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 Enugu State Government has directed that all registered private layouts and plans be submitted to the Office of the Surveyor General for digital charting and endorsement, as part of its land digitalisation reforms.

In a public service announcement issued on Wednesday, the Surveyor General of Enugu State, Chime Justus, said the exercise would run between October 1 and December 31, 2025.

“In line with the Enugu State Government’s directive on land digitalisation, all registered private layouts and plans are required to be presented to the Office of the Surveyor General of Enugu State for digital charting and endorsement,” the statement read.

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According to him, the process would guarantee “security of property ownership, legitimacy of land documents, and a clear digital identity for all parcels of land.”

The government warned that effective January 1, 2026, only layouts and plans that had been digitally registered, charted, and endorsed would be recognised as valid.

“Any layout or plan not digitally endorsed by this date will be delisted and deemed invalid,” Justus stated.

The move, authorities say, is aimed at strengthening land administration, reducing disputes, and ensuring greater transparency in property documentation across the state.

In 2024, Governor Peter Mbah launched the Enugu State Geographic Information System, a digital platform designed to streamline land title applications and ensure seamless processing within 48 hours.

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.