U.S. Lawmakers Query Trump Administration Over Deadly Caribbean Boat Strikes

 

U.S. lawmakers are pressing the Trump administration for explanations following reports of a controversial military operation targeting suspected Venezuelan drug-smuggling boats in the Caribbean. The scrutiny comes amid allegations that a second strike was ordered to eliminate survivors of an initial attack.

Republican-led congressional committees responsible for Pentagon oversight have pledged to conduct “vigorous oversight” of the incident and the broader series of naval strikes carried out in recent months.

According to reports released on Friday, a U.S. strike on September 2 left two individuals alive. However, a follow-up attack was allegedly launched to enforce Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth’s reported directive to “kill everybody” on board. Hegseth has dismissed the story as “fake news,” while former President Donald Trump publicly expressed complete confidence in him.

The U.S. has significantly increased its military presence in the Caribbean, carrying out multiple lethal operations against suspected drug-smuggling vessels in international waters near Venezuela and Colombia. These actions are part of what officials describe as a strengthened anti-narcotics campaign.

Since early September, more than 80 people have reportedly been killed during these operations.

CERUD EMPOWERS NEXT GENERATION OF BAKERS IN LAGOS

 

The Centre for Rural Development (CERUD), a Lagos State government agency, has taken a bold step toward empowering rural communities by organizing a one-day bread and pastry training program in Epe.

 The initiative, held at CERUD’s Igbodu Office Complex, brought together dozens of enthusiastic youths from Epe and neighboring communities.

Building Skills for Sustainable Livelihoods

Participants received hands-on training in modern baking techniques, hygiene practices, and packaging methods—skills designed to help them establish small-scale businesses in bread and pastry production. 

According to CERUD Director, Musbsiu Muyiwa Balogun, this maiden edition of the program was created to reduce unemployment and foster economic inclusion in rural areas.

“Our goal is to equip young people with practical skills that can translate into sustainable livelihoods. By focusing on bread and pastry production, we are tapping into a sector with high demand and strong market potential,” Balogun explained.

Aligning with Lagos State’s Development Agenda

                                              Dr. Nurudeen Yekini Agbaje

Mrs. Kimelomo Bolarinwa

Relaying the messages of Dr. Nurudeen Yekini Agbaje, Special Adviser to the Governor on Rural Development, and Mrs. Kimelomo Bolarinwa, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development, Balogun emphasized that the training aligns with Lagos State’s broader agenda of equitable development. The program ensures that rural communities benefit from skill acquisition opportunities traditionally concentrated in urban centers.

He further charged participants to make good use of the starter kits provided, motivating them to put their new skills into practice.

Starter Kits and Encouragement

Director , Public Affairs, Olusola Ajisafe, urged participants to take the training seriously, noting that it would improve their standard of living. To support their journey, CERUD distributed starter kits—including mini ovens, 50kg bags of flour, weighing scales, and certificates of participation—at the close of the program.

Voices of Gratitude

Participants at the training  with CERUD officials

Several participants expressed heartfelt gratitude for the opportunity, highlighting how the training would enable them to contribute to their families’ income and community growth. Facilitators ensured that each participant left with comprehensive knowledge and practical skills essential for success in the bread and pastry industry.

Looking Ahead

CERUD reaffirmed its commitment to expanding training and empowerment initiatives across other rural communities in Lagos State. This effort reinforces the government’s vision of inclusive growth and development, ensuring that no community is left behind in the pursuit of economic opportunities.

  Several participants expressed gratitude for the opportunity, highlighting how the training would enable them to contribute to their families’ income and community growth. 

Starter kits which included mini overn,50kg of flour, scale  and certificates of participation were distributed at the close of the training 

CERUD reaffirmed its commitment to expanding  the training and empowerment initiatives across other rural communities in Lagos State, reinforcing the government’s vision of inclusive growth and development.

LAGOS BACKS THE HANDS THAT FEED THE NATION : CERUD DISTRIBUTES FARM TOOLS TO RURAL FARMERS.

 

 

In a bid to strengthen the “hands that feed the nation,” the Lagos State Government, through the Office of Rural Development and the Centre for Rural Development (CERUD), has distributed small-scale farm tools to rural farmers across the state.

The event, held at CERUD’s Igbodu-Epe office, was graced by key stakeholders in the state’s agricultural sector. Speaking at the occasion, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Rural Development, Dr. Nurudeen Yekini Agbaje, emphasized that the initiative was designed to empower farmers with efficient tools, enabling them to produce more and live better lives.

                       Special Adviser ,Rural Development, Dr. Nurudeen Yekini Agbaje,

“By equipping our farmers, we are laying the foundation for true food security in Lagos State,” Dr. Agbaje stated.

