Good Friday is a day observed by many to reflect and remember the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
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While it is a solemn day for religious observances, it can also be a time for fun activities with family and friends.
Here are some simple and enjoyable things you can do on Good Friday:
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1. Attend a Good Friday Service
Many churches hold special services on Good Friday. Consider attending a church service or joining a virtual service online to reflect on the significance of the day.
2. Have a Picnic
If the weather is nice, why not pack a picnic basket and head to a local park? Enjoy some time outdoors with your loved ones, have a leisurely meal, and play some games.
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3. Watch a Movie
Gather your family for a movie marathon. Choose films with uplifting or inspirational themes that align with the spirit of the day.
4. Bake Easter Treats
Get creative in the kitchen and bake some Easter-themed treats. Decorate cookies, make hot cross buns, or try your hand at crafting an Easter cake.
5. Volunteer or Help Others
Use this day to give back to the community. Volunteer at a local shelter, organize a donation drive, or simply help a neighbor in need.
The pageant took place in Mexico. Sheynnis Palacios won Miss Universe 2023, the first win for Nicaragua.
The Miss Universe pageant last year featured two transgender women and plus-size model Jane Dipika from Nepal, marking the first time a plus-sized contestant reached the semi-finals.
Residents of Okuama Community are really feeling the full wrath of the Nigerian Army.
The killing of its soldiers is one thing the military is not going to take, in fact, they had vowed to bring those involved to book.
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Things got more interesting when the Defence Headquarters declared eight people wanted.
One of the persons who’s image featured boldly on the list was the King of Ewu kingdom, Clement Ikolo.
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Ikolo was declared wanted by the Army over the killing of 17 soldiers in Delta State.
Now, there is no hiding place and he has surrendered himself to the police.
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He Turned Himself In
It was gathered that Ogenerukeywe has been detained by the Delta State Police command in connection with the killings.
The state Police Commissioner Abaniwonda Olufemi said Oghenerukevwe, who is the Urhukpe I of Emu Kindom, “turned himself in”.
It was shortly after the Defence Headquarters declared him and seven other wanted.
Among those declared wanted include a professor, Prof. Ekpekpo Arthur; a woman, Mrs Igoli Ebi; Reuben Baru; Akata Malawa David and four other persons.
Speaking at a press conference, the Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba, said no bounty was placed on the wanted persons.
Okuama Massacre
He called on the stakeholders and traditional rulers across the country particularly in the Niger Delta to help the military in fishing out those who had been declared wanted.
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This story dates back to Thursday, March 14.
That day, troops of 181 Amphibious Batallion, Bomadi Local Government Area of Delta State were surrounded and killed.
It happened while they were on peace mission to Okuama Community.
The murdered officers were buried at the National Military Cemetery, Abuja on Wednesday.
The face off between the Nigerian Army and the entire Okuama Community in Delta State seems to be far from ending.
The Nigerian Army appears extremely angered by the act and they have taken many measures in their quest for justice.
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One of such measures was declaring some suspects wanted. A move which human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN) describes as illegal.
To Falana, the federal government ought to direct the army to hand over the investigation.
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He asserted that murder is not an offence that warrants the investigation of the defence headquarters.
Call To Order
Falana did not end there, he also said that if the federal government fails to call the defence headquarters to order, the murder case would be bungled.
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The lawyer stated this while reacting to the wanted lists published by the Nigerian Army.
Speaking via a statement, he said, “The authorities of the armed forces should be made to realise that the military cannot arrest, detain, investigate and charge civilian suspects with any offence whatsoever.
“In Dr Issa Perry Brimah v Nigerian Army.
Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu said, “It must be stated here without equivocation that the defendant [Nigerian Army] has no right to declare the plaintiff wanted without following the appropriate procedure.
A Formal Report
“The Judge further said that the defendant cannot arrest the plaintiff arbitrarily.
Without making a formal report to law enforcement agency with the mandate to enforce law and order.
Otherwise, it would transmute to self-help.
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The duty of the defendant is to make a formal report to the appropriate authority like the police and await the outcome.
“In Miss Grace Anita Paul v. The Chief of Army Staff, the Army, Inspector General of Police & the Nigerian Police Force.
The Federal High Court held that the Nigerian Army lacks the power to arrest, investigate and hold in custody, anyone who is not subject to the Armed Forces Act or any other military law.
The Power Of The Police
Justice Taiwo Taiwo, on Wednesday, warned the military not to usurp the powers of the Nigerian Police under Sections 4 and 84 of the Police Act.
It empowers the police to detect and investigate crime.
“We have also read that the 8 people alleged to be involved in the cruel murder of the soldiers have been declared wanted by the DHQ.
It is trite law that the police and security agencies lack the power to declare any suspect wanted without a court order.
In Benedit Peters v Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
A high court in Abuja ruled that the EFCC lacks the powers to declare anyone wanted.
