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Tag: President-General

  • UPU greets Okowa, Urhobo lawmakers

    The Urhobo Progress Union (UPU) has congratulated Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa on his re-election.

    A statement by the President-General, Olorogun Moses Taiga, urged Okowa to use his second term to bring more developments to Urhobo land, in particular, and Delta in general.

    The union also greeted the lawmakers-elect from Delta Central, urging them to always promote Urhobo interest and work towards the development of Urhoboland.

    Read also: Comedian I Go Dye congratulates Okowa

    The statement reads: “The Urhobo Nation is expecting more development projects from the government in the next four years.

    “To those who feel their mandates were stolen, the Nigerian electoral system is not perfect and you have every right to go to court if you feel aggrieved. But every action you take should be legal. No more violence, we have lost too many people already.”

  • Fidau: Ambode, Sultan, Okunnu, others honour late Chief Imam

    Fidau: Ambode, Sultan, Okunnu, others honour late Chief Imam

    Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, Sultan of Sokoto and President-General, Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Mohammad Sa’ad Abubakar, former Federal Commissioner for Works Alhaji Femi Okunnu and other notable Nigerians eulogised the late Chief Imam of Lagos State, Sheik Garba Akinola Ibrahim.

    At the Eight-Day Fidau (prayer for the deceased) held at Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS), Onikan Lagos on Monday, Ambode called on the Muslim community to keep the memory of the late Chief Imam alive by upholding his legacies, especially on inter-religious and ethnic harmony.

    The governor, who noted that the best honour the Muslim community can give to immortalise the late Chief Imam is to ensure that they uphold his known legacies which, according to him included faithfulness, hard work, religious tolerance, fear of God, love for one’s country, state and community and belief in mutual and peaceful co-existence among people irrespective of their religious inclinations or ethnic background.

    Represented by his deputy, Dr Idiat Oluranti Adebule, Ambode noted that the late Chief Imam was the best example of a detribalised and peace-loving Nigerian, adding that the deceased contributed in no small way to the religious harmony and inter-ethnic peace achieved by his administration.

    While reassuring Muslim community that his administration would not relent in promoting peaceful relationship among people of different tribes and religions, the governor urged the executive council of the Lagos Central Mosque where the late Sheikh Ibrahim was holding forth before his death, to  remain committed to the principles of  love, unity  and   religious harmony.

    He said: “You should not allow the death of the Chief Imam to bring disharmony to the community. You should continue to live together in peace irrespective of your religion or tribe; we should emulate all those virtues of the late Chief Imam and his strict adherence to the doctrines of Islam which clearly showed that Islam is a religion of peace.

    “The state government will continue to miss him for the noble role he had played to promote inter-religious harmony. The late Sheikh Ibrahim was a detribalised Nigerian who used his vast knowledge of his religion to promote peace and unity.’’

    The NSCIA President-General Alhaji Abubakar described the late Chief Imam as a bridge-builder and champion of peaceful co-existence.

    Sultan, whose message was delivered by his Deputy and President, Muslim Ummah of Southwest Nigeria (MUSWEN), Alhaji Sakariyahu  Babalola, said the late Chief Imam was a selfless public servant, astute administrator and a trustworthy leader.

    According to Sultan, the late Imam stood for unity among the Ummah and promoted religious harmony in the country.

    He commiserated with the Lagos State Muslim Community over the Imam’s death, even as he urged them to continue to propagate his ideals.

    Alhaji Okunnu, who is the National President of Ansar-ud-Deen Society of Nigeria (ADSN), said the late Chief Imam’s sermons have had positive impacts on Lagosians.

    He described Sheikh Ibrahim as “a simple man, a personable figure, a wise counsellor, a warm-hearted person and an approachable leader. I found him dedicated to the cause of Islam and humanity.”

    ADSN Chief Missioner Sheikh AbdurRahaman Ahmad admonished Nigerians to face the reality of the purpose of creation and not get carried away by the material things, noting that “-death is inevitable and  life should always be lived  with the fear of God.’’

