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  • Etsu Nupe seeks emulation of Prophet Ibrahim’s good virtues

    Etsu Nupe seeks emulation of Prophet Ibrahim’s good virtues

    Emulation

    By Mohammed Baba Busu

    Bida (Niger), June 16, 2024 (NAN) Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, the Etsu Nupe and Chairman, Niger Council of Traditional Rulers, has urged the Muslims to emulate Prophet Ibrahim’s good virtues as they celebrate the Eid-el Kabir.

    According to the Etsu Nupe, these lofty virtues include sacrifice, obedience and submissiveness to the will of Allah, in order to be successful in the worldly life and the hereafter.

    He made the appeal in his Sallah message to the Muslim community in his domain and Nigerians in general to mark the celebration at the Eid praying ground in Bida on Sunday.

    Abubakar said, “Today’s celebration is a commemoration of total submissiveness and obedience to the will of Allah, as exemplified by Prophet Ibrahim and Ismail.

    “It is also a lesson on the virtue of keeping our promises to Allah and to our fellow men.

    “Prophet Ibrahim made a vow to sacrifice his son to Allah, and when it was time to fulfill  the promise, he didn’t back out. That is a strong virtue worthy of emulation.

    “It was in appreciation of that gesture that Allah converted what would have been a human sacrifice to that of a sheep.’’

    The traditional ruler advised the Muslims to shun societal ills and to always endeavour to do good.

    “Societal ills like bribery, corruption, drunkenness and gambling do not do any good to man, society, or the Muslim faithful, hence all believers are enjoined to avoid them,” Abubakar admonished.

    He implored Muslims in his domain and the country at large to reflect on the significance of the celebration, which bordered on encouraging piety, sacrifice and love, without which, according to him, no state or society could advance.

    Abubakar appealed to the wealthy individuals in the country to assist the poor to enable all and sundry celebrate Eid-el Kabir with a relative ease.

    He said, “God has endowed wealth on people not for themselves and their immediate families, but for the benefit of entire society.

    “The socio-economic predicament that we are facing requires such assistance from well-to-do individuals in the country.”

    Abubakar charged the Muslim faithful to pray to God to assist President Bola Tinubu, other elected and appointed leaders to overcome both the current economic meltdown and security challenges bedeviling the country.

    The leader advised his people to always monitor the movements of their children, to stem the habit of drug abuse that was rampant among the youths

    “With fervent and ceaseless prayers by the adherents of the two major religions in the country, I am sure we will witness the peaceful conduct of general elections in the country,” he added.

    The royal father also prayed for a successful Hajj and safe return of all the pilgrims currently in Saudi Arabia.(NAN)(www.nannewsngr.com)

    BAB/BRM

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    Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

  • Group urges NASS to save Rivers from anarchy

    Group urges NASS to save Rivers from anarchy

    Anarchy
    By Precious Akutamadu
    Port Harcourt, June 16, 2024 (NAN) A civil society organisation, called the Vanguard for Transparent Leadership and Democracy, has called on the National Assembly (NASS) to wade into the crisis in Rivers to save the state from anarchy.

    The group made the call while speaking on the lingering executive-legislature feud in the state during an interactive session with newsmen in Port Harcourt.

    The group’s National President, Mr Igbini Emmanuel, charged NASS to “urgently invoke the ‘Doctrine of Necessity’ to save Rivers from a complete breakdown of law and order”.

    Emmanuel said that the group was worried about what would happen, when the three-year tenure of the 23 Local Government Councils would end on June 17.

    He said that already, the political tension in the state had heightened between the supporters of Gov. Siminalaye Fubara and his estranged political godfather, Chief Nyesom Wike.

    According to hom, the tension, if not urgently and decisively addressed, would pose serious threat to peace and complete breakdown of law and public order across the state.

    “It is sadly an undeniable fact that the state is right now facing grave and imminent danger with both opposing political groups gearing for full blown war on June 17 and days after, the takeover and control of the administration of the
    Local Government councils,” he said.

    Emmanuel said that with the conflicting court judgments and pending suits, relating to the lawful members and leadership of the state Assembly, there existed no legislative organ to make laws for peace, order and good governance of the state as stipulated by Section 4(6) of the Constitution.

    “We are all aware that the majority of the incumbent chairmen of the LG councils have publicly vowed never to exit their positions on June 17, 2024 on the ground that the House of Assembly, led by  Martin Amaewhule, had amended the state LG law mandating the chairmen to continue on their positions, if the council election was not conducted,” Emmanuel said.

