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Group urges Gen Gowon, Former Presidents to intervene over NYSC reforms

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*says national interest must be protected

The National Alliance for Democracy (NAD) has called on General Yakubu Gowon, the founder of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), and all former Presidents of Nigeria to urgently intervene in the ongoing proposed reforms of the scheme.

The group expressed deep concern that some aspects of the reforms approved by the Federal Executive Council could undermine the core objectives of national unity, integration, and cohesion for which the NYSC was established in 1973.

In a statement signed by Dr. Lucky Eremosele, National Convener of the NAD, the group urged these elder statesmen to quickly meet with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure that any changes to the NYSC are carried out strictly in line with the broader national interest and the founding ideals of the programme.

“General Yakubu Gowon and our former Presidents have a historic responsibility to protect the NYSC as a symbol of Nigerian unity. We call on them to immediately intervene by engaging President Tinubu on these reforms,” said Dr. Lucky Eremosele.

“The proposed changes, while claiming to modernise the scheme, risk diluting its primary purpose of fostering national integration. National interest must supersede any rushed alterations that could weaken this vital institution. ”

The group acknowledged the need for modernisation but warned against reforms that shift the NYSC too far towards commercial or skills-only focus at the expense of its unity mandate.

They highlighted the current security challenges and ethno-religious tensions across the country, noting that the NYSC’s traditional deployment model has played a crucial role in promoting understanding among Nigeria’s diverse population.

According to NAD, any comprehensive reform should involve wider stakeholder consultations, including input from the founding generation, traditional rulers, youth organisations, and civil society, rather than being driven solely by executive approval.

“We appeal to General Gowon, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, General Ibrahim Babangida, Chief Ernest Shonekan, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, and other former leaders to rise to the occasion. Their meeting with President Tinubu will help guide the process towards sustainable reforms,” Dr. Eremosele stated.

“National interest must be protected at all costs. The NYSC is not just a youth programme; it is a nation-building tool that must not be compromised under the guise of reform,” he continued.

The alliance emphasised that the scheme has contributed immensely to post-civil war reconciliation and continues to serve as a platform for young Nigerians to experience the diversity of the country.

They expressed fears that civilian leadership, shortened or overly specialised orientation, and risk-sensitive deployments could inadvertently promote division or reduce inter-ethnic exposure.

NAD further called for a thorough review of the proposed technology-driven mobilisation and specialised career streams to ensure they do not create new forms of inequality or exclude certain graduates from meaningful national service.

“President Tinubu means well for the youth, but the voice of experience from General Gowon and former Presidents is indispensable at this critical moment,” Dr. Eremosele noted.

“We believe their wise counsel will ensure that reforms strengthen rather than weaken the NYSC. Nigeria’s unity remains non-negotiable, and these leaders must help safeguard it,” the National Convener declared.

The group commended corps members for their resilience and service over the decades while urging the government to prioritise their safety, welfare, and the scheme’s original philosophy in any review process.

They warned that poorly implemented reforms could erode public trust in national institutions.

“Any reform must pass the test of national interest. We stand ready to support progressive changes that enhance the NYSC without sacrificing its soul,” Dr. Eremosele affirmed.

“The intervention of General Gowon and former Presidents will provide the moral authority and historical perspective needed to navigate this sensitive issue successfully,” he concluded.

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Global Anticipation as Healing Streams Live Healing Services hold this month

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This July, the world, again, stands expectant for another extraordinary outpouring of miracles, signs, wonders, and the transforming power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

It promises to be a mighty wave of faith, prayer, and expectation, rising across the nations as billions prepare for the Healing Streams Live Healing Services, with Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, scheduled for Friday, July 24 to Sunday, July 26, 2026, at 2:00 PM daily.

Expected to reach billions of viewers across every continent, the three-day global broadcast will once again unite individuals, families, churches, communities, and nations in an unprecedented demonstration of the healing power of Jesus Christ. As the Healing Streams flow unhindered into homes, hospitals, correctional facilities, schools, workplaces, villages, and cities around the world, it is expected that countless people will experience freedom from sickness, pain, disease, emotional trauma, mental distress, fear, confusion, oppression, poverty, and more through the power of God’s Word and Spirit.

Free Global Registration Still On
Registration is completely free and open to people of every nation, race, language, and background at healingstreams.org . During registration, participants seeking healing for themselves or loved ones are encouraged to indicate their specific healing needs.

This enables them to receive personalized guidance, faith-building resources, and comprehensive preparatory support ahead of the program.

