General
AfDB Approves $124.2m for Akure Water Project

By Adedapo Adesanya
The African Development Bank (AfDB) has approved a $124.2 million loan to finance the urban water sector reform in Akure, Ondo State as part of its supply and sanitation projects in Nigeria.
This was revealed in a statement issued by Mr Ebrima Faal, Senior Director at the bank’s Nigeria Regional Office on Friday, where he added that the amount includes an African Growing Together Fund (AGTF) loan of $20 million.
It was further disclosed that the overall project cost is $222.69 million and would span through five years from 2020 to 2025.
The statement also added that the project was set to address major problems in critical water supply services to households in the densely populated project area.
Mr Faal said that the project would strengthen the federal government’s capacity to facilitate urban water supply and sanitation reforms.
“It would provide residents of Akure city in Ondo State and its environs access to safe drinking water and sanitation.
“The project will particularly contribute to improving the living conditions of the communities in the project area.
“Involving these communities in the public awareness and marketing activities will increase the project’s ownership and ensure they pay for the water supply and sanitation services,” he said.
The statement also noted that the loan would help to install sanitation infrastructure for schools, hospitals and markets.
“On completion, the project will benefit the 1.3 million residents of Akure city and vicinities.
“At the federal level, the project’s Urban Water Reform component will establish a water and sanitation investment programme that would contribute to scaling up of the National WASH Action plan 2018 to 2030.
“The project which combines hard water, sanitation and environmental protection infrastructure with soft analytical and institutional reform support, aligns with AfDB’s 10-year strategy and High 5s priority areas,” Mr Faal said.
AfDB pointed out that as at December 13, 2019, the bank’s active portfolio in Nigeria comprised 61 operations, of which 54 were national and seven were regional amounting to a total of $4.8 billion.
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Without an Empty Grave, There is no Christian Faith—Apostle Flourish Peters

By Aduragbemi Omiyale
The Lead Pastor and Apostolic Head of the Love of God in Christ (LOGIC) Churches Global, Apostle Flourish Peters, has stressed the significance of the resurrection of Jesus Christ to the Christian faith.
Speaking at the church’s inaugural Jesus + Nothing Worship on Good Friday in Lagos, he informed the congregation that, “Without an empty grave, there is no Christian faith.”
“Our faith is fundamentally premised on this singular, undeniable truth – the empty grave. This is what distinguishes our faith; while over 4,000 religions exist, only one points to a vacated tomb.
“Ours is the unique faith where the very person we worship lives within us. We are truly elated that through the resounding success of Jesus + Nothing Worship, we were able to bring christocentric worship to the masses,” the cleric added.
Business Post reports that the programme, a powerful evening of gospel music, left attendees deeply moved and spiritually uplifted.
It served as a profound reminder of the sacrifice and glorious resurrection of Jesus Christ, emphasising the core message that through a sober Friday came a Good Friday for all.
Several entertainers, including Timi Dakolo and Greatman Takit, alongside Neon Adejo, SMJ, Noble G, Steve Hills, Lily Perez, Joxie, Anderson Qozan, Pastor Victor Paul, Emeka Songz, Flo, Dorcas Moore, Magpsalms, Mera Owili, Gerald Bishung, Phebe Lion, Larry J and the Evolution Children’s Choir delivered soul-stirring performances that resonated with the central theme of redemption through Jesus Christ at the church’s headquarters in Lekki.
Apostle Peters said Jesus + Nothing Worship was an impactful success, declaring that it would become an annual event.
He emphasised that this worship session is intentionally focused on Jesus Christ, the message of salvation, and providing a vital platform to unveil the gospel talents within The LOGIC Church.
“Jesus + Nothing Worship has been a truly unifying experience, allowing us to collectively focus on the profound significance of Jesus’ death and the abundant life we have in His resurrection.
“It is our vision to create a consistent platform where the power of music can amplify the core message of the Gospel and provide an opportunity for the incredible music ministers within our church to impact lives,” he stated.
Building on the momentum of the successful 2024 Jesus + Nothing Conference, the Jesus + Nothing Worship further solidified The LOGIC Church’s mission to cultivate a family centred on grace and faith, where the transformative Love of God in Christ is tangibly felt.
General
Tinubu to Return to Nigeria Today After 19 Days Away

By Adedapo Adesanya
President Bola Tinubu will return to Nigeria today from his work visit to France, the presidency has said.
The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, disclosed this in a post on his X handle on Monday.
President Tinubu left Nigeria on April 2, 2025, for Paris, France, on a short working visit. This means the President would have spent 19 days in the European nation if he arrives today.
According to the statement, President Tinubu used the retreat to review the progress of ongoing reforms and engage in strategic planning ahead of his administration’s second anniversary.
His latest trip had been faulted by major opposition leaders who criticised him for being away despite the rising insecurity in the country, especially in Benue and Plateau states, where scores of residents have been killed in attacks on several communities.
President Tinubu closest opponent at the 2023 presidential election and former Vice President, Mr Atiku Abubakar, asked him to end his trip to France and address the spate of insecurity in Nigeria.
Mr Atiku questioned Mr Tinubu’s continued stay in the European country despite the spate of killings across Nigeria.
“While Tinubu dines under chandeliers in the land of good governance, the country he governs is spiraling into chaos. Plateau has turned into a killing field — over 100 lives lost in relentless attacks,” his spokesman, Mr Paul Ibe, said in a statement on April 17.
Also, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general elections, Mr Peter Obi, urged Mr Tinubu to suspend his France trip and urgently return to Nigeria to address the deteriorating security situation, particularly in Plateau and Benue states.
General
NTYTP Advocates Youth-Driven Leadership, National Renewal

By Modupe Gbadeyanka
A youth-focused leadership development advocacy group known as the Not Too Young To Perform (NTYTP) has called for a renewed focus on youth-driven leadership and national transformation in Nigeria.
In a statement to greet Christians around the world for Easter, the organisation emphasised the urgent necessity of bringing more young people into leadership positions, noting that resetting the nation’s trajectory requires fresh energy, innovative ideas, and a break from the mistakes of the past.
In the message signed by its National Secretary, Mr Muhammed Bello, NTYTP described the 2025 Easter celebration as a period for deep reflection on the life, sacrifice, and resurrection of Jesus Christ — a story that embodies patience, perseverance, sacrifice, and ultimate victory.
It said the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ stand as timeless examples of strength, determination, and divine restoration, offering crucial lessons for a nation like Nigeria, which is currently in need of significant economic, social, and institutional reforms.
“We use this yuletide period to appeal to all State actors to prioritize the progress of this country above politics, region, ethnicity, and religion.
“Our actions today will determine whether future generations inherit a country they can be proud of,” the group stated.
NTYTP also expressed hope that the spiritual significance of Easter would inspire Nigerians to work collectively towards building a nation where unity, justice, and prosperity reign.
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