The Nation Newspaper

Category: Sunday magazine

  • Foursquare unveils hospital to address health needs

    Foursquare unveils hospital to address health needs

    Foursquare Gospel Church has unveiled an ultramodern hospital to address critical health needs of the people.

    The hospital was unveiled during the grand finale of the church’s 70th Annual Convention held at the Foursquare Camp, Ajebo, Ogun State.

    Speaking at the convention, the General Overseer, Reverend Sam Aboyeji, declared that the church has entered its season of jubilee after 70 years of existence, describing the milestone as a divine turning point ordained by God.

    Rev. Aboyeji drew inspiration from Jeremiah 29:10, emphasizing that God Himself had set the agenda for the next phase of the church’s journey.

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    He noted that ultramodern hospital will serve as succour to people living within the communities.

    “In Nigeria today, accessing healthcare without insurance is difficult. Most people in these rural areas cannot even afford basic health insurance. Our small health center attended to over 2,500 patients last year alone, so we decided to upgrade the facility. The state government approved the plan, and now we have a hospital that will serve even more people,” he explained.

    He added that the new facility would continue to provide critical medical support for thousands who rely on the church’s outreach programs.

  • Zion Ministry hosts global convention to mark anniversary

    Zion Ministry hosts global convention to mark anniversary

    Zion Missionary Church, Sapele, Delta State, marked a historic milestone as it celebrated its 27th anniversary with a 40-day fasting and prayer convention graced by international preachers and revivalists from far and near.

    In a statement, the church said the convention, with the theme, ‘”You Will Survive by Fire'(1 Corinthians 3:15), was a sacred season of dedication, unity, and revival centred on the unshakable truth that Jesus Christ alone is the way, the truth, and the life.

    The statement reads, “It drew a remarkable assembly of international preachers and revivalists from India, South Africa, Kenya, and across Nigeria, united under one divine purpose: to rekindle faith in Christ, strengthen perseverance among believers, and call for moral and spiritual restoration in the nation.”

    Bishop Kingsley Enakirheri, immediate past PFN Chairman (Delta State), delivered one of the most stirring messages of the event, declaring boldly, “Any religion without Jesus is fake.” Quoting Mark 9:23 and Isaiah 43:1-3, he emphasised that true salvation, power, and hope are found only in the message of Jesus Christ.

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    Enakirheri reminded believers that no storm or trial can overcome those whose faith is anchored in the Saviour.

    Distinguished ministers, including Apostles Emmanuel Arinze (India) and David Uku Yoma (South Africa), Bishop Patrick Mukala (Kenya), Archbishop Ubaga, and Evangelist Vera Akpan, joined hands in spirit and mission, proclaiming revival through faith, perseverance, and service.

    Together, they challenged the body of Christ to rise above discouragement, to work diligently, and to extend helping hands to the needy — reflecting the love and endurance of Jesus.

    Presiding Bishop Elijah Sandy recounted the church’s humble beginnings in Sapele and celebrated its steady growth into a ministry with national and international impact.

    He called on believers everywhere to remain steadfast, prayerful, and hardworking, emphasising that true success — both spiritual and material — is born from dedication to God’s purpose and unity in Christ.

    The convention concluded with a heartfelt session of intercession led by Pastor Shillo Gideon, sealing the atmosphere with fervent prayers for revival, strength, and continued growth. The power of God moved mightily, leaving hearts rekindled and spirits reawakened for the next phase of Kingdom advancement.

  • Why always female gender?

    Why always female gender?

    •Students condemn age-long culture that prescribes high moral rule for girls while freeing the boys

    In what could be described as an attempt at rupturing the status quo, youths, in this piece by Daniel Akinte queries a tradition that places huge weight on women, while glossing over men’s recklessness.

    Amid the hustle of campus life, sleepless study nights and an unending competition for seats in lecture halls brimming with sweaty faces, an unspoken rule quietly shapes how students see themselves and others.

    Conversations about sexual purity often linger in the shadows, yet when they surface, they are almost always tied to female gender—treated either as a fragile virtue to guard or a heavy burden to bear.

    At Adekunle Ajasin University in Akungba-Akoko, Ondo State, Sunday Excellence, a 400-level Public Administration student shared a story that runs deeper than her academic pursuit. From an early age, she observed how society often weighed heavier expectations of sexual discipline on the female child than the male.

    Rather than rebel against this pressure, Excellence made a deliberate choice that she would walk the path of chastity, not out of fear, but as a conviction she chose to live by.

    Being the firstborn, she understood the responsibility of setting a positive example not only for her younger siblings but also for those who looked up to her.

    “Definitely, Yes. I know if I have a pregnancy out of wedlock, that’ll be the end of my education –at least for that moment. Aside from this, as a first born daughter, I have to set an example for my younger siblings – both male and female; even other young ones that look up to me,” Excellence said.

    “Sexual purity to me means no sexual immorality. It also means that if I’m abstaining from sexual activities, my mind and my thoughts must be clean and not dirty. Even with what I watch or download online.

    “My faith balanced the foundation on how my upbringing shaped my perspective about sexual purity. Upbringing warned me about the dangers of pre-marital sex while my faith expounded better on why I should be sexually pure.”

    She explained that this double standard (of prescribing different rules for the different sexes) gives many young men a sense of unchecked freedom, allowing them to act without restraint, while women continue to bear the heavier judgment when it comes to premarital sexual expectations.

    “Because of the inequality that’s already embedded in our culture, institutions and minds, guys grow wings and even do worse,” Excellence said.

    “Society passes more warnings to the female gender, excluding the fact that sexual behaviour is between both the male and female genders.

    “The male gender is excluded from the standards laid down by the society. Even when there’s a repercussion, the female gender faces more shame and stigmatisation than the male gender.”

    Responsibility should be on both genders

    Excellence emphasises that sexual discipline should be seen as a responsibility for both male and female genders, not a burden only on females.

    “Young men should understand that the pressure is overwhelming and even depressing. And the responsibility or pressure should be on both genders, not majorly on the female,” she argued.

    “Nobody should be more pressured than the other…. Let the pressure reach everybody. Society must see both genders as equal entities, especially when it comes to sexual purity. Everybody must be included in sex education, disadvantages of sexual immorality, etc.”

    More balanced approach to sexual discipline advocated

    Folorunsho Sunday, a corps member and graduate of the Polytechnic of Ibadan, Oyo State, echoes Excellence’s view, calling for a fairer approach where men and women alike bear equal responsibility for their sexual behaviour.