    Sheikh Habeebullahi Adam of Markaz urged people to always be conscious of life after death as, according to him, every living soul would give accounts of his or her deeds on the Day of Judgment where material things such as gold, houses, cars and love for power will be of no help.

  • Asaba-Ase is autonomous community, says President-General

    Asaba-Ase community in Ndokwa East Local Government Area of Delta State is an autonomous community which operates and runs her affairs independent of Ase-Kingdom, its President-General, Godfrey Nosike Anagbogu, has said.

    Anagbogu said  Ase as a kingdom has no general communal lands in Asaba-Ase, stating that all lands in Asaba-Ase are owned by individual families, “therefore Asaba-Ase community is not in any way under the control of Ase-kingdom.”

    Anagbogu said Asaba-Ase community has its President-General, Community Development Committee (CDC) and Elders-in-Council with her quarters’ chairmen and presidents.

    He said in the history of Asaba-Ase community, founded before Ase town, there has not been traditional titles called “Ornu-Ormu” and “Azu-Igwe” of Asaba- Ase, saying that insinuations, or newspaper publications to the effect that Ase kingdom has appointed new CDC members for Asaba-Ase and that Eka-Igwe sues for peace in Ase-kingdom, and all such related matters, are false and unfounded.

    Anagbogu said the community operates Agerotocratic system of leadership, whereby succession is by the eldest male child (Okpala-Uku).

    He stated that all lands’ transactions and proceeds in the community have been strictly between the individual land owners and the community leadership.

    He added that in the history of the defunct United African Company (UAC), Johnholt Company and Thomas Welch in Asaba-Ase, there was never a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the companies and Ase kingdom.

    He said the Igwe of Ase should steer off Asaba-Ase affairs.

    Anagbogu said Asaba-Ase community urged the  Delta State government, DESOPADEC, NNDC , AMT/OML26, and security agents  to disregard any insinuation to the contrary.

    The Chairman of Asaba-Ase  Community Development Committee (CDC), Chief Benson Opute,  agreed with  Anagbogu.

  • ‘Nwodo is Enugu’s choice for Ohanaeze President General’

    Enugu State Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi yesterday said the choice of the former Minister of Information, Chief Nnia Nwodo, for the post of president-general of Igbo umbrella body, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, is a collective decision of stakeholders in the region’s political divide.
    Ugwuanyi recalled that when he was informed that the position was zoned to Enugu State, he called a meeting of the stakeholders in the state where it was decided that it would be zoned to Nsukka.
    The governor said the decision was based on the fact that Enugu West Senatorial District had taken a shot at the post while Enugu East was currently occupying the state’s leadership of the pan-Igbo socio-cultural organisation.
    Ugwuanyi spoke at a civic reception organised in his honour by the people of Imilike in Udenu Local Government Area in recognition of his achievements in good governance and infrastructural development.
    The governor recalled that the stakeholders unanimously nominated Nwodo after due consultations, adding that unlike in the past, the residents were happy with the selection of the candidate.
    He said: “The choice of Chief Nwodo for the post of President General of the Ohaneze Ndigbo is the choice of Enugu State, not my personal choice.”
    Ugwuanyi thanked the people of Imilike for the honour and their support.
    The governor urged them to always pray for him so that God would continue to guide his steps in the right direction.

  • Ex-minister Nwodo endorsed as Ohanaeze president general

    Two-time minister Chief John Nnia Nwodo from Enugu State may become the president general of the apex Igbo  organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo.

    The position of secretary general has reportedly been zoned to Rivers State and likely to be clinched by Chief Isaac Wonwu.

    The election of the officers is expected to hold on January 12.

    Presidents of Ohanaeze Ndigbo in seven Igbo-speaking states were said to have met in Enugu for the endorsement.