A Global Healing Movement Transforming Lives

What began as a divine vision has evolved into one of the largest healing crusades ever witnessed. Through every edition, the message and manifestation of God’s healing power have reached billions of people worldwide, resulting in countless testimonies of restored health, transformed families, renewed hope, emotional healing, miraculous deliverance, and salvation through the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Hosted by the Healing School of the Loveworld Kingdom, the Healing Streams Live Healing Services remains steadfast in its divine mandate of taking the healing power of Jesus Christ to every man, woman, and child, regardless of language, distance, culture, or circumstance.

Pastor Chris Declares a Global Outpouring of Healing

Speaking about the July edition during a recent global program, Pastor Chris affirmed:

“It’s going to be wonderful! The healing power of God will blanket this world, and many, many will be healed. It’s healing enveloping the whole world—significant healings to the glory of God! So invite everyone you can. You’ll be giving them an opportunity to be healed. And even if someone isn’t sick, they’ll still be blessed by the Word, because everyone needs the Word.”

These declarations have ignited fresh faith around the world, inspiring millions to prepare expectantly and extend invitations to family members, friends, colleagues, neighbors, and entire communities.

Every Nation. Every Language. Every Person.
Through live transmissions translated in real time into every language and thousands of dialects, people around the world will be able to participate from virtually anywhere—including their homes, hospitals, correctional facilities, workplaces, schools, community centers, and Healing Centers—without geographical or linguistic barriers.

The program will be streamed live on Healing Streams TV, all Loveworld Networks, and select terrestrial television and radio stations worldwide. With real-time interpretation across languages and dialects, no one is excluded, ensuring universal access to the healing message and ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Great Expectations Echo Across the Globe
As the day approaches, hope continues to rise in homes and communities worldwide. From every continent, people are expressing great anticipation for what they believe will be a life-changing encounter with the Lord.

Lucía from Argentina says: “This will be my first Healing Streams, and I have invited my entire family to join me. I believe these three days will mark the beginning of a new chapter for us. I’m expecting healing, salvation, and miracles that only God can do.”

David from Kenya shares: “I’ve watched the testimonies from previous editions, and they have filled my heart with faith. This July, I am believing God for complete healing and for many people in my community to experience His love and power.”

Aya from Japan expresses her expectation: “Distance is not a barrier to God’s power. I am preparing every day in prayer because I know this Healing Streams will bring answers I have long waited for. I have already invited my friends to watch with me.”

Carlos from Brazil says, “I’m expecting more than a miracle; I’m expecting an encounter with God that will transform my family forever. We have registered, established our Healing Centre, and are counting down the days with great joy.”

Sarah from Canada adds, “The testimonies from the March edition strengthened my faith. This July, I believe many who have given up hope will receive their miracles, and countless lives will be changed through the power of the Holy Spirit.”

Ahmed from Egypt shares: “I have seen what God has done through Healing Streams in many nations, and I believe my nation will also experience His healing power. My expectation is great because I know nothing is impossible with God.”

Global Preparations Reach New Heights
Across continents, preparations have entered an unprecedented phase as millions intensify prayer, evangelism, and faith-filled activities ahead of the Healing Streams Live Healing Services.

Through the ongoing global prayer chain on herald.prayerclouds.org, participants from every nation continue to occupy round-the-clock prayer slots, creating an uninterrupted stream of intercession for healing for the sick attending the services. Every hour of every day, voices from around the world are united in prayer, filling the clouds with power for extraordinary manifestations of God’s healing power.

Meanwhile, extensive awareness and invitation campaigns are accelerating across television, radio, newspapers, outdoor advertising, social media, and digital platforms. Millions of invitations are reaching homes, offices, schools, marketplaces, hospitals, and communities, ensuring that people everywhere have the opportunity to participate.

At the grassroots level, millions of physical and virtual Healing Centres are being established globally, enabling families, churches, organizations, and communities to participate together regardless of location.

Preparatory healing outreaches and evangelistic crusades are also taking place in hospitals, correctional facilities, schools, marketplaces, rural communities, villages, and inner cities. During these outreaches, millions of copies of the Healing to the Nations Magazine are being distributed worldwide, inspiring faith in the Lord Jesus Christ through life-changing testimonies, practical teachings, and the Gospel message.