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    “I will want men to be held accountable for their actions. Also, men should be able to have a role model who is worth emulating that can transform their sexual behaviour or reasoning. And promoting equal responsibility for sexual discipline requires a determined approach that involves education, culture, and individual accountability or transparency.

    “A balanced relationship will bring about a lot of positive things to take-off in such a relationship, because it will give room to open communication; it will also increase trust and reduce pressure on the two partners, while bringing about equitable dynamics, where both parties share responsibilities and understand the circumstances,” Sunday said.

    You can’t impose sexual equality

    Sunday is of the belief that while sexual purity is a universal expectation, it is not something that can be imposed or shaped by a collective societal standard.

    “Sexual purity is actually expected of everyone. It is the process of being faithful or abstinence from sexual activities before marriage.

    “Equality can’t be shaped in our society because it has never been so ordained. Besides, equality, though necessary, is mostly abused and/or misused by the female gender, in terms of power and freedom. These opportunities, in most cases, are always misused. So, if they (females) are not able to manage these, then the idea of equality between the genders will continue to be a mirage,” Sunday said.

    Lasisi Romoke, a second-year Sociology student at the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), shares the view that society applies unequal standards to men and women when it comes to pre-marital sexual behaviour.

    “Society often stigmatizes a lady that engages in pre-marital sexual behaviour because the expectation is for women to hold themselves till marriage, to be modest and undefiled,” Romoke said.

    “However, the expectations on men are less stringent, because men are known to be dominant and freer in their choices. And this, clearly, is an inequality.

    For Ekeke Samuel, a 300-level Pharmacy student at Osun State University, however, true equality in matters of sexual discipline can only be achieved if men, too, commit to abstinence.

    “Abstinence is what would make men take equal responsibility for sexual discipline —a situation where boys and unmarried young men abstain from sex until they’re married,” Samuel said.

    Embarrassed on behalf of the men

    Michael Charity, a final-year Mass Communication student at Adekunle ajasin university Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), emphasises that sexual purity goes beyond physical actions, describing it as both a matter of the heart and a deliberate choice.

    “Sexual purity is not just by physical action,” Charity said. “It also has to do with the heart because there’s a way you can actually not engage with physical fornication or adultery without the heart or a premeditation of such a thing.

    Charity remarked that she would feel embarrassed for any man applauded for actions that would earn her condemnation, viewing such praise as a clear sign of society’s harmful double standards.

    “I just feel ashamed for them since they don’t have shame,” she said.

    “I’m always angry and like ‘what’s happening here’? And I’ve seen different cases on social media where guys will come online to make videos that ‘sexual purity is an old school thing, that a man should at least have sex with a lady before getting married to them’ and I’d be like ‘I’m ashamed for you people.’”

    Organise sexual purity programmes for men too

    For Charity, the way to address the issue of sexual discipline is by making it a shared effort. She believes that instead of targeting only women, programmes and discussions about sexual purity should also include men.

    “The positive approach is that focus shouldn’t be on females alone. I’ve noticed that programmes on sexual purity are always organised for ladies; and you hardly see any male there. That is not the way to go. I would like programmes on sexual purity to be organised for brothers as well,” she stated.

    “I’ve seen cases whereby members of the male gender openly express the belief that if anyone should worry about sexual disciplined, it should be the female. They feel they have the right to do whatever they like and have sex with different ladies. ‘It’s normal for a guy to cheat but a sin for a lady to cheat,’ one even said.”

    However, the students’ remarks reflect the message of Hebrews 13:4, which uphold marriage as honorable and the marital bed as pure, while warning that God will judge those who practice immorality or adultery.

    Historical context of sexual purity

    Sexual purity is an idea with deep roots in religious and social traditions.  Historically, it was tied to a woman’s worth and marriage prospects, later expanding into Christian ideals of premarital chastity and marital fidelity.

    Today, society unfairly burdens female gender with the responsibility for sexual purity while excusing the male, creating a double standard that shames women but spares or even praises men for the same behaviour.

    Expert’s view

    Pastor Adewuyi Adegbite, a Computing Sciences lecturer at AAUA, linked harsher judgment of female sexual impurity to societal perceptions of gender and purity.

    He said: “It is about the physiological composition of male and females. The female body most times gets easier attention and they have more body parts that get attention of the opposite gender than the male.

    “When females dress wrongly or showcase impurity, most of the time it is the opposite gender that most evaluates them, because men are moved by what they see more while females are moved by words.

    “That is why you will notice that society condemns men saying immoral things more because females are moved more by that, while the same society condemns females dressing in a revealing way because it attracts the male more.”

    Psychological impacts of shaming women while sparing men

    Adegbite noted that the unfairness of shaming women for sexual impurity while excusing men “is very bad because it’s a two-party thing,” citing the biblical story of the adulterous woman, where the crowd sought her condemnation but spared the equally guilty man.

    “Shaming a woman makes a woman feel the right to do it, which is not right. If any have to be brought to book, it should be both of them (male and female) because both of them are involved,”Adegbite explained.

    Fostering equitable and healthier approach to sexual discipline for both genders

    To foster equitable and healthier approach to sexual discipline, Adegbite called on religious and community leaders to provide proper sex education for both genders, stressing it should not be treated as taboo.

    “We just keep telling people the need to be sexually pure. There should be proper orientation. Sex education is necessary at different levels and people should have the right knowledge due to different ideologies that promote impurities.

    “The best is for the religious community and the community to educate people. People should be educated properly on sex education. We shouldn’t put sex as something bad. Sex should not be talked about as a taboo,” Adegbite urged.

  • How Nigeria-South African relationships can be strengthened

    How Nigeria-South African relationships can be strengthened

    In an era of shifting global trade dynamics and rising geopolitical uncertainties, Nigeria and South Africa- two economic powerhouses on the continent-are being urged to chart a new path of cooperation that goes beyond rhetoric and rivalry. At the just concluded Media Innovation Programme (MIP) study tour in South Africa, experts, academics, and media professionals agree the two countries must harness their complementary strengths in trade, industrialisation, blue economy, and the creative industry to unlock the continent’s collective potential. Precious Igbonwelundu reports.

