Author: Our Correspondent

From Rhoda Godwin

Dr Patterson Ogon, a Niger Delta activist and Director, Planning, Research and Statistics in the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC has knocked the country over her over dependence on Crude Oil.

Ogon said that has made the country
to undermine other opportunities to creation a diversified economy.

Speaking on Thursday in Yenagoa during the 13th edition of the annual lecture of Federated Correspondents’ Chapel of Nigeria Union of Journalists, Ogon who was the guest lecturer at the event maintained that explained that Nigeria’s economy was primarily driven by agriculture before the discovery of oil.

With the theme: “Niger Delta Region and Nigeria’s Economic Diversification: Challenges and Prospects” the guest lecturer stated that because of crude oil, all have left agriculture adding that “Agriculture accounted for 72% of Nigeria’s total national output in 1950.”

He urged Nigerian state to begin the process of moving away from crude oil and focus on other sectors like agriculture and manufacturing in order to have a sustainable economy, and ensure safer ecosystem.

He said: “Nigeria’s economic diversification faces challenges such as a history of fiscal dependence on oil, mismanagement of oil proceeds, and volatile global oil prices. The Niger Delta region, which is home to a large population and abundant natural resources, has potential to contribute to Nigeria’s economic diversification.”

“The discovery of oil and the wealth it creates in those societies has its own pains. It’s a classic case of the rich also cry. The above quotes may not have been made for the fun of it. Nigeria’s complex socio-economic and political crisis, deepened by the exploitation and exploration of oil, may only have added to the global disconnect that oil has created.”

“It is common knowledge that Nigeria’s economy was primarily driven by agriculture before the discovery of oil. “Agriculture accounted for 72% of Nigeria’s total national output in 1950.”

“Economic diversification has been a thing of interest to Government. In pre-petroleum Nigerian economy, the basis of sustenance was essentially agriculture. However, the discovery of oil worsened the productive capacity of our economy as we really did not have to labour to eat. Oil proceeds threw away the historic feats of the palm oil economy, groundnut pyramids, cocoa and the place of agriculture in our lives As a matter of fact.”

“Nigeria’s mono-economy, crude oil, is a source of problem to its survival.
Neither agriculture nor manufacturing has been given the necessary environmental condition and attention to boost productivity.”

Also speaking, Morris Alagoa an Environmentalist and deputy director Environmental defenders network who was the chairman of the occasion thanked the Media for doing alot in being the watchdog of the society.

He said there was a time in the country when there was no civil society groups or non- government organizations adding that there was only the government and the media and society was better.

Adding that there are gamuts of NGOs and huma rights groups and yet life is the way we are seeing it, he said that Life has become so Brutish and short.

He said:” Law abiding citizens of this country are more endangered than the criminals. These criminals know how to maneuver their ways when arrested because of the way society has become.”

“Also, there is indiscriminate logging and mining in this state. A time will come, when we won’t even have timbers. We don’t have trees again in our forest.

Earlier, the Chairman of Federated Correspondents’ Chapel, Tife Owolabi, had said the engagement was crucial to the Niger Delta Region’s pivotal role in Nigeria’s economic diversification.

He stated:”The Niger Delta, rich in natural resources, faces unique challenges that hinder its potential. From environmental degradation to infrastructure deficits, and from socio-economic disparities to security concerns, the region’s complexities demand thoughtful exploration.”

“As journalists, we are not mere observers; we are active participants in shaping the narrative. Our role is crucial in.Today, we reaffirm our commitment to responsible journalism, bridging the gap between policy makers, stakeholders, and the public.”

By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna

Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, has inaugurated a summit aimed at reforming the Almajiri education system, a traditional Islamic method of learning widely obtained across states in northern Nigeria.

The event held at the conference hall of Musa Usman Secretariat was graced by education stakeholders, religious leaders, and community advocates to discuss innovative strategies to integrate the Almajiri system with basic formal education.

The summit provided a platform for participants to discuss issues, share insights and propose actionable solutions to the challenges faced by the Almajiri education system, a statement by his SSA on new Media Wednesday has asserted.

Addressing the gathering, Governor Zulum emphasised the need to address the root causes of insecurity through the provision of education for all citizens of Borno.