               

In his welcome remarks, Director and Chief Executive Officer of CERUD, Musbau Muyiwa Balogun, described the intervention as a strategic step toward boosting productivity and ensuring sustainable food security in rural communities. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to continually support farmers with the tools and inputs needed to make agriculture more productive and rewarding.

Collaborating the stance, of  the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development, Mrs. Kikelomo Bolarinwa, CERUD Director ,Musbau  Muyiwa Balogun  urged beneficiaries to make judicious use of the equipment and not sell them, emphasizing that the tools were meant to uplift their livelihood and enhance agricultural growth.

The distribution exercise saw farmers receive essential tools such as hoes, rakes, diggers, cutlasses, shovels, and other modern implements designed to make farm work easier and improve yields.

Filled with excitement and gratitude, the beneficiaries hailed the Lagos State Government for its continued efforts in supporting grassroots development and promoting food sufficiency.

With initiatives like this, Lagos is not only investing in agriculture—it is investing in the people who keep food on the  tables. 

 

ACCoN HOSTS 2025 FORUM ON CHRISTIAN PILGRIMAGE ,NATION BUILDING

ACCoN

The Association of Christian Correspondents of Nigeria (ACCoN) is set to hold its 2025 End-of-Year Forum on Friday, November 21, 2025, at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), 10 Nurudeen Olowopopo Street, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos.

The highly anticipated event, themed “Socioeconomic Benefits of Pilgrimage to the Nigerian State,” will bring together government officials, church leaders, faith-based communicators, media professionals, and Christian journalists to discuss the impact of Christian pilgrimage in Nigeria on national development, spiritual growth, and social transformation.

Prominent Christian Leaders to Feature

The forum will feature an impressive lineup of distinguished speakers and guests.
The Governor of Osun State will serve as Special Guest of Honour, while the Keynote Address will be delivered by Bishop Stephen Adegbite, Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Pilgrims Welfare Board.

Rev. Israel Kritilere, President of the Christian Tourism Practitioners Association of Nigeria (CTPAN), will serve as Guest Speaker, sharing insights on how faith-based tourism in Nigeria can strengthen the nation’s economy and spiritual fabric.

Other special guests include the Father of the Day, Pastor (Dr.) Gabriel Okpako Uyeh, LAWNA Territorial Chairman, The Apostolic Church Nigeria (TACN); Bishop (Dr.) Charles Ighele, General Overseer of Holy Spirit Mission (Happy Family Centre); and Professor Orgu, Provost of LIFE Theological Seminary.

Faith, Media, and Nation-Building

Speaking about the forum, Mr. Adeola Ogunlade, President of ACCoN, said the event is designed to be a strategic and reflective platform for faith-based journalists, policymakers, and church leaders to discuss how Christian pilgrimage can serve as a tool for national unity, moral rebirth, and economic development.

“Pilgrimage is more than a spiritual journey,” Ogunlade noted.
“It has the potential to boost tourism, foster interfaith understanding, and promote values of integrity, patriotism, and accountability. This forum will offer leaders an opportunity to share perspectives on how faith can influence sustainable national growth.”

The ACCoN End-of-Year Forum will also include interactive sessions, networking opportunities, and recognition of outstanding Christian leaders and institutions that have contributed to the advancement of faith-based media and communication in Nigeria.

Promoting Ethical Christian Journalism

Through platforms like this, the Association of Christian Correspondents of Nigeria (ACCoN) continues to reaffirm its commitment to ethical journalism, responsible media practice, and nation-building through faith-based communication. The association remains a leading voice in promoting truth, integrity, and unity within Nigeria’s Christian and media communities.

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LAGOS, FEDERAL AGENCIES UNITE TO CURB HUMAN TRAFFICKING AND UNSAFE MIGRATION

 

                                                          LAGOS GOVERNOR BABAJIDE FASHOLA

The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to tackling human trafficking, migrant smuggling, and the rising “japa” syndrome through stronger collaboration with federal agencies and international partners.

This renewed commitment was the focus of a sensitization programme themed “Partnership for Protection: Safeguarding Public Servants Against Trafficking and Unsafe Migration,” held in Lagos yesterday.

A Collective Fight Against Human Trafficking

The event, organised by the Ministry of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Relations, brought together key stakeholders, including representatives from the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), and the National Orientation Agency (NOA).

The forum aimed to educate public servants on the dangers of irregular migration and the deceptive recruitment tactics often used by traffickers, particularly through social media and online job platforms.

“Japa Mentality” and Its Dangers

Speaking at the event, the Lagos State Commissioner for Special Duties and Intergovernmental Relations,  Olugbenga Oyerinde, described human trafficking as “a modern form of slavery that undermines human dignity and exploits economic vulnerability.”

Lagos State Commissioner for Special Duties and Intergovernmental Relations,  Olugbenga Oyerinde,

He cautioned against the growing belief that success can only be achieved abroad, calling it a misguided perception that fuels unsafe migration.

