Aftermath of Christmas stampede: Rachel weeps for Nigerian children - ITREALMS

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In the aftermath of the tragic stampede in Nigeria that took the lives of many, including children, the words from the Bible in Jeremiah 31:15 feel so real: “A voice is heard in Ramah, mourning and great weeping, Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted because they are no more.” This verse paints a vivid picture of a mother’s deep sorrow, symbolizing the collective grief of a nation losing its children. This sorrow should remind us of the urgent need for unity and compassion in the face of such profound loss. For Nigeria, grappling with hardship and heartbreak, this moment must become a lesson—not an opportunity for political games, but a time for true leadership and healing.

The reference to Ramah is significant. According to biblical commentaries like those in Matthew 2:18, Ramah was a location tied to immense sorrow—a place where Jewish captives were gathered before being taken into exile. In the New Testament, this verse is echoed to describe the anguish of mothers during King Herod’s massacre of the innocents. Rachel’s weeping transcends individual grief, symbolizing a communal mourning for lost innocence and life. As Christmas approaches, the resonance of this story deepens. Just as mothers mourned during the events surrounding Jesus’ birth, we too, as Nigerians, must share in the pain of grieving families affected by this tragedy. Their sorrow is a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the need for compassion.

Christmas Rice wahala: NAN mgt re-commits to workers’ welfare, to set up joint c’ttee - ITREALMS

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The Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Mr Buki Ponle, has said the management of the Agency is conscious of the reality of the prevailing times and is ever determined to give succour to its members of staff where possible.

Ponle said this in a statement issued on Saturday in Abuja while reacting to a letter from the Joint Union of the Agency giving the management a seven-day ultimatum to provide rice as Christmas gift for workers, among others.

Yuletide: Transcorp Hilton lits up for Christmas - ITREALMS

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Transcorp Hilton has lit up its environment as part of activities to commence the annual Christmas ceremony for the yuletide celebration.

The event with all the excitement it brings is set to usher in the joy of the season, which comes with giving and kindness, described as the most wonderful time of the year.

Christmas: Konga's management team handles deliveries to customers - ITREALMS

ITREALMS: 

Konga, Nigeria’s leading composite e-commerce giant, has gone a long way to spread festive cheer among its teeming customers. To this end, Konga’s co-Chief Executive Officers, Prince Nnamdi Ekeh and Nick Imudia; as well as other Management Executives of the company have personally handled deliveries to customers in various locations.

Among the locations visited are Lekki, Victoria Island, Gbagada, Ikeja, Apapa, Ikotun, Ikoyi, Surulere, Ipaja, Yaba, Sango, Mowe, among others.

Indeed, the process which commenced on Friday, December 13 saw the entire management of the Konga Group deliver products directly to customers. The gesture was conceived as a means of appreciating the entire Konga customer base for its patronage throughout the year. Equally important, Konga had seized on the idea to further appreciate customers for the “most successful” Black Friday sales ever; as well as wish them a Merry Christmas.

Meanwhile, the process was led by co-CEOs Prince Ekeh and Imudia as well as Head of Logistics, Emmanuel Ekuma. Other Management team members who handled deliveries include Vice President, KongaPay, Joshua Fatoye; Head of Finance, Emmanuel Ekwedike; Vice President, Konga Retail, Kalu Johnson; Vice President, e-Commerce, Dave Omoregie; Vice President, Konga Travel, Eric Nana and Vice President, Operations, Kenny Oriola, among others.

‘‘At Konga, the customer remains the king,’’ disclosed co-CEO, Imudia. ‘‘Our loyal customers have remained central to our many successes this year. In 2019, we had the most successful Konga Yakata – our own version of the popular Black Friday sales. This is in addition to significant growth witnessed in various areas of the business including subsidiaries such as Konga Travel.

‘‘Therefore, we considered it very essential for us to show our appreciation to our customers. One of the initiatives we decided on was for the entire management team of Konga to call up randomly selected customers and deliver their product orders directly. Also, it was a way of personally wishing them a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year in advance.’’

Acquired by the foremost technology conglomerate, the Zinox Group, in January 2018; Konga has enjoyed a remarkable transformation and hugely successful 2019 which has seen it occupy leadership of Nigeria’s e-commerce space. In addition to major rollouts which have grown its physical store presence to more than 30 nationwide; Konga has also made critical infrastructural investments with the set-up of major regional warehousing facilities.

