Blog

Complete submission to Sunnatic rituals, path to acceptable Hajj – Cleric
Submission
By Muhammad Lawal
Makkah, June 2, 2024 (NAN) An Islamic cleric, Malam Kabiru Umar-Wasagu, Deputy Imam, Central Mosque, Birnin Kebbi, has charged pilgrims to completely submit to Sunnatic Hajj rituals to perform Hajj Mabrur.
He stated this while addressing the pilgrims shortly after Subhi (dawn) prayer in Makkah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on Sunday.
The cleric stressed the need for the pilgrims not to overstep the boundary and keep to all instructions of the holy Prophet (Peace be Upon Him) so as to earn Allah’s favour towards Hajj Mabrur (acceptable Hajj.)
Taking his text from the Glorious Qur’an and the Hadith of the Holy Prophet (Peace be Upon Him), the cleric took time to explain how to perform Dawaf (circumambulation) and Sa’ayi (trekking from mountain of Safa to mountain of Marwa) according to Sunnah.
Umar-Wasagu reminded them that: “Hajarul Aswad (black stone)’ on Kaabah is a stone brought from Paradise and it is the right place to start Dawaf.
“Ka’aba is a Secret Glorified House but you are not instructed to touch or scratch it to earn blessing but to circumambulate (go round it).”
Explaining how to perform Sa’ayi, Umar-Wasagu said a pilgrim “is expected to recite ‘Innas Safa Wal Marwata min shi’a’irillah ………” and turn his/her face to Ka’abah and pray to God Almighty.
He, however, said: “If you cannot recite it just say Bismillah and turn your face to Ka’abah and pray to God Almighty and commence Sa’ayi. This is what the Prophet did and we should keep to it.”
Umar-Wasgu advised pilgrims to be modest and not to be carried away by the acts of some people who ignorantly do certain things contrary to prophetic teachings.
“If you go to Arafat, do not collect the sand or stones from Arfat, it is not Sunnatic. You are expected to engage in azkar, recitation of the holy Qur’an and supplications.
” Pray for yourself, your family, your friends, your town, your state, your country and the entire Muslim Ummah.
“Remember, the Prophet (SAW) said the best of prayer on Arfat Day is: ‘La ilaha illallahu wahdahu la sharikalahu lahul mulku walahul hamdu wahuwa ala kulli shai-in qadir’.
“This is the du’a of the Prophets before me,” the cleric said.
Umar-Wasagu encouraged the pilgrims to be close to Islamic scholars so as to learn more about how to perform their Hajj in accordance with the Sunnah of the Prophet (SAW). (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
KLM/BRM
==============
Edited by Basjhir Rabe Mani
June 2, 2024
Cultism, drug abuse security threats needing urgent attention- Lagos CP
The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, Mr Adegoke Fayoade at the POCACOV campaign in Ikeja, Lagos
Cultism
By Deborah Akpede
Lagos, June 1, 2024 (NAN) The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, Mr Adegoke Fayoade, says that it is time urgent measures are taken to halt cultism and drug abuse in the society.
He said this on Saturday at Ikeja, during a event organised by the Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV) tagged: “Teenagers Stay Informed: Know the Dangers of Cultism and Drugs”
According to Fayoade, cultism and drug abuse have become a big security threat that need to be attended to.
He urged the public to support its drive to totally eradicate the menaces from the society.
“Today, cultism is not only in higher institution, it has taken over every fabric of the society; mechanics, barbers, drivers and others are now members of cults.
“Cultists don’t do anything meaningful but to disturb the peace of the community, fighting, claiming superiority and destroying lives and property.
“The law enforcement agencies, government, family, stakeholders and individuals, must join hands to tame these menaces that have eaten deep into our society,” he said.
According to him, cultism and drug abuse lead to other criminal activities such as armed robbery, murder, rape and other vices.
“When you engage in cult activity and drug abuse, you will be prone to committing other crimes.
“We are losing the precious lives of our youths that would have contributed to the economy and social development of our country, ” he said.
The police boss said that the aftermath of drug abuse was a serious medical condition.
“When you are mentally derailed, you cannot do anything meaningful with your life; your family and the society will also be affected,” he said.
The police boss advocated for good parenting in order for the youth to be properly guided not to stray out of the right way by joining destructive groups such as cults and other criminal groups.
“Parents, pay special attention to your children, teach them to do the right thing and always advise them against peer pressure,” he said.
In the same vein, the National Coordinator of POCACOV, CSP Olabisi Okuwobi, warned students to away from anyone or activity that encouraged the use of drugs, cultism and all other vices capable of derailing their journey in life.
“Reject cultism and drug abuse to face your education so you can become better students with a brighter future,” she said
According to her, one of the consequences of joining a cult is death.
She called for concerted efforts to fight the vices in order to save Nigerian children from destruction.
According to her, POCACOV is a community policing initiative and public relations tool within the Force Public Relations Department of the Nigeria Police Force. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
DOA/COF
=========
Edited by Christiana Fadare

