The NAFDAC Head of Investigation and Enforcement, Federal Taskforce, Embugushiki-Musa Godiya, also said the agency would work to ensure that fake cosmetics and other counterfeit products were completely wiped out of the country.
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20,000 tourists projected, as Badagry, first Christmas host in Nigeria set to mark 181st anniversary
By Moses Adeniyi
Christmas celebration in Nigeria firstly hosted in Badagry would by December 25th, 2023 hit 181st, as stakeholders in the tourist rich division of Lagos have outlined events to mark the anniversary.
No less than 20,000 tourists are expected at the events outlined for the Christmas in Badagry (CiB) 2.0 to mark the anniversary.
“As we approach the festive season, Badagry, the cradle of many firsts in Nigeria, prepares to commemorate the 181st anniversary of the maiden Christmas celebration in the country,” the Project Manager, Christmas in Badagry (CiB), Mr. Olufemi Iroko said, at a press conference on Friday at Ikeja, the State Capital, to intimate on the development.
According to him, this year’s celebration promises to be an extraordinary blend of tradition, heritage, and joy.
“The Christmas in Badagry (CiB) Event stands as a testament to the rich historical warmth that envelops this town,” he said.
According to him, the celebration of 181 years of Christmas in Badagry not only symbolizes the passage of time, but also serves “as a poignant reminder of the resilience and strength of our community.”
“Badagry as you may know is the community of many firsts starting with the first location gospel was preached in Nigeria, the first place Christmas was celebrated in Nigeria, just so you know, Badagry is the only location experiencing 181st Christmas in Nigeria this year,” he said.
Noting that Badagry which also was host to the first storey building and first primary school, among others, in Nigeria is foremost tourist centre in the Country, he said: “Fast forward to the present day, and the Christmas in Badagry Event continues to be a beacon of tradition and unity. This year marks the 181st anniversary of that historic Christmas celebration, and the CiB Event is poised to make it an unforgettable experience for residents and visitors alike.”
On the programmes outlined for the 181st Christmas anniversary, he said the festivities will “kick off with the largest Santa walk and lightening of our 40ft tall Christmas Tree.”
Other activities outlined include an exhilarating Beach Soccer Tournament; a Carnival Parade; the Bonfire Delight, set against the rhythmic sounds of the Gulf of Guinea; a special Shepherd’s Inn where Children will have the greatest fun of their lives; Cultural Exhibitions.
“The beautiful performance of our talented Badagry metropolitan choir and other gospel artists which will fill the air with beautiful hymns and carols that capture the spirit of the season,” he said, also highlighting there would be a ” retelling of the nativity story through captivating drama and recitations that will transport you to the Bethlehem of old.”
“Christian leaders and speakers will share their insights into the significance of the incarnation of the Redeemer, spreading hope and love,” he added.
He added that Museums, landmarks, and heritage sites will be open for exploration, allowing visitors to connect with the town’s past and appreciate the role it played in shaping Nigeria’s history.
He however mentioned that “beyond the entertainment, Christmas in Badagry is about community engagement and giving back.”
“The event will feature various outreach programs and charity initiatives, reflecting the spirit of compassion and solidarity that has defined Badagry throughout its history,” he added.
The CiB initiative is in partnership with the Lagos State Government through the Ministry of Tourism, Art & Culture and the Ministry of Home Affairs.
He called on all Lagos residents and visitors to attend the CiB four days event, saying it would be an immersive and rich cultural and Christmas experience that captures the essence of the season.
He mentioned that entry would be free for all but registration via bit.ly/cib2 is required.
On the Inaugural CiB, he said “The first Christmas celebration in Badagry was a remarkable event, bringing together people from various backgrounds to partake in the festivities.
“Against the backdrop of the azure waters of the Gulf of Guinea, the residents of Badagry, along with visitors, joined hands to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.
“The sermon message of Rev Henry Townsend and Rev. Birch Freeman on that faithful day tagged ‘’The Incarnation of the Redeemer of Mankind’’ still resonates in the town till today. Traditional songs and dances filled the air as the community gathered for a collective expression of joy and gratitude. It was a celebration that transcended religious boundaries, uniting people in the spirit of communal harmony.
“This service marks a significant milestone in the spread of Christianity in Nigeria, Africa and around the world. It signifies the beginning of a spiritual journey, a profound shift in the religious landscape, and the introduction of a transformative message of hope, love, and redemption.
“Such an event warrants a commemoration that not only highlights the historical significance but also underlines the enduring impact of the Gospel message on Nigeria culture, values, and societal development.”
The Public Relations Officer, CiB, Aladeotan David, assured tourists of security, saying Badagry is one of the safest in the Country.
He said with the influx of tourists expected, the event would have a multiplier economic effect with direct and indirect impacts on the local division and the nation’s economy at large.
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Invoke executive order for state, LG police, Afenifere tells Tinubu
The pan-Yoruba socio-cultural and political organisation, Afenifere, on Saturday, urged President Bola Tinubu to invoke an Executive Order for the establishment of state and local government Police.
Afenifere, in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Jare Ajayi,in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, also called for the erection of close-circuit television sets and deployment of modern technology for security purposes in strategic locations to end insecurity.
