Christian Association of Nigeria observes Black Sunday to mourn insecurity victims
via Punch Nigeria4 min read
The Christian Association of Nigeria CAN observed a nationwide Black Sunday to honor victims of insecurity across the country, describing the situation as a national tragedy. CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, stated the observance was to mourn those affected by violence, terrorism, kidnapping, and banditry. The association emphasized that the nation is bleeding and the church cannot remain silent. The observance coincided with Democracy Day, with CAN noting that security is central to Nigeria's democratic success. The organization expressed solidarity with affected families and urged all levels of government to take urgent measures to secure lives and property, highlighting that citizen protection is a sacred responsibility. CAN also called on churches and faith-based organizations to strengthen security measures and encouraged Nigerians to remain united in pursuit of peace and justice. In Borno State, Christians held a procession in Maiduguri, calling for an end to insecurity and abductions. Joshua Akeredolu, Secretary of the state CAN chapter, said the day was for prayer against insecurity and for leaders to find solutions. He lamented the kidnapping and killing of Christian faithful, including pastors, in the state. Apostle Joseph Okoroafor, Deputy Territorial Chairman of The Apostolic Church Nigeria, Umuahia Area, also stressed the need for Christians to pray for Nigeria and its leaders amid disheartening events.
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Edo Queens Football Club clinched their second Nigeria Women Football League title after finishing atop the Super Six tournament in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. They secured the championship with a goalless draw against Bayelsa Queens in their final match, accumulating 10 points from five games. Edo Queens won three matches, drew one, and lost one. Bayelsa Queens also finished with 10 points but placed second due to goal difference. Nasarawa Amazons came in third with eight points, followed by Rivers Angels in fourth. FC Robo and Abia Angels finished fifth and sixth, respectively. Edo Queens coach Moses Aduku praised his players' resilience, noting their strong recovery after an initial defeat. He also thanked the Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Amadin Enabulele, and the people of the state for their support. Enabulele emphasized that the victory was also about discovering and nurturing talent for the state and thanked Governor Monday Okpebholo for the opportunity to serve.
The Nigerian Oil and Gas Park Scheme in Emeyal-1, Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, is expected to become operational in the fourth quarter of 2026. The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board NCDMB confirmed this timeline and plans to install a 2.5-megawatt Compressed Natural Gas power plant at the park to support its take-off. This power plant is crucial for ensuring a stable electricity supply for industrial activities within the park. Dr. Obinna Ezeobi, General Manager, Corporate Communications, noted visible progress in critical infrastructure and support systems following an assessment visit. The NOGaPS project aims to deepen Nigerian content by creating a manufacturing base for oil and gas components and generating employment for over 2,000 people. Key facilities, including manufacturing shop floors, a water treatment plant, accommodation, classrooms, and an amphitheater, are already completed. Power infrastructure like switchgear buildings, transformers, and heavy-duty generators are also in place. A contract has been awarded for sand-filling ponds to construct six manufacturing sheds. Environmental maintenance activities are ongoing to preserve infrastructure. When operational, the park will serve as a platform for indigenous manufacturing, reduce reliance on imported components, and strengthen local participation in the oil and gas value chain.
Must ReadThe Federal Government of Nigeria spent N57.78 billion on security-related projects and operations in the first four months of 2026, a 127.97 percent increase from the N25.35 billion spent in the same period of 2025. This expenditure occurred despite a worsening security situation, with 98 criminal incidents, including 51 attacks and abductions, recorded nationwide in one week. The spending covered defence equipment procurement, security infrastructure, military barracks, and police facilities. The largest share, N21.39 billion, went to defence equipment procurement. However, only 1.24 percent of the total N4.66 trillion security allocation for 2026 had been utilized by April. No expenditure was recorded for "Operation Lafiya Dole and Other Operations of the Armed Forces" despite a N500 million provision, nor were funds released for kitting Armed Forces personnel, for which N2.53 billion was earmarked. Security analysts Lekan Jackson-Ojo and Chidi Omeje expressed concerns, with Jackson-Ojo describing the situation as the worst insecurity crisis in Nigeria's history and Omeje noting that the military remains overstretched. Omeje also highlighted that military operations alone would not solve the challenges, pointing to root causes such as bad governance, corruption, and pervasive poverty, along with porous borders and regional instability.