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Most Reverend Henry Ndukuba, the Primate of the Anglican Church of Nigeria, has raised alarm over Nigeria’s trajectory, warning that the nation is at risk of becoming a failed state akin to Somalia and South Sudan.

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Archbishop Ndukuba’s remarks came amidst growing concerns over Nigeria’s escalating insecurity, economic challenges, and governance issues.

Expressing deep concern over the worsening economic conditions, Archbishop Ndukuba lamented over high debt levels, reckless borrowing, and inflationary pressures as significant contributors.

He called for concrete measures to address these challenges, including the establishment of a state or regional police force to combat insecurity effectively.

He urged the government to intervene promptly to alleviate citizens’ suffering, particularly in addressing fuel scarcity, increasing electricity tariffs, and reviewing workers’ wages.

Archbishop Ndukuba said: “The insecurity of lives and property in Nigeria has become a cancer that is eating deep into the fabric of our national life. Nigeria is becoming a failed State in the league of Somalia and South Sudan which are riddled with internal conflicts among the constituent tribes and political leaders.

“The establishment of a state or regional police force will help each geo-political zone respond to the challenge of insecurity in their region and bring stability, security and economic growth.

“Nobody can passionately defend and protect a territory better than those who have stakes in such a place. The advantages in having the state police outweigh the disadvantages. The existence of State Police does not rule out the presence of a federal police force.”

On the economy, Ndukuba said: “The economy of Nigeria is in a bad shape, and citizens feel the pain daily. The efforts of economic policy planners, the new Central Bank governor, and his team to stabilize the exchange rate are commendable.

“High debt levels, reckless borrowing, and corruption are contributing to adverse economic conditions. The crippling debt burden erodes investor confidence, leading to capital flight and negatively impacting the Nigerian stock market and overall economic stability. Continuous borrowing contributes to inflationary pressures, driving up prices and affecting the cost of living.

“The 2024 budget and Nigeria’s debt profile are intertwined, requiring prudent management to ensure debt sustainability and long-term economic health.

“The recent fuel scarcity and increase in electricity tariff are making life difficult for citizens, and the government should intervene to alleviate suffering. A review of the wages of Nigerian workers is necessary due to hyperinflation and the harsh economic environment.”

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“I have no love for fake friends, pretenders”— Mikel Obi replies 2Baba

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Mikel Obi has finally responded to 2Baba, shedding light on why he allegedly snubbed the music icon during a chance meeting in London.

Reflecting on their shared history, Mikel said:
“We grew up together in Jos, and you achieved fame before me. I reached out to you several times, but you never responded. Then, the same God who blessed you answered my prayers, and fame found me too.”

He expressed his surprise been approached by 2Baba in a London mall after years of silence:
“Now that I’ve made it, suddenly you recognize me? Life has taught me that no one wants to associate with failure. That’s why I stay in my lane for peace and only keep connections with those who stood by me before fame.”

Concluding his statement, Mikel emphasized his stance: “I have no love for fake friends or pretenders.”

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Nagasaki driver returns 25-yr ‘partner’ RX-7 to Mazda at ceremony on 80th birthday

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Naoko Nishimoto shares her thoughts in front of her longtime "partner" Mazda RX-7, in the city of Nagasaki on Dec. 18, 2024. (Mainichi/Kazuki Kawashima) © The Mainichi
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NAGASAKI — A decades-long driver of a Mazda RX-7 sports car fulfilled a pledge to turn in her license on her birthday on Dec. 18 and passed the vehicle along to its maker.

At the ceremony held in a local Mazda dealership, Nagasaki resident Naoko Nishimoto commented with her hand on the hood, “Thank you so much for the 25 years we have shared our lives together, ‘Seven.'”

“Seven” is the name she gave her beloved coupe.

When Nishimoto was working as a clerk at the age of 55, she was looking to buy a new car and fell in love with the RX-7 when she first happened to see it in the anime series “Initial D”. “Its outline is beautiful,” she thought. She immediately bought a brand-new silver model for around 3 million yen (about $19,300 at the current rate).

After she had used the vehicle for daily outings like trips to the supermarket and racked up about 77,500 kilometers over 25 years of use, she made up her mind to give up her driver’s license in December 2022, when she turned 78. After her search for the car’s next owner was reported in the news, Mazda Motor Corp. put in an application.

A young designer at Mazda gave Nishimoto a sketch of the adored cruiser during the ceremony. “The RX-7 was the first car I was responsible for marketing after joining the company. Ms. Nishimoto lovingly drove this car for 25 years, and we will maintain and handle it with care from here on,” Mazda President Masahiro Moro wrote in a letter that was also passed to her.

“For the two years after I decided to let it go, I had particularly fond memories of riding in Seven to photograph seasonal flowers and scenery. I loved the feeling of oneness with the car,” Nishimoto said.

The car will hereafter undergo maintenance before beginning its second life as a promotional vehicle.

The RX-7 integrated Mazda’s technical prowess and included a high output, low noise and vibration rotary engine. Around 810,000 of the vehicles were produced between 1978 and 2002. Having plenty of overseas fans, the car was featured in “Fast and Furious,” and it has been immortalized in the street-racing manga, anime and game series “Initial D” as the car owned by the protagonist’s rival.

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Judges Must Reject Gifts From Governors,Ministers “- NBA President, Osigwe

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Afam Osigwe, president of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), says it is unconstitutional for members of the cabinet or governors to be giving gifts to judges.

Osigwe spoke on Thursday during Politics HQ, a programme on News Central TV.

The NBA president’s comments came months after Nyesom Wike, minister of the federal capital territory (FCT), announced the construction of quarters for judges in Abuja.

In September, the FCT minister flagged off the construction of 40 houses for judges in Abuja, which sparked a public outrage.

He said 20 of the houses, when completed, would be allocated to judges of the FCT high court, while 10 would be given to the judges of the federal high court and 10 to those of the court of appeal.

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