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BREAKING: Igbo Muslim emerge first Imam of Abuja National Mosque

by Folarin Kehinde October 18, 2024

written by Folarin Kehinde

The management of the Abuja National Mosque has appointed Professor Iliyasu Usman as the first-ever Igbo Muslim to serve as an Imam at the mosque.

Prof. Usman is set to deliver his inaugural khutbah (sermon) today during Jumm’at prayer, marking a historic moment for the Muslim community in Nigeria.

The appointment has been met with widespread celebration, particularly among the South East Muslim Organisation of Nigeria (SEMON), which hailed it as a reflection of Prof. Usman’s dedication to Islamic scholarship and leadership.

In a statement, SEMON commended the inclusiveness of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) under the leadership of the President-General and Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar.

SEMON described the appointment as not just a personal achievement for Prof. Usman but also a divine responsibility to lead the Muslim community in worship and service to Allah.

The group expressed hope that his leadership would uplift the Igbo Muslim community and promote unity within the broader Nigerian Muslim population.

Muslims from across the country are expected to gather at the Abuja National Mosque today to witness this historic event.

Prof. Usman will join the two active Imams, Prof. Ibrahim Makari and Prof. Muhammad Kabir, in leading Juma’ah and daily congregational prayers on a rotational basis. Sheikh Ahmad Onilewura, the fourth Imam, has been on sick leave for an extended period.

In their congratulatory message, SEMON said:

“We, the South East Muslim Organisation of Nigeria (SEMON), extend our heartfelt congratulations to Professor Ilyasu Usman on your recent appointment as an Imam of the National Mosque, Abuja.

“This prestigious role is not only a testament to your unwavering dedication and scholarly excellence but also a divine blessing and responsibility to lead the Ummah in worship and service to Allah.

“We pray that Allah (SWT) grants you the wisdom, strength, and steadfastness to discharge this sacred duty with diligence, integrity, and humility. May your leadership inspire unity, peace, and piety.”

October 18, 2024 0 comments

Headlines

“No politician can destroy Wike’s political structure in the next 10 years” – APC chairman

by Folarin Kehinde October 18, 2024

written by Folarin Kehinde

Tony Okocha, chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers, has said that the political structure of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike in the state is intact.

Okocha, who spoke with reporters in Abuja, accused Governor Sim Fubara of engineering the protracted political crisis in the state.

Okocha, who predicted that the APC would take over the state in 2027, faulted the setting up of a committee to probe the violence that trailed the inauguration of 23 council chairmen, saying that its terms of reference do not capture the burning of the APC secretariat.

He described Wike as Fubara’s mentor, saying that he would not have been governor without the strong backing of the former governor.

His words: “No politician will allow his structure to be dismantled. When you do that, it means that you have no home to fall back to. Wike made it possible for Fubara to emerge as governor. Fubara was never a politician.

“Fubara is creating problems for himself. It is our business to demarket him and his party for us to win in 2027. I can say to you that for the next 10 years, I do not see any politician destroying the political structure Wike has in Rivers State.

“I’m not God, but I’m talking about what is possible within human possibility. Wike’s structure cannot be destroyed. It is not possible, not so soon. Let’s leave it there.

“The structure is embedded in the 23 local government areas of the state and the men and women are not the kind of the people who follow those who do not have capacity.

“Ten of Governor Fubara and his antics cannot destroy Wike’s structure. Many people are saying that as APC Chairman in Rivers, why am I working with Wike, and I say is Wike not working with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu? So, he is not my enemy and so he is my friend and we are working to ensure the ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’ is felt by Nigerians.

“Wike has his tentacles spread all over. We are doing enough to let Rivers people know that we need a change of party. APC will soon take over Rivers State with time. The Ijaws hosting Wike is strategic. It is just to tell the minister that they are grateful for giving their son an opportunity to be governor after abandoning other aspirants”.

October 18, 2024 0 comments

Headlines

Troops Eliminate 96 Terrorists, Capture Kingpin Maisaje and 226 Suspects

by Folarin Kehinde October 18, 2024

written by Folarin Kehinde

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) announced significant gains in the fight against terrorism and oil theft in Nigeria, with the capture of notorious terrorist leader Usman Maisaje and 226 suspected terrorists over the past week.

Major General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, confirmed the operations in a statement on Friday.

“Maisaje, a close associate of high-profile terrorist Kachalla Boka, is providing invaluable intelligence, aiding troops in further operations,” Buba stated. In total, the Nigerian troops eliminated 96 terrorists during the operations.

The DHQ also reported substantial progress in the battle against oil theft, revealing the arrest of 45 suspected oil thieves.

Troops destroyed 60 illegal refining sites and recovered over 712,535 litres of stolen crude oil and 76,800 litres of illegally refined AGO, valued at approximately N712 million.

