The Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP), the main opposition group in Nigeria, has criticized the Federal Government for its perceived failure in addressing the country’s security challenges.

This condemnation follows the recent massacre of 40 farmers in Borno State by the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) on January 12th.

In a press release signed by CUPP’s spokesperson, Comrade Mark Adebayo, the opposition coalition described the incident as a tragic example of the government’s inability to protect its citizens.

CUPP highlighted the escalating insecurity across various states in Nigeria, with thousands of lives lost and millions displaced due to terrorist attacks and kidnappings.

The coalition accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of neglecting its duty to safeguard the nation’s security, despite significant investments in counter-terrorism efforts.

The statement called for a radical overhaul of Nigeria’s security architecture, emphasizing the need for a government that can effectively combat insecurity.

CUPP urged Nigerians to reject the APC in the 2027 elections, warning of dire consequences if the current administration remained in power beyond that year.

Comrade Mark Adebayo, the National Spokesperson for CUPP, expressed condolences to the families of the victims and called for a decisive action to restore peace and stability in the country.

The Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has called on Nigerians to join hands with governments at all levels to build a country where unity and peace would continue to prevail over division and silence the echoes of conflict.

Governor Abiodun made the call during the Special Church Service held to mark the year 2025 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration at the Cathedral Church of St. Peter, Ake, Abeokuta.

The governor also called on the people to ensure that the legacies of the fallen heroes remain alive, saying that they fought for the territorial integrity of the country.

L-R: Akarigbo and Paramount Ruler of Remoland, Oba Babatunde Ajayi; Speaker, Ogun State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Oludaisi Elemide; State Chairman, Nigerian Legion, Master Warrant Officer Orukotan Olumuyiwa (rtd); Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun; the Chief Judge, Hon. Justice Mosunmola Dipeolu; Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo and the Orimolusi of Ijebu-Igbo, Oba Lawrence Jaiyeoba, who represented the Awujale of Ijebu land, Oba Sikiru Adetona at the Special Church Service held to mark the year 2025 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration at the Cathedral Church of St. Peter, Ake, Abeokuta, on Sunday.

“Today, let us pledge to honour their memory not only with ceremonies but with actions. Let us build a Nigeria where unity prevails over division, where peace silences the echoes of conflict and where the sacrifices of our heroes inspire us to serve one another selflessly,” he said.

Governor Abiodun added that the welfare of the families of the country’s fallen heroes shouldn’t rest solely on the shoulders of the Nigeria Legion alone, but should be a shared responsibility of the people of the country.

He added that their sacrifices should be enshrined in the heart of the country’s history and the fabric of the collective consciousness of the people.

“We must ensure that the legacies of our armed forces remain alive, enshrined in the heart of our nation’s history and the fabric of our collective consciousness.

“The Legion has continued to ensure that the families of our fallen heroes are well cared for. However, this responsibility should not rest solely on the shoulders of the Nigeria Legion alone.It must be seen as a collective duty, a debt that we all owe in honour of the memory of our departed men and women.

“As a nation, it is our moral duty to support and care for them, ensuring that their sacrifices are never forgotten,” he said.

While noting that the armed forces remembrance day isn’t just a day in the calendar, but a sacred moment to reflect on the sacrifices of the country’s fallen heroes and recommit ourselves to the ideals for which they stood, Governor Abiodun noted that their sacrifices were a testament to their patriotism, resilience and courage.

“They stood firm in the face of adversity defending the unity of our nation during times of war and unrest. They faced life threatening situations to ensure that the dreams of millions of Nigerians will not be extinguished.

“Their blood, sweat and tears have sown the seed of hope, peace and national pride, let us all take a moment to appreciate the families of this heroes; the unsung heroes who endured the pain of loss with unyielding grace,” he added.

The governor promised to continue to implement measures that would help cushion the bumps on the path of the economic renaissance of the country for all of its citizens and residents, adding that his administration would continue to support law enforcement agencies in the state.

In his sermon, the Rt. Rev’d Emmanuel Akinrodoye, the Bishop of Egba Diocese, the African Church, stressed the need for Nigerians to appreciate God despite the nation’s numerous challenges, saying it was only when they acknowledged God’s benevolence that He could heal the land.

He said it was imperative for Nigerians to remain prayerful especially for the families and the nation, be steadfast in faith, be united and extend hands of fellowship by using their gifts and resources to uplift others.

Bishop Akinrodoye called on the government to provide security agencies the needed resources to overcome insurgency that is troubling the nation, calling on Nigerians to show love to security personnel who are working round the clock to protect the nation as well as the families of those who paid the ultimate price for the peace of the nation.

Prayers were offered for the peace of the nation , Ogun State, the governor and families, while Governor Abiodun read from the book of Ephesians chapter 2 verses 1 to 10.

By John Michael Ojo

Mele Kyari, the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, on Wednesday, recounted how he grew up from an Almajiri Pupil to becoming the pioneer Chief Executive Officer of Africa’s largest energy group, NNPCL.

Kyari who said this in an X post while celebrating his 60th birthday described his growth as “exceptional”

He also expressed gratitude to former president Buhari as well as president Tinubu for the opportunity given to him to lead the group.

While acknowledging the presence of Allah in his life, Mele stated that all his achievements would not have been possible without him.

He wrote: “Allah, by his grace, spared my life to this exceptional day, making it my 60th year from birth, even much earlier on the Hijri calendar.

“I am profoundly grateful to my country for giving me the opportunity to grow from an Almajiri (Tsangaya) school pupil to become the CEO of Africa’s largest energy company.

“Even more particular, I deeply appreciate the exceptional privilege given to me by Presidents Muhammadu Buhari and Bola Ahmed Tinubu to serve as the last GMD of the NNPC and the pioneer CEO of the NNPC Ltd.

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“Reflecting backwards alone can’t account for the profoundly eventful life I spent to this date, walking through good and bad times, travails and triumphs, pains and happiness, fails and successes and many more that only the sufficiency of Allah will explain.

“At this milestone, I feel the obligation to serve with even greater conviction and with elevated expectation of eternal recompense so deeply pleasing.

“I am hugely indebted to my family for being nearly absent for most of my later years serving our nation and the common good.

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“My deep appreciation to my family, friends and associates, my colleagues at work and my teachers (western and of Almajiri extractions), and many unmentioned people who account for many of my accomplishments, unconditional support and my overall wellbeing.

“This is a turning point, and I seek forgiveness from anyone I might have hurt unintentionally or unavoidably.”

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