    He argued that the above scenario “clearly establishes the undeniable fact that Rivers is facing grave and actual danger”.

    He feared that the peace, security and wellbeing of the people of Rivers may not be guaranteed, if urgent steps were not taken to arrest the situation.

    The group therefore implored NASS “to immediately invoke the doctrine of necessity in Rivers, with a view to preventing the impending breakdown of law and order until such a time the state Assembly was able to resume its functions”.

    It further argued that “by the express provisions of sections 4 and 11(4) of the Constitution, NASS “has the Constitutional power to make laws for the peace, order, good government of the federation or any part thereof and for any state at any time the House of Assembly is unable to perform its functions by reason of the situation prevailing in that state”.

    The group called for the setting up of a five-member Interim Management Committee, made up of men and women drawn from the academia, judiciary, religious groups, including professional bodies and non-governmental organisations, for each council.

    It recommended that members of the committee “must be indigenes of the respective local government areas, who are not members of any political party and not known to be supporters or close associates of the governor or his predecessor”.

    The group also recommended that the committee should administer the councils for not more than three months during which local government elections should be conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    PA/USO
    Edited by Sam Oditah

     

     

  • Police happy with peaceful conduct of Eid prayers in Kano 

    Prayers
    By Aminu Garko
    Kano, June 16, 2024( NAN) The Police Command in Kano State has expressed satisfaction with the peaceful and orderly conduct of Eid el-Kabir prayers across the state.
    Its Commissioner, Ussaini Gumel, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), in a telephone interview on Sunday, that he was happy with the calm mien of all Kano residents.
    Gumel, who has just been promoted to an Assistant Inspector-General, lauded the residents for their orderly conduct at various prayer grounds, both within and outside Kano metropolis.
    “Reports from all the 44 Local Government Areas have indicated a peaceful atmosphere, with no threats to lives or property,” he said.
    NAN reports that there had been fears of possible skirmishes in view of the ongoing tussle over the Emirship seat after the state government removed the five Emirs and reinstated Sanusi Lamido Sanusi.
    Sanusi had been installed 14th Emir but was removed by the Abdullahi Ganduje administration who installed Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero as the 15th Emir of Kano.
    Ganduje created four additional  Emirates, raising the number to five.
    On May 23, the State House of Assembly repealed the Emirates Council Law and sacked all the five Emirs, paving the way for Sanusi’s return to lead the now united Kano Emirate
    The matter has, however, gone to court with the two leaders – Sanusi and Bayero – laying claim to the throne.
    To avoid a clash among their respective supporters, Gumel had announced on Friday that the contending Emirs should pray at different mosques, with Bayero at Nasarawa Mosque while Sanusi prayed  at Sheikh Tijjani Mosque.
    NAN reports that Governor Abba Yusuf joined Sanusi for the prayers.
    Some Kano residents, who spoke on the situation, described the atmosphere as “generally peaceful”.
    Alhaji Mohammad Abubakar, from Tauroni Local Government, praised the peaceful conduct of the prayers, and commended the Police and security agencies for ensuring that.
     Alhaji Isa Musa, from Charanchi area, called for continued security presence beyond the elebrations to sustain the peace.
    Alhaji Kabiru Danlami, from Dorayi quarters, urged residents to support security efforts by providing information on suspicious individuals to enable swift action.(NAN) ( www.nannews.ng)
    AAG/ETS
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  • Emir Sanusi urges Muslims to help needy, preach peace

    Sallah
    By Aminu Garko
    Kano, June 16, 2024 ( NAN) The Emir of Kano, Malam Mohammad Sanusi, has urged Muslims to embrace the culture of helping the needy and preaching peace.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)  reports that Sunusi  gave the advice during his sermon after leading the Eid prayers at Sheikh Ahmad Tijjani Jumu’at Mosque in Kofar Mata, Kano.
    The emir emphasised the importance of following Prophet Muhammad’s teachings which emphasised helping the needy, especially during Eid-al-Adha celebrations.
    He also urged the public to intensify prayers for peaceful co-existence in Kano State and the nation.
    A NAN Correspondent in Kano observed that in spite of the economic challenges, many residents performed the Sallah sacrifices and dressed colourfully, while security personnel were deployed to ensure peace and security.
     Some of the residents, however, expressed disappointment over the cancellation of the traditional Sallah durbar.
    Police Commissioner Ussain Gumel had announced the ban, citing security concerns.( NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    AAG/CHOM/BRM
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    Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Bashir Rabe Mania

  • FTAN urges prospective tourists to explore West Africa’s coastline 

     

    Tourism

    By Taiye Olayemi

    Lagos, June 16, 2024 (NAN) The Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), Lagos chapter, has urged prospective tourists to explore West Africa’s coastline.

