Northern Christians flay killing of monarchs in Kaduna

• Govt further relaxes curfew to boost economy

CONGRESS of Northern Nigeria Christians (CNNC) has expressed dissatisfaction over the gruesome murder of traditional rulers in Kaduna State, urging the Federal Government to investigate the incident and bring the culprits to justice. The body of all Christians in the 19 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) said: “CNNC is clearly saddened by the gruesome murder of the

HRH Maiwada Galadima; the

Mallam Gambo Makama; and his expectant wife in January 1 this very year.”

In a statement signed by its media and publicity secretary, Larry Yammai, CNNC added: “This reprehensible act that should have no place in today’s Nigeria has not only taken root in northern Nigeria, but appears to be a recurring decimal with some ease within the communities of our members.

“We are seriously pained at the disgraceful security situation in Kaduna that has claimed over 100 lives and destroyed unquantifiable properties this October. The situation has exacerbated by the lack of unbiased leadership in the state, which has further alienated the citizens along religious fault lines.

“Apprehension has taken hold of the entire Kaduna. CNNC wishes to express her trepidations over the probable spill-over effect into other states, and so calls on President Muhammadu Buhari to quickly set up a high-powered body to investigate these shameful acts and find lasting peace.”

However, the state government has again relaxed the curfew declared in the metropolis, in order to boost business activities.

But the curfew earlier imposed on Kachia, the council of the chiefdom, remains 6pm to 5am. The statement issued yesterday by the governor’s spokesman, Samuel Aruwan, permitted residents to move about and pursue their legitimate business within Kaduna metropolis, until the hours between 10pm and 5am.

“A meeting of the core security team today (Wednesday) reviewed the security situation and advised the government to relax the curfew hours.

AS part of efforts to foster sustainable development in Africa, Aspire Coronation Trust (ACT) Foundation, yesterday announced the commencement of applications for its 2019 grant cycle.

Application for the grant cycle, which runs from November 1 to 30, 2018, is open to non-profits, community-based organisations (CBOS) and social enterprises that proffer innovative solutions to the continent’s socio-economic problems.

Chief executive officer of the non-profit, Ms Osayi Alile, stated that the organisation was focused on partnerships geared towards sustainable development in communities across Africa. She noted that the 2019 ACT Foundation grant would be extended to more African countries.

“A particularly interesting element in the 2019 grant cycle is our launch into other parts of Africa. We are excited about exploring new grounds after successfully implementing two impactful grant cycles. “Development is not a day’s job, and neither is it one man’s task alone. As a result, we believe that partnerships are crucial to accelerating growth and sustaining impact locally, regionally and globally.

Thus we are unwavering in our commitment to leveraging on relationships to foster African development in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGS),” she said.

Ms. Alile explained that the grant-making non-governmental organisation was established in 2016 to support local, national and regional non-profit organisations working to address challenges in the areas of health, entrepreneurship, leadership and environment across Africa.