Miracles Already Being Reported
Remarkably, even before the official commencement of the July Healing Streams Live Healing Services, countless people are already testifying to remarkable healings, miracles, and transformations as they prepare through diligent study, meditation, prayer, and the practical application of God’s Word. These testimonies continue to underscore the far-reaching impact of the program, heightening global expectations for another extraordinary outpouring during this July.

Documented Miracles from the March 2026 Healing Streams Live Healing Services
The global impact of the Healing Streams Live Healing Services continues to be reflected in remarkable testimonies received from every continent, as participants report life-changing encounters during and after the broadcasts.
Meimei from China had lived with chronic cervical spine pain that radiated to her head, accompanied by severe body heat and hot flashes that required constant medication. During the March 2026 Healing Streams Live Healing Services, she experienced God’s healing power as Pastor Chris ministered in prayer. The pain disappeared instantly, and she has remained completely pain-free ever since.

Twelve-year-old Miroslav Stefanenko from Russia had severe lung pain that made breathing difficult and prevented him from enjoying normal childhood activities. During the Healing Streams Live Healing Services, he received his healing. Today, he breathes freely and has returned to playing football and attending training sessions.

Kirsi from Finland had been struggling with a persistent cough caused by prolonged exposure to cold weather and harsh drafts. While listening to a rebroadcast of the Healing Streams Live Healing Services during a jog, she experienced the healing power of God. She completed a ninety-minute run without coughing for the first time in weeks.

After suffering a heart attack in September 2024, 65-year-old Elise from France was unable to bend, stand without assistance, or remember things clearly. During the Healing Streams Live Healing Services, she responded in faith as Pastor Chris instructed participants to place their hands where they needed a miracle. Instantly, she regained her mobility and astonished her husband by standing up and bending without assistance.

From the United Kingdom, Ella shared the extraordinary recovery of her mother, who had been diagnosed with terminal liver cancer and later slipped into a coma.

Following Pastor Chris’ ministration during the Healing Streams Live Healing Services, she regained consciousness, expelled clotted blood from her chest, and began breathing normally, marking a dramatic turnaround.

L’Immaculée Nibigira from Burundi had been paralysed by a stroke for seven months, unable to sit, walk, or move her hands. During the first day of the March edition of the Healing Streams Live Healing Services, she felt the power of God flow through her body as Pastor Chris prayed. She immediately began moving her hands, sat up unaided, and walked again.

Diagnosed with kidney failure in late 2025, Mafeiki from Lesotho had become wheelchair-bound after repeated hospitalisations. While participating in the Healing Streams Live Healing Services, she felt a warm sensation sweep through her body. She now walks without assistance, sleeps peacefully, and joyfully celebrates her complete restoration.

Wisdom from Nigeria had been living with severe kidney stones, fatty liver disease, and heart-related complications that caused debilitating pain whenever he bent down. During the Healing Streams Live Healing Services, he experienced an immediate release as Pastor Chris ministered to the global audience in prayer. Today, the pain has disappeared completely, and he can move freely once again.

These testimonies represent only a small fraction of the millions of reports received worldwide since the program’s inception, demonstrating the ongoing global impact of the Healing Streams Live Healing Services.

An Invitation to the World
As July 24 draws nearer, organizers are extending a global invitation to individuals, families, churches, healthcare professionals, community organizations, and leaders across every nation to participate in what promises to be another historic edition of the Healing Streams Live Healing Services.

Whether attending from a Healing Center or joining online from anywhere in the world, participants are encouraged to come with faith, invite others, and expect a divine encounter.

Media Contact:
Healing Streams Communications
Email: info@healingstreams.tv
Phone Numbers:

+27 799 675 852 (South Africa)
+234 (1) 888 5066 (Nigeria)
+1 832 724 9390 (USA)
+1 289 622 1634 (Canada)
+44 (0) 333 188 0710 (UK)
+91 96500 96633 (Asia)
+91 77949 93762 (India)
Website: https://healingstreams.tv

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200 CSOs Back Amendment to SSDC Act, Commend 10th House for Expanding Commission’s Funding Base

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More than 200 civil society organisations (CSOs) have thrown their weight behind the proposed amendment to the South South Development Commission (SSDC) Act, describing the move as a major step towards strengthening the commission’s capacity to address the region’s long-standing development challenges.

The organisations, under the umbrella of the South-South Transformation Coalition (SSTC), made their position known in a joint memorandum presented to the National Assembly following the House of Representatives’ consideration of a bill seeking to expand the commission’s statutory sources of funding.