    It was learnt the Chairman of the Ohanaeze Presidents’ Forum and President of Ohanaeze in Anambra State, Dr. Chris Eluemunor, said other state presidents endorsed Nwodo as their sole candidate because of his sterling qualities.

    The forum said Nwodo was a round peg in a round hole, a notable orator and a change agent for a better Ohanaeze Ndigbo worldwide.

    It added that nobody else deserved to occupy the office better than him.

    Also, the Imo State President of Ohanaeze, Dr. Ezechi Chukwu, said Nwodo was an embodiment of what a revered Igbo leader should be.

    Chukwu said the former minister would take Ndigbo to greater heights because of his incorruptible stance.

  • The NSCIA’s Deputy President-General

    The NSCIA’s Deputy President-General

    Preamble

    Habits die hard. They come with human nature and grow with human nature. They are the symbolic traits with which human personalities are identified and labeled in any society. Great people are known, not by the mighty castles in which they live or the sizes of cars they ride on roads or even the power of oratory they possess. What rather makes some people great in the sight of their fellow human beings is the conduct by which they relate with others as well as the footprint they leave on the sands of time at the point of their departure. The true greatness of any human being is permanently encapsulated in the pearl of humility rather than in the cave of vanity. The one is indelible. The other is ephemeral.

    Habits of great People

    Philosophers believe that humble people are invariably characterised by certain distinct habits which are manifest in them. Some of such habits can be summarised as follows:

    • They are consciously aware of the situations around them.
    • They retain their relationships with others without minding the differences in their habits. •They make difficult decisions with ease and stand by them.
    • They put others first in their consideration. 5. They listen patiently but with rap attention when others are talking.
    • They exemplify endurance with maturity.
    • They talk only when necessary and give room for others to express their views.
    • They are far from domineering despite the giving hands with which they are endowed.
    • Above all, they radiate the fear of Allah in their judgments on issues and in their lifestyles.

    Which of the above listed habits is not manifest in the newly elected Deputy President-General of Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, His Excellency, Alhaji (Dr) Sakariyau Olayiwola Babalola OON?

    For those who know him closely, none of those habits can be faulted. His election to the second highest position in the apex Islamic body in Nigeria is a confirmation of the pure intention with which the Muslim Ummah of the South-west Nigeria (MUSWEN) was established a few years ago. Nothing can better depict Allah’s guidance in the choice of leadership in MUSWEN than the replacement of humility personified (Aare Arisekola) with humility personified (Dr. S. O. Babalola).

    Clarification

    By the way, it is necessary to clarify here once again that the election of the late Aare Abdul Azeez Arisekola-Alao as NSCIA Deputy President-General was not because he was Aare Musulumi of Yoruba Land. It was rather due to his unsurpassed role in the NSCIA for years as recognised by the apex Islamic body and his well known humility. The title of Aare Musulumi of Yoruba Land is regional and peculiar to the League of Imams and Alfas in the South-west Region which initiated it and appoints the conferee. On the other hand, the post of Deputy President-General is national and appoint-able only by the NSCIA without any recourse to the League of Imams and Alfas of South-west. In a nutshell, the one has no direct bearing with the other.

    Happiness and Solidarity

    To show happiness and solidarity with Dr Babalola as the new NSCIA Deputy President-General, many Muslims, men and women bombarded the ‘Message Column’ with a deluge of congratulatory messages and felicitations some of which could only be accommodated here today. Others will be published later. They are as follows:

    Chairman,  MUSWEN’s BOT

    On behalf of the Muslim Ummah of South-West Nigeria (MUSWEN), I heartily congratulate the NSCIA President-General, His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar and the entire Muslim Ummah of Nigeria on the laudable election of our amiable Chief S. O. Babalola as Deputy President-General of the apex Islamic body in Nigeria. I pray the Almighty Allah to make the great task easy for him.

    Prince Bola Abdul-Jabbar Ajibola, Chairman, BOT, MUSWEN.

