanda, the church leaders rejected the emergence of Dame Sarah Mullallyas new Archbishop of Canterbury, saying the appointment has further alienated Anglicans globally.

They said the new Archbishop cannot provide leadership to the Anglican Communion.

They also accused the new Archbishop of supporting same-sex relationships and that such relationships could be blessed.

The statement issued yesterday, added: “The news has finally arrived after months of prayer and long waiting. But it is with sorrow that Gafcon receives the announcement today of the appointment of Dame Sarah Mullally as the next Archbishop of Canterbury. This appointment abandons global Anglicans, as the Church of England has chosen a leader who will further divide an already split Communion.

“For over a century and a half, the Archbishop of Canterbury functioned not only as the Primate of All England but also as a spiritual and moral leader of the Anglican Communion. In more recent times, the See of Canterbury has been described as one of the four “Instruments of Communion,” whilst also chairing the other three Instruments, namely the Lambeth Conference, the Primates Meeting and the Anglican Consultative Council.

“However, due to the failure of successive Archbishops of Canterbury to guard the faith, the office can no longer function as a credible leader of Anglicans, let alone a focus of unity. As we made clear in our Kigali Commitment of 2023, we can “no longer recognise the Archbishop of Canterbury as an Instrument of Communion” or the “first among equals” of global Primates.

“We had hoped that the Church of England would take this into due consideration as it deliberated over the choice of a new Archbishop of Canterbury and would choose someone who could bring unity to a divided Anglican Communion. Sadly, they have not done so.

“Though there are some who will welcome the decision to appoint Bishop Mullally as the first female Archbishop of Canterbury, the majority of the Anglican Communion still believes that the Bible requires a male-only episcopacy. Therefore, her appointment will make it impossible for the Archbishop of Canterbury to serve as a focus of unity within the Communion.

“However, more concerning is her failure to uphold her consecration vows. When she was consecrated in 2015, she took an oath to “banish and drive away all strange and erroneous doctrine contrary to God’s Word.” And yet, far from banishing such doctrine, Bishop Mullally has repeatedly promoted unbiblical and revisionist teachings regarding marriage and sexual morality.”

Gafcon further accused the new Archbishop of failure to uphold her consecration vows, adding that when she took an oath to “banish and drive away all strange and erroneous doctrine contrary to God’s Word.”

.She will be installed in March 2026 .Anglican church in Nigeria meets next week Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja with agency report The Church of England yesterday named Sarah Mullally the next Archbishop

Hot Source
Hot News
October 4, 2025
44 views

Ex-IG, Solomon Arase, Buried in Benin

Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City

The remains of former Inspector General of Police, Dr. Solomon Arase, has been interred in Benin City, capital of Edo State.

Arase was buried at a private ceremony witnessed by family members and close associates after a funeral mass was held at the St. Paul Catholic Church.

In his homily during the requiem mass, Reverend Father Andrew Obiyan, urged the congregation to work towards making heaven after death.

Obiyan said people would want to go everywhere on earth but refused to go to the House of God.

He expressed disappointment at the attitude of some humans towards donating for the work of God.

According to him, “Our own life is in heaven. We must never be distracted. We now see old age creeping into our lives daily powerfully. It crept in to remind us of immortality. We study so hard to receive so many titles. At death, those titles mean nothing to God. The only title that means so much is a grace of battle.

“We have the assurance that Arase will reap the fruit of baptism in the presence of the eternal King.

“Sometimes we go everywhere but we don’t want to go to the House of God except when we want to please people. We do not want not to come to the House of God.

“Late Arase feared and loved God. Policing is a profession with risk. We see soaring crime rate yet many police officers are exemplary.

“We give glory to God for Arase’s getting to the peak of his career. The Lord does not take from you what he cannot give.”

Also speaking, Governor of Bayelsa State, Duoye Diri, said the late Arase was of great service to the nation.

“Moments like this are for us to know that one day we will lie down like this. We should be humble to serve our state and country to the best of our ability. All about him are great and good testament. From his professionalism and service to the country, his relationship with the rest of society marked his humility and spreading love everywhere he goes.”

Dignitaries at the event were Governor Monday Okpebholo represented by his Deputy, Dennis Idahosa; former Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi; Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun; Oba Ewuare II, Oba of Benin, represented by Chief Oseni Elamah and Chief Uso Osaretin, the Usoh of Benin Kingdom; FRSC Zone 5 Commander, Stella Orakwe; Secretary to the Police Service Commission, Onyeabuchi Nnamani; Senator Neda Imasuen, amongst others.

Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City The remains of former Inspector General of Police, Dr. Solomon Arase, has been interred in Benin City, capital of Edo State. Arase was buried at a private

Hot Source
Hot News
October 4, 2025
37 views

Stakeholders: Nigeria’s Power Sector Still Struggling Despite Reforms

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

Stakeholders in the power sector yesterday agreed that despite reforms in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI), the sector has continued to struggle, barely able to take half of total capacity to Nigerian homes.

Delivering his lecture at the 29th edition of the October Lecture Series of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) in Abuja, a former President of the Society, Tasiu Gidari-Wudil, maintained that Nigeria’s electricity sector remains far from achieving the goals set out in the 2005 reform law, despite nearly two decades of policy changes and privatisation.

Gidari-Wudil’s paper was titled: ‘Total Challenges Facing Nigeria and Sub-Saharan Africa: The Transformation of Our Power Sector’. The paper examined the reforms between 2005 and 2023, highlighting the gains, setbacks, and lessons for future policy.

He noted that Nigeria’s installed capacity grew from 6,000 megawatts in 2005 to over 13,000 megawatts by 2023, but average generation remained below 50 per cent of capacity due to gas shortages, transmission bottlenecks, and inefficiencies across the value chain.

According to him, persistent infrastructural gaps, financial unsustainability, and consumer dissatisfaction continue to undermine progress in the sector.

“Reform is a long-term process requiring sustained commitment beyond political cycles,” he said, adding that strong regulatory institutions, transparent tariffs, and meaningful stakeholder engagement are crucial if Nigeria hopes to meet its power needs.

In an interview after the lecture, Gidari-Wudil stressed that progress has been slow and far below expectations. He blamed political interference, regulatory weaknesses, and government failures as key setbacks.

“It’s not as significant as envisaged by the crafters of the policy in 2000 and the law in 2005. By now, according to the Electric Power Sector Reform Act, we should have been far beyond 30,000 megawatts.

“The initial buyers of the utilities were given service-level agreements, but the government failed to deliver on its part. The companies also failed, leading to market shortfalls now running into trillions of naira,” he explained.

The engineer also pointed to deep-rooted issues within distribution companies, including collusion by staff in illegal connections and meter bypassing. “If the distribution companies look inward and fix their internal leakages, especially collection failures, a lot will change,” he added.

Earlier in her welcome address, the President of the NSE, Margaret Oguntala, said the lecture coincided with Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary, a time for reflection and renewed hope.

“As engineers, we believe these are not abstract problems. They are real, technical and solvable challenges and we must rise to the occasion. Governments at all levels must more deliberately engage Nigerian engineers to proffer practical, scalable and homegrown solutions,” she said.

She noted that the October Lecture Series was designed to articulate the Society’s position on critical national issues, promote engineering’s visibility in national discourse, and highlight the expertise of past presidents of the NSE.

Also speaking, Sahara Power Group’s Group Managing Director, Kola Adesina, represented by the company’s Head of Generation, Godwin Emmanuel, noted that while the sector had recorded gains since 2005, including growth in installed generation to over 13,000MW, expansion of transmission capacity, and improved governance frameworks, actual supply to the grid still averaged below 5,000MW, far short of national demand.

“These realities remind us that while reform has set the stage and delivered measurable progress, much work remains to translate capacity into reliable supply,” he said.

He outlined three priorities for the next phase of reforms, which are: Cost-reflective tariffs to ensure liquidity and sustainability, grid modernisation to strengthen reliability, and accelerated integration of renewables into Nigeria’s energy mix.

“The power sector remains both Nigeria’s greatest challenge and its greatest opportunity. If we get power right, every other sector from agriculture to digital services will flourish,” Adesina added.

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja Stakeholders in the power sector yesterday agreed that despite reforms in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI), the sector has continued to struggle, barely able to take

Hot Source
Hot News
October 4, 2025
34 views

Norwegian Diplomats Hail Nigeria’s World Class Art Work

Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja

Diplomats from the Norway Embassy, Abuja, have rated Nigeria’s art works as world class.

The Consul and Counsellor of the Norway Embassy, Saul Novichyan and Sol Solveig made the assessment at the ‘Canvas of Identity, Resilience, and Renewed Hope’ exhibition organised by the National Gallery of Arts as part of 65th Nigerian Independence Celebration in Abuja.

Solveig said she was always amazed at the diversity of all the art from Nigeria in addition to the many gifted people in the industry.

“I think here in Nigeria, you find the very best. It’s just amazing, so good. I’m really impressed by the people here. So many really good artists. And beautiful work that is of high quality,” Solveig said.

The diplomat said she had been visiting several arts galleries in Nigeria since she arrived in the country last year, singling out the Nike Art Gallery for recognition.

She urged Nigerian artists to continue with what they were doing, as they were on the top on the international level.

On his part, Novichyan commended the exceptional quality of Nigerian art works and the impressive talent demonstrated by local artists.

He stressed that Nigerian art had reached an international standard, reflecting the creativity and skill inherent in the country’s artistic community.

He also advised them to continue their current artistic pursuits, noting that their work was already competitive on the global stage.

In his remarks, the Director General of National Gallery of Arts, Ahmed Sodangi, noted that the canvas of identity, resilience and renewed hope was a story about the current state of Nigerians as a resilient people who should dream bigger and have more creativity.

He added that the National Gallery was trying to incentivise the system by fostering the art business in Nigeria because it is one of the things that is mostly neglected.

“One thing that is very, very important is to look at the value chain. And because we have a lot of artists, art is a profession. So what we are trying to do in terms of improving the lives of Nigerians, particularly the artists, is look at the value chain and see how we can improve on it.

“And we all know around the world that the art industry is a multi-billion dollar industry. So one of the things the National Gallery is doing is improving the value chain, looking at the artworks as products, giving them certifications that will add to the base value,” Sodangi said.

Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja Diplomats from the Norway Embassy, Abuja, have rated Nigeria’s art works as world class. The Consul and Counsellor of the Norway Embassy, Saul Novichyan and Sol Solveig made the

Hot Source
Hot News
October 4, 2025
43 views

Kano Governor Writes NSA, Seeks State Commissioner of Police Removal

Ahmad Sorondinki in Kano

The crisis between the Kano State Government and the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Bakori, has taken a new turn as the state government has written a formal complaint letter to the office of the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, against the CP.

During the 65th Independence Day celebration, Governor Yusuf accused the CP of boycotting the national parade, an action he described as “unacceptable, and a betrayal of the trust of both the people and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“I therefore, wish to seize the opportunity to call on the President, whom we know as no nonsense man. to remove the commissioner of Police from Kano today.

“On behalf of all of you I am writing a petition against him through the office of the National Security Adviser for onward submission to president of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” the governor stated.

However, the police chief did not comment on the allegations, but a top police source familiar with the issue explained that the matter went beyond the parade, as it was already public knowledge that the Independence Day parade had been cancelled.

He alleged that the state governor has long neglected the police and other security agencies in the state, citing examples of how he clashed with three past Commissioners of Police during his two years in office.

He further alleged that the governor has consistently ignored the police command, failing to respond to courtesy visit letters from the Commissioner of Police and the Assistant Inspector General (AIG), and neglecting Security Council meetings, instead sending a junior special adviser on security.

Barely 24 hours after the governor’s allegations, protests erupted in two different locations, led by Barrister Nafisa Abba Isma’il, Chairlady of the Women Lawyers Congress, who attributed the state’s current insecurity to the government’s neglect of security agencies.

The protest followed a press conference led by a coalition of civil society groups known as Kano Agenda, which demanded an immediate investigation into the police withdrawal during the Independence Day celebration and called for those responsible to be held accountable.

Ahmad Sorondinki in Kano The crisis between the Kano State Government and the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Bakori, has taken a new turn as the state government has written a formal complaint letter to the

Hot Source
Hot News
October 4, 2025
36 views

BAP’s ‘Fela & The Kalakuta Queens’ Musical Thrills Audience as National Theatre Roars Back to Life

The National Arts Theatre in Iganmu, Lagos, roared back to life on Monday October 1, 2025 after a few years of renovation and refurbishment.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, together with his wife, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, led a rich array of dignitaries from the government, corporate sector and the creative industries to unveil the new-look premier home of the arts as a symbolic occasion to also celebrate Nigeria’s 65th independence anniversary.

The magnificent edifice and cultural institutions have now been rechristened by the federal government the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts as a fitting tribute to the respected Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, whose literary and theatrical contribution to the development of theatre, literature and film is immeasurable.

‘

The three-hour unveiling event was laced with rich set of performances, of which the command performance of the popular musical, ‘Fela And The Kalakuta Queens’ stood out, thrilling the audience with its stellar cast, great acting, and spectacular dance routine, all laced with a few evergreen songs by the legendary King of Afrobeat music, the late Fela Anikulapo-Kuti.