“The mindset that travelling out of the country is the only way to succeed is an erroneous belief,” Oyerinde said. “While migration is a global phenomenon, many who embark on unsafe journeys become victims of trafficking and exploitation.”

Oyerinde highlighted the ongoing work of the Lagos State Task Force Against Human Trafficking, established five years ago, which continues to collaborate with NAPTIP and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to strengthen public awareness and support prosecutions.

He also praised Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his commitment to citizen welfare and social inclusion, assuring that the state government remains steadfast in promoting safe migration practices and protecting residents from exploitation.

“Advocacy and Collaboration Are the Solutions”

In a chat with reporters, Oyerinde reaffirmed that both state and federal governments are united in their resolve to protect citizens and prevent further loss of lives.

“As a state working with the Federal Government through NiDCOM, we have carried out several collaborations to bring many Nigerians back home,” he said. “The only lasting solution is continuous advocacy. People have been deceived into dangerous situations, including war zones, and many have lost their lives to the japa syndrome. If you do not have anything meaningful to do abroad, there is no need to leave. You can achieve success anywhere with hard work and expertise.”

Lawmakers Call for Tougher Measures

Also speaking, Dr. Rauf Age-Sulaiman, Chairman  Lagos house of Assembly  Committee on Special Relations, called for stronger action against trafficking networks, noting that young people are the most affected due to their drive to seek opportunities abroad.

“Trafficking is an offence, and we are wholeheartedly committed to dismantling these syndicates,” he said. “Migration is not bad in itself, but it must be done responsibly. We are ensuring that adequate resources are available to empower youth and make irregular migration less attractive.”

Strengthening Coordination and Modern Tools

In her goodwill message, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NiDCOM, emphasized the need for stronger coordination between federal and state governments in tackling the root causes of human trafficking and unsafe migration.

She also underscored the importance of adopting modern technology and intelligence tools to identify and intercept trafficking networks before they harm more Nigerians.

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 Lagos and its partners are sending a clear message — collaboration, not desperation, is the way forward. Migration can open doors, but when done unsafely, it can cost lives.

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NIGERIA NEEDS PARTNERSHIP, NOT INVASION — BISHOP ADEGBITE URGES U.S. TO SUPPORT, NOT THREATEN

 

 Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), Bishop Stephen Adegbite

The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), Bishop Stephen Adegbite, has urged the United States and the international community to choose partnership over military intervention in helping Nigeria combat terrorism and insecurity.

Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja, Bishop Adegbite cautioned that foreign threats of invasion would only destabilize the region, emphasizing instead the need for collaboration, intelligence sharing, and humanitarian assistance.

“Nigeria needs help, not invasion. What we need from the international community is partnership, intelligence sharing, counterterrorism training, and humanitarian aid — not threats of military action,”
— Bishop Stephen Adegbite

Security Crisis Affects All Nigerians, Not One Faith

According to a statement from NCPC’s Deputy Director and Head of Public Relations, Mr. Celestine Toruka, Bishop Adegbite’s remarks were in response to recent statements reportedly made by the U.S. President, who warned of possible intervention over alleged Christian persecution in Nigeria.

                                                     U.S. President, Donald Trump

Citing data from the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project (ACLED) and the Observatory of Religious Freedom in Africa (ORFA), Adegbite revealed that between 2020 and 2025, over 20,000 civilians — both Christians and Muslims — lost their lives in various conflicts across Nigeria.

“These figures underscore that Nigeria’s crisis is not genocide against one religion,” he explained, “but a complex national security emergency driven by terrorism, banditry, and criminality.”

Call for Cooperation and Unity

Bishop Adegbite praised ongoing efforts by both federal and state governments to combat insurgency and restore peace, noting that meaningful progress has been made in recent years.

He warned, however, that reckless foreign military action could destabilize the entire West African subregion, creating massive humanitarian and economic challenges.

“Nigeria is a complex, multi-ethnic democracy with over 220 million citizens and more than 250 ethnic nationalities. What we need is cooperation and solidarity, not coercion or divisive rhetoric,”
— Bishop Adegbite

Promoting Interfaith Harmony

The NCPC leader also commended the ongoing collaboration between Christian and Muslim leaders under the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC), describing it as a vital platform for promoting dialogue, peace, and unity.

“We, as religious leaders, stand united against violence. Our calling is to heal, not to divide — to build bridges, not walls,” he said.

Bishop Adegbite reaffirmed that the real battle in Nigeria is not between Christians and Muslims, but between Nigerians and terror.

“Our nation’s strength lies in our shared humanity, faith, and hope for a peaceful future,” he declared.

A Call for Responsible Advocacy

In closing, Bishop Adegbite appealed to the media, international observers, and advocacy groups to rely on verified facts and to support initiatives that promote healing, justice, and reconciliation among Nigerians.