    Its President, Babatope Fajemilokun, made the call when he led members of the association on a boat cruise expedition tour of the coastal area of Lagos through Badagry to Porto-Novo on Saturday.

    The team of 30 members explored the coastal areas to project and market the beautiful coastlines for global exploration.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the tourism expedition began at the National Inland Waterways Authority  jetty in CMS, Lagos.

    Fajemilokun said the expedition was deliberately planned to expose the beauty of Lagos and Porto-Novo coastlines to practitioners for better marketing of acquatic tourism in the two countries.

    “With the heavenly view of the waterways, the lush greenery vegetation around the lagoon, the fresh and slightly brackish water as well as the cooling and calming ambiance, aquatic tourism can be easily promoted.

    “There are a lot to be seen here in Benin Republic that most people do not know existed.

    “I am using this opportunity to call on intending tourists to exlpore these coastal areas just as we have done, we want tourists to know that travelling on water can also be fun.

    “We also want to encourage Africans to travel within Africa to boost our economy.

    “This adventure is also meant to serve as an avenue for members of FTAN to mingle well and reunite, I want FTAN Lagos chapter to come back on track, we have been doing this before, we have started again.

    “I am happy, the turnout is impressive, our next outing will be better than this and I want everyone to look out for it,” he said.

    The practitioners also enjoyed a city tour of Cotonou township, with visits to Place des Martyrs, Esplanade des Amazones and Club des Rois beach.

    The Topa Market; Martin Luther King St.; Akpakpa environs and some other iconic tourism attractions were also visited.

    Also, Mr Frank Meke, a tourism consultant, advised the Federal Government to take conscious efforts in nurturing tourism in Nigeria as observed in Benin Republic.

    “It is obvious that the government of Benin Republic has prioritised grooming of the tourism industry by taking deliberate steps of building the needed infrastructure.

    “The Nigerian government, however, needs to emulate such.”

    The Tour Guide who conducted the tour, Anago Osho, commended President Patrice Talon of Benin Republic for improved infrastructural development in the country channelled toward tourism growth.

    Osho said that Porto-Novo, capital of Benin Republic is located on the coastal lagoon at the extreme south-eastern part of the country.

    He said the city, formerly known as Ajase, served as the capital for the Yoruba state of Popo as it later became the centre of the kingdom of Porto-Novo and flourished as a result of slave trade with the Portuguese.

    Tunde Kolade, Vice President of FTAN, commended the tidy state of the tourism sites in Benin Republic and advised the government not to relent in grooming tourism.

    “I am really impressed with the neat environment here, the organised and orderly manner people are conducting themselves, this is indeed a place to visit again,” he said.

    Jamiu Talabi, President, Lagos Hoteliers Association, said,  “I am so proud of our association, FTAN, I am happy to have been to these exciting places.

    “In Nigeria, we have more than what can be found here but we have not exploited them well enough, we need to do more in Nigeria.” (NAN) (nannews.ng)

    PTB/CHOM/FAA
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    Edited by Chioma Ugboma/ Folasade Adeniran

  • Gov. Nwifuru urges Muslims to pray for nation’s peace, dev’t

     

    Prayer

    By Uchenna Ugwu

    Abakaliki, June 16, 2024 (NAN) Gov. Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi,  on Sunday  encouraged  the Muslim Ummah to leverage the Sallah period and pray for the peace, progress, unity and development of the country.

    Nwifuru, in his message to mark the Eid-el-Kabir, prayed for Allah’s blessings upon their lives and usher them into an era of prosperity.

    This is contained in a statement  in Abakaliki by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Monday Uzor.

    “On behalf of the government and people of the state, we  wish all our Muslim brothers and sisters  happy Eid -el- Kabir.

    “And may the blessings of Allah fill your lives with happiness and open all  doors of success now and always,” Uzor quoted Nwifuru as praying.

    The governor reiterated the commitment of his administration to carry all the segments of society along,  irrespective of religion.

    He, however,  expressed satisfaction over the contributions of the Muslim faithful in the state toward the realisation of his administration’s “People’s Charter of Needs Agenda”.