June 2, 2024
Latin America, Caribbean, Pacific to host CTBTO regional workshop
The Executive-Secretary of CTBTO Dr Robert Floyd. (NAN)
Latin America, Caribbean, Pacific to host CTBTO regional workshop
By Fortune Abang
Banjul, June 1, 2024 (NAN) The Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO) on Saturday declared Latin America and the Caribbean or the Pacific as host for its 2025 workshop.
The Treaty is multilateral agreement opened for signature in September, 1996, signed by 187 nations and ratified by 178 to prohibit nuclear weapon test by anyone anywhere in the world.
The Executive Secretary of CTBTO, Dr Robert Floyd, disclosed this at the closing of the two-day regional workshop for African States Signatories on Saturday in Banjul, The Gambia.
The workshop was held from May 31 to June 1.
Floyd said, “The workshop was experimental: it is the first time we have conducted a workshop like this outside of Vienna, and The Gambia in Africa is the first to host it.
“The workshop has been a success. It is not a global community that gathered, but a continent that gathered. It is wonderful that we can have focus on Africa.”
“The next experiment is likely to be in the Latin America, and the Caribbean or the Pacific region.”
“We have come so far to discover the Treaty has so much to deliver to every Member State, every signatory.”
“There is benefit for all signatories to the Treaty through capacity building, for those interesting in engaging in dialogue against nuclear weapons testing.”
The Executive Secretary identified benefits of the Treaty to include ensuring safety and protection of the environment from nuclear weapons tests, disaster management and other civil and scientific purposes.”
“We must establish a world without nuclear tests, put barriers against further development and proliferation of nuclear weapons.”
“It is an essential step towards a shared future of eradicating nuclear weapons in our environment,” he added.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports out of 52 States in Africa that signed the Treaty, 50 have so far ratified it. (NAN (www.nannews.ng)
FEA/AMM
=========
Edited by Abiemwense Moru
June 1, 2024
2024 NCEE: NAPTAN commends NECO for sucessful conduct

Examination

By Millicent Ifeanyichukwu

Lagos, June 1, 2024 (NAN) The National Parents Teachers Association of Nigeria (NAPTAN) has commended the National Examination Council (NECO) for the successful conduct of the 2024 National Common Entrance Examination (NCEE).
Adeolu Ogunbanjo, Deputy National President of NAPTAN, in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), described the exercise as a positive development for the education sector.

NAN reports that in 2023, the Federal Government directed that children under the age of 10 would no longer be allowed to sit for the NECC for admission into Federal Government Colleges (FGCs) and Unity Schools across the country.

Ogunbanjo stated, “I am impressed with the general conduct of this year’s NCEE, particularly because NECO, the organising body, adhered to their commitments, which is highly commendable.
“Despite the age limit, we still had a high number of candidates here in Lagos, indicating that we can achieve success by supporting the government’s directives.

“Moving forward, I urge parents to continue to cooperate by adhering to the necessary measures put in place by the government to address some irregularities, all for the betterment of our children,” he added.
Meanwhile, Mr Kenneth Chiedu, a parent whose daughter participated in the examination at Sonmori Comprehensive High School Ifako Ijaiye, told NAN that the conduct was well-organised.
According to him, NECO officials were present early, confirmed the candidates and the examination started exactly at 9:00 a.m., finishing at 3:00 p.m., while parents were asked to maintain their distance.
Similarly, another parent, Mr Isaac Oyenegecha, noted that the age ten requirement was strictly observed by NECO officials, as students were checked into the hall with printouts containing their details, including age.
Oyenegecha said, “The age restriction was rigorously enforced, although none of the candidates were disqualified, indicating that they all met the age 10 requirements during registration.
“Here in Festac Grammar School, some students complained after the examination that the verbal and quantitative papers were challenging, but Mathematics and English were more manageable.”
A total of 70,603 candidates nationwide participated in the 2024 NCEE into Federal Unity Colleges, with Lagos having 17,751 pupils. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

