Day: April 2, 2023

Zayma Islamic Research Centre, an NGO, has admonished Muslim women to uphold the virtues of Salat (prayer) in accordance with the Holy Qur’an and teachings of Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him).

The centre’s National Coordinator, Mrs Shifa’a Garba gave the admonition at a women Ramadan lecture organised by the Al-Habibiyyah Islamic Society, on Saturday in Abuja.

Garba also enjoined muslim women on the need to respect the Islamic values and ensure high sense of modesty during and after the month of Ramadan.

She said that salat was the daily ritual prayer enjoined upon all Muslims as one of the five Pillars of Islam.

Garba said: “Each Salat is preceded by ablution, and prayer is categorised as Salat al-fajr (dawn) al-zuhr (mid day), al-asr (afternoon), al-magrib (sun set) and al-Isha (evening).

“Individual performance of salat is permissible and can be offered in any clean space either at home or at work, while collective worship in the mosque has special merit.

“Completing the five daily prayers as taught by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is an obligation for all Muslims especially women who are home managers.”

She added that the status of Salat in Islam was such a key part of a Muslim’s life, adding, “so much so that one could never be separated from Salat.”

The national coordinator said observance of five daily salat prevents indecency and wickedness, erase sins, as well as serves as a solution to all problems.

Garba said: “Salat leads to bountiful rewards and salat is a means to attain Allah’s love and become closer to Him.”

Also, Mrs Maryam Mohammed, who described the lecture as timely, commended Al-habibiyyah for giving priority to the issue of gender.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the lecture was attended by

women from different districts and areas of the nation’s capital.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

A former Minister of State for Defence, Sen. Musiliu Obanikoro, says those protesting and kicking against the inauguration of the President-elect, Sen. Bola Tinubu, on May 29, should not turn the country into a “banana republic”.

Obanikoro, also a former Ambassador of Nigeria to Ghana, made the remark while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the sideline of the 9th Ramadan Lecture of Anwar-Ul Islam College, Agege, Old Students’ Association (ACAOSA), on Saturday in Lagos.

NAN reports that the Ramadan Lecture had in attendance various alumni of the school including Obanikoro; Alhaji Tunde Balogun, former Lagos APC Chairman; civil servants, technocrats; entrepreneurs; legal practitioners and academics.

The lecture was titled, “Islamic Perspective of a Good Governance: Any Lesson for Nigeria?”

Obanikoro said: “They are daydreaming. There is no perfect election anywhere in the world.

“For anyone that is not satisfied, what is next is to go through the judiciary. If you feel aggrieved, go to the court.

“We cannot turn Nigeria into a banana republic.

“Our system is not perfect, it is a work in progress, we have to continue to work at it until we get to a situation that all of us will be comfortable with.”

Describing as sad and unfortunate the calls by some people for Interim National Government, Obanikoro said that those calling for it showed that they did not appreciate democracy, hence not qualified to lead such government.

“It sounds crazy to me,” he added.

On the Ramadan Lecture, Obanikoro, who described good governance as teaching of God in Quran and Bible, said that governance should be about putting people first.

“The idea is to help the vulnerable among us and create a society where we will be our brother’s keepers.

“That is the essence of governance, and that is what the religion of Islam or Christianity is preaching almost on a daily basis,” he said.

Obanikoro, who was presented an award by ACAOSA for his contributions to the school through the association, said it was a privilege to give back to the school that had given them so much.

“Giving back comes naturally. I commend the ACAOSA for honouring us and we shall do more.

“Anytime you are recognised by your peers for doing something special, you have to appreciate it because you are not the only one, there are others too,” he said.

Commending the organisers for their tenacity, Obanikoro said that the association would continue to do more for the college.

Similarly, Alhaji Lawal Pedro (SAN), the President General, ACAOSA, also told NAN that those protesting against the May 29 inauguration of Tinubu were not democrats, saying “they are people who do not mean well for the country”.

Maintaining that the election was relatively free and fair considering the number of states each of the major contenders won, Pedro urged those who lost to plan for the next electoral cycle.

“These people should not be tolerated, in fact the necessary authorities should go after them. If they have evidence of being rigged, they should take it to the court rather can constituting nuisance,” he said.

Also, Alhaji Tunde Balogun, former Lagos APC Chairman, another recipient of ACAOSA Life Time Award, said that the college had done a lot of positive things for him in life.

“My life was shaped and given foundation by this college. I came into this school at age 14 and left when I was an adult.