    From the University of Johannesburg‘s Business School where a two-day Media Innovation Summit was held through the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA), down to the Department of International Relations and Corporation and Nigerian Mission in South Africa, the need for Nigeria and South Africa to set aside their differences and collaborate more across sectors in order to lift the African continent resonated strongly.

    For one week, 22 students of the MTN Nigeria-sponsored Media Innovation Programme (MIP) at the School of Media and Communications (SMC), Pan-Atlantic University (PAU) were in South Africa for an exchange programme that saw them visiting landmark public institutions like the University of Johannesburg (UJ); MTN Group Headquarters; the Nelson Mandela Museum, Soweto; the Apartheid Museum, Soweto; SAIIA; Department of International Relations and Corporation, and the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria, to help the students better understand the history of that country and to put xenophobia in context.

    The conversations underscored that Nigeria and South Africa have more to gain as partners than as rivals.

    From boosting intra-African trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to co-creating cultural content that reshapes global perceptions of Africa, both nations sit at a pivotal crossroads.

    Reclaiming Africa’s story through media diplomacy

    The summit in Johannesburg echoed another urgent need: re-shaping Africa’s narrative. At the University of Johannesburg (UJ), where the event coincided with the institution’s 20th anniversary, media diplomacy took centre stage.

    Head, School of Communication, UJ, Prof. Rene Benecke, reminded delegates of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s warning on “the danger of a single story.” She challenged African journalists to reject portrayals of the continent as a place defined solely by war, corruption, and poverty.

    “Our role is to tell the fuller, richer stories of Africa,” introducing participants to the “BANI world”- a reality that is brittle, anxious, non-linear, and incomprehensible.

    Prof Benecke argued that only adaptive thinking and responsible communication can help Africa navigate global uncertainties, including the rise of artificial intelligence and algorithmic biases.

    Similarly, the Executive Dean of Humanities, Prof. Kammila Naidoo, described the summit as a “platform for examining how both traditional and digital media can strengthen African agenda in global affairs.”

    With South Africa set to host the G20 Leaders’ Summit in November, she stressed that moments like this present opportunities to “position an African agenda and shape international discourse.”

    Forging a future beyond oil, tarrifs and imports

    At SAIIA, Programme Head of African Governance and Diplomacy, Steven Gruzd, who hosted the visiting fellows at the University of the Witwatersrand re-echoed that both nations must move beyond dependence on oil, tariffs, and imports to build resilient partnerships.

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    “With the way Trump has been acting on tariffs and using them as weapons, I do not think AGOA is going to continue in the same form that it was,” he said, warning that Africa’s reliance on the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) leaves it vulnerable. “South Africa and Nigeria do need to put their heads together as to how to industrialise, diversify and develop really dynamic business relations,” he added.

    Gruzd highlighted the growing presence of Nigerian businesses in South Africa and South African firms in Nigeria as proof of untapped opportunities. He urged both countries to invest more aggressively in the blue economy (marine resources, shipping, and shipbuilding) as well as the creative sector, citing Nollywood and Afrobeats as cultural exports with unmatched global influence.

    “These sectors offer untapped potential for growth and regional leadership,” he said, adding that greater collaboration could boost job creation, reduce economic shocks, and strengthen Africa’s global competitiveness.

    Building bridges through Education, Collaboration

    For MTN Nigeria, which launched MIP in 2022 in partnership with Pan-Atlantic University (PAU), the summit was also a reminder of the power of corporate-backed capacity building. Over 3,700 Nigerian journalists applied this year, but only 20 were selected – an indication of the programme’s growing prestige.

    “This programme has become the most sought-after media partnership in Nigeria. If Nigeria and South Africa get it right, the continent gets it right. That is why we bring journalists here, to deepen understanding and foster collaboration,” said Funso Aina, Senior Manager for External Relations at MTN Nigeria.

    Prof. Isaac Ezechukwu of PAU’s School of Media and Communication echoed this, describing MIP as Africa’s most transformative media education initiative. He called for greater investment in media education from governments and corporate actors, noting that “media is an infrastructure for national development, deserving commensurate policy attention.”

    Appreciating the gains of the programme, MTN Group in collaboration with UJ and The African Editors Forum (TAEF) on September 12, launched the Pan-African MIP to equip journalists with digital, entrepreneurial and policy-reporting skills.

    The 12-week programme would blend online modules with in-person training in Johannesburg and a two-week placement with an MTN partner company.

    Fellows will study digital transformation, sustainability of independent media, ethics, entrepreneurship, and the impact of emerging technologies across MTN’s 16 markets to strengthen African journalism at a time of growing disinformation and fragile media business models.

  • Celebrated on two continents: Akinmulero bags House of Lords humanitarian award, another in Nigeria

    Celebrated on two continents: Akinmulero bags House of Lords humanitarian award, another in Nigeria

    Nigerian businesswoman, philanthropist Bolaji Akinmulero was recently honoured by the British House of Lords and back home by the 7th Southwest Legendary Awards (King’s Edition) for her philanthropy and leadership qualities. Chijioke Ezeali reports.

    Nigerian-Born humanitarian and business leader, Dr. (Chief) Mrs. Juliet Bolaji Akinmulero, has been celebrated on two continents for her outstanding contributions to leadership and humanitarian service. Within weeks, she received two prestigious honours in the United Kingdom and Nigeria, reaffirming her status as one of Nigeria‘s most accomplished global figures in philanthropy and community development.

    At the House of Lords, British Parliament, London, Dr. Akinmulero was decorated with the Distinguished Royal Mother of the Day Award and conferred with an Honorary Doctorate in Leadership and Governance during the 3rd Global Leadership Investment Summit and Peace Awards (GLISPA UK 2025).

    The high-level summit was organised by the United International Peace and Governance Council (UNIPGC) in partnership with the Foreign Investment Network (FIN), Euroknowledge UK, and the American University of Peace and Governance (AUPG), USA.

    The event drew prominent dignitaries including H.E. Mike Mbuvi Sonko, former Governor of Nairobi, Kenya; Hon. Likando Kalaluka, Zambia’s former Attorney General; and HRH King Dr. Olusegun Aderemi JP, the Atayero of Aramoko Kingdom, who served as the Royal Father of the Day.

    The programme was anchored by Dr. Graziella Thake, Secretary-General of UNIPGC Australia, while Amb. Dr. Jonathan Ojadah, UNIPGC Global President and Permanent Representative to the United Nations, urged honourees “to serve as peace ambassadors and champions of sustainable development.”