MIL/AWA
==========
Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa
June 1, 2024
Governor’s wife takes menstrual hygiene campaign to secondary school
Menstruation
By Ibrahim Bello
Argungu (Kebbi), June 1, 2024 (NAN) The wife of Kebbi Governor, Hajiya Nafisa Idris, has sensitised students on promotion of menstrual hygiene among girls and women in the state.
Hajiya Idris sensitised the female students on Saturday at Comprehensive Girls’ Secondary School, Argungu in Argungu Local Government Area of the state as part of activities marking the 2024 Menstrual Hygiene Day.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that May 28 marked the 10th World Menstrual Hygiene Day, a global initiative dedicated to promoting awareness and education about menstrual hygiene.
The governor’s wife commended her husband, Gov. Nasir Idris for his efforts in promoting the healthcare service and his support in the promotion of menstrual hygiene in the state.
”Hygiene is part and parcel of Islamic religion, and is our faith.
”Muslims are encouraged to maintain personal hygiene by taking regular baths, washing hands before and after meals, and trimming of nails and hair.
”The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) stressed the importance of personal hygiene, saying, “Cleanliness is next to godliness”.
“We know how germs spread from our very own hands to our bodies as well as to other people,” she said.
She pledged her unwavering support for the initiative to improve menstrual hygiene and sexual reproductive health services in the state.
“Educate yourself, take care of your health, and seek support where necessary. My Nafisa Nasir Charity Development Foundation (NANAS) is committed to advancing the health and rights of the girl child,” she said.
She also called on parents to continue to support the education and prioritise menstrual hygiene of their daughters.
Earlier, Dr Halima Bande, the state Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, urged the students to pay more attention to their studies and pursue a future full of education.
”Don’t limit your studies here, but go further, until you fill the available women vacancies we should rightly occupy on health, education and other fields of endeavours,” she encouraged.
On their part, the state Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hajiya Halima Hassan-Kamba and the wife of Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Hajiya Asma’u Alkali, urged the students to be good ambassadors of their parents and the society.
She advised that pursuance of education should not stop at secondary level.
Alkali enjoined the students to be disciplined, modest and respect elders anywhere they might find themselves after leaving the school.
NAN reports that the Governor’s wife distributed sanitary items to students and donated N1 million to the graduating students of the college.
Earlier at Emir’s palace, Argungu, the Emir, Alhaji Samaila Muhammad-Mera, commended the wife of the governor for her efforts in ensuring the promotion of menstrual hygiene among girls and women in the state.
”I thank you immensely and I thank your husband, our governor, who has been doing excellently well in the areas of health, education and infrastructure, among others,” he said. NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
IBI/KLM
========
Edited by Muhammad Lawal
June 1, 2024
Children with disabilities not demonic – Social Worker

Disability

By Olatunde Ajayi

Ibadan, June 1, 2024(NAN) The Convener of Smart Innovation and Creativity, a Non-Governmental Organisation, Mrs Omolola Olamijulo, has charged Nigerians not to isolate or tag children with disabilities as being demonic.

Olamijulo made the appeal during a special Children’s Day party organised by Smart Innovation and Creativity for children with disabilities and other children on Saturday in Ibadan.

She said that the special children’s day party was aimed at bridging the gap between the privilege, the less privilege, and the differently abled children in the society.

“Regrettably, some parents are being deceived by clerics in places of worships that children with disabilities are demonic.

“Slow development in some of these set of children are at times medical issues which can be resolved with time. Some of these children can perform better than others when they have opportunities because there is ability in every disability.

“Unfortunately, on children’s day and special occasions, people don’t invite these special children. Some of them have never gone out, their parents hide them in the house because they see them as negative cross from God that they have to manage.

“We have been doing this for the past 10 years in Lagos and other cities in Nigeria.
“We want these children to be able to relate freely in the society without discrimination, they need relationship, friendship and care. We must invest in them and we must not let them down.

“Our target is to establish a craft and vocational school for the special children before we mark 20 years anniversary to discover, train and nurture talents in them, “she said.