“It is was a great privilege for this school to have helped me in building my character and preparing me for what I do now,” the former Senior Prefect Boy of the college said.

The Chairman of the day, Alhaji Fola Adeola, said that the school had produced so many great personalities in Nigeria.

Adeola, who was represented Mr Yinka Adeola, his brother, noted that the association was proud of the feats of the college in the area of academics, sports and others.

NAN reports that other awardees include Alhaji S. Adeyanju, the first College Imam (1960-1963); Dr A. Omofade, a former Permanent Secretary in Lagos State and Prof. Alade Akintonwa, former Dean, Faculty of Basic Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Lagos.

Others are Alhaji Rasaq Yusuf, a retired civil servant, and Alhaji Abdul-Ganiu Ajala, a Surveyor among others.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

A political support group, Tinubu Vanguard, has urged the Federal Government and the government of Cross River to take over burial arrangements of late Senate President, Joseph Wayas.

The Director-General of Tinubu Vanguard, Dr Johnny Benjamin, said this in a statement on Sunday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Wayas, a former Nigerian Senate President in the Second Republic, died in a London hospital on Dec. 1, 2021, after a protracted illness.

He was 80 years old.

According to Benjamin, the National Leadership of Tinubu Vanguard, calls on both the Federal and Cross River governments to take over the burial arrangements of Wayas and give him a national burial were in order.

“We deeply regret to identify many undisclosed factors that contributed to the death of this great man who spent a better part of his life serving his fatherland.

“Wayas lived a worthy life devoid of abuse of power while serving this great nation in different capacities, especially as President of the Senate,” he said.

Benjamin described the late politician as a shining star, who set a strong and positive model for the admiration and

emulation of the younger generation.

He said the neglect of his remains in a foreign hospital was a national embarrassment.

“He lived a moderate life, such that he never saw the opportunity to serve

as an avenue to enrich himself, rather, he diligently rendered the desired service to the nation.

“We, therefore, call on the government of Cross River and leadership of the National Assembly, to as a matter of utmost importance, ensure immediate settlement of all outstanding issues with the foreign hospital and return his body to be given a national burial.

“We also call on the National Assembly to pass a resolution to name a national monument, preferably a library,

after the former Senate President,” he said.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Leaders of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and democratic actors in Africa have called on leaders on the continent to develop policy frameworks that would ensure better relations between Africa and other western countries.

They advised that the framework should focus on clear, coordinated and established objectives, methods of work, strategies and priorities for Africa and its citizenry.

The CSO leaders made the call in a communiqué issued after a two-day Summit for democracy made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Sunday by Wealth Ominabo, Communications Officer, Goodluck Jonathan Foundation.

The summit tagged: “Strengthening African Partnerships and Amplifying Africa’s Global Voice,” held in Lusaka, Zambia, was jointly organised by Open Society Foundation -Africa (OSF-Africa) and the Institute for Security Studies (ISS).

The communiqué stated that the leaders deliberated on Africa’s place in the world and focused on the navigation of partnerships within a dynamic and shifting global multilateral system.

“We call upon all African stakeholders and partners including the African Union Commission, AU member states, civil society organisations and all other relevant stakeholders to further develop a robust communication policy at country-levels.

“This will help the continent to set its agenda and put more focus on Afro-centric goals and establish an office of global communications, which should include a continental press agency and television.

“Engage in peer-to-peer technical exchange with similar organisations in projecting Africa’s image, and interests,” the leaders said in the communiqué.

They also called on Africa leaders to develop an independent mechanism to monitor and evaluate its partnerships.

The CSOs and democratic actors also called on Africa leaders to establish and maintain strategic intelligence units at the continental and regional levels to support its economic diplomacy.

They also called on Africa leaders to enlist the support of African universities and research institutions to assist the continent in shaping its international relations through research and other knowledge products.

“We also call upon all African stakeholders and partners to encourage African Civil Society and the African Diaspora to play a role in shaping and coordinating a common African position.

”They should identify and strengthen African soft and smart powers in international relations,” the communiqué added.

The summit applauded the AU position to bid for an additional African seat in the G-20 as well as the efforts made to streamline the AU’s multiple partnerships.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Puresouls Learning Foundation, in partnership with Terra Kulture, Lagos, on Sunday commenced a week-long art exhibition to commemorate World Autism Day 2023.