Buba elaborated on the scope of the operation, highlighting, “During this period, we rescued 157 kidnap victims and confiscated 71 weapons, including 50 AK-47 rifles and various types of ammunition.”

In the Niger Delta, troops dismantled 60 illegal refining sites and seized an array of items, including boats, drums, and vehicles.

The operations underscore the Nigerian military’s ongoing commitment to combating terrorism and oil theft and ensuring the safety and security of the nation.

With these latest developments, the DHQ remains optimistic about the continued success of its operations against criminal activities across the country.

October 18, 2024 0 comments

Headlines

“Spend your resources judiciously, Nigeria is poor” – Tinubu’s minister warns Nigerians

by Folarin Kehinde October 17, 2024

written by Folarin Kehinde

The Minister of Budget and National Planning, Atiku Bagudu, has urged Nigerian families to have frank discussions about managing their resources carefully, advising them to prioritize basic needs.

The minister stated that Nigeria is not as wealthy as many believe, even as he called for more prudent financial management at both the national and household levels.

Bagudu made the remarks on Wednesday in Abuja, following a meeting between Federal Government officials and representatives from the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC).

The meeting comes in the wake of widespread economic hardship, worsened by the soaring costs of energy and food.

“The Bola Tinubu administration has made bold choices that, while challenging, are necessary for long-term growth,” Bagudu said.

He defended the government’s policies, noting that state and local governments are now better funded and that reforms are already yielding positive results in terms of investment.

“Tough decisions might come with some challenges, but we are dealing with them. Most of the measures taken have begun to yield a greater level of investment.

“We believe we have stopped the decline. We are not where we want to be yet, but let us confront our realities. We must tell ourselves that we are not as rich as we thought we were,” he stated.

Bagudu stressed the need for collective action, both at the family level and the national level, to mobilize resources effectively in response to the country’s economic challenges.

Nigerians are grappling with one of the worst economic crises in decades, as inflation surges, driven by skyrocketing energy and food costs.

Critics have pointed to President Bola Tinubu’s twin policies of petrol subsidy removal and the unification of foreign exchange rates as major contributors to the current economic instability.

Many believe these policies have led to unbearable inflation and an unprecedented rise in living costs.

October 17, 2024 0 comments

Headlines

“If Nnamdi Kanu is free, security situation in southeast would improve” – Bianca Ojukwu

by Folarin Kehinde October 17, 2024

written by Folarin Kehinde

Nigeria’s former ambassador to Spain, Mrs Bianca Odumegwu Ojukwu has renewed her call for Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s release.

The leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB is currently being detained by the Department of State Security.

Bianca, wife of late Biafra leader, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu made the appeal in the United States during the annual convention of the American Veterans of Igbo Descent, AVID.

AVID is composed of American citizens of Igbo parentage who are currently serving or who served in various branches of the United States military.

She said: “The state of insecurity in Igboland is posing an existential threat to life as we know it in our communities.

“The incessant killings and kidnappings, the increasing rate of annexation and takeover of community farmlands by armed herdsmen and other dangerous invaders have taken their toll on Agro and economic prospects, as well as social activities in most Igbo communities.”

She lamented the fact that many people were leaving their villages out of fear and once thriving communities had become depleted, devitalized and in some cases assuming the status and appearance of ghost towns.

She called on the governors of the South East who are the chief security officers of their states to intensify their individual and collective efforts towards bringing the alarming situation under control.

Bianca, however, stressed that once Nnamdi Kanu is set free, the security situation in the South East would greatly improve.

October 17, 2024 0 comments

Headlines

BREAKING: Nigeria’s aviation rating climbs to 75.5%, removed from global watchlist

by Folarin Kehinde October 17, 2024

written by Folarin Kehinde

Nigeria’s aviation sector’s rating has improved to 75.5%, with the country officially removed from the global aviation watchlist.

This was revealed by Festus Keyamo, Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, during the commissioning of the Juhi-2 Aviation Fuel Depot at Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, on Thursday.

The minister lauded the recent progress, crediting the improvement to steps taken by the government, including the signing of the Cape Town Convention Practice Direction, which propelled Nigeria’s rating from 49% to 70.5% in just a month.

He noted that with the removal from the watchlist, Nigeria’s airlines now have the opportunity to access dry lease aircraft, a development that is expected to bolster the industry.

Keyamo expressed optimism about the future of the country’s aviation sector.

“Very soon, we will see more aircraft in Nigeria, and this will necessitate an increase in Juhi-2’s capacity to meet the rising demand for aviation fuel,” he stated.

During the event, Patience Dappa, Chairman of Juhi-2 Limited, described the new facility as “the largest airside jet fuel depot in Nigeria.”