In the same vein, the Secretary, Nigerian Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Oyo State Chapter, Eniola Adeaga, charged well-meaning Nigerians to invest in the future of children with disabilities.
She lauded smart innovation and creativity for making children with disabilities relevant.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that no fewer than 200 children from Lagelu Special School Ibadan, School for the handicaps Agodi- Ibadan and other special schools attended the special children’s day party.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

TUN/VIV
====
Edited by Vivian Ihechu
June 1, 2024
Kebbi re-introduces monthly sanitation to prevent diseases – Gov. Idris
Sanitation
By Ibrahim Bello
Birnin Kebbi, June 1, 2024 (NAN) Gov. Nasir Idris of Kebbi, says the re-introduction of monthly sanitation is a measure to prevent diseases, ensure safe and clean environment in the state.
Idris disclosed this in Birnin Kebbi on Saturday while flagging-off the re-introduced monthly environmental sanitation exercise.
”Clean environment and clean drinking water are highly necessary to the well-being of people to reduce both airborne and waterborne diseases.
”My administration will maintain the enviable health position of Kebbi, to always ensure that our people are healthy and productive members of the society,” he said.
Idris, represented by his Deputy, Alhaji Umar Abubakar-Tafida, cautioned the people not to expose themselves to dangers and hazards through dirtiness and unclean surroundings.
”Illnesses are preventable if communities keep clean environment and drink clean water,” the governor said.
Earlier, the State Commissioner for Environment, Alhaji Musa Tungulawa, said the governor had mandated his ministry to pursue the environmental sanitation campaign and awareness to achieve healthy environment.
“On the last Saturday of every month, the exercise will be strictly carried out in the state capital, Birnin Kebbi, and in all the local government areas of the state,” he announced.
Tungulawa said that the governor had attached prominence to environmental matters and attainment of absolute hygiene among the citizenry.
Also speaking, the Emir of Gwandu, Alhaji Muhammadu Iliyasu-Bashar, commended the the governor for his practical action to secure clean environment in the state.
He tasked the people to remain loyal and prayerful for the success of the administration.
“Loyalty to leaders galvanises them to action, while good governance energises people to attain better life.
”Some states and emirates elsewhere are undergoing trying periods.
”Kebbi state is in tranquility and secured, therefore, let us continue to live in peace with one another,” the emir urged. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
IBI/KLM
=======
Edited by Muhammad Lawal
June 1, 2024
Shettima tasks lawyers on rule of law, Judicial autonomy
Lawyers
By Salisu Sani-Idris
Ilorin (Kwarai State) , June 1, 2024 (NAN) Vice-President Kashim Shettima has urged Nigerian lawyers to be unwavering in their defense of the rule of law, justice and judicial autonomy.
Shettima made the call on Saturday in Ilorin at the 30th anniversary celebration of Yusuf Ali & Co, law firm owned by renowned legal luminary, Malam Yusuf Ali (SAN).
While delivering his keynote address titled, “Justice, Truth and Our Divergent Pursuits of the Ideal Political System,” he applauded President Bola Tinubu’s non-interference in election exercises.
The Vice-President also commended Tinubu for his refusal to weaponise state instruments to protect perceived allies on trial.
“This commitment to the principle of separation of powers binds us. We shall continue to adhere to it.
“We shall trust you (lawyers), to do your part in the service of the nation,” he said.
Shettima noted that President Tinubu’s hands-off approach had strengthened Nigeria’s democracy, setting a precedent for future administrations to uphold the independence of the judiciary.
He urged legal practitioners to emulate such ethos, asserting that true lawyers are those who meticulously prepare for court, argue based on facts and legal principles, and courageously challenge injustice wherever it exists.”
The VP extolled the virtues of Yusuf Ali & Co., lauding its unwavering commitment to the principles of justice over the past three decades.
He described the firm as “a bastion of excellence, resisting compromise under both military and democratic regimes.
“Malam Yusuf O. Ali and his esteemed partners have stood firm because of their unyielding commitment to the lofty ideals of justice.”
He also highlighted the Federal Government’s recent legal action to ensure full financial autonomy for local governments.
He referred to it as a convergence that should be prioritised in realising an ideal federal system.
He urged lawyers to be ethically committed to the pursuit of justice, deeming it crucial for a functional tripartite system.
“Without that sacrifice, we are all bound for doom from which we may never recover.”
He praised Yusuf Ali & Co.’s enduring legacy as a testament to the immortality of truth and justice.
Earlier, Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwola, had praised the celebrant, Prof. Yusuf Ali, for excelling in his chosen profession, and for defending the less privileged in the society.
Also, Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno, commended the celebrant for contributing a lot to the legal profession in Nigeria.
He commended Prof Ali’s hard work and show of integrity.
Similarly, Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara, applauded President Tinubu for introducing his Renewed Hope Agenda.
According to him, the agenda is improving the lives of Nigerians.
Represented by his Deputy, Kayode Alabi, AbdulRazaq called on all Nigerians to support Tinubu, who is ready to improve the quality of life through the Renewed Hope Agenda.
The governor further thanked the President for promoting separation of powers and judicial reforms.
Guest Speaker at the event, former Lagos State Governor and Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, advocated for the continuation of Nigeria’s presidential system of government.
He said those calling for the return of parliamentary rule in Nigeria had no reason to do so because it had failed Nigerians in the past.
“I, therefore, express my strong support for a Presidential system, with the current federal structure that we have.
“Any democracy, be it parliamentary or presidential, needs an educated society to thrive. That will also help the people to know the rules of the game.” (NAN)
SSI/ETS
=======
June 1, 2024
Labour strike ill-timed, unnecessary – NECA
Strike
By Esenvosa Izah
Lagos, June 1, 2024 (NAN) The Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA), has urged organised labour to shelve its planned indefinite strike as it could reverse the recent marginal gains on the economy.
NECA’s Director-General, Mr Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, who made the call in a statement on Saturday, said the strike could incapacitate the private sector.
Oyerinde said that the call for strike was ill-timed and ill-advised, and would not only impoverish Nigerians, “but also escalate the already worrisome unemployment situation”.
“The call for an indefinite strike even when the Tripartite Committee has not completed its proceedings, is ill-advised.
“The committee, being a tripartite committee, with equal right and privileges, was to consult extensively and make recommendations to the President and Commander-in-Chief.
“The president’s final approval will, thereafter, be passed to the National Assembly for legislative action before the president will give assent.
“Aggrieved parties are at liberty to make representations and freely express their views at the National Assembly before a new National Minimum Wage Bill will be passed into law.
“While it is normal for parties to have divergent opinion, the President and Commander-in-Chief has the final authority.
“It is, therefore, worrisome that Organised Labour would call for an indefinite strike when these processes are yet to be concluded,“ he said.
The director-general, however, said that the Organised Private Sector of Nigeria(OPSN), would do all that was necessary, within extant legislation, to protect its interest and survival, should the strike commence.
He said that OPSN remains committed to a new national minimum wage.
He observed, however, that in the current macro-economic circumstances, the odds were greatly stacked against organised businesses with consequential effects on job security.
“It is our strong view that any amount beyond what the OPSN offered, could further escalate the already worsened health of many businesses, especially the Small and Medium Enterprises, and drive others to the precipice.
“That situation could potentially compound the bad unemployment rate and worsen the insecurity situation in the country,” he said.
Oyerinde also called on the Federal Government to fast-track the implementation of reliefs for Nigerians, while reversing, without delay, the recent hike in electricity tariff. (NAN)
EEI/ETS
=======
June 1, 2024
NIPC launches investment certification programme for economic growth
NIPC launches investment certification programme for economic growth

