Festive season

By Anwar Usman

The Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has felicitated with the Christian faithfuls in the state as they mark the 2024 Christmas celebration.

In a message released on Wednesday, Yusuf expressed joy and gratitude alongside the Christian community for the divine mercies that have allowed them to witness another festive period.

Speaking through his spokesperson, Sanusi Dawakin-Tofa, the governor called on Christians to embrace mutual respect and peaceful coexistence as they celebrate.

“As you relish the season, I urge you to embrace the spirit of mutual respect and peaceful coexistence,” Yusuf said.

The governor emphasized the importance of unity, love, and brotherhood, reiterating that Nigeria’s progress hinges on fostering harmony across diverse communities.

“There is a need to strengthen the spirit of brotherhood, foster unity, and encourage love in spite of diversities, as that’s the only driving force to progress in the country,” he said.

He urged all residents to reflect on the virtues of humanity, love, honesty, kindness, and forgiveness championed by Jesus Christ and to make use of the lessons of the season.

While reaffirming his administration’s commitment to fulfilling campaign promises, Yusuf highlighted ongoing efforts to improve social services and infrastructure across the state.

“My administration remains committed to the fulfilment of all campaign promises, focusing on the provision of social and infrastructure development to improve the living conditions of our people,” Yusuf stated.

He reiterated his dedication to revitalising Kano’s education sector, noting significant strides in reversing infrastructure decay and strengthening workforce capacity under the declared state of emergency on education.

The statement further revealed that “the governor also donated the sum of N20 million to selected Christian groups for the celebration of the 2024 Christmas in Kano”.

By Uzair Adam Imam

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) assured to have over 1.7 billion litres of petrol in stock, thereby making it unnecessary for the citizens to fear fuel scarcity.

This was made public in a release signed by the NNPC spokesperson, Garba Deen Muhammad stating that it is unnecessary to entertain any fear of scarcity of petrol throughout the festive season and beyond.

“The general public is hereby advised not to engage in panic buying of Premium Motor Spirit, more commonly known as petrol.

“The NNPC has over 1.7 billion litres of petrol in stock, and more product is expected to arrive into the country daily over the coming weeks and months”, the national oil company said in a statement on Monday,” the statement added.

However, the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) also added that: “The NNPC is advising motorists and other consumers of petrol to maintain their regular pattern of the purchase of petrol without getting into a panic situation that may send the wrong signals around the country.

“The NNPC is also engaging all stakeholders to ensure smooth supply and distribution of products to every part of the country during the festive season and beyond.”