General News
As Christians and Muslims Begin Fasting on the Same Day, Obi Calls It “A Rare Spiritual Convergence”
Former Anambra State Governor and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential frontrunner, Peter Obi, has responded to the rare occurrence of Christians and Muslims beginning their fasting seasons on the same day.
In a post on his X handle, the former Labour Party 2023 presidential candidate described the event as “a moment of extraordinary spiritual convergence in Nigeria a nation richly blessed by God with abundant resources, yet long hindered by poor leadership.”
Obi highlighted that Lent for Christians and Ramadan for Muslims coinciding is “far more than a meeting of dates; it is a powerful symbol of shared sacrifice, reflection, and the possibility of national renewal at a time when our collective identity has been strained by ineffective governance.”
He added, “Both sacred seasons are marked by fasting, prayer, and thanksgiving. This convergence might fittingly be called a ‘Double Fast’ — a divine invitation to transcend our differences and rediscover our shared humanity.”
Obi called on Nigerians of all faiths to use the period as a time for prayer, charity, forgiveness, and self-discipline, saying:
“As millions of Nigerians Christians and Muslims alike, from North to South abstain from food and drink or devote themselves to forty days of penance and prayer, we are united in a single purpose: to seek the mercy of the Almighty for the healing of our land. This shared season calls for intensified prayer against insecurity and economic hardship, but prayer must be paired with action.”
He concluded with a message of unity and hope:
“May our hunger remind us of our neighbours’ suffering, and may our prayers stand as a shield over our nation. May our sacrifices be accepted, and may this unique alignment usher in a lasting era of peace and unity across Nigeria.
A Holy Lent and Ramadan Kareem to all. With our prayers and shared resolve, a New Nigeria is possible.”
Transcorp Hilton Abuja has joined the global community in celebrating women and their contributions to leadership and development as the world marks International Women’s Day.
The 2026 theme, “Give to Gain,” underscores the importance of supporting, empowering, and investing in women as a pathway to stronger institutions, businesses, and societies.
In a statement signed by the Communication & Marketing Manager, Public Relations & Marketing Department, Ijeoma Cassandra Osuji, and made available to journalists in Abuja on Friday, the hotel noted that it has continued to champion diversity, equity, and inclusion by creating opportunities for women to thrive in leadership roles across the hospitality industry.
At Transcorp Hilton Abuja, the commitment is reflected in the growing number of women occupying key management positions, contributing their expertise and perspectives to the hotel’s continued growth and reputation for excellence.
“Among them are Ms. Betty Aguiyi-Ironsi, the first indigenous female Commercial Director of the hotel, and Mrs. Onyinye Ajoku, Director of Rooms, alongside other female professionals who play vital roles in the hotel’s leadership and strategic direction,” the statement added.
Their presence, according to the management, demonstrates the organisation’s deliberate efforts to create opportunities for women to grow, lead, and excel within the hospitality industry.
The hotel noted that investing in women through mentorship, professional development, and recognition not only strengthens leadership but also fosters diverse perspectives and sustainable growth.
According to the management, the impact of this commitment has contributed to improved commercial performance, enhanced guest experiences, increased operational efficiency, and better engagement among team members.
“Beyond internal leadership development, the hotel also supports women through community-focused initiatives.
“One such initiative is the Business Empowerment Programme for Women, launched in 2017 under Hilton’s Travel with Purpose platform.
The programme has trained more than 60 young women, equipping them with sewing skills, business and financial management knowledge, marketing strategies, and customer service expertise to enable them to launch their own fashion businesses.”
The initiative, the hotel said, reflects its belief that empowering women with the right skills and opportunities helps communities and local economies thrive.
“As the hotel commemorates International Women’s Day 2026, it celebrates the women whose leadership, innovation, and dedication continue to drive progress within the organisation and beyond, noting that when women are empowered to succeed, everyone stands to gain,” the statement concluded.
Environmental and Niger Delta rights activist Sheriff Mulade has called on the Delta State Government to urgently prioritise industrialisation as a strategic response to the growing unemployment rate in the state.
Mulade made the call while addressing journalists on the economic situation in Delta, warning that the rising number of unemployed youths poses a serious social and economic risk if not addressed through sustainable economic policies.
According to him, the state possesses enormous economic potential, particularly in agriculture, oil and gas servicing, manufacturing, and small-scale industries, which can be harnessed to create thousands of jobs for young people.
He stressed that a deliberate industrialisation policy would help transform Delta’s economy from heavy dependence on government spending to a productive economy driven by private sector investment and manufacturing.
Mulade explained that establishing industrial clusters, agro-processing zones, and manufacturing hubs across the state would not only create employment opportunities but also attract investors and stimulate economic growth.
The activist noted that many Delta youths remain unemployed despite possessing skills and education, largely due to the limited number of industries capable of absorbing the state’s growing workforce.
He therefore urged the state government, under the leadership of Sheriff Oborevwori, to develop policies that encourage industrial investments, improve infrastructure, and provide incentives for businesses willing to establish factories and production facilities in the state.
Mulade also emphasised the need for improved power supply, better road networks, and access to finance for small and medium-scale enterprises, noting that these factors are critical for industrial growth.
He warned that failure to create jobs for young people could increase social unrest, crime, and economic instability in the region.
The activist therefore appealed to policymakers, investors, and stakeholders to collaborate in building a strong industrial base capable of driving sustainable development and reducing unemployment in Delta State.
At least 16 people have reportedly been killed following fresh attacks by suspected armed herdsmen on several communities in Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State.
Local sources said the attacks occurred between Thursday night and the early hours of Friday, targeting communities including Jato-Aka, Mbachon, and Tse-Yough in the Yaav Council Ward of the local government area. The assailants reportedly opened fire on residents, leaving many dead while several others sustained injuries, and some remain missing.
Residents said the attackers stormed the communities in large numbers, shooting sporadically and causing panic among villagers, many of whom fled into nearby bushes to escape the violence. Several houses and properties were also reportedly destroyed during the assault.
Reacting to the incident, Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia strongly condemned the killings, describing the attack as “barbaric, senseless and unacceptable.” He expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and extended condolences to the families of the victims.
The governor assured residents that the state government would work with security agencies to ensure that those responsible for the attack were apprehended and brought to justice. He also called on security operatives to intensify efforts to protect lives and property in the affected communities.
Authorities said investigations into the attack are ongoing, while security agencies have reportedly been deployed to the affected areas to restore calm and prevent further violence.
The latest attack highlights the continuing security challenges in parts of Benue State, particularly in rural communities where clashes and raids have frequently led to loss of lives and displacement of residents.