Without obtaining a court order or charging the suspect with an offence.
Illegal Decision
“The presiding judge, Justice Othman Musa ruled that though the EFCC could declare as wanted persons who fail to honour its invitation for investigation.
It could only do so if it obtains a court order for that purpose.
So, the decision of the defence headquarters to declare the murder suspects wanted is completely illegal.
“Let the federal government direct the defence headquarters to hand over the investigation of the suspects involved in the gruesome murder of the 17 officers and soldiers.
It ought to be pointed out that murder is not a military offence to warrant investigation by the defence headquarters.
If the federal government fails to call the defence headquarters to order.
The case concerning the tragic murder of the soldiers will be completely bungled.”
KFC has just been dealt its own share of the social media power.
A scenario that should have been handled professionally escalated and has gotten Nigerians furious.
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Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has shut down the Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) facility at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MIA), inLagos, with effect from March 28, 2024.
In addition, it was gathered that the closure is due to a social media report by a Passenger with Reduced Mobility (PRM), who alleged discriminatory treatment he received at KFC facility in MMIA, Lagos.
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Confirming the incident, FAAN, in an official statement issued Thursday morning, signed by Director, Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Mrs Obiageli Orah, promised to investigate the matter.
KFC Being Investigated Of The Allegation
Also, she stated that immediately after the allegation on KFC, the MD/CE of FAAN, Mrs Olubunmi Kuku, intervened swiftly by deploying a management team.
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The team comprises the Director, Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Mrs Obiageli Orah.
Also, the Regional Manager South West, Mr Sunday Ayodele, Ag. General Manager Public Affairs, Mrs ljeoma Nwosu-Igbo and the International Terminal Manager, Mr Kerri, to investigate the allegation.
“However, it is based on the findings of the team that FAAN has shut down the KFC facility at the MMA, where the incident occurred.
“Also, the Authority has instructed that the KFC Management should tender an unreserved apology, in writing.
“In addition, this should be addressed to the affected PRM and a policy statement of non-discrimination be written and pasted conspicuously at the door post of their facility at MMIA before it resumes operation.
FAAN Apologizes
“Furthermore, FAAN uses this medium to express our unreserved apology to the affected Passenger with Reduced Mobility.
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Additionally, we assure all airport users that we shall continue to work tirelessly to ensure that the rights of every passenger are not infringed upon”, the statement added.
According to FAAN, the agency is acting “in line with Lagos State law on People with Special Needs, Part C, section 55 of General Provisions on Discrimination.
It states that “A person shall not deprive another person of access to any place, vehicle or facility that members of the public are entitled to enter or use on the basis of the disability of that person.
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The Ajakaju movie producer revealed that her decision to award Bobrisky was never meant to cause harm or controversy.
Over and over again, we see how powerful social media can be especially when people speak with one voice.
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Actress Eniola Ajao has issued an apology to the public in the light of the recent controversy surrounding her movie premiere, “AJAKAJU,” held on March 24.
In a statement released on Thursday, Ajao expressed deep regret and remorse for what transpired at the event, taking full responsibility and seeking forgiveness from those affected.
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Apology To The Muslims
Ajao apologised to the Muslim community for any inconvenience the premiere’s proceedings may have caused, especially during the holy month of Ramadan.
The actress emphasised her respect for the significance of this time and clarified that offending or upsetting anyone was never her intention.
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In addition, Ajao extended profound apologies to womenfolk, emphasising her understanding of the importance of upholding and honouring womanhood with dignity and respect.
Also, she reassured the public of her reverence for women and pledged never to engage in behaviour that diminishes their role in the society.
The Ajakaju movie producer revealed that her decision to award Bobrisky was never meant to cause harm or controversy.
She confessed her intentions saying; “It was rather an attempt to generate publicity for our movie. I am truly sorry for any distress this may have caused you”.
Ajakaju PR Gone Wrong?
Furthermore, she expressed regrets for the backlash actor Femi Adebayo and his wife got due to an announcement made at the event.
She took full responsibility for any harm caused and apologised for the insults and disrespect directed towards them.
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According to her, In an effort to make amends, she decided to honour two females, Bode Alao and one other beautiful woman as the best-dressed females at the premiere.
Hardship is not new to Nigeria and Nigerians, but you see this particular hardship which is spiced with heavy hunger, is one that Nigerians never saw coming about 10 months ago.
This hunger is caused by the increasing price of goods and commodities which has greatly affected the purchasing power of every average Nigerian.
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Truly, a hungry man is an angry man and the government of the country at all levels understands this clearly.
In Ogun State, Governor Dapo Abiodun, has decided to hedge against anger.
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Now, the Governor has commenced the sale of rice at a 50% discount to residents.
Special Iftar
This is in a bid to cushion the lingering economic challenges.
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It was during the Special Iftar (breaking of fast) organised for the League of Imams and Alfas in the state that Abiodun made the announcement.
The event was held at the Presidential Lodge in Abeokuta.
