President Bola Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic stampedes that occurred in Abuja and Okija, Anambra State, leading to the loss of many lives and injuries.
In response, he cancelled all official engagements in Lagos, including his appearance at the 2024 Lagos Boat Regatta, which was scheduled to take place at his Queen’s Drive residence in Ikoyi.

A statement from his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, revealed that dignitaries, including Lagos State government officials and white cap chiefs, were already in attendance when the President decided to cancel his participation after receiving updates on the tragic events.

In his message of condolence, President Tinubu urged local and state authorities to adopt stricter crowd control measures immediately.
He expressed concern that the stampede at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama, Abuja, and the incident at a community center in Okija, mirrored similar tragedies like the one recently in Ibadan, Oyo State.
“These incidents could have been avoided had proper safety protocols been followed by event organizers,” Tinubu said. He also offered his prayers for the repose of the deceased and wished the injured a swift recovery.
He further emphasized that charitable and humanitarian organizations must adhere to safety guidelines, especially during such high-attendance events, to prevent future occurrences.
As part of his commemoration of the Lagos Boat Regatta theme “Our Water, Our Heritage, Our Life”, the President hoped that the event would proceed smoothly and safely, despite the cancellations.

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has reiterated its commitment to promoting patriotism and integrity as vital elements for Nigeria’s progress.

This message was delivered by the Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPCL, Olufemi Soneye, after the staging of Prof. Femi Osofisan’s classic play, Once Upon Four Robbers, in Abuja.

Speaking on the significance of the play, Soneye emphasized its alignment with the Federal Government’s “Change Begins With Us” initiative, which aims to encourage moral and civic responsibility among citizens.

“We are honored to be part of this project,” Soneye stated. “This play serves as a reminder that positive change begins with individuals. It highlights the importance of patriotism, moral values, and integrity in building a better society.”

He added, “For our country to develop, we must embody these values in our daily lives. NNPCL will continue to support initiatives like this that inspire positive transformation.”

Expressing gratitude to Prof. Osofisan, the production team, and the audience, Soneye remarked, “We are proud to have contributed to this production and will remain committed to supporting similar endeavors that promote these ideals.”

Prof. Femi Osofisan, the renowned playwright, reflected on the continued relevance of his play, originally written decades ago, in addressing contemporary social issues.

“I’m surprised that this play, written so many years ago, still resonates today,” Osofisan said. “It reflects the enduring nature of the challenges we face as a society.”

The play’s director, Dire Badejo, shared his inspiration for selecting Once Upon Four Robbers as a medium to spark societal introspection.

“At the start of the year, I sought a play that would critically examine the root causes of our societal issues,” Badejo explained. “After much consideration, I chose this work for its powerful message. Thanks to NNPCL’s sponsorship, we were able to realize this vision.”

The three-day production at the NAF Conference Centre in Abuja featured a talented cast, including Tunji Sotimirin, Frances Onwoche, Ropo Ewenla, Bukky Ogunnote, and Yemi Shodimu. Following its successful run in Abuja, the play is set to be staged at the Muson Centre in Lagos, offering another opportunity for audiences to engage with its thought-provoking themes.

Badejo concluded, “This production is a call for self-reflection and a reminder of the power of individual actions in shaping our collective future.”

In a major step to address food insecurity and reduce post-harvest losses, the Federal Government has pledged its support for the Cold Storage Initiative, aimed at improving food storage and enhancing the country’s food security.

The Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, made this announcement during a meeting in his Abuja office with a delegation from the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF), GENESIS Energy Group, USAID, and KPMG.

Director of Information and Public Relations, Mohammed Manga in a statement indicated that the meeting focused on establishing a strategic partnership to implement solar-powered cold storage facilities and optimize logistics systems across Nigeria.

The delegation shared updates on their ongoing efforts to introduce cold storage solutions in key agricultural hubs nationwide.
The initiative is expected to tackle significant post-harvest losses, improve food supply chains, and ensure a more consistent availability of fresh produce.
Minister Edun commended the project, highlighting its alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to food security.
He noted that recent economic reforms, including fuel and foreign exchange pricing adjustments, have stabilized the economy and opened up opportunities for investment.
He further assured the delegation of the Ministry’s full support for the initiative, recognizing its potential to create jobs, attract foreign investment, and contribute to poverty alleviation.

The meeting was attended by key representatives, including Akinwole Omoboriowo, CEO of GENESIS Energy; Mohammed Ibrahim, Executive Secretary of NADF; and Dimeji Salaudeen of KPMG, among others.

With the Federal Government’s backing, this initiative is set to revolutionize the food storage sector, ensuring the preservation of agricultural produce, reducing waste, and ultimately enhancing Nigeria’s food security. This project marks a major step forward in the country’s goal of achieving long-term food security.