The Governor stressed that improper teaching of Islamic studies has contributed to the emergence of Boko Haram insurgents in the state.

He noted that to curtail the adverse effects associated with Almajiri education; Borno State Government has established the Arabic and Sangaya Education Board, introducing a unified curriculum for Sangaya and Islamic schools.

Zulum also stated that the reform includes establishing Higher Islamic Colleges that cater specifically to Almajiri children, blending religious and secular curricula and equipping them with skills vital for their personal development and future employment opportunities.

“The Sangaya Reform is a great development and will give Almajiri a better chance in life, particularly the introduction of integrating western education, vocational, numeracy and literacy skills into the centres, which are also described as Almajiri and Islamic schools,” Zulum said.

He added, “Distinguished guests and esteemed educationists, government’s intention was to streamline the informal and
formal education systems to quality integrated Sangaya school for admission into colleges and universities.”

Speaking earlier, the Chairman of Borno State Arabic and Sangaya Education Board, Shiekh Arabi Abulfatahi, expressed gratitude to Governor Zulum for giving the board the necessary support in discharging its duties.

The guest speakers, Professor Mustapha Gwadabe from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and Professor Mohammed Alhaji from the University of Maiduguri, stressed the urgent need for a comprehensive overhaul of the Almajiri system.

By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna

Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State has promised to rehabilitate and empower the released #EndBadGovernance# protesters from Kaduna State, if they turned a new leaf and become responsible and law abiding members of the society.

Speaking to journalists after the protesters were released, the Secretary to Kaduna State (SSG) Government, Dr Abdulkadir Muazu Meyere said that the Governor has asked him to receive the credentials of those who have completed their tertiary education.

“The Governor promised that some of them would be given start-up capitals to commence trading, while others will be taught skills and some will be given employment,’’ he added.

The SSG however said that the government will be tracking the activities and conduct of all 39 of them, to ensure that they are of good behaviour “before these benefits will be extended to them”.

Dr Meyere disclosed that Kaduna State Government has taken the details of the released detainees, which included contact addresses, telephone numbers and names of their Next of Kins, for easy tracking and monitoring.

According to him, the detainees were all medically examined and given psycho-social counselling on the need to change for the better, in order to be useful to themselves and the society at large.

“Both Islamic and Christian religious leaders preached to them to embrace the teachings of their faiths and to avoid bad company, so as to benefit from God’s blessings here and in the hereafter,’’ the SSG added.

He said the detainees were given a phone each because they lost their own during detention and “the Governor has graciously given each of them N100,000 as a measure of goodwill.’’

Meanwhile, the detainees have been transported back to their respective homes.

By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna

President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of Daniel Bwala as Special Adviser, Media and Public Communications (State House).

Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, announced this in a statement, on Thursday.

A ex-aide of former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 election, Bwala worked actively for his fotmer principal who lost to Tinubu.

However, after the elections lost, he worked his way into the camp of Tinubu, sparking controversy.

Onanuga also announced the appointments of three directors-general of various agencies.

Those appointed include Mr. Olawale Olopade — Director-General, National Sports Commission, Abisoye Fagade — Director-General, National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism, and
Adebowale Adedokun — Director-General, Bureau of Public Procurement respectively.

Olopade, the new Director-General of the National Sports Commission, is a sports administrator with many years of experience in the sector.

He served as commissioner of youth and sports in Ogun state and was chairman of the local organising committee of the 2024 National Sports Festival.

“The new Director-General of the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism, Dr. Abisoye Fagade is a marketing communication professional. He is the founder and managing director of Sodium Brand Solutions.

“Adedokun, the new helmsman of the Bureau of Public Procurement, was the director of Research/Training and Strategic Planning at the bureau before his appointment”, it stated.

From Rhoda Godwin Yenagoa

Stakeholders ranging from CSOs, state and non-state actors, PWDs, Media amongst others, gathered at the Project Trust Town Hall in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State recently, to discuss pressing community issues, including public accountability and the rights of persons with disabilities (PWDs).

The event, organized by Connected Development (CODE), emphasized the need for enhanced collaboration among civil society organizations, state actors, and media to foster good governance.

Key outcomes included a call for increased public awareness regarding citizen rights and the importance of the Disability Act (2018).

