The senator representing Kogi Central in the National Assembly, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has called for urgent support following the tragic boat mishap in Kogi State that claimed the lives of several women, petty traders, and artisans.
The accident occurred along the Dambo-Ebuchi section of the River Niger, as the victims traveled to the Katcha weekly market in Niger State.

Expressing deep sorrow, Akpoti-Uduaghan described the victims as the backbone of the local economy.

“Their untimely deaths leave a profound void in their families and the wider society,” she said.
Chief Press Secretary to the senator, Arogbonlo Israel in a statement on Monday, quoted her to have emphasized the need for government intervention, private sector involvement, and philanthropic support to assist grieving families.

“These hardworking individuals played a vital role in sustaining our communities. I urge the government and all concerned Nigerians to come together to provide the necessary assistance,” she added.

The Senator’s plea highlighted the importance of unity and collective action in the face of tragedy, as the region mourns the loss of those whose dedication fueled local commerce.

President Bola Tinubu has described the era of fuel subsidies in Nigeria as a “fake good life” that masked the country’s looming economic crisis.
Speaking at the 34th and 35th combined convocation ceremonies of the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) in Ondo State, Tinubu emphasized that removing the subsidy was a necessary step to safeguard Nigeria’s future.

Represented by the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Professor Wahab Egbewole, SAN, the President explained that both the removal of the petrol subsidy and the unification of exchange rates were strategic moves to avert economic disaster.
“As you know, we inherited an economy burdened by heavy debts due to fuel and dollar subsidies,” Tinubu said. “These subsidies, meant to help the poor, ended up enriching the wealthy while the nation’s economy spiraled downward. The good life we thought we had was a false one that could have led to collapse.”
He noted that the economic policies implemented by his administration were already showing positive results. Tinubu stressed that Nigeria’s economic framework is shifting from consumption to production and assured citizens that recovery is underway.
“There is light at the end of the tunnel,” he said. “These challenges require patriotism, but brighter days are coming. After the rain, there will be sunshine.”
The President also expressed concern over the rising emigration of Nigerian youths, emphasizing the detrimental impact of brain drain on the country. “Our highly trained intellectuals and professionals are leaving when their expertise is most needed. Leaving is not the solution. We were made Nigerians for a reason, and we have the wisdom to rebuild our nation,” Tinubu stated.

In her address, FUTA Vice Chancellor, Professor Adenike Oladiji, announced that 6,405 students graduated from the institution across nine schools in the combined 2022/2023 and 2023/2024 academic sessions. She noted that 519 students earned First Class honours, with 3,408 receiving Second Class Upper degrees.

“Our mission is to provide quality education, impactful research, and innovative solutions for societal development,” Oladiji said, highlighting FUTA’s contributions to national progress.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has expressed surprise and deep appreciation to former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (rtd.), for secretly pleading with the late General Sani Abacha to spare his life during the 1995 coup trial.
Speaking at the Plateau Interdenominational Unity Christmas Carols and Praise Festival in Jos, Gowon revealed how he sent a personal letter to Abacha through his wife, urging the dictator to show mercy to Obasanjo, who had been sentenced to death for allegedly plotting a coup.
“I felt so bad about it,” Gowon said. “I wrote to Abacha, reminding him that God made him a leader to do good, not harm. I asked him to reconsider, and I sent the letter through my wife to Abuja in the middle of the night.” Gowon expressed gratitude that Obasanjo was not only released in 1998 after Abacha’s death but also went on to become Nigeria’s president in 1999.

Reacting the following day, Obasanjo admitted he had been unaware of Gowon’s intervention.
“I want to acknowledge my boss, General Yakubu Gowon. Yesterday, he made a revelation I had never heard before,” Obasanjo said. “When I came out of prison, I went around thanking those who appealed for my release, but I didn’t know you wrote a personal letter. Thank you for that.”
Obasanjo also praised Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang for his peace and development initiatives, encouraging him to continue his efforts for the state’s progress.
The gesture is particularly remarkable given that Obasanjo and the late Murtala Mohammed had overthrown Gowon’s government in a coup in 1975, underscoring the depth of Gowon’s statesmanship and forgiveness.