In addition, it has recorded significant adoption of its payment platform KongaPay which recently added ATM card-less and USSD features. Also enjoying huge traction is K-Xpress, Konga’s in-house logistics company which has proven its capacity in handling last-mile and same day delivery to the company’s customers; while also resolving the logistics pain-points of external customers.

Furthermore, Konga Travel, another subsidiary of the Konga Group and composite travel booking agency; has grown 25% on a month-on-month basis while bagging a number of awards within its first full year of existence.



‘‘2019 has been a very good year for us and Nigerians can see the huge revolutionary strides Konga has brought. However, what we are currently seeing is a tip of the iceberg. There are many more exciting strategies and innovations to expect in the New Year,’’ concluded Imudia.

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Christmas: Asiwaju urges Nigerians to rise above differences - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

The national stalwart of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, has said though there are things upon which Nigerians can disagree and differ, but they must rise over these differences and treat one another with kindness and decency, reports ITREALMS.

This is contained in a Christmas message to Nigerians he personally signed and released on Monday in Lagos.

The former Lagos governor said: "There will always be things upon which we will disagree and differ. Such is the way of life. But we must always transcend these inevitable differences to treat one another with fundamental kindness and decency. This is the real spirit of Christmas and this must be the spirit of the Nigeria we seek to build".

The message reads: "May each and every Nigerian enjoy a Merry Christmas. May you share good tidings with family and friends on this day of peace and joy.

"As we gather in our homes to celebrate the day, let us take a moment to reflect on the true meaning of the season. Jesus Christ came into the world not that we may use his birthday as an excuse for festivities. He came into this world to teach us how to show us the best aspects of our common humanity and to point the way to spiritual salvation.

"He is known as the prince of peace but he came into the world not cloaked in temporal power or visible wealth. He came dressed in humility and in compassion for those whom society has tossed aside. Let us remember these things as we eat and drink on this day. Let us, on this day, resolve to help our fellow man a bit more than we have in the past.

"It is easy to be good to family and friends. However, we must do better than this. We must strive to be kind and generous even when hard to do so. We must exercise tolerance regarding those who even oppose us and must douse hatred and conflict where we find it.

"As a Muslim, I understand that Jesus knew the road to our better existence and that his life was dedicated so that we may walk this path as well. Whether or not one is a practicing Christian or not, Jesus holds something value for us. His teachings are of a most ethical and humanitarian existence. To follow them will make of each of us a better person and to make of Nigeria a better nation.

"We are a young and growing nation. We are still shaping our national identity and political culture. It would be easy for us to descend into the way of endless squabbling and mindless conflict, to seek power solely for the sake of holding power. But this is not how we build our nation. We must strive to serve the greater purpose. Whether Christian or Muslim, we must recognize each other as part of the same human family and must act as brothers not antagonists.

"There will always be things upon which we will disagree and differ. Such is the way of life. But we must always transcend these inevitable differences to treat one another with fundamental kindness and decency. This is the real spirit of Christmas and this must be the spirit of the Nigeria we seek to build.

"We extend to all Nigerians of all stripes our wishes for a peaceful and happy Christmas. May we join hands and make of this Nigeria a better land for all. May God continue to bless you and this home we call Nigeria".

Editor/GEE

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Top 5 Christmas traditions from around Nigeria

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Christmas in Nigeria is a huge celebration for all the citizens, not only those who belong to the Christian faith. A lot of people travel home to their villages and the families who remain in town, come together to celebrate and have fun. From long parties on Christmas eve to caroling, feasting, and gift-giving, high spirit celebrations abound all through the season. However, there are certain customs and traditions that are unique and now associated with Nigerians for the holiday. While some are sweet, others strike us as rather quirky.

Top five favorite Christmas traditions from around the country, include the issue of Christmas Cloth, Christmas Rice, Christmas tree and decorations, all-day knock-out, and finally, Father Christmas.

Christmas Cloth

No matter the tribe, religion or social status, Nigerians are known to go all out on shopping for the holidays, and most importantly, they select the most gorgeous of all apparels to wear on the 25^th of December, the day marked out to celebrate the Christmas holiday. Some families go all out to make custom designs, identical fabrics or uniform colors for every single member of the family. In some areas, different families try to outdo each other by wearing elaborate styles when they go visiting on the day. It all adds to the holiday fun and excitement.

