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EU  Supports INEC with 19billion euros to conduct elections in Nigeria  -Amb. Gautier Mignot *INEC does not receive direct funding from EU, others-Yakubu

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INEC chairman, Prof Mahmood Yakubu
  • By George Mgbeleke

The new head of European Union, to Nigeria and the ECOWAS, Ambassador Gautier Mignot has declared that European Union committed the sum of 19billion euros as support projects to Nigeria elections.

He warned that without a credible electoral system enjoying the trust of the citizens and the stakeholders, there can’t be a good democracy.

This is as Chairman Independent National Electoral Commission ( INEC),Prof. Mahmood Yakubu has clarified that the commission does not receive any direct funding from EU and other foreign Agencies to conduct its elections.

Amb Mignot who was at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Tuesday on a courtesy visit, disclosed that the Union only provide a middle of a project of support to democracy and governance in Nigeria with the 19 billion euros and require more cooperation.

According to him,”But it’s not all about money. We also have regular colleagues, along with other members of the diplomatic community, going to follow the development of elections at federal or state level.

“And of course, we have electoral observation missions, like the one we had in the last election, in particular the federal elections in 2023.

“And we will assume a follow-up on this electoral observation. And we also coordinate the group of flag-burning countries.

“Other democracies also bringing their cooperation to Nigeria. And we are very proud to do this at the EU delegation.

“So my message is really to tell you that in these troubled times, in this fast-evolving world, we all need a constant and faithful partner.”

In his response, Chairman Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof.Mahmood Yakubu while pledging to accord the same relationship the commission had the out gone EU delegation in Nigeria to the new Head of EU his successor, adding” we look forward to sustaining the same relationship with you to strengthen Nigeria’s electoral democracy.”

He said,”We welcome the EU’s assurance of continuous engagement and collaboration with the Commission as we approach the third phase of the European Union-Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN) under which funding support is provided to several institutions and groups that play a role in democracy and governance in Nigeria from INEC to the National Assembly, the judiciary, political parties, security agencies, civil society organisations, the media and the National Peace Committee.

“The EU Ambassador and the INEC Chairman serve as co-chairmen of the Steering Committee of the EU-SDGN initiative.

Specifically, Prof Yakubu said,”I would like to seize this opportunity to clarify a matter over which there is some misunderstanding in certain quarters.

“For the record, the Commission does not receive direct funding and we do not have an account into which donor funds are warehoused.

“The EU and other development partners provide indirect support in areas such as the publication of reports, retreats, engagement with stakeholders, as well as consultancy and technical support services in various areas, through the implementing partners selected and appointed by them.

“Their support does not involve any direct funding of core electoral activities of the Commission such as voter registration, production of PVCs, training and renumeration of ad hoc staff, electoral logistics, and the procurement of sensitive materials, including election technology. These activities remain the sovereign responsibility of the Federal Government of Nigeria.’

Religion

CBCN:Nigeria on the brink, but there’s hope- Catholic Bishops … Seek pardon for Sunday Jackson

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By Uthman Baba-Al-Naseer, Minna
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has warned that the nation is at a critical juncture due to worsening socio-economic hardship and insecurity.
The Bishops also expressed deep concern over the rising youth unemployment, insecurity, and the economic hardship facing Nigerians.
However, they emphasized that hope remains, urging both leaders and citizens to take responsibility for driving positive change.
In a communiqué issued on Thursday night following their First Plenary Meeting of 2025, the bishops outlined their concerns and recommendations for national development.
The document, shared by the National Director of Social Communications, Fr. Michael Nsikak Umoh, was jointly signed by Archbishop Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, President of CBCN, and Bishop Donatus Ogun, Secretary of CBCN.
While acknowledging progress in the petroleum sector, road rehabilitation, student loans, a new minimum wage, and debt reduction efforts, the bishops warned that these gains have been overshadowed by severe economic hardship, food inflation, and insecurity.
The Communiqué stated that “despite recent positive developments, Nigeria faces serious challenges, including socio-economic hardship, insecurity, rising youth unemployment, and high costs of essential goods. We urge all to pursue unity and national integration. Political, religious, and traditional leaders must foster hope and development.”
The bishops urged Nigerians to remain hopeful in democracy, calling for stronger electoral laws and impartial execution of duties by institutions such as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, and the judiciary.
On security, the bishops urged the government to deploy modern technology, enhance intelligence gathering, and improve the welfare and equipment of security personnel.
They emphasized the urgent need for investment in agriculture to address food shortages, rising costs, and unemployment.
“More investment is needed in agriculture to facilitate youth involvement and ensure sustainable food production. With improved security and safety for farmers, food production will increase, and the cost of food will reduce nationwide,” they said
Reaffirming the Catholic Church’s opposition to capital punishment, the bishops appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to grant clemency to Adamawa State farmer, Mr. Sunday Jackson, who was sentenced to death for killing his attacker in self defense. The Supreme court on March 7 upheld the death sentence for killing a Fulani herdsman Ardo Bawuro during an altercation on Jackson’s farm.
“We reaffirm the Catholic Church’s stand that capital punishment is unacceptable. We, therefore, make a passionate appeal to President Tinubu, especially in light of the Jubilee Year of Hope, to grant pardon to Mr. Sunday Jackson.”
They also called for urgent prison reforms, including: Upholding fundamental rights of inmates and treating them with dignity. Expediting justice to prevent prolonged detention. Decongesting correctional facilities by granting parole to well-behaved minor offenders. And Rehabilitating existing prisons and constructing new ones to ease overcrowding.
The bishops reaffirmed their commitment to advocating for justice, unity, and national development, urging all Nigerians to remain hopeful and proactive in building a better country.
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Religion

