General
Group Condemns Mangu Attack, Suggests Ways to Stop Recurrence
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
A group known as Tattaaunawa Roundtable Initiative (TRICentre) has condemned the killing of inhabitants of the Mangu Local Government of Plateau State on Tuesday, May 16, 2023, describing it as one too many.
In a statement on Thursday, the organisation further described the action as a senseless act of violence, calling on the government to take urgent steps to bring those behind the killing to book.
More than four scores of people were slain in the early morning attack, which has left survivors in immeasurable pain and suffering.
It was gathered that the killings went on for hours, with several communities in the area targeted by the attackers, who also set houses ablaze and shot indiscriminately at people.
While the government of Plateau state has condemned the attacks in the strongest possible terms and has vowed to take decisive action to bring the perpetrators to justice.
Governor Simon Lalong has expressed his condolences to the families of the victims and has assured the people of Plateau state that his administration would do everything in its power to prevent such senseless violence from happening again.
“We are aware that the Plateau State Police Command has also deployed additional personnel to the affected areas to provide security and maintain law and order.
“The Command has urged the people of Plateau state to remain calm and cooperate with law enforcement agencies as they work to identify and apprehend those responsible for the attacks.
“While this is commendable, we believe that this should go beyond rhetoric and that months after this, we want to get updates,” TRICentre said in the statement.
The group called on all citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the authorities, appealing to community leaders and other stakeholders to work together to promote peace and unity in the state.
“The killings in Mangu Local Government of Plateau state are a tragic reminder of the need for all Nigerians to come together to address the root causes of violence and insecurity in our country. We must work together to build a society where every citizen can live in peace, security, and dignity.
“The killings in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State are a complex issue that requires a multifaceted approach to tackle,” it said.
TRICentre has called on the government to improve security in the affected areas and initiate dialogue and reconciliation efforts among the different ethnic and religious groups in the affected areas.
The organisation further charged the government to promote economic empowerment programs that will provide employment opportunities and boost economic growth in the affected areas, adding that promoting education would promote tolerance, understanding, and respect for diversity among the different ethnic and religious groups in the affected areas.
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.
By Adedapo Adesanya
Melrose General Services Limited has initiated contempt proceedings against the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Mr Yemi Cardoso and Legal Services Director, Mr Salam-Alada Kofo, for allegedly failing to comply with a Supreme Court judgement delivered in 2024 reversing the forfeiture of N1.222 billion and N220 million linked to the Paris Club refund.
The case filed as FHC/ABJ/CS/532/2025 before Justice Inyang Ekwo at the Federal High Court in Abuja was led by Melrose’s counsel, Mr Chikaosolu Ojukwu.
The Supreme Court had overturned an Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) forfeiture order, ruling that funds which include N1.222 billion in Melrose’s Access Bank account and N220 million paid to Wasp Networks and Thebe Wellness, were not proven fraudulent.
It ordered their release, stating: “The appellant’s application (Melrose General Services Limited) to set aside the order of interim forfeiture of the sum of N1,222,384,857.84 in the appellant’s account with Access Bank Plc and N220,000,000.00 in the accounts of the 2nd and 3rd respondents (Wasp Networks and Thebe Wellness) is hereby granted.”
Melrose alleged that while the CBN refunded N1.222 billion, the N220 million remains unpaid. On March 27, Justice Ekwo permitted contempt notices (Forms 48 and 49) to be served, with a seven-day response deadline.
By April 10, all parties except the Ministry of Finance had responded, per Melrose’s counsel, Mr Segun Fiki.
The CBN, represented by Mr Abdulfatai Oyedele, argued the Supreme Court directed the N220 million to Wasp Networks (N200 million requested) and Thebe Wellness (N20 million unclaimed), not Melrose.
The EFCC, through Mr M.A. Babatunde, sought exclusion via a misjoinder motion.
The hearing is set for June 4.
By Dipo Olowookere
Entrepreneurs living in Ogun State have been given an opportunity to get about €30,000 in funding support their businesses for expansion.
The beneficiaries would be expected to come up with innovative solutions to challenges in the circular economy.
They will undergo a six-month training programme designed to prepare them for the tasks ahead.
Apart from the monetary benefits, the intending participants, who must be between the ages of 18 and 35, will receive enterprise development training and capacity building, have access to local and international markets, enjoy mentorship from industry experts and peer networks, and get personalized coaching and business support.
Business Post reports that this platform was provided by the Orange Corners Nigeria (OCN) Incubation Programme.
The initiative has already called for applications for the 13th cohort, with the deadline fixed for Sunday, May 18, 2025.
Applicants must operate in the circular economy, agriculture, health, renewable energy, or technology sectors to qualify for the scheme exclusively for Ogun residents.
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