The House of Representatives, presided over by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, on Wednesday commenced consideration of the amendment bill, which seeks to significantly broaden the SSDC’s funding framework by providing additional revenue from the Value Added Tax (VAT), the Ecological Fund, and statutory contributions from extractive and agricultural processing companies operating within the region.

The proposal was the subject of a public hearing organised by the House Committee on the South South Development Commission as part of the legislative process to amend the South South Development Commission (Establishment) Act, 2025.

The bill is designed to strengthen the financial foundation of the commission by creating additional statutory funding sources to enable it to effectively discharge its mandate of driving development across the six South-South states.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the National Coordinator of the South-South Transformation Coalition, John Johnson, said the proposed expansion of the commission’s funding base would accelerate infrastructure development and help address decades of environmental and socio-economic neglect in the oil-producing region.

He also commended members of the House of Representatives for supporting the bill, which scaled second reading on Wednesday.

«”As groups committed to the pursuit of common good, we are grateful to members of the 10th House led by the Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, PhD. We count on this support as we expect the bill to return soon for the third and final reading ahead of its transmission to the Senate for concurrence.»

«”The South-South, the goose laying the golden eggs, has over the years been exposed to environmental degradation caused by years of prolong oil exploration. Yet, there has been or nothing to show for it. So, it is a good thing that the present government not only established a Commission to address this neglect but it also now taking urgent steps to boost the financial base of that commission. This is truly a step in the right direction.”»

Johnson also praised the House Committee on the South South Development Commission for initiating the amendment, urging lawmakers to expedite legislative action to ensure the bill is transmitted to the President for assent without delay.

«”We cannot thank the revered 10th House enough but like Oliver Twist, we urge the lawmakers to quicken action on the legislation so that soon, it will be on the desk of Mr President for assent.”»

The South South Development Commission was established through an Act of the National Assembly in 2025 to coordinate and implement intervention programmes across Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo and Rivers states.

Its mandate includes tackling persistent developmental deficits in the region, particularly environmental degradation arising from decades of oil exploration, inadequate infrastructure, unemployment, poverty and other socio-economic challenges.

Supporters of the amendment argue that while the establishment of the commission marked a significant milestone in addressing the developmental needs of the South-South, its ability to deliver on its mandate depends largely on a sustainable and predictable funding structure.

If enacted, the amendment would align the SSDC’s funding framework with those of other regional development commissions by broadening its statutory revenue sources and enhancing its capacity to finance infrastructure, environmental remediation and other critical intervention programmes across the oil-rich region.

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Reps Deputy Spokesperson Philip Agbese Urges Federal Government to Suspend Proposed NYSC Reforms

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Deputy Spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Philip Agbese, has called on the Federal Government to suspend the implementation of the proposed reforms to the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), warning that some of the changes could undermine the scheme’s core mandate and national significance.

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) recently approved a set of seven reforms for the one-year national service programme. The proposals include the digitalisation of NYSC operations, a transition from military to civilian leadership, a redesigned uniform, and a stronger emphasis on skills acquisition and entrepreneurship.

In a statement issued recently, Agbese expressed concern that aspects of the reforms could weaken the NYSC’s founding objectives of promoting national unity, discipline and patriotism.

The lawmaker, who represents Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency in Benue State, said the NYSC has remained one of Nigeria’s most important institutions for fostering national integration and should not be restructured in a way that compromises its original vision.

While acknowledging the need for periodic reforms, Agbese stressed that any changes must preserve the scheme’s strategic role in nation-building.

“Reducing NYSC to a skill acquisition training centre is not healthy for our national life,” he said.

According to him, the NYSC has consistently served as a critical national institution by deploying corps members to support essential sectors such as education, healthcare and election management during national assignments and emergencies.

Agbese also opposed the proposal to replace the scheme’s military leadership structure with civilian administration, arguing that the military orientation programme has played a crucial role in instilling discipline, patriotism and national preparedness among Nigerian youths.

“Instilling military training in citizens is an international practice that must be sustained,” he stated.

The Labour Party lawmaker urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to constitute an expanded committee comprising security experts, lawmakers, former NYSC officials, youth organisations and other stakeholders to conduct a comprehensive review before implementing the proposed reforms.

Meanwhile, Ayodele Olawande had earlier described the proposed changes as the first major review of the NYSC since its establishment in 1973. He said the reforms were developed through extensive stakeholder consultations and are aimed at strengthening national unity, enhancing skills development, creating employment opportunities and empowering Nigerian youths.

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