Christmas Rice

The idea of Christmas rice has become a tradition in the country. You hear friend asking each other, “Where is my Christmas rice?” or making such comments as “I will visit you for my Christmas rice.” While the rice is can be prepared in a variety of ways- either jollof rice or fried rice, it is customary that rice is available for guests when they call on you for x-mas. The rice can be garnished with chicken, goat meat and combined with other appetizers or desserts, depending on what the family can afford. This is also the reason why some companies gift their workers with rice and oil prior to the holiday.

Christmas tree and decorations

Like most other countries of the world, Nigerians go all out with Christmas decorations. It does not only end with families putting up Christmas trees in their home and draping their windows with gold balls and strings of light. The major streets and boulevards are also decorated elaborately, and major shopping malls, as well as office buildings, sparkle with Christmas lights. People go further to exchange Christmas-themed cards with family members, friends, and colleagues, while some celebrities and public figures go all out on photo shoots for cards which they distribute to fans and supporters, all in the spirit of the holiday.

All-day Knock-out

Knock-out is the popular phrase Nigerians use for firecrackers and bangers. Almost every Nigerian pops some fireworks all through the 25^th of December - Christmas day. It usually starts on the Christmas Eve. Some families actually make a ceremony out of it, making videos and posting online or on their family pages. Smaller children tend to take advantage of the custom to play pranks on passersby, throwing the firecracker around them while they least suspect it.  The lights and rush of adrenalin that comes with the knock-outs is what makes the tradition so exciting.

Father Christmas

Originally, Nigerians expect only “father Christmas” to visit them on Christmas day with gifts and goodie bags. The idea of Santa only started creeping into the country in recent time from American media and citizens who have migrated into the country. Now, offices have ‘Secret Santa’ events where people exchange gifts, write Santa lists and families take their children dressed in new outfits to see Santa Claus. The good thing is that both concepts are the same, except for the mix up with names.

*A contribution by Nkem Ndem, a PR associate @Jumia Travel

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Christmas by road: 5 tips for those travelling to East

Art & Fashion@ITRealms:

Reconnecting with extended families:

Natives of Eastern Nigeria who live outside their region are always keen about the Christmas season as it is the one time they travel back home to observe several ceremonies and reconnect with their extended families. They almost always embark on their journey home by road via luxurious buses and shuttles, and due to increase in the number of vehicles heading east, travellers almost always have to deal with traffic jams and gridlocks.

Usually, travelers heading in the south-east direction from the Asaba end get the first taste of the traffic at the Onitsha head bridge before the main course within town where commercial activities add to make the traffic even more frustrating. Seeing as Christmas is here again, and almost every Igbo indigene has plans to visit home, there is bound to be serious traffic gridlock. But not to worry, Jumia Travel, Africa’s No.1 online hotel booking site has a few tips and ideas to help alleviate the stress.

Set out early:

The early bird gets the fattest worms. If you are determined to beat the Onitsha traffic or at least cut out a lot of it during your journey. You should make plans to wake up super early so as to leave in time. If you are travelling from Lagos and commuting via public transport companies such as God is Good Motors or Chisco, endeavor to catch up with the first bus which leaves at about 6am. However, if you are setting out on your own, you can actually set out as early as 5am, depending on where you are setting out from. You however need to be vigilant so as not to fall victim to robbery or mugging.

Fill your stomach:

Hunger has a way of intensifying stress and making you angry even in situations where you would be angry on a normal day.  Keeping your stomach filled helps you stay focused on the traffic ahead, keeps you alert, and less stressed; and makes the traffic much more bearable. Luckily there are hawkers who parade the aisles of the traffic with tasty delights, you can patronize them or you can pack your own food before you set out for the journey. For those who have tiny stomachs and cannot afford to indulge in food, popcorn is a life saver. Eating one kernel at a time occupies your mind while the carbs calm you down.