Certification

By Jessica Dogo

Abuja, June 1, 2024 (NAN) The Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC) has launched its Investment Certification Programme for States (NICPS) in Enugu State to enhance the investment climate for economic growth in the country.

The Executive-Secretary of NIPC, Aisha Rimi, made this known in a statement on Saturday in Abuja.

Rimi said NIPC was partnering with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), under its Integrated National Financing Framework (INFF) Phase II project.

She said that the European Union (EU), would also support the implementation of the Nigerian Investment Certification Programme for States (NICPS), of which Enugu State is one of the beneficiaries.

Rimi said Enugu State, with its rich natural resources and vibrant economic potential, stands to gain significantly from the initiative.

She said that the launch would also follow similar visits and workshops in Ekiti and Gombe states, aimed at improving their investment climates.

According to her, NICPS focuses on providing accurate investment information, facilitating necessary infrastructure, and professionally packaging this information to attract investors.

She added, “The programme would also boost investment inflows, create jobs, and increase the state’s revenue.”

Rimi thanked the state government for these strategic initiatives and their hospitality and looked forward to continued collaboration.

Meanwhile, Gov. Peter Mbah, emphasised the state’s commitment to creating a business-friendly environment, saying.

Mba, represented by his Deputy, Ifeanyi Ossai, said his administration has initiatives that align with the objectives of the program e, including rehabilitating industries and establishing industrial parks.

“We aim to build a private sector-driven economy.”

“The Enugu Geographic Information Service (ENGIS) was also highlighted for its role in streamlining land titling processes,” the governor said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that NIPC is the apex agency of the Federal Government, established to encourage, promote, and coordinate all investments in Nigeria.

It is designed to empower states to attract and manage investments efficiently,” (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

JEZ/BRM
===============
Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani
June 1, 2024