    Dr. Akinmulero, the Yeye Oba of Ayeka Kingdom, Ondo State, was recognised for her “leadership pedigree, professional excellence, and capacity-building prowess in transformational governance”.

    In her remarks, she said, “This is the Lord’s doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes. Every recognition is a reminder to lead with compassion and serve humanity with purpose.”

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    Her son, Tolulope David Akinmulero, a British-born American and one of the special guests at the House of Lords, expressed his pride in his mother’s achievements. He said, “I’m so proud of you, Mum. You truly deserve every award you’ve received and every one yet to come. You’re out of this world — the best mum ever. Seeing you recognised for all that you’ve done brings me so much joy, and I can’t wait to celebrate with you.”

    Her elder brother, Chief Olawande Alex Oyebobola, the Akile of Ayeka Kingdom, also received a GLISPA Peace Award and an Honorary Doctorate in Leadership and Governance, underscoring the family’s shared legacy of leadership and community service.

    Recognition at home

    Barely two weeks later, Dr. Akinmulero was once again celebrated in Nigeria as Woman of the Year (Humanitarian Service) at the 7th Southwest Legendary Awards (King’s Edition), held at JM Royal Haven, GRA, Shagamu, Ogun State. The regional awards honour individuals across the Southwest for excellence in leadership, innovation, and social impact.

    In her acceptance speech, Akinmulero said: “I’m truly honoured to receive the Woman of the Year (Humanitarian) award from the Southwest Legendary Award. This recognition means so much—but more than anything, it’s a reminder that the work continues. To me, this award is not just an honour; it’s a challenge—to reach more lives, to serve with greater impact, and to keep showing up where it matters most.”

    Her words earned a standing ovation, with several dignitaries describing her as a model of integrity, humility, and consistent service.

    Sustained humanitarian impact

    Earlier in the year, Dr. Akinmulero had received the United Nations Outstanding Humanitarian Award in New York, presented by the Permanent Mission of Senegal to the United States, in recognition of her long-standing service to women empowerment and humanitarian advancement.

    She is the Chief Executive Officer of several care facilities in California, USA — including Divine Residential Group Home Corporation and Mercy Residential Home — renowned for their compassionate, person-centred care.

    Currently, registration formalities for the Aderonke Akinmulero Memorial Foundation, conceived in memory of her late daughter, Mrs. Oluwafunmilayo Aderonke Akinmulero are ongoing. The Foundation will promote education, vocational skills, and youth mentorship, extending her humanitarian mission across borders.

    A global ambassador of Nigerian excellence

    Born into the Oyebobola royal family of Owo, Ondo State, Dr. Akinmulero represents a rare blend of royal heritage and modern leadership. With British-Nigerian citizenship and U.S. permanent residency, she continues to champion cross-cultural cooperation and leadership development.

    From the United Nations Headquarters in New York to the House of Lords in London, and most recently to the Southwest Legendary Awards in Ogun State, Dr. Juliet Bolaji Akinmulero’s story is one of resilience, service, and impact.

    As she remarked at the Shagamu event, “Awards are not destinations—they are reminders to serve, to give, and to keep believing in the power of good.”

  • Re: Fear of epidemic, as refuse takes over Lagos

    Re: Fear of epidemic, as refuse takes over Lagos

    •Waste management not on verge of collapse – LAWMA

    Following the feature: Fear of epidemic, as refuse takes over Lagos, published last Sunday, which highlighted the deteriorating state of waste management in the state, the management of the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has been reacting. The Managing Director, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin in the following piece titled: ‘Waste management in Lagos – facts, causes, and ongoing fixes’, insists that it is ‘inaccurate and fallacious’ to say that the system has collapsed, even as he admitted that there are challenges and that the agency is working on fixing them.

    The attention of the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has been drawn to The Nation’s SUNDAY PARADE feature of Sunday, October 12, 2025, titled ‘Fear of Epidemic as Refuse Takes Over Lagos’, which raises some public-health concerns and posits that Lagos may be returning to the old bad and inglorious days of mountains of refuse.

    While the State Government, through the Lagos Waste Management Authority, takes those concerns seriously, it is, however, very inaccurate and fallacious to suggest that the city’s waste-management system has “collapsed.” As of today, Lagos generates roughly 13,000 tonnes of municipal solid waste every day—which ranks among the highest in sub-Saharan Africa—and the system in place continues to collect and dispose of the vast majority of it daily through LAWMA’s public–private model with licensed PSP operators.

    The pertinent question that the report failed to highlight and which should agitate the minds of everyone is: “What could be driving the recent nuisance spots along Apapa–Mile 2–Oshodi, Ikotun–Ejigbo–Egbeda, Iyana Ipaja, LASU–Iyana Iba, and around large markets in the state?”

    These pile-ups reflect localized pressure points, not a system-wide or state-wide failure. Some major reasons stick out as being responsible for this increased pile up and include, but are not limited to: Night-time illegal dumping on medians and setbacks by residents or unlicensed collectors trying to avoid PSP service fees. The Lagos State Government has responsively tightened penalties to ₦250,000 fine or up to three months’ imprisonment for illegal dumping and littering, while enforcement is active and ongoing.

    There has also been a Market-area surge in waste, which comes in the form of high, continuous inflows from traders and non-traders who bring street waste to market frontages, overwhelming daytime loading windows amidst heavy traffic. (Lagos Waste Management Authority LAWMA ) has repeatedly cautioned against using medians as collection points and back up PSPs with targeted “intervention” clearances.)

    Also noticeable is the return of banned, illegal collectors (“cart pushers”) in some districts, who typically dump refuse at night into canals and road medians, creating the very eyesores residents decry. Authorities have renewed crackdowns with LAWMA and partner agencies undertaking arrests and prosecutions for these offences—with over 300 persons arrested and prosecuted by April 2025 alone—through day/night surveillance with KAI/LAGESC.

    As a responsible and responsive organisation, LAWMA is responding to the new challenges by undertaking hotspot clearance & night operations through intensified “intervention” sweeps on the named corridors (including Apapa–Mile 2–Oshodi; Ikotun–Jakande Gate; LASU–Iyana Iba), with night evacuations to prevent daytime re-accumulation, paired with targeted enforcement.

    The organization is also undertaking PSP performance management through ongoing route reviews, backup services where private capacity is thin, and directory transparency so that residents can reach assigned PSP operators.