Ajayi said, “There are indications that Tinubu is desirous of putting an end to this deleterious menace. Towards the end of January this year, he approved the procurement of digital tracking tools to enhance the apprehension of bandits, terrorists and armed robbers.
“On Monday, April 22, this year, he used the occasion of addressing participants at the African Counter-Terrorism Summit which opened on that day in Abuja to assure everyone of his government’s readiness to ensure greater security. Unfortunately, recent happenings have not shown that the President’s desire in this respect is being worked upon.
“President Tinubu should get state and local government police off the ground immediately through the invocation of an Executive Order while the process of amending the Constitution continues.
“Close circuit television sets, deployment of modern technology for security purposes including drones must be effected immediately.”
He explained that the statement was motivated by the recent reports of banditry and kidnapping in Ogun, Edo, Ekiti, Oyo, Kogi, Zamfara and Niger States, respectively which made a research organization declare Nigeria as one of the top nations where kidnap ranks highest globally.
Ajayi noted that Fulani herders and farmers’ clashes kept occurring in Osun, Ondo and Oyo State; Otu, Igbeti and Alaga in the Oke-Ogun area of Oyo State were the latest victims.
The Afenifere spokesperson also said, “In order to end insecurity, enhance people’s welfare and ensure the sustenance of Nigeria as one of the top investment destinations in Africa as desired by the government, there is the urgent need by the Federal Government and security agencies to be more innovative and decisive.”
He lamented that banditry, including armed robbery, kidnapping was still occurring on South-West roads such as Lagos-Ibadan, Ibadan-Ijebu-Ode; Akure-Ilesa-Ibadan; Ore-Ijebu Ode-Lagos, Ikirun-Osogbo-Ilesa; Lokoja-Abuja, Owo-Benin and Ibadan-Iseyin-Saki.
“Latest reports have it that on Monday, May 13 instant, eight cocoa farmers were kidnapped at Marindoti Cocoa Farmers’ settlement in Ovia South-West Local Government Area of Edo State. Three students of Millicent Secondary School in the same area on their way to write their Senior Secondary School Examination, were also kidnapped at the same time.
“A sum of N31 million was reportedly paid to ransom three people who were kidnapped at Longe village on Ibadan-Ijebu-Ode Road last week Sunday. On Thursday, May 16, one Seliat Adeniji (nee Raji) was kidnapped in her Ebedi home in Iseyin, Oyo State. Her guard was killed in the process.
“Hon Bello Hassan representing Zurmi/Shinkafi Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives last Tuesday claimed that terrorists have sacked about 50 communities and abducted over 500 people in his area of Zamfara State as bandits overran Zurmi, the second most populous town in the state killing palace officers as well as policemen.”
To put a serious check on all these, the Afenifere spokesman said that there was an urgent need to dig deep into the roots of the menace and to be decisive in applying the necessary measures.
News
NAFDAC shuts cosmetic shops in Lagos, seizes counterfeit products
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has shut three shops and raided others during a clampdown on the sale of unregistered “Dr. Teal’s” brand of cosmetics in Lagos State.
The agency disclosed this in a post on its X handle on Saturday, stating that the action came after a complaint from the trademark holder.
The statement read, “NAFDAC has shut down three cosmetics shops and raided others, targeting the sale of unregistered ‘Dr. Teal’s’ brand cosmetics. This action follows a complaint from the trademark holder regarding potential counterfeit products.
“Two suspected shops along Excellent Line at the Trade Fair Complex were targeted, resulting in sealed shops and invitation letters issued to attendants.”
It added that another development unfolded at Okas Global Link Limited where NAFDAC confiscated over 200 cartons of various Dr. Teal’s products and other unregistered cosmetics, suspecting them to be the source of distribution.
A shop identified as Cubana Stores at Phil Hallmark Plaza was also reported to have been sealed for stocking and selling the moisturising body and bath products of the alleged unregistered Dr. Teal’s brand.
NAFDAC added that according to its regulations, shop owners found guilty of selling unregistered products face penalties of up to ₦5m fine.
It said shop owners were also being questioned as part of ongoing investigations.
In the statement, the agency emphasised the health risks associated with fake cosmetics, stating the potential dangers of using products containing harmful substances.
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Traders, soldiers clash at Banex Plaza in Abuja
The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has deployed intelligence officers to Banex – an electronics and telecommunications gadgets market, in Abuja following a conflict that ensued between soldiers and some traders on Saturday.
A viral video seen by our correspondent on X on Saturday showed a multitude of civilians overpowering some soldiers during a free-for-all fight at Banex.
The Defence Headquarters, and the spokesperson for the Nigerian Army, Onyema Nwachukwu could not be reached for comments as of press time.
Meanwhile, a trader who simply identified himself as Abdul, told our correspondent on Saturday that the conflict ensued over the sale of a mobile phone.
“There’s a problem at Banex now. Some soldiers came to complain about a phone, and during an argument with the traders, a fight ensued,” Abdul simply revealed.
When contacted over the development, the spokesperson for the FCT Police Command, SP Josephine Adeh said the Commissioner of Police, Benett Igweh has deployed officers of the FCT Intelligence Response Team to the scene of the incident.
“The CP has deployed the Intelligence Response Team to the scene,” Adeh confirmed.
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