Participants advocated for accessible public structures and the implementation of a 5% employment quota for PWDs in government roles. The need for a Water Resources Act was highlighted to address the critical issue of potable water supply in Bayelsa state.

Speaking during the event, CODE State Support Officer, Mrs Tare Maureen Amananagha explained that Project Trust also monitors and tracks community development projects inorder to ensure compliance for the benefit of the people.

“The project is to build trust among citizens and community persons, we need to see that there’s inclusivity in all aspects of governance such that people can trust the government and hold them accountable for what they said they will do for the people”

However, Mrs Amananagha pointed out that the people in the communities also have a role to play by ensuring that projects are protected and maintained.

“What we are agitating is that communities should also take charge of projects. Ownership process should be a key thing for everyone living in the community such that these projects can last long for the benefit of the people”

Lectures by experts, including BANGOF Chairman Mr. Taritein Boco, underscored the significance of understanding disability rights.

Boco who doubles as the Chairman, Bayelsa Non Governmental Organizations Forum, BANGOF, delivered a lecture on”Understanding Disability and its Importance to Project Trust” noted that persons living with disabilities should be given facilities such as elevators, wheel chairs and other facilities to help them have accessibility to facilities in the state

On her part, Founder DO Foundation, Barrister Dise Ogbise-Harry urged people at the community to be involved in projects by showing concern, giving support and reporting any form of irregularities for the sustainability of the projects in their domain..

Chairman, Joint Association of People Living with Disabilities, Hon Ekpomokumu Mayor who spoke on their challenges emphasized on the need for the bill on the Discrimination of Persons Living With disabilities to have accelerated passage and be domesticated in the state.

Chairperson, Albinism Association, Bayelsa State, Mrs Joy Ogbogene said if the bill is domesticated it would help them get access to funds to assist their members who are currently battling with skin cancers.

Stakeholders adopted an 18 point communique which also includes a clarion call on the rejuvenation of the water sector to provide public water supply in the state.

Highpoint of the event was the adoption of the digital tool, NomTrac for monitoring developmental projects to promote transparency and accountability.

The adoption of the digital tool NomTrac was also celebrated as a means to monitor community projects effectively.

…Petitions IGP over threat to life

By Mike Odiakose

A Federal Capital Territory High Court sitting in Gudu District and presided over by Justice M. Osho-Adebiyi, on Wednesday adjourned to January 19, 2025 a divorce case instituted by Mrs. Loretta Adikamkwu against her husband, Samuel Eziafa Adikamkwu, a former top official of the United Bank for Africa (UBA).

The mother of four, Mrs. Adikamkwu has dragged her husband of over 31 years to court for divorce over abandonment of the family for more than four years and alleged infidelity.

According to court document in Suit number PET/073/2023, Mrs. alleged that her husband packed out of their matrimonial home at Recreation Drive, Cooperative Villas, Badore, Ajah, Lagos and removed almost all his belongings therefrom (which included personal chattels, clothing and six vehicles of assorted brands) leaving behind the petitioner only vehicle (a Toyota land Cruiser) he gave to her some years back.

She further alleged that Mr. Adikamkwu withdrew all financial support and upkeep to the family, prompting her to desperately begin to dispose of all her belongings, in order to feed herself, the children and meet urgent Sundry costs, arising from the running of the home.

She also alleged in Paragraph 6(c) of her petition that after her husband abandoned his family, he was said to have been cohabiting with a lady called Miss Stella Umejuru with whom he regularly travels outside Lagos for business.

Mrs. Adikamkwu declared that her husband, who was formerly a Lecturer at Bendel State University, (now Ambrose Alli University), Ekpoma before Ndidi Elumelu, his friend, facilitated his employment by the United Bank for Africa (UBA), has no reason whatsoever not to cater for his family as he is now engaged in booming property business after leaving the bank.

According to the lady, who is a graduate of Bendel State University, she would have been financially independent and be in position to cater for herself and the children but for her husband who stopped her from working several years ago.

She stressed that because of the financial difficulties she was facing with her children she was compelled to sell the Toyota land Cruiser which her husband gave to her some years back to maintain the house that was dilapidating, settle numerous bills, including electricity and other sundry expenses.