    Lagos State FOMWAN

    On behalf of all Muslim women in Lagos State, I wish to congratulate Alhaji Babalola on his appointment as NSCIA Deputy President-General. May Allah give him the strength and wisdom to carry out his duties in the new office.  Congratulations Sir!

    Dr Ajoke Sariyu Ashiru, Amirah, FOMWAN, Lagos State.

    Osun State Muslim Community

    The entire members of Osun State Muslim Community congratulates our father, Alhaji  Babalola on your well deserved appointment  at NSCIA General Assembly/NEC meeting in Benin, Edo State. Baba, we are proud to identify with you in your wonderful dedication to Islam and inspiring insight into the general well being of world-wide and Nigeria in particular. We wish you many more years of greater achievements.

    Alhaji Mustafa Olawuyi, 1st Vice-President, Osun State Muslim Community.

    Ondo State Muslim Community

    The entire members of Ondo State NSCIA and my humble self congratulate Alhaji Babalola on his well deserved elevation. It is a round peg in a round hole. I pray Allah to give Baba long life with good health to lift Islam to higher pedestal.

    Imam Habibullahi Akinpelu, Chairman, NSCIA, Ondo State.

    FOMWAN, Ondo State

    I hereby join others to in congratulating our Baba. May Allah see him through in playing a leading role in piloting the Muslim Ummah in Nigeria.

    Alhaja Faosat Aliu, Amirah, FOMWAN, Ondo State.

    Ekiti Muslim Community

    The Ekiti Council of NSCIA felicitates with Alhaji Babalola on his election. The cap really fits the man who has demonstrated his love and commitment to Islam with his wealth, time, energy and experience. All of us in Ekiti State pray that Allah will grant him a successful tenure.

    Alhaji  Y. O. Sanni (President); Alhaji Tajudeen Adejumo (General Secretary)

    Oyo State Muslim Community

    The muslim Community of Oyo State (MUSCOYS) hereby felicitates with Dr. S. O. Babalola on his election as Deputy President-General of the NSCIA. May the Almighty Allah grant him wisdom and other wherewithal with which to guide and guard the Ummah as he has been doing on the path of glory.

    Alhaji Ishaq Kunle Sanni, Chairman, Oyo State Muslim Community.

    NACOMYO

    The leadership of Southern Zone of NACOMYO congratulates Alhaji Babalola on his election. If his antecedent is anything to go by and his performance as MUSWEN President, he is no doubt a right choice for the new position. He together with other leaders can take the Ummah to the next level.

    “And holdfast to the cord of Allah and do not be disunited…” (Q. 3: 103). We advise the new Deputy President-General to bring all groups together including youths.

    Alhaji Mustapha Balogun, Chairman/NVP2 Southern Zone

    UNIFEMGA

    The Obafemi Awolowo University Muslim Graduates Association (UNIFEMGA) heartily congratulates Dr Babalola on his election. May Allah elongate his life  and bless him with good health to be able to shoulder the responsibility. Engineer Abdul Waheed Olayimka, President, UNIFEMGA

    MURIC

    The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) congratulates Alhaji Babalola. It is a well deserved post. We have no doubt that the Ummah will benefit from his wide experience and immense philanthropy.

    Prof Ishaq Lakin Akintola

    MUSWEN’s Finance Committee

    We thank Allah for His favours and blessings on the Muslim Community in Nigeria. Congratulations to our indefatigable Baba S. O. Babalola on his election.

    Alhaji Rafiu Ebiti, Chairman, Finance Committee, MUSWEN.

    MUSWEN’s Shura Committee

    My dear brothers and sisters, let us  rally round Alhaji Babalola and give him our maximum support towards a successful tenure in this laudable assignment which Allah has just given him. May Allah grant him wisdom, patience and increase him in knowledge with which he canrun the office.