    Public reporting channels have also been provided so that residents can report black spots and service gaps via 080000LAWMA (08000052962), 07080601020, or the short code 617, or email info@lawma.gov.ng. which are all LAWMA’s official, published hotlines.

    The government is also embarking upon structural system upgrades that come with structural fixes. These include decommissioning legacy landfills & building modern infrastructure through which Lagos is transitioning Olusosun (Ojota) and Solous III (Igando) away from open dumping towards a network built around Transfer Loading Stations (TLS) and Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs)—with timelines publicly stated and preparatory works ongoing. This shift shortens haulage, speeds turnaround for PSP trucks, and keeps markets and highways clear.

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    Also part of the structural upgrade is the Waste-to-Energy pathway, where, as part of the end-state system, the state has outlined waste-to-energy capacity (e.g., Epe) to handle residuals after recycling/composting, reducing landfill reliance and methane emissions. There are also plans to introduce Compact/Mobile TLS at pressure points to stop medians from becoming de facto dumps. LAWMA has advanced plans to introduce compact/mobile TLS that will relocate loading off the roadway and into controlled nodes—especially around large markets and dense corridors.

    We are also undertaking organic management & biogas at source: roughly 6,500 tonnes of Lagos’ waste stream is organic. LAWMA’s Ketu-Ikosi market biogas project pilots on-site treatment that will cut odour, reduce bulk, and generate useful energy—an approach now being scaled through training and partnerships.

    While LAWMA’s marine unit continues clean-ups around Five Cowries Creek and related in-water interventions, working to prevent canal outfalls from pushing litter into the lagoon system. The agency recently screened off 22 canal outlets along Five Cowries Creek to prevent waste from ever entering the canal. This will be extended to other canal outfalls throughout the state.

    LAWMA is also in the process of procuring additional compactor trucks for PSP waste collectors, which will improve service delivery and reliability statewide when coupled with the introduction of the new Transfer Loading Stations (TLS) that will reduce turnaround time, enabling the PSP operators to evacuate waste more rapidly from the doorsteps of Lagosians.

    It must be stressed that Lagos’ scale is unique, with the capacity to manage 13,000 tonnes/day in a megacity of 20M+ people that requires continuous upgrading of assets and rules—not a one-time fix with that upgrade already underway and publicly documented. Eyesores are preventable: Where residents must bag waste, keep bins, pay their assigned PSPs, and avoid illegal collectors, medians do not become loading points—and enforcement will continue against violators under the updated penalty regime. Enforcement is real, as arrests and prosecutions of offenders have increased; penalties are stiffer; and surveillance now targets nighttime dumping, when most infractions occur.

    It is, however, expected that residents and businesses play their part by effectively ensuring that they use only the assigned PSP operator (door-to-door collection) and keep a covered bin—never use the median—as your staging point. Residents are to report black spots or service failures to LAWMA via 080000LAWMA (08000052962), 07080601020, 617, or info@lawma.gov.ng for rapid intervention.

    We must also segregate organics (especially in markets) and support on-site solutions, such as the Ketu-Ikosi biogas initiative, as they scale. We should not patronise illegal cart pushers—they are a proven source of median dumps and canal blockages.

    The bottom line is that Lagos is not returning to “the bad old days.” The city is tightening enforcement against illegal dumping, clearing hotspots, and, most importantly, building the next-generation system—Transfer Loading System + Material Recovery Facilities + market-area compact Transfer Loading System + organics/biogas + Waste To Energy—that will keep refuse off our roads and medians while creating jobs and cleaner neighbourhoods.

    It must, however, be stressed that environmental protection ought to be the duty of everyone, and not simply that of the government. Therefore, we all need to embrace a positive attitude towards the environment.

    With a global upsurge in the occurrence of natural disasters, partly caused by abuse of the environment, a collective approach to the protection of the environment is, without doubt, the best way to protect the city against diseases and other harmful environmental hazards.

    Dr Muyiwa Gbadegesin,

    Managing Director (LAWMA).

  • Artist crusader, Zunday, calls attention to deplorable Auchi-Igarra-Ibilo-Okene road

    Artist crusader, Zunday, calls attention to deplorable Auchi-Igarra-Ibilo-Okene road

    As the festive season approaches, Edo-born singer and social crusader Sunday Ajakaiye, better known by his stage name Zunday, has voiced the frustration of thousands of Edo North residents who have been cut off by the crumbling Auchi Igarra Ibillo Okene Road.

    For Zunday, the pain is personal. Despite his growing success as a musician, he says he cannot even travel home to visit his mother because the road, riddled with gullies and insecurity, has become a death trap and a symbol of government failure.

    “I want to go home to see my mother, to feel the village vibe, to enjoy that Christmas atmosphere,” he said with emotion. “But how can I? The road is bad, people are being kidnapped, and I do not have money for a chopper or a private jet. I am angry, not just for myself, but for everyone who cannot go home to their loved ones this season.”

    Zunday, who describes himself as the voice of the voiceless, said his anger is not about politics but about the continuous neglect of a major federal highway that connects Edo to Kogi and serves as a vital lifeline for traders, farmers, and commuters across the North Central corridor.

    “The people of Edo North are suffering in silence,” he said. “Every day, people lose vehicles, goods, and even their lives. The Auchi Ibillo road is no longer just a bad road; it has become a graveyard of promises.”

    Road of pain and broken promises

    Earlier this year, Governor Monday Okpebholo announced the rehabilitation of more than 45 failed sections of the federal road, promising that lasting repairs would be delivered. But months later, residents say not much has changed.

    Only about 9.6 kilometres have received temporary palliative work, which has already begun to deteriorate under heavy rainfall and poor drainage.

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    The full stretch of the Auchi Ibillo road estimated at about 51 kilometres remains in dire condition, riddled with craters that turn into ponds when it rains and dry into dust bowls under the sun.

    The road, once a busy commercial link between Edo, Kogi, and parts of Ondo, has now become notorious for armed robbery, kidnapping, and fatal accidents, as drivers are forced to crawl through dangerous portions.

    Where are our Representatives?

    In his statement, Zunday did not hold back his criticism of the political class, from the state government to lawmakers at both the state and federal levels, accusing them of being silent while their people suffer.

    “Where are our representatives?” he asked. “What are they doing in Abuja and Benin City while our mothers, traders, and transporters risk their lives daily on this road? We elected leaders to speak for us, not to keep quiet in comfort.”