The lady lamented that her husband got furious when he heard she had sold the car and he succeeded in retrieving the vehicle from a car dealer and the issue is now a subject of police investigation as some unknown persons have been stalking her and threatening her life since the family feud erupted.

However, the Respondent vehemently denies the averments contained in paragraph 6(c) of the petition and states that he does not know, neither is he acquainted with anybody ( lady) called Miss Stella Umejuru, and denies that he lives or travels with either the said lady or any lady at all.

The Respondent also denied the assertions contained in paragraph 6(d) of the petition and denied that he has committed adultery or that he has deserted the petitioner.

He admitted he is no longer living in the family house in Lagos as he had to “temporally relocate to Abuja when he secured a Contract Appointment with The Abuja Electricity Distribution Company Plc (AEDC) from 2021 to June, 2024.

Mr. Adikamkwu added an affidavit in response to his wife’s petition that he “is not aware that there is any debt burden on the family, but states that if there is any such debt, it is personal to the petitioner.”

Meanwhile, Mrs. Adikamkwu has petitioned the Inspector-General of Police over issues arising from the sale of the Toyota Land Cruiser which her husband gave her several years ago.

The letter to the IGP dated 4 October, 2024 titled “SOS-request for urgent intervention in a case of forgery, threat to lives and high handedness by officers of the Bar Beach Police Station, and Zone 2 Command, Onikan, Lagos” was written on her behalf by one of her Lawyers, Benjamin Nwaokenye, Esq of Integrity Partners law firm, Abuja.

Part of the letter reads: “We are solicitors to Mrs. Loretta Adikamkwu (hereinafter referred to as “Our client”, at whose behest, we act in this matter. We write to seek your urgent intervention in a looming threat to the life of our client, and a seeming case of forgery perpetrated against her, by Ojebola and Messrs, Sam Adikamkwu, Segun Ajide, Gbenga ASP Churchill of the Bar Beach Police Station, Lagos.

“To put this matter in the right perspective, we are reliably informed by our aforesaid client that: (a) She was hitherto married to one Mr. Sam Adikamkwu , from whom she is now separated and now locked in a bitter judicial process, in a petition for divorce in PET/073/2023, at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Gudu, Abuja).

“(b) The aforesaid Mr. Sam Adikamkwu, prior to the aforesaid divorce proceedings, vacated their Badore (Ajah) residence, where he hitherto resided with our client, and removed almost all his belongings therefrom (which included personal chattels, clothing and six vehicles of assorted brands) leaving behind our client, only vehicle (a Toyota land Cruiser) he gave to our client some years back, and strangely, a short machine gun, which was discovered in his wardrobe, in the course of cleaning the house, having forgotten to lock the bedroom door. ( see attached pictures)

“The aforesaid Mr. Adikamkwu, it must be reiterated, withdrew all financial support and upkeep to our client and the family, prompting our client to desperately begin to dispose of all her belongings, in order to feed herself, the children and meet urgent Sundry costs, arising from the running of the home.

“In the course of disposing of her personal belongings, our client contacted one Mr. Segun Ajide, a car dealer, to assist in disposing off her Toyota land cruiser, and thereupon delivered to him, the Original custom and purchase papers of the vehicle, which the dealer demanded.

“Mr. Ajide sold our client’s vehicle, debited her with some colossal costs and remitted the balance to our client.

“Weeks afterwards, Mr. Ajide contacted our client to inform her that the vehicle had been impounded from the purchaser by Mr. Adikamkwu, with the help of one Mr. Churchill of the Bar Beach Police Station, and thereupon requested our client to intervene.

“Our client insisted on intervening only if a formal invitation was sent to her, which the aforesaid persons could not procure, but resorted to harassing our client.

“Mr. Segun was later to inform our client that the vehicle had been released to Mr. Sam Adikamkwu by the Bar Beach Police Station

“Upon the request of our client to Mr. Segun Ajide for copies of all documents related to the sale, Mr. Ajide was evasive, until Mr. Adikamkwu filed his answer to our client’s petition wherein, it was discovered that several documents were forged by Mr. Ajide and the eventual purchaser Mr, Odebola, in the alleged sale without probable cause. .

“Prior to discovering the forgery, our client had been trailed by strange people, who at different times followed her home, and even laid siege on her place of resident at Recreation Estate Badore, forcing her to flee for her safety, to an unknown location.