 Listen to soothing Music:

Music is food for the soul and everyone has their kind of music, the one that calms and soothes their nerves in times of stress of difficulties. Before you set out on your journey, ensure you stock up on CDs and MP3s. Make sure you diversify the genre as there is no telling what mood you will be in when the gridlock sets in. You might find out that singing along to loud banging music might work better for the stress than slow music. Singing does not only get your mind off the traffic, it also changes your breathing pattern, which in turn lowers stress levels by slowing the heart rate and calming the nervous system. If you are however not a fan of any kind of music, you  can simple go for an audio book or a podcast.

Go with Public Transport:

Most people prefer to travel in their own private cars, however, it may not be the best option to deal with Onitsha traffic, especially if you intend to get to your destination as soon as feasible. The public transport systems have options that offer maximum comfort similar to that which you get from your own car. Sitting in the car and having someone else struggle through the traffic give you the opportunity to leverage your time focusing on tasks that provide utility or pleasure to your life as a whole. Again, these public transport drivers are aware of certain short cuts and routes (unknown to regular commuters) that help them escape some areas of traffic.

Relax:

Saying that the Onitsha traffic is exasperating and infuriating is an understatement. However, if you try to force your way through traffic and carry an aggressive style you will end up stressing yourself even more. When you find yourself at the point of frustration and anger, rather than banging on the wheel, making faces, muttering hateful curses under your breath, try to take a deep breath, as deep inhalation has a way of lowering stress levels, making it easier to deal with the gridlock.

Nkem Ndem, a PR Associate at Jumia Travel

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Christmas gift @SimbaPay to Ghanaians, Ugandans

ITRealms:

As part of its Christmas gift to Ghanaians and Ugandans, a London-based digital money transfer provider, SimbaPay has extended its services to Ghana and Uganda respectively, reports ITRealms.

The chief executive officer for SimbaPay, Nyasinga Onyancha, disclosed this to ITRealms in a press statement endorsed by the operational officer, Alex Maganga, quoting Onyancha as noting that using the SimbaPay app or website, Ghanaians and Ugandans living in Europe could now send money to mobile phones in Ghana or Uganda instantly.

“This is the perfect Christmas gift to Ghanaians and Ugandans living in Europe who have been asking when SimbaPay will expand coverage to their home countries” the CEO said, stressing that by delivering money via existing mobile money wallet services, many recipients who previously could not access formal financial services can now do so.

Ghanaians and Ugandans living in Europe (UK & European Union countries) with a bank account, debit card or credit card will be able to use the SimbaPay app from any mobile phone, tablet or computer. Transfers made using SimbaPay are credited within seconds to recipients’ mobile money wallets such as MTN Mobile Money. This eliminates the inconvenience of queues and old school paperwork.

SimbaPay, ITRealms notes, also delivers money transfers via mobile money and bank account to other African countries such as Nigeria and Kenya with more destinations and partners being sought for addition in 2017.

Nonye Dom/GEE

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Fayose pledges religious neutrality, gives out rams to Muslims

ITRealms:

The Ekiti State Governor, Ayo Fayose, has said he is not going to be dragged into playing politics with religion, ITRealms reports. 


“I won’t allow anybody to drag me into playing politics with religion. What I am doing today is a demonstration of love and support for the Muslims. I am not that kind of a leader who does things with religious interest. I will do same to Christians at Christmas exactly what I am doing to Muslims today.”


The governor, ITRealms gathered, urged Muslims to prevent themselves from being used as instruments of politics by desperate politicians, who are bent on maligning his government at every slight opportunity.


According to Vanguard report, Fayose made this statement while distributing rams to Imams and other top dignitaries as Muslims in Ekiti, Tuesday, defied the directive of some of their leaders that they should not collect Sallah gifts from Governor Ayo Fayose. They trooped to the government house in Ado Ekiti to collect the rams distributed by the governor for Eid-el-Kabir celebration.


ITRealms reports that this contravened the order earlier issued by Muslim leaders, under the auspices of League of Imams and Alfas Ekiti State, which urged members to reject the gifts on the strength that their members were not adequately represented in Fayose’s appointments.


Though, another group had countered the League of Imams and Alfas for that action, describing those behind the attack as impostors, who were not known in Islam circle.

The governor urged Muslims to prevent themselves from being used as instruments of politics by desperate politicians, who are bent on maligning his government at every slight opportunity, ITRealms learnt.

Cyriacus Nnaji/GEE

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