CAN lauds Gov Bago over reintroduction of CRK in Public School

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Chairman of the CAN Niger State, Most Rev. Dr. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna

 

By Uthman Baba-Al-Naseer- Minna

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has commended the Governor of Niger state, Rt. Hon. Mohammed Umaru Bago for approving the re-introduction of the Christian Religious Knowledge (CRK) in public schools across the State.

In a statement by his Media Aide, Daniel Atori, the Chairman of the CAN Niger State, Most Rev. Dr. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna described the Governor as one who means well for the people irrespective of their religion.

It should be recalled that, Governor Bago had said when he received a delegation from the Christian community led by the State CAN Executive in company of the Deputy Speaker of Niger State House of Assembly, Mrs Afiniki Dauda at the Government House, Minna that the option left is to turn to God and His teachings to rebuild family values.

The Governor while explaining that the CRK would help children to grow with the fear of God, added that “the subject will be made compulsory for Christians in all public schools across the State, because family values and morality have been replaced with social vice, resulting in moral decadence”.

In his commendation, the Chairman who is also the Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese disclosed that “the Governor’s approval for the reintroduction of CRK in public schools across the state will bring about understanding of the faith and mutual respect.

“I commend the leadership style of the farmer Governor, because he has shown his commitment to fairness and inclusivity irrespective of religion or tribe, which he said has fostered unity and a harmonious society among diverse groups and religion in the state”.

Bishop Yohanna added that, concerted efforts by the government, parents, religious leaders and other relevant stakeholders is needed to ensure the future of the youths is safeguarded.
END

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General News

Lent: Gov Mbah Preaches Forgiveness, Charity, and Empathy

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Enugu state governor, Peter Mbah
By Our Reporter
As Christians all over the world begin Lenten observation,Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, has called the people of the state, Christian faithful, and Nigerians to see the 2025 Lenten season as a time for forgiveness, penitence, charity, empathy, and sacrifice.
This was as the Government House Chaplain, Rev. Fr. Anthony Udeh, emphasised the need for fasting and prayer as well as reconnecting with God and showing love to all.
Mbah made the call during a holy mass to mark Ash Wednesday at the Government House Chapel, Enugu.
He said, “For us as Christians, this is a journey of 40 days that has just started today. This year’s Lenten season is of a particular resonance because, as you know, it also coincides with the Ramadan, and the Ramadan is also a fasting period for our Muslim brothers. So, it is indeed a call to peace and unity for our country.
“For Christians, Lent is a period that we have to forgive and love one another. It is also a period for us to sacrifice, be empathetic, moderate, and above all, give to charity.
“Again, as you already may have heard the homily or message today, this is a season for prayers, fasting and a season for almsgiving.
“So, I call on our people, Ndi Enugu, and the country at large to not only imbibe these values of sacrifice, moderation, empathy and almsgiving, but also to carry on with it beyond the season.”
In his homily, Rev. Fr. Udeh urged Christians to fast, pray, and extend love to their neighbours, describing Lent as a season of sacrifice.
“The Lenten period offers Christians the opportunity to purify and renew their spiritual life as well as to connect with God,” the Chaplain also added.
Also in attendance at the holy mass where prayers were said for the state and the nation were Government House staff, senior government functionaries, and traditional rulers.
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