Although it was a teaser showpiece that lasted for just half an hour, the performance added unmistakable colour to the unveiling event, especially given that it came just before the speeches by the Central Bank Governor, Mr. Yemi Cardoso and President Tinubu.

Directed by the multiple award-winning theatre and film director, Bolanle Austen-Peters, Fela and the Kalakuta Queens chronicles the life and times of the late legendary musician, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, from birth to his trajectory as a defiant and uncompromising social activist, a flamboyant musical maestro as well as his historic marriage to his 27 wives (known as the Queens).

“The story of Fela and his Kalakuta Queens is as compelling, as it is deeply moving and emotionally engaging, and we are happy that it was selected as part of the performances to bring back to life the famed National Arts Theatre,” said Mrs. Austen-Peters.

The play travels through the honest and selfless love the Afrobeat icon had with his dancers (Queens) who left their homes to follow him, believing in his vision of building a better community through arts and music.

The musical also explores the lives of those women who constituted an integral part of Fela’s band and gives a unique insight into the interplay of gender and power relations at Fela’s famous Kalakuta Republic. It also showcases their unique fashion, dance and African identity, while unmasking common misconceptions about them.

In his remarks, Dr. Cardoso said it was a “huge one” to be delivering his speech right after the performance of ‘Fela and the Kalakuta Queens, given the energy it oozed and the applause it received.

President Tinubu also commended the evening’s rich performances, adding unequivocally that “I’m impressed and I’ve enjoyed myself.”

The historic unveiling of the refurbished theatre is not lost on Austen-Peters, who is the founder of Bolanle Austen-Peters Productions (BAP), which produced the musical and Terra Kulture Arena in Lagos.

“It is a historic day for all of us in the creative sector, to have been selected for this landmark unveiling, on a day that Nigeria clocks 65, while having in the audience the No1, No 3 and Number 4 citizens of the country, among several other dignitaries.

“All the performances added colour and glamour to this event. This is a clear message that the creative sector has been blessed with another set of world-class venues that will enhance creativity. We are grateful that ‘Fela and the Kalakuta Queens was part of those that successfully relaunched this main auditorium into the hearts of Nigerians,” she said.

Following a successful premiere in Lagos in 2017, Fela and The Kalakuta Queens Musical has, without a doubt, become a sensation across the globe, having been performed in Pretoria, South Africa; Cairo, Egypt and Dubai, UAE.

“It is, therefore, a befitting play to reopen the newly renovated and restored National Arts Theatre,” said Joseph Umoibon, Producer of the musical.

Fela and the Kalakuta Queens will again hit the big stage of the Terra Kulture Arena from December 26th 2025 to Jan 12th 2026 as part of the ‘Detty December’ highlights.

The National Arts Theatre in Iganmu, Lagos, roared back to life on Monday October 1, 2025 after a few years of renovation and refurbishment. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, together with his

Hot Source
Hot News
October 4, 2025
34 views

Former NNPC Spokesman, Femi Soneye Launches ‘The Exchange’ Podcast

Femi Soneye, respected journalist, media entrepreneur, and former Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPC Ltd, has announced the launch of his new biweekly podcast, The Exchange with Femi Soneye.

The Exchange will spotlight some of Nigeria’s and Africa’s most influential voices, spanning politics, business, entertainment, and civil society. With Soneye’s decades of media experience and insider access, the show promises bold conversations, rare insights, and candid perspectives on issues shaping the nation and the world.

“The Exchange is more than just another interview program, it’s a space for open, meaningful dialogue,” said Femi Soneye. “Listeners will hear the human side of leaders and changemakers, beyond the headlines.”

The podcast will feature 20–25-minute episodes released twice a month and will be available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, Audiomack, and other major platforms.

Hot Source
Hot News
October 4, 2025
36 views

Tourism Experts Harp on Adherence to Standards to Grow Sector

Emmanuel Ugwu-Nwogo in Umuahia

Stakeholders in the tourism and hospitality sector have called for the adoption and adherence to standards in order to enhance the growth of the industry in Abia State and the South-east region.

The call was made in Umuahia at the 7th Tourism World International Commercial/Agro-Tourism Conference and Awards held at the Aguiyi Ironsi Conference Hall.

The conference themed ‘Tourism: A Viable Tool for Unlocking Socioeconomic Growth, Community Prosperity and Inclusive Opportunities’, brought together stakeholders in the tourism and hospitality sector across the nation.

The keynote address delivered by Professor Wasiu Babalola set the tone for the conference which highlighted the vital role of standards in the operation of tourism in Abia, and the Southeast zone as a whole.