    He called on both the Edo State Government and the Federal Ministry of Works to act decisively, urging transparency in project handling.

    “Publish the contract details, who got it, how much was paid, and when it will be completed. We deserve to know where the money is going.”

    A plea before Christmas

    With Christmas only weeks away, the artiste warned that thousands of families hoping to return home for the holidays may have to cancel their plans because of the road danger.

    “This is the time families should be coming home with joy, not fear,” he said. “How can people celebrate Christmas when every trip feels like a gamble between life and death? The government must fix this road before December so people can travel safely.”

    Let Edo North breathe again

    Zunday’s advocacy blends the energy of his music with the urgency of activism. His songs often carry messages of unity, courage, and justice, and he says this campaign will be no different.

    “This is not politics,” he emphasized. “It is about people. It is about life. It is about giving hope back to those who have been forgotten. Fix this road now and let Edo North breathe again.”

  • How Sokoto gov achieved peaceful coexistence in state – Commissioner for Religious Affairs Sani

    How Sokoto gov achieved peaceful coexistence in state – Commissioner for Religious Affairs Sani

    Dr. Jabir Sani has been entrusted by Governor Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto with the responsibility of overseeing the Ministry of Religious Affairs, Sokoto State. The ministry, among other responsibilities, manages religious affairs, and ensures peaceful coexistence among the different religious groups within the state. Maihulla holds a Ph.D. in Religious Studies from the University of Nottingham, United Kingdom, an LLM in Islamic & Middle Eastern Studies from the University of East London, UK, a B.A. in Hadith and Islamic Studies from the Islamic University of Madinah, among others. Before his appointment by the governor, he was Head of the Department of Arabic and Islamic Studies at Sokoto State University and Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Islamic Studies at the same institution. In this interview, Maihulla speaks about his crucial assignment, the challenges of working in government, and the achievements recorded so far by the ministry.

    Your ministry is not particularly new. The only difference is that Governor Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto has matched his words with action. Can you, in a nutshell, talk about the mandate of your ministry?

    The ministry, as you rightly observed, is not a new one. His Excellency, Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, the former governor, first established the ministry during his tenure. Being a highly religious person, he institutionalized religion by creating the ministry because Islam is a way of life. The Islamic religion is considered a complete way of life because it encompasses all aspects of human existence. It’s not just about religious rituals—it also provides guidance for living and addresses spiritual, social, economic, and political issues.

    For example, in personal conduct, it emphasizes ethics, morality, hygiene, and spiritual development. In social relationships, it guides interactions with non-Muslims and promotes social justice. The same applies to economic matters—wealth distribution, principles of trade, etc. So, by investing in religious affairs, the governor is addressing many issues. Take personal hygiene: a Muslim who is hygienic and keeps his environment clean will hardly need to go to the hospital. A true Muslim will not cheat or overcharge. If we provide water at the mosque, we are killing two birds with one stone—water for worshippers to perform their rituals and for the community to use.

    So, the mandate of the ministry is to touch the lives of the people, and I pray that our father, Senator Wamakko, and the governor will be rewarded for their services to Islam. His Excellency has shown the political will by reviving the ministry and ensuring that it functions. To show that he means business, it’s one of his 9-Point Smart Agendas on which he campaigned for the governorship election in 2023. The governor truly deserves commendation.

     To ensure the ministry functions effectively, he appointed a technocrat. In the past, politicians ran the ministry. With all modesty, I was a lecturer in Islamic Studies at the university and a Chief Imam of a mosque and I also studied religious affairs in the United Kingdom.

    So, if we’re talking about tolerance—I understand that, having studied in a multicultural and multi-religious society. I have lived and studied in secular societies, so I understand that visitors and non-indigenes deserve to live in peace. My background has helped in driving the ministry in the right direction.

    So your mandate is all-inclusive?

    Yes, but basically, it is to manage everything religious in the state: to ensure religious harmony and mutual coexistence among all people, and to make sure that places of worship are decent and the welfare of the people—regardless of their faith—is catered for. It might interest you to know that people of all faiths come to us for assistance, and we do assist them. We work hand in hand to manage crises. The reason those crises haven’t escalated is due to the good relationship that we maintain with all stakeholders as part of our mandate. So, one of the key mandates of the ministry is to manage religious affairs and ensure peaceful coexistence among the different religious groups within the state.

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    Why is a religious affair one of Governor Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto’s 9-Point Smart Agenda items? Being the seat of the Caliphate and the home of Usman Dan Fodio, people shouldn’t really be surprised?

    You’ve made a fundamental point—one that, unfortunately, is lost on many people. Sokoto State, being the seat of the Caliphate and the home of Sheikh Usman Dan Fodio, is a state where Islam is a way of life, and that’s no fluke. People shouldn’t be surprised. In everything, the people give religion utmost priority.

    Islam, being a way of life, allows the governor to address several issues at once. For instance, by rehabilitating mosques and providing them with water and solar power, the governor is not only enhancing the worship experience but also addressing health, water, and sanitation issues. You don’t go to the market every day, but if you are a Muslim, you must pray five times a day, which means coming into contact with many people and potential health risks. So, by ensuring that mosques are in hygienic condition, we are helping to ensure that our people remain healthy.

    Our investment has several benefits across various sectors. We’ve eliminated diseases that usually spread from unsanitary mosque toilets. So, religion being part of the Governor’s 9-Point Smart Agenda goes beyond worship—it touches on many aspects of life. In some other countries, the ministry is called the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Guidance. We also engage in guidance, but in Sokoto State, the name of the ministry remains ‘Religious Affairs.’

    Would it be fair to conclude that this is not about politics, and that the governor’s decision reflects the wishes of the people of Sokoto State?

    The Governor making religious affairs one of his 9-Point Smart Agenda priorities is certainly not about politics. But for those who insist it is, my response is that this is good politics. During Ramadan, for instance, we fed the people. We also launched a campaign against traders hiking the prices of commodities. The Zakat Agency is doing fantastic work—sponsoring orphans and less privileged students in higher institutions. They are able to do this from the proceeds donated by wealthy individuals.

    The campaign for people to live holy lives and to worship in a conducive environment is not politics. If it were politics, His Excellency would have appointed a politician to lead the ministry—but he chose someone who is apolitical. And politics, after all, is about what the people want. The people of Sokoto State have made it clear that they want the government to pay attention to religion. The governor vigorously campaigned on the 9-Point Smart Agenda and won, meaning the people accepted it.