October 17, 2024 0 comments

Headlines

BREAKING: CNG-Powered Vehicles Explodes in Benin

by Folarin Kehinde October 17, 2024

written by Folarin Kehinde

A Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) powered vehicle exploded in Benin City, Edo State at the NIPCO filling station located at Ikpoba Hill, along the Benin-Auchi expressway, on Wednesday, injuring many people.

A viral video circulating on social media shows the vehicle scattered.

According to reports, three persons sustained various degrees of injuries and were rushed to a private hospital for medical attention.

This incident has raised serious concerns about the safety of converting petrol-powered vehicles to CNG, a move advocated by the Nigerian government.

The Presidential CNG Initiative (PCNGI), an arm of the government saddled with advocating for the conversion of petrol-run vehicles to CNG has responded to the incident.

The initiate expressed condolences to the victims, revealing that the vehicle involved in the explosion was illegally modified,

The statement reads, “The PCNGI commiserate with those injured in this avoidable incident, and thankful that no lives were lost.

“The PCNGI also note that safe handling of all hydrocarbon is critical to their safe use. A close examination of the cylinder in question in Benin City shows it was welded and modified and not an approved for use for CNG.

“The police, regulatory authorities and management of NIPCO are undertaking a painstaking investigation of the incident and we are coordinating with them.

“This incident reiterates the impetus of the PCNGI and our partners on the soon to be launched Nigeria Gas Vehicle Monitoring System at SON, NMDPRA, NADDC and FRSC to tackle any bad actors in the ecosystem that seeks to make this safer, cheaper, cleaner and more reliable source of fueling risky for all.

“We also call on all stakeholders to cooperate with the new system of regulation and ensure full compliance.

“Only accredited conversion centers must be patronized and safe handling of CNG just like petrol ensures safety of all.”

Watch video below:

Tragedy strikes in Benin, Edo State as a gas powered vehicle exploded at a CNG station causing panic and injuries.🙆💔 pic.twitter.com/TQgpfxoxlH
— CHUKS 🍥 (@ChuksEricE) October 17, 2024

October 17, 2024 0 comments

Headlines

Presidency Reveals Stance Amid ‘Impeachment Plans’ for Senate President Akpabio

by Folarin Kehinde October 17, 2024

written by Folarin Kehinde

The Nigerian presidency has revealed its stance on an alleged impeachment of Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

The announcement was made by Senator Basheer Lado, President Bola Tinubu’s Adviser on National Assembly Matters (Senate).

Lado said claims of such impeachment are baseless.

According to him, the Executive and Legislature enjoy a healthy relationship, rendering any impeachment plans impossible.

It can be recalled that there were reports alleging that security agents had been deployed to prevent senators from carrying out their legislative duties over a potential impeachment.

However, Lado, in a statement, countered the claims.

He said, “I wish to categorically state that these reports are baseless and should be disregarded as there is no discord within the rank and file of the senators.

“The legislative body remains united in its commitment to the advancement of Nigeria’s democracy.

“The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, in line with his dedication to a harmonious working relationship among the senators, recognises the critical role of the senate in driving legislative progress.

“His Excellency remains committed to ensuring that this collaboration is based on mutual respect, dialogue, and shared goals for peace, progress and prosperity of all Nigerians.

“I therefore urge the public to disregard such unfounded publications which could undermine the integrity of the legislature.”

October 17, 2024 0 comments

Headlines

JUST IN: VP Shettima Arrives Sweden for 2-Day Visit [PHOTOS]

by Folarin Kehinde October 17, 2024

written by Folarin Kehinde

Vice President Kashim Shettima has arrived in Sweden for a 2-day working visit.

The visit, at the behest of President Bola Tinubu, will see VP Shettima engage in discussions with key government officials, including Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden and the Swedish Prime Minister.

Shettima is accompanied by a delegation, including Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Mutfwang, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar as well as Heads of government agencies and parastatals.

The vice president is expected to return to Nigeria on Saturday.

October 17, 2024 0 comments

Headlines

BREAKING: Sanwo-Olu announces ₦85,000 minimum wage for workers in Lagos

by Folarin Kehinde October 16, 2024

written by Folarin Kehinde

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has announced that his government has agreed to pay ₦85,000 minimum wage to workers in Lagos State.

The Governor disclosed this during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Tonight, themed “One-On-One with Babajide Sanwo-Olu,” on Wednesday, October 16, 2024.

Sanwo-Olu spoke on an array of issues, including transportation, road projects and measures being taken to provide succour for the residents amid the prevalent hunger and hardship in Nigeria.

“You mentioned minimum wage and what I need to throw in for my people. I’m glad to let you know that the minimum wage for Lagos, which we’ve discussed with our union, is N85,000 today.

“It’s not a competition, so I’m not going to say that we’re paying more than some other people; it’s a function of affordability and a function of capacity,” the governor said.

October 16, 2024 0 comments

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