News
CAN Demands Responsibility and Care in Security Communication
Joel Ajayi
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has reviewed the press statement issued by the Nigeria Police Force confirming the abduction incident at Kurmin Wali community in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
CAN acknowledges that verifying security incidents, particularly in remote communities, can be challenging. However, such challenges do not excuse lapses in the communication of sensitive matters to the public—especially when reports involve mass abductions and threats to human life.
The initial public dismissal of reports concerning this incident, prior to thorough verification, was deeply troubling. It created confusion, heightened public anxiety, and unfairly cast doubt on the credibility of nearly 170 worshippers, their families, clergy, and eyewitnesses who raised the alarm.
In situations of this gravity, public communication must never appear dismissive of the suffering or fears of affected citizens.
While the need to prevent panic is understandable, caution must not be expressed in ways that suggest denial or indifference.
Statements issued by senior security officials carry significant weight and must therefore be guided by due diligence, empathy, and a clear understanding of their impact on public trust and social stability.
CAN notes the subsequent confirmation of the incident and commends the Inspector-General of Police for directing the deployment of operational and intelligence assets to the affected area. These steps are necessary and welcome. However, they must be complemented by a more disciplined, people-centred approach to crisis communication going forward.
We call on all security agencies and relevant authorities to strengthen coordination, improve verification processes, and ensure that credible reports from communities are treated with the seriousness they deserve. Victims must be protected, genuine distress calls respected, and misinformation—whether dismissive or sensational—firmly avoided.
CAN also urges governments at all levels to confront the persistent insecurity across the country with renewed urgency, as repeated incidents continue to endanger lives, disrupt worship, and erode public confidence.
We make a heartfelt appeal for the immediate and unconditional release of all those abducted. We pray for their safe and unharmed return, and we urge security agencies to intensify all efforts—operational, intelligence, and diplomatic—towards securing their swift rescue. The lives of innocent citizens must remain paramount.
As a national faith-based body, CAN remains committed to peace, justice, and the defence of human dignity. We will continue to stand with affected communities and engage constructively with authorities in the collective pursuit of safety, accountability, and lasting security.
News
FG Launches Youth-Led National Action Plan IV as Youth Minister Wraps Up OGP Leadership Tenure
Joel Ajayi
The Honourable Minister, Federal Ministry of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, has formally handed over the baton as State Actors Co-Chair of the Nigeria Open Government Partnership (OGP) National Steering Committee, describing the occasion as one filled with gratitude, reflection, and renewed optimism for the future of open governance in Nigeria.
Speaking at the 22nd National Steering Committee Meeting held in Abuja, the Minister expressed heartfelt appreciation to all stakeholders who contributed to the journey.
“I am deeply grateful for the collective efforts of government institutions, civil society organisations, the private sector, academia, development partners, and ordinary citizens who worked together to strengthen open governance in our country,” he said.
Reflecting on the progress made since 2024, Minister Olawande highlighted the wide-ranging consultations conducted across Nigeria and beyond, which gave Nigerians from all backgrounds a real voice in shaping governance processes.
He noted that the successful implementation of National Action Plan III (NAP III) delivered tangible results in the areas of accountability, access to information, and citizen participation.
“Through NAP III, we made meaningful strides in promoting transparency, accountability, and citizen engagement, while also amplifying Nigeria’s voice on the global OGP stage,” he added.
The Minister also formally unveiled National Action Plan IV (NAP IV) a bold, forward-looking framework shaped largely by the voices and aspirations of young Nigerians.
The new plan contains twelve commitments across six key thematic areas, including digital governance, justice and human rights, anti-corruption, civic space, and climate action.
“NAP IV truly reflects the dreams of a generation that wants greater transparency, accountability, and trust in government,” he said. “However, its success will depend entirely on our collective commitment to effective implementation.”
Comrade Olawande commended his Co-Chair, Obialunanma Nnaobi-Ayodele, for her strong leadership and dedication in representing non-state actors. He also thanked the OGP Secretariat and all members of the 3rd National Steering Committee for their unwavering support and contributions.
In his inaugural remarks, the new State Actors Co-Chair and Honourable Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Sen. Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve and pledged to build on the solid foundation already laid.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to deepening collaboration between state and non-state actors, while ensuring that OGP commitments lead to real improvements in governance and service delivery for ordinary Nigerians.
Sen. Bagudu particularly stressed the need to sustain momentum in fiscal transparency, anti-corruption, access to information, and public service delivery.
The incoming Non-State Actors Co-Chair, Olusoji Apampa, acknowledged the measurable progress recorded in financial transparency, open contracting, access to information, and open budgeting.
“These are not small achievements,” he noted. “They show that openness is a practical tool that can deliver real benefits to citizens.”
Apampa pledged to work closely with the new leadership to sustain reforms and strengthen collaboration for the benefit of all Nigerians.
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