    Again, if it were politics, there are mosques that openly campaigned against the governor during the 2023 elections. These Imams opposed Governor Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto, but we are still working with them because their worshippers are our citizens and are included in our welfare packages. If it were purely political, we would have sidelined them. But that’s not our approach.

    So how has Governor Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto achieved peaceful coexistence?

    Governor Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto has achieved peaceful coexistence in several ways. First, he has been fair to everyone—including those who didn’t vote for him—and has treated all parts of the state justly. For instance, he has concentrated development in the Sokoto metropolis and has constructed roads in areas inhabited by so-called non-indigenes. That’s what true leadership is, and it makes everyone feel included.

    As a matter of policy, the government of Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto pays WAEC/NECO fees for all students, without discrimination. That sense of belonging is very important. When the United States Ambassador to Nigeria visited Sokoto, he commended the administration for how it has managed religious diversity. Believe me, since Governor Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto came on board, there hasn’t been any religious tension between the adherents of the two main religions in the state.

    So the governor has made your job easier?

     Yes, he has—by being fair and just in the distribution of projects and by carrying everyone along. At the end of the day, the most important thing is good governance, justice, and equity.

    Even in upholding Islamic Sharia law, the rights of people of other faiths are protected. No one is forced to appear before a Sharia court. Even for Muslims, it’s optional. It’s just like Islamic banking—not every Muslim subscribes to halal banking. That’s their choice. Some prefer conventional banks, and they are comfortable with those. It’s the same with the Sharia courts—nobody is forced against their will to appear before them.

     If I understand the governor correctly, your ministry has the responsibility to ensure that all areas of modern life comply with Islamic principles. This likely informed the re-establishment of Hisbah as part of efforts to arrest the moral drift. So far, is Hisbah on track?

     First, a few clarifications. The fact that we have a mandate to arrest moral decline doesn’t mean Hisbah will go around flogging people or infringing on their rights. While we believe Hisbah can play a role, we are also mindful of legal boundaries and the fact that the law presumes everyone innocent until proven guilty.

    So, what we’ve done is to focus on enlightenment campaigns through town halls, mosques, and electronic media—programmes moderated by experts in Islamic jurisprudence. People must be informed.

    For example, we collaborated with the Saudi Arabian government to train Imams and muezzins on delivering Friday sermons. Saudi Arabia is a model of religious tolerance. Have you ever heard of religious violence there, despite the presence of different sects? There, an Imam doesn’t just climb the pulpit and say whatever suits him. There’s a committee that vets sermons.

    The training was enlightening and comprehensive. They asked the Imams: what is the purpose of your Friday sermon? Is it to insult the government, the people, or other religions? Or is it to guide the people on peaceful coexistence and the hereafter? They also advised adding discussions about health and business to sermons.

    Even the call to prayer has etiquettes. I’m glad our participants were exposed to all of that. Social media influencers, media owners, representatives of the NBC, and university professionals also participated in the training. The central message was: use your platforms to build, not to destroy. Simply having a platform doesn’t give anyone the license to lie or incite violence.

    We also organized training for butchers—educating them on the slaughtering of animals according to Islamic principles, ensuring that the animals are healthy, and not tampering with scales. During Ramadan, we ran an extensive campaign promoting accurate measurements. We even bought and distributed proper measurement tools.

    Only when people violate the law does Hisbah step in. Guidance is another major part of the ministry’s mandate—guidance toward doing what is right. Hisbah is more like community policing. That’s why they are unarmed and operate based on reconciliation. They don’t detain people. When the governor launched the corps, he made it clear that they are not in competition with the police, but complementary to them.

    The board includes representatives from all security agencies, the Sultanate Council, and the Ministry of Justice. Hisbah is a legally authorized peacekeeping body representing the people. To date, they have no court cases against them—something some criticize as a sign of weakness. But it simply shows that they operate within the law. There have been no reports of them violating anyone’s rights.

     So what steps have you taken to prevent potential human rights violations by Hisbah? The governor himself promised that your ministry would ensure there are no abuses like we’ve seen elsewhere.

     We have taken several concrete steps. First, we are deliberate in recruiting people who are passionate about service and who are educated. In Sokoto State, we’ve ensured that the composition of Hisbah includes representatives from law enforcement agencies—the State Security Service, the Nigerian Police Force, the Ministry of Justice, the Nigerian Bar Association, Local Government representatives, and the Sultanate Council.

    This means that before any decision is taken, there is a consensus guided by law, tradition, and due process. Secondly, Hisbah members are constantly trained. For example, in Sokoto State, the law prohibits the sale and consumption of alcohol, but Hisbah doesn’t simply go around confiscating alcoholic beverages. They must first obtain a court order. This shows how committed we are to the rule of law. We ask the court: do we have the legal right to destroy this alcohol? Once we get a judgment, we carry out our duty accordingly.

     What is the current strength of the Hisbah corps?

     I may not be able to give the exact current number because we recently conducted a new recruitment exercise. The first batch consisted of about 230 members.

     Let’s talk about the Zakat and Waqf Agency. Has the agency made the desired impact—touching the lives of ordinary people?

     God bless our father and leader, Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, who established the Zakat Agency out of love for the people and his deep understanding of Islam. The agency focuses on the welfare of the people. Basically, it collects contributions from wealthy individuals and distributes them to the poor and less privileged. The government also contributes financially, and the agency receives funding from international donors.

    It also engages in income-generating activities like farming and real estate. The agency is doing fantastically well, and the people are very happy. Most of the farmhands employed are orphans, who not only get paid but also have their education funded from the proceeds. Some of their students are currently studying in Malaysia in courses relevant to the development of Sokoto State.

    The agency uses what we call the Productive Zakat Model—it doesn’t just give handouts. It invests in businesses, skills acquisition, and entrepreneurship.

     Two years down the road, what are your ministry’s major achievements?

     My first achievement is the successful revival of the ministry, which had practically died. The previous administration killed not just this ministry, but many others, along with many vital projects. The Ministry of Religious Affairs only functioned during major Islamic celebrations—basically to share foodstuffs and animals during Sallah—then it would go dormant.

