Good morning Nigeria, welcome to Naija News roundup of top newspaper headlines in Nigeria for today Sunday, 28th March 2021.
1. Biden Invites Buhari, Other World Leaders For Summit [Full List]
United States President Joe Biden has invited President Muhammadu Buhari and other world leaders to a virtual summit on the climate crisis.
Naija News understands that the two-day summit is expected to mark America’s return to the frontlines of the fight against human-caused climate change after former President Trump disengaged from the process.
The White House in a statement on Friday said the summit is scheduled for April 22-23.
2. Idriss Deby Meets Buhari Ahead Of Chad Election
President of Chad, Idriss Deby, on Saturday, met with President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Naija News reports that Deby’s visit to Buhari is coming just weeks before Chad’s presidential election on April 11.
In a statement on Saturday, the Nigerian Presidency did not state whether Deby’s visit was connected to his re-election in April.
3. Bandits Abduct Eight RCCG Evangelists In Southern Kaduna
Gunmen suspected to be bandits have abducted eight members of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) evangelism team, Trinity Sanctuary, Kaduna.
Naija News reports that the gunmen had kidnapped them on Friday on their way for evangelism in the Southern Kaduna.
A statement from an eyewitness driver made available to journalists read in part: “Eight members of the evangelism team of the Redeemed Christian Church, Trinity Sanctuary Kaduna, were kidnapped this evening on their way to do evangelism in Southern Kaduna. They were kidnapped after passing Kachia.
4. Kaduna Abduction: Student’s Father, Ibrahim Shamaki Dies Of Worsened Health Situation
The father of one of the abducted students of the Federal College of Forestry Mechanisation, Bando, Kaduna State, Ibrahim Shamaki, is dead.
It was gathered that the father of Fatima Shamaki died on Friday at his residence at Badawara, Kaduna State.
Shamaki lost his life as a result of his deteriorating health resulting from the abduction of his daughter.
A human rights activist and lawyer identified as Prof. Chidi Odinkalu announced the development on his Twitter account.
5. Nigeria’s Economy Weak Despite Exiting Recession – Tinubu
The national leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has said Nigeria’s economy remains weak despite exiting recession.
Tinubu stated this on Saturday while delivering a speech as the chairman of the 2021 Sardauna Memorial Lecture held in honour of one of Nigeria’s founding fathers, the late Sir, Ahmadu Bello.
Speaking on Saturday on the topic, ‘Reduction of the Cost of Governance for Inclusive Growth and Youth Development in Northern Nigeria in a Post-COVID-19 Era’, the former governor of Lagos State said Nigeria is still experiencing too much unemployment under the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari.
“In the midst of our local challenges came the COVID-19 pandemic, with its debilitating impact on the global and domestic economies. Nigeria, like many other countries, has not been spared the impact of the pandemic,” he said.
6. Amaechi Rejects Calls For Secession, Restructuring, Says Buhari Not To Blame For Poverty
Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has said it is unfair to blame President Muhammadu Buhari for the rising poverty rate in the country.
Amaechi spoke while delivering the 34th convocation lecture of the University of Calabar in Cross River State on Friday, titled ‘Beyond Our Imperfect Union: The National Question and Nigeria’s Future.’
The former Rivers governor maintained that the problem of rising poverty preceded the current administration.
According to the former State Assembly Speaker, calls for restructuring, increased regional autonomy and secession will not meet the long-term aspirations of Nigerians for a better life.
7. Tinubu Reveals Solution To Herdsmen/Farmers Clashes
The national leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu, has said using military action alone will not put an end to herdsmen killings in the country.
Naija News reports that the former Lagos governor made this known while speaking on Saturday at the opening of the 2021 annual Arewa House Lectures, which he chaired in Kaduna.
Tinubu in his message to the federal government on the herdsmen crisis stated that problems that are essentially of an economic origin must also have an economical solution.
8. Fayemi Speaks On Contesting For 2023 Presidency
Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State has said he will not ignore any chance of contesting for the Presidency in 2023.
Speaking on a programme on Channel Television on Friday, Fayemi said he is not concerned with becoming President Muhammadu Buhari’s successor but he was focused on completing his tenure in October 2022.
“I am considering finishing well in Ekiti in 2022. I have a job. Frankly, I am eternally grateful to Ekiti people for giving me the opportunity to govern the state twice and I still have a lot to deliver on that agenda.
“So, the future will take care of itself. I have no means of knowing what is going to happen but for me, the certainty is that I am the Governor of Ekiti State and that term expires in October 2022. That is the job I have for now,” the governor said.
9. Seven Buses Razed As Fire Breaks Out On Otedola Bridge
A tanker filled with Premium Motor Spirit, popularly called petrol, has collided with a truck carrying a container on the Otedola bridge axis of the Lagos-Ibadan expressway.
The incident, which led to a fire outbreak, happened on Friday night and has been contained by the men of the Lagos State Fire Service.
In a tweet via its Twitter handle on Saturday, the fire service added that seven vehicles were overnight burnt in the inferno.
As of the time of filing this report, the fire incident has led to gridlock on the expressway outward Lagos. Motorists are advised to use alternative routes to their destinations.
10. Nigeria Qualify For 2021 AFCON
The Super Eagles of Nigeria have qualified for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with two games to spare.
Nigeria clinched on of the eight remain spot after Sierra Leone were held to a goalless draw by Lesotho in Maseru on Saturday afternoon.
As a result, Lesotho can no longer qualify for next year’s tournament in Cameroon.
The result leaves the Gernot Rohr’s boys with 8 points, 4 clear of third-placed Sierra Leone.