    Nwifuru further assured that security arrangements had been perfected to ensure a hitch- free celebration.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    UVU/CHOM/BRM

    ====================

    Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Bashir Rabe Mani

     

  • Why labour should review stance on minimum wage — committee

    Labour

    By Femi Ogunshola

    Abuja, June 16, 2024 (NAN) The Tripartite Committee on National Minimum Wage has given reasons why the organised labour should have a rethink on the amount it is demanding as minimum wage.

    Alhaji Goni Aji,  the chairman of the committee said this in Abuja on Sunday.

    The organised labour is demanding for N250, 000 as minimum wage per month.

    But the Federal Government and Organised Private Sector have offered N62,000 per month.

    Goni said that the labour should reconsider its stance based on economic considerations and non-monetary incentives which the Federal Government had so far provided for workers.

    He listed such incentives to include the N35,000 wage award for all treasury-paid federal workers, N100 billion for the procurement of gas fuelled busses and conversion to gas kits.

    Others include the N125 billion conditional grant, financial inclusion to small and medium scale enterprises and the N25,000 each to be shared to 15 million households for three months, according to him.

    He also cited the N185 billion palliatives loans to states to cushion the effects of fuel subsidy removal and the N200 billion to support the cultivation of hectares of land to boost food production.

    He said that here was another N75 billion to strengthen the manufacturing sector and N1 trillion for student loans for higher education.

    He explained that the release of 42,000 metric tonnes of grains from strategic reserves and the purchase and onward distribution of 60,000 metric tonnes of rice to the millers association.

    Goni  stated that the recent salary increase of 25 per cent and 35 per cent on all consolidated salary structures for federal workers and the 90 per cent subsidy on health costs for federal civil servants registered on health insurance programme.

    All these, he said should be considered by the labour unions and accept the N62, 000 being offered by the Federal Government.

    He said that the light rail commissioned in Abuja was  to relieve transportation cost until the end of the year was a landmark achievements that would cushion the effect of fuel subsidy.

    He said in addition to the freedom of civil servants to engage in agriculture, the Federal Government has approved the inclusion of ICT services for alternate sources of income.

    He said the committee agreed that where major and small businesses were closing down with consequent loss of jobs, the outcome of a new minimum wage should be such that it would not trigger further massive job losses.

    He further said that linking the strike to electricity hikes with the wage determination was not fair to the negotiating parties.(NAN)(www. nannews. ng)

    ODF/JAN/KAY

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    Edited by Joan Nwagwu/Kayode Olaitan

  • Eid-el-Kabir: Our commitment to secure Nigeria sacrosanct – CDS

    Sallah

    By Sumaila Ogbaje

    Abuja, June 16, 2024 (NAN) The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, has reiterated the commitment of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to secure the nation through sacrifices and dedication of troops in all parts of the country.

    Musa gave the assurance in his message to the Muslim faithful on the occasion of Eid-el-Kabir on Sunday in Abuja.

    He said that the sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim served as reference point for loyalty and dedication to Almighty Allah from generations.

    He said members of the armed forces had remained committed to the democratic tenets,and  their loyalty to constituted authority had also remained constant as witnessed during the recent celebration of 25 unbroken years of democracy in Nigeria.

    The CDS expressed belief that Nigerians, especially members of the armed forces, would continue to abide by the invaluable lessons of sacrifice as exemplified by prophet Ibrahim.

    “Let me cease this opportunity to assure everyone that the military remains strong and committed to ensuring  restoration of peace and security in Nigeria and its environ.

    “The core mandate of the military as enshrined in the constitution is to protect the nation from external and internal aggressions and this we have been diligently committed to despite all odds.

    “Let me use this opportunity to once again reiterate that the armed forces will continue to adopt both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches in our collective efforts to ensure  safety of every Nigerian.

    “I, therefore, wish to call on all Nigerians to embrace peace, unity and love for one another.

    “The labours of our past and present heroes must indeed not be in vain,” he said.

    Musa also reiterated that the armed forces belong to all Nigerians and urged citizens to continue to support their efforts to guarantee the future of the country.

    He thanked President Bola Tinubu for his unflinching support aimed at ensuring that the armed forces remained the pride of the nation.