“Our client a few days back, received a WhatsApp invitation from the Nigeria Police Zone 2 Command, Onikan, Lagos, which directed her to meet up with someone, only whose phone numbers were stated in the invitation, but upon calling the line, our client was shocked, that the number was not allocated, causing more anxiety that, it must be a setup.

“Sir, our client is unable to carry on her normal business and live a normal life because, she has been living in fear for her safety, believing her life is endangered by the activities of Messrs. Adikamkwu, Ajide and Odebola, who from all indications, are behind her travails, having opted to brow’ beating her into retrieving the vehicle for them, and they are all men of means who can effectuate their threats.

“We are informed by our client also that, before the situation got to this dimension, Messrs. Ajide and Odebola, who from all indications, are behind her travails, had consistently called our client to know her where about, and had requested she came with them to see some policemen, without any arrest or invitation.

“Sir, we solicit your esteemed indulgence to cause an investigation into this matter, to safeguard the life of our client from people who are determined to use their police friends, to intimidate and endanger our client, taking into consideration: (a) The forgeries executed by Messrs. Segun Ajide, Gbenga Ojebola and Sam Adikamkwu, using policemen from Bar Beach Police station, far removed from Ajah division of the police, in an attempt to cover same up, and revalidate their actions.

(b) The threat to our client’s life in the whole circumstance.

(c) Mr Adikamkwu’s secret possession of a gun in unclear circumstances.

(d) The release of the vehicle by the Bar Beach police station, to Mr. Adikamkwu, without any probable cause.”

Call for targeted relief measures to save media, nation’s economy

Reaffirm commitment to democracy, press freedom

By joy Osaji

Arising from the three-day All Nigeria Editors Conference (ANEC) in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State Capital, the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has called on the federal government to urgently mitigate the negative impact of fuel subsidy removal and the exchange rate volatility on the economy.

Noting the economic constraints and rising operational costs, the Guild also urged the federal government to consider subsidies or tax relief to help media houses cope with the current challenges.

In a communique signed by the NGE President, Eze Anaba and the General Secretary, Dr Iyobosa Uwugiaren, the professional body of editors and media executives, said that while it recognizes the potential long-term benefits of the federal government’s reforms, the immediate economic strain on all sectors, especially the media, is becoming unbearable and unhelpful to the economic growth as well as media sustainability and viability.

The Guild therefore called for targeted relief measures to ease the burden on citizens and businesses alike.

On the sustainability of media revenue models, the Guild advocated for innovation in revenue generation beyond traditional advertising.

‘’Media owners are encouraged to invest in quality journalism, embrace digital platforms, and offer premium content to ensure financial sustainability.

‘’Concern over the rise in harassment and violence against journalists was also prominent at the conference. And we called for stricter enforcement of journalist protection laws and urged media houses to provide safety training for their staff, especially those covering sensitive issues’’, the editors added.

Reaffirming the importance of ethical journalism, media proprietors were urged to maintain high standards of professionalism, saying adhering to these standards is essential for building public trust and countering pressures that threaten press freedom.

The Guild also urged the federal government to create a media-friendly environment by reviewing policies that affect operational costs, and consider tariff reductions on essential media equipment.

According to the NGE, ‘’There was a strong recommendation at the conference that the media proprietors should invest in digital transformation, enhance content delivery, and train staff in digital skills, like data journalism and multimedia production to adapt to Nigeria’s increasingly digital audience.

‘’There was also call for the Guild to encourage greater collaboration among the media organizations, NGOs, and civil society to advocate for press freedom, and emphasized that unity is essential in confronting restrictive laws and policies.’’

The ANEC also discussed the outcome of a conference titled “The Big Tech and Journalism – Building a Sustainable Future for the Global South, which was held last year in Johannesburg.

The conference, which brought together over 70 journalists, news publishers, media organisations, including Nigerian Guild of Editors, scholars, activists, lawyers, and economists from 24 countries discussed solutions to the crisis of the sustainability of journalism and its intersection with the role of major tech platforms

According to the Guild, ‘’The conference culminated in the adoption of Big Tech and Journalism: Principles for Fair Compensation (the Principles). The Principles are intended to be universal, serving as a framework for any country seeking to address media sustainability through competition or regulatory approaches, while enabling adaptation to the unique context.’’

