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.

The Israeli Embassy in Nigeria has promised to bolster the wellbeing of orphans in Nigeria.

Deputy Chief of Mission of the embassy, Inbar Garden stated this in Abuja while donating food items to the Hope for Survival Orphanage, Gishsiri community, Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

She said aside helping to promote collaboration between Nigeria and Israel, the mission is committed to supporting the wellbeing of the orphans.

Garden said, “We just want to ensure the orphans have a better future and not taken for granted.

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“It takes a person with a giant heart to give themselves to the society and make other peoples life matter.

“I urge you, children at the Orphanage to be focused on your future, because you are not going to stay in this place forever.

“Just dream big and say it loud, and go get your dreams fulfilled.”

Also,the Proprietress of the orphanage, Ruth Ibrahim, thanked the embassy for the kind gesture,

According to her, even for you to come here is not easy due to the deplorable road to the orphanage.

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“We thank God for the FCT Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike’s intervention, the road was so bad, at least he has repaired it, such that we can easily come into the orphanage as against before.

“God bless and enrich you for putting smiles on our faces, this is good, because we have never seen such a large cooking of meal like this in our orphanage,” Ibrahim said.

She decried lack of access to medical services and paucity of funds toward the construction of fence around the orphanage, to be major challenges they faced.

The orphanage have 67 children, with two having graduated from university and eight of them are currently in SS3, preparing for the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) exam.

The highpoint of the event is a treat for the children at the orphanage to a buffet by the Israeli deputy chief of mission.