A statement issued on Sunday by Dotun Akande, Founder of the Puresouls Learning Foundation and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Lagos, said that the exhibition scheduled to hold between April 2 and April 8 has as its theme “Embracing Art Through the Lens of the Differently Abled”.

According to him, the exhibition, which is the third of the foundation’s annual Autism Day, is to demonstrate that children on the autism spectrum have unique abilities that should be celebrated.

Akande said the exhibition would feature works by children living on the autism spectrum and those with other related developmental disorders.

“Some of the young artists whose works would be featured include Zizah Okeugo, Christine Mike-Nnaji, Daniel Ayomikun Okolie, Oluwadamiloju Yomi-Adeyemi, Preye Azazi, Funom Oti Wenyang and Chijindu Chukwunomnso Ijomah, ” Akande said.

He said that the theme of this year’s event emphasises the importance of creative activities in supporting the mental development of children living with autism spectrum disorders.

He also noted that it would showcase talented young artists who have overcome societal barriers and stigmatisation to express their creativity through their art.

“At Puresouls, we have grown to appreciate the challenges, authenticity and individuality of children living with autism spectrum disorders and their ties to creativity.

“Having found that art therapy can help stabilise emergency care, develop skills, and keep an optimistic psyche, we are focused on using this to aid the development of their self-esteem, self-awareness, and mental control.

“The exhibition will feature an array of inspiring artworks, ranging from paintings to drawings, showcasing the unique perspectives of these young artists.

“The exhibition is open to the public, and everyone is encouraged to attend and show their support for these young artists.

“Visitors will have the opportunity to purchase some of the artworks on display, and the proceeds will support children on the autism spectrum,” Akande said.

He noted that the World Health Organisation (WHO) expected everyone, including those with autism, to have the best physical and emotional wellness they could achieve.

Akande regretted that those on the autism spectrum were frequently subjected to stigma and discrimination, including unfair denial of health care, education, and chances to interact and contribute to their communities.

The statement quoted Mrs Esther Okeugo, a parent of one of the participating artists, as saying that “every child, regardless of their abilities or limitations, had a unique talent that can be nurtured and celebrated”.

“The exhibition provides a platform for children living with autism to showcase their artistic talents and remind us that developmental challenges do not define them.

“As a parent of one of the featured artists, I am proud to be a part of this event that celebrates the creativity and resilience of our children and encourages society to embrace inclusivity and diversity,” Okeugo said

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Mr Festus Olumati, Port Manager, Nigerian Port Authority (NPA), Calabar Port, has said that the volume of vessels berthing at the Calabar Port has led to massive economic prosperity.

Olumati said this on Sunday in Calabar while on an oversight duty at the Port terminal where over four vessels were discharging their various cargos and petroleum product.

The Port Manager said that one of the vessels, “MV Desert Unity”, berthed at the Port with 16,000 metric tons of wheat, while “MV Medi Bangkok” berthed with 18,251 metric tons of general cargo including cars, trucks and project pipes.

According to him, the other two vessels berthed at the Port with premium motor spirit, while others were still at the Calabar Fairway Bouy and ready to berth for discharge.

“Today is Sunday, but there is tremendous activities going on in the port. As you can see, Calabar Port is very viable and working at optimal capacity.

“In line with the mandate given to us by our able Managing Director, Mr Mohammed Bello-Koko, that the Eastern Port must work, I had to swing into action to make it a reality.

“Also, in line with the mandate of the MD, I went out of the box to hunt for cargos to come into Calabar. The high traffic we see here today at the port is as a result of the mandate given to us by our MD.

“For the past 10 years, we have never had it like this where over five vessels will be berthing and discharging back-to-back at the Calabar Port.

“Special thanks to the MD of NPA for giving us all the requirements to work and achieve result. All our submissions to him for the Eastern Port to work have been approved.

“For these vessels to come here, we had to ask for concessional rate from the MD of NPA for those who bring in cargos and he gave the approval,” he said.

He said that the Port management was utilising the concessional rate strategy to woo vessels to the Calabar Port.

He told members of the public and maritime operators that the Calabar Port was viable, visible and very reliable to use, adding that the Port has modern equipment to discharge cargos.

“As you can see, our workers are effective and efficient and everything is done perfectly. The commitment of staff of NPA and the Eco Marine Terminal workers is quite commendable,” he said.

On security, he said that recently, a detachment of marine police were deployed to the Port to ensure maximum security for the Port in synergy with the NPA police command and Port security officers.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Port is currently a beehive of activities with youths engaged in various jobs.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria