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Ekiti Church Attack: CAN Demands Action Over Killing, Abduction of Worshippers

Published

1 week ago

April 29, 2026

Joel Ajayi

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has received with deep shock and grave concern reports of the attack on a church gathering in Eda Oniyo, where gunmen reportedly killed a pastor and abducted several worshippers during an open-air crusade. This is deeply disturbing.

In a statement Signed President, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Daniel Okoh on Teusday in Abuja. CAN condemns this heinous act in the strongest possible terms.

People had gathered peacefully to worship God, only to be met with violence. This is not just an attack on a church; it is a brutal assault on our shared humanity and the sanctity of life.

The Association mourns with the family of the slain pastor and stands in full solidarity with the victims and the entire Christian community in Ekiti State. Thoughts and prayers are with those who have been taken, alongside a call for their immediate and safe release.

This tragedy comes amid a disturbing pattern of attacks. Only recently, gunmen struck communities in Yagba West Local Government Area, abducting residents, including clergy, their families, and other community members. These repeated incidents underscore a deepening security crisis that can no longer be ignored.

The attack further heightens concerns about the safety of lives and the protection of communities. No one should have to live in fear, and no place of worship must ever become a hunting ground for criminals.

CAN states unequivocally that the protection of lives and property remains the primary responsibility of government. Authorities and security agencies are urged to act swiftly, decisively, and transparently.

Those responsible for this atrocity must be apprehended and brought to justice without delay, while every effort must be made to rescue the abducted unharmed.

The government is also urged to immediately strengthen security presence, especially in vulnerable and rural communities, and to deploy proactive intelligence measures to prevent further attacks.

At the same time, citizens must speak out firmly. The killing of a pastor and the abduction of worshippers gathered to commune with their Creator reflect a grave disregard for life, faith, and the moral fabric of society.

Nigeria must not normalise the killing of worshippers or the abduction of innocent citizens in places of refuge.

May God comfort the bereaved, protect those in captivity, and restore peace and security to the nation.

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FG Targets 50,000 Youths for Digital Jobs, Deepens Partnerships for Nationwide Empowerment Drive

Published

3 hours ago

May 7, 2026

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

Federal Government has intensified efforts to empower young Nigerians through strategic partnerships, digital skills development, and inclusive programmes aimed at creating sustainable employment opportunities nationwide.

The Honourable Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, made this known during a media interview with African Independent Television (AIT), where he outlined a renewed policy direction focused on measurable impact, transparency, and large-scale youth engagement.

At the core of this effort, he explained, is a landmark partnership with the Digital School (TDS), supported by the Government of the United Arab Emirates, targeting the training of 50,000 Nigerian youths in globally competitive digital skills.

The Minister noted that the initiative is expected to produce at least 5,000 internationally certified and job-ready youths within the first six months of implementation.

Comrade Olawande also highlighted the Ministry’s sector-specific collaborations, including its partnership with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), aimed at boosting youth participation in agriculture. He added that this is being complemented by expanded programmes under the Nigerian Youth Academy and other key youth empowerment initiatives.

He further disclosed that the government is scaling up internship, gig economy, and startup support programmes to reach a wider range of beneficiaries across the country, while also intensifying efforts to promote digital literacy through The Digital School (TDS) initiative, being implemented in collaboration with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

To enhance transparency and ensure merit-based access to opportunities, the Ministry has introduced a digital engagement platform, “Nigerian New Tech.” He added that ongoing reforms in youth health, financial inclusion, and social protection are also broadening opportunities for young Nigerians.

During the interview, the Honourable Minister said:“We are moving away from fragmented and tokenistic approaches to youth development. Our focus is to build sustainable systems that empower young Nigerians at scale and with real impact.”

“Through our partnership with The Digital School and the UAE Government, we are not just training youths; we are preparing them for global opportunities, whether they choose to work remotely or internationally.”

“For too long, many young Nigerians, especially those in the informal sector, have been excluded from structured opportunities. This administration is committed to ensuring that no young person is left behind.”

“Our role as government is to create an enabling environment where young people can thrive, innovate, and contribute meaningfully to national development.”

“Transparency and merit are at the core of all our programmes. Access to opportunities should not depend on who you know, but on your capacity and readiness to grow.”

The Honourable Minister reaffirmed that youth development remains central to Nigeria’s economic growth, assuring that the Ministry will continue to deepen partnerships, expand programmes, and implement sustainable frameworks for the benefit of present and future generations.

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