The ANEC, therefore, resolved to use the Principles and hoped that the Principles will represent an important step forward in addressing Nigerian media sustainability in ‘’the tumultuous era of Big Tech.”

The ANEC also expressed concern over the gagging of Nigerian press, especially online platforms, with obnoxious laws and resolved to compile all the anti-media laws and forward it to the National Assembly to begin the process for repeal or amendment.

The Guild expressed its gratitude to Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State, members of the Bayelsa State Executive Council, and traditional rulers for their hospitality and support.

Their contributions, according to the Guild, were instrumental in facilitating a successful conference and demonstrated Bayelsa’s commitment to fostering national dialogue and media development.

The 20th ANEC rounded off with a shared commitment from Nigerian media proprietors, media executives and editors to promote responsible journalism, support economic growth, and defend press freedom and democracy.

By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna

At least, six people have reportedly lost their lives and scores injured after angry youths attacked Fulani residents in Mera community, Augie Local Government Area in Kebbi State.

It was learnt that the youths reportedly carried out the attack on Sunday evening in response to accusations that linked some Fulani individuals to recent bandit raids in the area.

The violence was allegedly triggered after a survivor of Friday’s bandit attack informed the community youths that he recognised some Fulani faces among the attackers, known locally as “Lakurawa.”

Enraged by this revelation, the youths retaliated, killing six Fulani individuals and injuring numerous others.

General news online reported that Kebbi State Police Public Relations Officer, Nafiu Abubakar, confirmed the incident, describing it as a “reprisal by the angry youths.”

He further stated that law enforcement agents have been sent to the community to prevent further violence.

“We have deployed personnel to the area to calm the situation,” Abubakar said, assuring residents of ongoing efforts to restore peace in the troubled area.

By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna

In commemoration of United Nation World International tolerance Day 2024, the Christ Evangelical and Life Intervention Ministry Church in Kaduna has made a significant contribution to local Almajiri schools, donating Arabic reading slates, pens, ink and other educational materials.

This gesture is aimed to support the education of Muslim children and foster peaceful coexistence between Christian and Muslim communities in Nigeria.

Pastor Dr. Yohanna Buru, General Overseer of the Church, who led the donation on Tuesday, emphasized the importance of religious tolerance, love and unity, a statement released in Kaduna has stressed.

“This initiative is driven by our desire to promote peace and understanding among Muslims and Christians,” Pastor Buru explained.

For the past decade, the church has distributed Arabic learning materials to various Islamic schools across northern Nigeria, it stated.
“These efforts, including the donation of writing materials and stationary, are designed to strengthen the culture of Arabic literacy among Almajiri students”, it added.

Pastor Buru also recalled the kindness of Hajiya Ramatu Tijjani, a Muslim woman who once donated over 50 Bibles to the church, as well as food and clothing to Christian widows and orphans during the holiday season.

“Her generosity is an example of the mutual respect and support we should foster between our communities,” he said.

As this marks the 10th year of their support for Almajiri schools, Pastor Buru called on international organizations like UNESCO and UNICEF, as well as the Nigerian government, to further invest in Almajiri education, ensuring that these children have access to the resources they need to succeed.

In 2022, Pastor Buru was honored by King Abdullah of Jordan for winning the United Nations’ International Interfaith Week and Harmony award, recognizing his tireless efforts toward fostering interfaith dialogue.

Imam Ibrahim Musa, an Islamic scholar at Tsangaya School in Mashigi-Hayin Kogi, Kaduna, praised the initiative, calling it “a crucial step toward building unity, peace, and understanding.”

He also recalled how, Pastor Buru and his team honored the school’s best student, who had memorized the entire Qur’an, three years ago. In addition, the church has previously provided the school with blackboards and other learning tools to improve the education of Almajiri students.

Speaking, lmam Musa expressed his gratitude to Pastor Buru’s ongoing support, saying, “We are thankful for this consistent effort to uplift our community and strengthen the ties between Muslims and Christians.”

World Tolerance Day, celebrated annually on November 16th, is an opportunity to reflect on the importance of peace, mutual respect, and understanding in all communities.