    Today, the ministry is completely transformed. We have defined our responsibilities under five key areas: Infrastructure: We’ve engaged in the reconstruction, rehabilitation, and outright construction of mosques and Islamic schools. The governor believes that places of worship should be beautiful and conducive for worshippers. We’ve also invested in securing cemeteries and constructing proper drainage systems. We pay allowances to those maintaining the cemeteries to prevent them from being accessed by people with evil intentions. So far, we’ve built or reconstructed 65 mosques across the state. Every local government has at least one mosque, and some have two. We also install solar power and boreholes in many of these locations.

    Welfare: The governor disapproved of the idea of Imams begging for money. In the past, due to poverty, some people used to “buy” Imams to serve their interests. Today, we pay allowances to Imams and render other assistance as needed. This has helped restore their dignity and independence. We also support individuals on compassionate grounds—after proper verification. The allowances approved for mosques now allow them to employ cleaners.

    Morality and Sanity: This is where Hisbah plays a vital role. Our society is facing serious challenges such as drunkenness and indecent dressing. While we don’t enforce a dress code, we do engage the youth in meaningful conversations on decent dressing. We also resolve disputes—between neighbors and even between mosque committees and worshippers.

    These are the core areas we have structured our activities around, and the transformation is visible across the state.

     You interact with the public daily. What’s the general feedback on Governor Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto’s performance?

     Whenever I meet people—both within and outside Sokoto—the message is always one of appreciation for the governor. His accomplishments are clear. We have weekly programmes on many television stations across the country, so people are able to follow the government’s projects. I’ve personally delivered many appreciation letters and plaques from various organizations to the Governor.

    People are constantly praying for him. Sokoto people are good people. Once you work for them sincerely, they will support and pray for you. I’ve become something of a courier of goodwill messages to the Governor because people can see his numerous projects and his dedication. I’m happy to be that errand boy.

     Give us your honest assessment of Governor Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto’s implementation of his 9-Point Smart Agenda.

     I think he has done fantastically well. I’m not a politician, so I can afford to speak honestly to the people of Sokoto State—and to Nigerians at large.

     The opposition has tried to paint Governor Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto in a negative light. You work closely with him—do you believe he is capable of harming anyone?

     Governor Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto, whom I’ve come to know and work with, cannot hurt a fly. He is a God-fearing, a  man of integrity, and a firm believer in the rule of law and due process. While he is a politician by definition, his politics is not a ‘do-or-die’ affair. The opposition has resorted to name-calling only after they realized he had politically outperformed them. They are dazed by his numerous achievements. Let’s not forget—they squandered their own opportunity and they now want to blame the Governor for their failures.

    If Governor Ahmad were intolerant, I would know. For example, if he were vengeful, he would’ve discouraged me from assisting Imams who campaigned against him during the 2023 elections. But he’s done nothing of the sort. I meet opposition members regularly, and they’ve openly admitted that they will continue to harass him, hoping something negative might stick. That’s just the ugly side of politics.

     Can we take it for granted that his second term is guaranteed?

     We hope and pray so—for the good of the people of Sokoto State. We want him to consolidate on his achievements. For restoring the people’s confidence in governance and embarking on impactful projects, Governor Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto certainly deserves a second term.

     So where do you hope to see Sokoto State after Governor Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto completes eight years in office?

     At the end of our dear governor’s impactful eight years, I hope to see a prosperous and peaceful Sokoto State. My prayer is that the next governor will be just as committed and passionate about the state’s development as Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto.

    I trust our elders to identify a worthy successor. Our father and leader, Senator Aliyu Wamakko, deserves praise for recognizing Governor Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto’s leadership qualities and believing in him when others doubted his capacity. I’m extremely proud that the Governor hasn’t disappointed us.

    My loyalty is to Sokoto State. So, whoever can improve Sokoto State better than the current Governor will have my unflinching support.

  • MURIC urges NAICOM to unban co-insurance with Takaful

    MURIC urges NAICOM to unban co-insurance with Takaful

    An appeal has gone to the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) to withdraw its recent circular which prohibited conventional insurance companies from co-insuring businesses with Islamic insurance companies.

    The appeal was made by a faith-based human rights advocacy group, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC).

    MURIC, in a statement by its Founder/Executive Director, Prof Ishaq Akintola, accused NAICOM of religious discrimination, insurance apartheid, and neo-imperialist cum Islamophobic exclusivism.

    Prof Ishaq Akintola said: “NAICOM’s circular which prohibited conventional insurance companies from co-insuring businesses with Islamic insurance companies is archaic, myopic and parochial. It aims at the heart of the businesses of Nigerian Muslims, particularly Islamic insurance (Takaful) companies. It also seeks to divide Nigerians against themselves while it threatens religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence.

    “It seeks to deprive millions of Muslims from having access to insurance policies. It is Islamophobic. It is also an attempt to open the doors of businesses to religious apartheid, exclusivism and gymnastic religiousity as opposed to free enterprise without any form of discrimination either on grounds of religion, ethnicity or gender.

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    “Professionals in the insurance field cannot deny the fact that all conventional insurance companies have Muslim customers. NAICOM may have inadvertently tickled the consciousness of Muslims for self-determination in the area of insurance.

    “This is capable of generating an unhealthy atmosphere whereby Muslim customers begin to withdraw from non-Islamic (conventional) insurance companies due to this unhealthy and tactless development.

    “This circular is a product of short-sightedness and acrobatic religiousity. It is long in redtapism but short in strategic planning. This policy is anti-Islam and malicious. It also suffers from desertification of emotional intelligence. Therefore, MURIC demands immediate and unconditional withdrawal of this offensive, provocative and illegal circular.”

  • Sultan, Sule to speak at MUSWEN AGM

    Sultan, Sule to speak at MUSWEN AGM

    Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, will deliver the keynote address at the 2025 Annual General Meeting of the Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria (MUSWEN).

    The meeting holds on November 16th at the Bola Babalakin Hall, Gbongan, Osun State.  A statement by Chairman of the Organising Committee, Alhaji Murisiku Siyanbade, said Sultan of Sokoto/President-General, Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, will be the Special Guest of Honour,  Siyanbade said the theme of the conference is “Nigeria’s Economy: Any hope for the masses?”

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    He said: “All arrangement for the smooth organisation of this year’s General Assembly, which is hosted by the Osun State Chapter of MUSWEN, has been put in place.  MUSWEN is the umbrella body for all Muslims in the Southwest. “The AGM brings together leaders of Muslim associations, communities and other dignitaries.

    Delegates from across the Southwest region will gather on the day to discuss matters affecting the Muslim Ummah of the region.”