    “May this auspicious occasion bring us joy, peace and blessings. Happy Eid-Kabir Celebration,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    OYS/CHOM/DOE

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    Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Dianabasi Effiong

  • 2024 LIMCAF: Access Bank board chairman tasks youths on creativity

    Advice
    By Taiye Olayemi
    Lagos, June 16, 2024 (NAN) Mr Paul Usoro, Chairman, Board of Directors, Access Bank Plc, has advised Nigerian youths to focus on creativity and skills acquisition rather than seeking shortcuts to wealth creation.
    Usoro gave the advice during the opening ceremony of the 2024 Life In My City Art Festival (LIMCAF), held in Lagos on Saturday.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the programme featured exhibition of  about 106 artworks by up-and-coming artists from across the nation.
    The programme has the theme “Humanism”, which the artists depicted in their works.
    Usoro, who was the special guest of honour, said knowledge and skills acquired could be easily converted to wealth through hardwork.
    He urged the youth not to lose hope in spite of the economic hardship but remain hardworking and creative.
    He advised them to be committed to utilising their brains positively.
    “I will like to advise Nigerian youths not to lose hope; don’t look for shortcuts; all you really need to do is to use your brains.
    “Even as artists, you can be successful. Make yourselves knowledgeable and skillful.
    “I am impressed with the works these young people have created here.
    ”I wish the organisers can project it to a larger audience so that it can inspire our leaders to formulate policies that will make life much better and give the young people hope,” he said.
    Also, Kelvin Ejiofor, Executive Director, LIMCAF, said that at the end of the programme on June 22, the exhibitor of the best artwork would win N1 million.
    Ejiofor said that LIMCAF aimed at encouraging creativity and empowering aspiring young artists , including those with disabilities.
    “LIMCAF, in its 17th edition recorded remarkable impact of convincing people that arts was no longer an occupation not to be proud of.
    “It is my main source of joy helping the young people to find their feet in their chosen profession, giving them opportunity to showcase their works,” he said.
    For Jekami Adetiloye, one of the Jury, said the exhibition is  a clarion call to every Nigerian to be humane, regardless of the happenings in the society.
    “There seems to be the absence of humanity in the society because of the current economic hardship in the country, hence the choice of the theme.
    “The artists who have exhibited their works are suggesting ways government can solve problems as well as sensitising Nigerians on the need to show kindness and compassion to others.
    “This exhibition has seen our youths solving the problem of unemployment as they become relentless, hardworking and creative to have come up with unique perspectives to things happening in the society.
    “The youths are also now interested in documentation which has been a great challenge,” he said.
    One of the artists, Praise Edward, who described herself as a digital artist and and a graphic designer, said her work titled “Strong Together” exposes the chaotic experience of women who have been marginalised.
    “So, I tried to picture these women coming together to build hope by way of uniting, sharing their experiences and creating better lives for themselves,” she said. (NAN) (nannews.ng)
    PTB/FAA
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    Edited by Folasade Adeniran
    07

  • Sallah: Foundation urges national peace, unity

    Dr Yusuf Suberu

     

    Peace

    By Ibironke Ariyo

    Abuja, June 16, 2024(NAN) The Dr Yusuf John-Suberu Foundation has called on Nigerians to shun violence and show love to fellow citizens during the Eid-el-Kabir celebration nationwide.

    The Founder of the organisation, Yusuf Suberu, in his Sallah message on Sunday in Abuja, urged Muslims to use the occasion to strengthen the unity, peace and progress of Nigeria.

    Suberu said the season should remind citizens,  especially the Muslim Faithful of the need to make sacrifices for the overall growth of the nation.

    He said the period was believed by Muslims to celebrate the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim who offered to sacrifice his only son in obedience to Allah’s command.

    ”For Islamic faithful, this act is not just a symbol of love, it stresses the need for individuals to make sacrifices for the growth of Nigeria.

    ”It is hoped that these messages of peace, unity and oneness preached before and always, will continue to resound in the minds of citizens, to encourage national development.

    ”Our foundation believe Nigeria will make quicker progress toward the fulfilment of its great potentials as a nation if its citizens foster peace, security and stability.

    ”These are essential for development by showing greater respect for national safety and public order and laws,” he said.

    Suberu called for more pro-active measures that would help in confronting multi-faceted challenges of kidnappings, armed robberies, smuggling, unemployment and youths restiveness among others.

    ”We believe in President Bola Tinubu’s administration, that these challenges will soon be a thing of the past.

    ”Let us join hands and support the leadership of the country so that we can all be boastful when things fall back to normal,” he said.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    ICA/CHOM/DOE

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    Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Dianabasi Effiong