Governor Abiodun noted that the sale of the commodity would begin with public servants across the board, and residents of the state would also buy it at half the price.
Abiodun added that his administration aspires to return the purchasing power of public servants lost due to inflation.
Purchasing Power
He said: “We have decided to commence the sale of rice. We will be selling it at the rate of 50% of the price.
With the recent happenings in Delta State, people are beginning to think that the youths of the state may have declared war against the Nigerian Army unknowingly.
You see, killing soldiers on duty is a treacherous act that the military considers unpardonable.
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In fact, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has declared seven men and a woman wanted for their involvement in the gruesome murder of 17 Nigerian soldiers.
These soldiers were killed in Okuama Community of Delta state while on official duties.
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The 17 soldiers were buried amid tears in Abuja on Wednesday.
The Wanted Persons
Before now, the military had vowed that those involved in the act will never go unpunished.
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Now, in a post via its official X account on Thursday, the DHQ declared eight suspects wanted.
Those declared wanted by the Nigerian military include Akevwru Omotegbono, Prof. Ekpekpo Arthur, Andaowei Dennis Bakriri.
The Chief of Defence Staff said: “To the perpetrators of violence who seek to sow division and fear among our people, know this: our resolve will not waver.
“We will hunt you down, we will bring you to justice, and we will restore peace and security to every nook and cranny of our dear nation”.
The residents of Sagamu can now heave a sigh of relief as there are lesser numbers of cultists to worry about in the state.
Back in the days, there was a time the wave of renunciation swept through Nigeria’s higher institutions.
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No fewer than 48 members of different secret cult groups in Sagamu area of the state have renounced their membership.
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Also, the repentant cult members have submitted their firearms to the Police for confiscation.
The Commissioner of Police, Ogun State, Abiodun Alamutu, who led other law enforcement agents to the palace of Akarigbo of Remoland where the programme took place said they were still working on profiling of the cultists who just renounced their membership.
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Cult Activities Will Reduce
He added that the action would reduce cult related killings in the area, promote peace and development.
Also, he urged those who were still in possession of illicit firearms to do the needful before it would be too late.
According to him, the police will embark on a mop-up exercise.
The Akarigbo and Paramount ruler of Remoland, Oba Babatunde Ajayi and other stakeholders in attendance commended the approach and appealed to the youth to
do away with crimes and criminality.
The tension in Okuama could almost be felt like a wave as the bodies of the slain soldiers were laid to rest.
President Bola Tinubu has insisted that the killers of 17 officers and men of the Nigerian Army in Delta State on March 14, 2024, must be arrested.
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The families of the slain soldiers demanded justice during the burial of the slain military personnel at the National Cemetery in Abuja on Wednesday.
Okuama Peace Mission
In his address at the event, Tinubu declared that leaders in Delta State must fish out killers of the soldiers who were ambushed while on a peace mission in Okuama community in Delta State.
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This came as the President conferred posthumous national honours on the slain officers.
He vowed that the killers would not go unpunished.
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The late soldiers were honoured in three categories, including Member of the Order of Niger, Federal Republic Medal I, and Federal Republic Medal II.
The Federal Government gave the families of the slain soldiers houses, and their children got scholarships.
Families Of Slain Soldiers To Receive Benefits
At the same time, the President ordered the military to pay the slain soldiers’ benefits to their family members within 90 days.
Also at the event, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, stated that the death of military personnel in Delta was highly demoralising, as the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, vowed to hunt down the killers.
Tinubu, who attended the burial ceremony himself, announced the provision of housing facilities for the surviving family members and scholarships for all their children to the university level and also directed the payment of death benefits to the family members within 90 days.
Wednesday’s national honours conferment comes one week after Tinubu made the promise while breaking the Ramadan fast with the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, and the House leadership at the Presidential Villa on March 20.
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At the time, Tinubu declared: “We salute all our men and women in uniform and sympathise with them.
“I will soon make further pronouncements, but they must have a befitting burial and national honours”.
How It Happened
On March 14, Lt. Colonel A. H. Ali, the Commanding Officer of 181 Amphibious Battalion, three other officers and 13 soldiers were killed in the Okuama Community during a peacekeeping mission to mediate in the lingering dispute with Okoloba Community, Delta State.
Soldiers of the Joint Task Force reportedly recovered their bodies under the supervision of the General Officer Commanding 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Jamal Abdussalam.
At the National Cemetery on Wednesday, Tinubu said, “They went as peacemakers and peacekeepers respectfully seeking to bring an end to the hostilities between the two communities.
“They didn’t go with tanks, machine guns, or other weapons. They were on a mission of peace. Ali kept faith with his military calling until the end.
“On behalf of a grateful nation, we honour the sacrifice of Ali and the other gallant patriots who died that day.”
He noted that the slain soldiers would forever be remembered as heroes who answered the call of duty and paid the ultimate price.
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