Babalola, who is a professor of hotel management and tourism at Atiba University Oyo, Nigeria and the Chairman of the SON National Technical/Mirror Committee on Tourism and Related Services, emphasised that standards remain the backbone of a sustainable and competitive tourism industry.

“Without well-defined and enforced standards, tourism services risk being inconsistent, unreliable, and uncompetitive in the global marketplace.

“By prioritising standards, Abia State and the entire South-east region can position itself as a hub of quality hospitality and tourism, capable of attracting both domestic and international tourists,” he said.

According to the tourism expert, standards must cover all aspects of the tourism value chain, ranging from accommodation, food safety, and customer service to destination management, eco-tourism practices, and safety protocols.

For the culture of standard to become a feature of the tourism industry in Abia, Babalola urged operators and regulators in the industry to join hands with relevant government agencies and the Technical/Mirror Committee. He said such collaboration was necessary for developing, adopting, and implementing the set standards when they become available, in line with international best practices.

The university don further called for action, stating that standards were not merely about compliance; they were about building trust, creating value, and ensuring that every visitor to Abia State departs with a memorable, high-quality experience.

The Abia Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Matthew Ekwuruibe, stated that the government remained committed in its efforts to strengthen the tourism sector as a key driver of economic diversification, job creation, and cultural preservation.

He said that the Abia State government through his ministry had embarked on taking inventory of the tourism sights and assets of the state, adding that their development and commercialisation has commenced.

Ekwuruibe therefore invited the private sector operators to partner with the state in the execution of projects that would boost tourism business in Abia.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the Abia State Hotel Association, Mr. Charles Ezeala, pledged the readiness of hoteliers and other stakeholders to embrace and implement the evolving standards to strengthen service delivery and guest experiences.

Earlier in his address, the Founder and Executive Director of De World Tourism International, Mr. Solomon Uwakwe, whose firm organised the conference, stated that it was meant to provide a platform for dialogue and exchange of ideas.

He described tourism as a potent tool for socioeconomic development hence knowledge sharing, collaboration among stakeholders, and public-private sector partnerships were needed to drive the sector.

“Abia State and the South-east have immense (tourism) potentials, but only through adherence to global best practices can we fully unlock the economic and cultural benefits of tourism,” Uwakwe said.

The conference drew participants from hotel operators, travel agencies, tour operators, creative industries, cultural custodians, agro-tourism enthusiasts, non-governmental organisation executives, international facilitators, and tourism regulators.

Emmanuel Ugwu-Nwogo in Umuahia Stakeholders in the tourism and hospitality sector have called for the adoption and adherence to standards in order to enhance the growth of the industry in Abia

Hot Source
Hot News
October 4, 2025
40 views

NYSC Provides Services Worth Over N14B to Lagos State Annually, Says DG

Oghenevwede Ohwovoriole in Abuja

The Director General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brig. Gen. Olakunle Nafiu, has stated that the scheme provides the Lagos State government with services worth over N14 billion annually.

Gen. Nafiu stated this when he paid the Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu a courtesy visit in his office in Lagos.

The scheme made the disclosure in a press statement that was signed by the scheme’s Director Information and Public Relations (DIPR), Caroline Embu. And made available to the press on Friday.

Gen. Nafiu emphasised that “services provided by the NYSC for the government and people of Lagos State worth over 14 billion naira annually.

“Gen. Nafiu was quantifying, in minimum monetary value, the contributions of the over 44,000 Corps members deployed to the length and breadth of the state in various capacities, including the 333 medical doctors, 306 pharmacists, 274 nurses, and 7188 teachers.”

According to Nafiu, “Lagos was the number one destination for Corps members, noting that their parents were also comfortable with it, citing the relative security of the State.”

Speaking on the purpose of his visit he said, “The purpose of my visit was to acknowledge the support of the Lagos State government to the scheme, cement the already cordial relationship and reassure the governor that NYSC would continue to deploy adequate number of Corps members to serve in the state.”

He applauded the governor for carrying out critical renovation work at the temporary camp, Iyana-Ipaja even as work at the 10,000 capacity permanent orientation camp was ongoing.

He said the scheme looked forward to when the camp would be completed so that Corps members deployed to Lagos would camp in the same location rather than the prevailing practice of dislodging some of them to contiguous camps.

He also used the opportunity to request that the secretariat be provided with an ambulance and urged “him to sustain the other areas of support for the scheme, which he said gave much needed operational support to the state formation.”

Oghenevwede Ohwovoriole in Abuja The Director General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brig. Gen. Olakunle Nafiu, has stated that the scheme provides the Lagos State government with services worth