Edo State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC ), Agun Gbenga, slumped and died on Thursday in Benin

Gbenga slumped shortly after delivering his goodwill message at an event put up by the International Association of World Peace Advocates (IAWPA), held at the Bishop Kelly Pastoral Centre, Benin.

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Immediately he slumped, attendees at the event made efforts to revive him, but to no avail.

He was hurriedly rushed to the Military Based Hospital, Benin where he was confirmed dead.

The Commandant was amongst personality to be awarded at the event.

The Christian Association of Nigeria has urged the Federal Government to ensure that the gains of its economic reforms translate into real improvements in the lives of citizens, stressing that true progress cannot be measured by statistics alone.

President Bola Tinubu, in his Independence Day address, had highlighted Nigeria’s economic growth, noting that the country’s GDP grew by 4.23 per cent in the second quarter of 2025 — the fastest pace in four years — surpassing the International Monetary Fund’s 3.4 per cent projection.

He also said inflation had dropped to 20.12 per cent, the lowest level in three years, attributing the achievements to “sound monetary and fiscal policies” that had delivered 12 notable milestones.

But in his Independence Day message marking Nigeria’s 65th anniversary, CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, congratulated the nation while cautioning that reforms must be judged by their impact on households, not just on paper.

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“True progress must be measured not only by statistics but by the food on every table, the security of every community, and the opportunities available to every child,” Okoh said.

The Christian body acknowledged progress in education, healthcare, infrastructure, agriculture, and telecommunications since independence, noting that the country had moved from “a handful of schools and institutions” to thousands producing generations of professionals.

However, it warned that millions of Nigerians were yet to feel the benefits of reforms.

“Economic reforms, while necessary, have brought temporary hardship for millions. The rising cost of living, food insecurity, unemployment, and inflation continue to weigh heavily on households,” CAN said.

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Okoh also expressed concern that insecurity threatened to overshadow the country’s achievements.

“Security remains an urgent concern. Terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and communal conflicts have caused deep pain and displacement. While strides have been made in restoring safety, more still needs to be done to guarantee the protection of lives and property,” he said.

The association called for stronger collaboration between security agencies, communities, and faith-based organisations to consolidate peace across the country.

It further urged the government to prioritise youth empowerment to stem the “persistent brain drain” and tap into the creativity and potential of young Nigerians.

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“To stem this tide, there must be greater investment in education, innovation and youth empowerment, ensuring that no young Nigerian is left behind,” CAN stated.

Archbishop Okoh also reminded citizens of their civic responsibilities, calling on Nigerians to pay taxes faithfully, support local production, and uphold justice and equity.

“On this anniversary, let us renew our commitment to justice, equity, and good governance. Let us embrace hard work… and show love to one another as one people under God,” he added.

The Association of Resident Doctors at the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, has suspended its indefinite strike after two months.

The doctors announced the decision on Wednesday in a letter to the Chief Medical Director, Prof. Olakulehin Olawale, citing assurances made by Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, during his visit to the hospital on Tuesday, September 30.

They confirmed that clinical services will resume by 8 a.m. on Thursday, October 2, but stressed the need for sustained government commitment to resolving their demands.

The strike, which began on July 29, was triggered by poor working conditions, inadequate medical equipment, and welfare-related issues.

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For weeks, patients in Ogbomoso and neighbouring towns were forced to seek treatment elsewhere, with emergency and specialist services at the teaching hospital largely unavailable.

Their letter was signed by ARD President, Dr. Adedokun Stephen, and General Secretary, Dr. Mustapha Adedapo, the doctors said:

It read: “On behalf of the Association of Resident Doctors, LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso, we write to formally notify the hospital management of the suspension of our two-month industrial action following an Emergency General Meeting of the congress on Wednesday, October 1, 2025.

“This decision was reached in honour of the visit of His Excellency, Engineer Seyi Makinde, Executive Governor of Oyo State, to our institution on September 30, 2025, and in recognition of his sincere commitment to resolving the longstanding demands of our association. His engagement with stakeholders and the assurances given during the visit have been received with optimism and goodwill.

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“Accordingly, members of ARD LAUTECH Teaching Hospital will resume full clinical duties by 8:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 2, 2025.

“We look forward to a renewed spirit of collaboration with the incoming hospital board, as we collectively work towards meeting pending demands and repositioning LAUTECH Teaching Hospital in line with the mandate and vision of His Excellency.”

The suspension of the strike comes as a major relief to residents of Ogbomoso, who rely heavily on the teaching hospital for affordable care.