    Imam Sulaiman Titilope, Chairman Shura Committee, MUSWEN

    MUSWEN’s Education Committee

    This is to heartily congratulate an inspirational leader, a great philanthropist and a devout Muslim, Alh Babalola on his election . Considering his antecedent and pedigree, you very well deserve this position. With you occupying the position, the Muslim Ummah is sure to witness peace and harmony in Nigeria. May Allah strengthen you to be able to achieve more for Islam in Nigeria.

    Prof. Muhib Opeloye, Chairman, Education Committee, MUSWEN.

    MUSWEN’s Health Committee

    The election of Alhaji Babalola, the visionary President of MUSWEN is a well deserved honour. It is our belief that Alhaji Babalola will add value to the body. May Allah (SWT) reinforce his Iman and give him the wisdom, patience and good health to make a success of Allah’s grace on him.

    Professor and Dr. Lateefah Durosinmi, Chairman, Health Committee of MUSWEN & former National Amirah of FOMWAN respectively. (Both are also members of MUSWEN’s CWC).

    MUSWEN’s Planning & Strategy Committee

    The entire members of Planning & Strategy Committee of MUSWEN congratulates our President, Alhaji Babalola . We equally congratulate His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, the Sultan of Sokoto  and President-General of NSCIA for the gift of an able hand to assist him. May Allah (SWT) provide the duo and all members of NSCIA NEC the enablement to accomplish the task of propelling Islam to greater heights.

    Aare Sulaiman Afolabi Ogunlayi, Chairman, Planing & Strategy Committee

    IET

    Alhmdu Lillah! The election of Alhaji Babalola is another welcome case of a round peg in a round hole in the Council’s recent appointments. His dedication to the Ummah is palpable and all he needs is the Dua’au of every member of the Ummah that Allah (SWT) grants him every success in the post.

    Abullah Jibril Oyekan, former IET Director and member, CWC, MUSWEN

    MMPN

    On behalf of Muslim Media Practitioners of Nigeria (MMPN), I hereby felicitate with our father, Dr Babalola on his new election. We in MMPN have seen you, through your pedigree, with listening ears who practices what he preaches as you have demonstrated as the President of MUSWEN. We herby assure you of our full cooperation and support in the discharge of your national duty as we pray Allah to continue to strengthen you in health and faith.

    Alh. Abdur-Rahman Balogun, President, MMPN

    TMC

    It is not surprising that the nomination of Alhaji Babalola was met with overwhelming and resounding support from all Islamic organisations and eminent personalities at the recent NSCIA General Assembly/National Executive (NEC) meeting held in Benin, Edo State. No matter how big a crowd may be, Alhaji Babalola always stands out because of untiring charitable support service to Islam and humanity. You worked hard, you deserve it and you are unsolicited. Please, accept the felicitations of ‘The Muslim Congress (TMC) on this wonderful and well-deserved recognition to serve Allah and His course. May Allah strengthen and guide you always.

    Dr. Luqman AbdurRaheem, Amir, TMC.

    MSSN Lagos State Area Unit

    We rejoice with Alhaji Babalola and wish him a successful tenure. We have no doubt that you would bring positive changes to the apex Islamic body in Nigeria.

    It is our expectation that you would complement the efforts of your predecessor (the late Arisekola Alao) and that of the NSCIA Secretary-General, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede in ensuring the rights of Muslims are guaranteed and not trampled upon in South west.

    We appeal to you to be a voice against oppression of Muslims in your region and Nigeria at large.

    Saheed Ashafa, Amir MSSN Lagos State Area Unit

  • ‎USOSA pledges reward for information on Killers of two‎ students

    ‎USOSA pledges reward for information on Killers of two‎ students

    The Unity Schools Old Students Association (USOSA), an umbrella of 104 unity schools in Nigeria, has offered cash reward for information that would lead to the arrest of the killer (s) of Tochukwu Ene and Chukwuemeka Ugwu, JSS-3 students of  the Federal Government College (FGC), Okposi, Ebonyi State. ‎

    ‎The President-General, (USOSA), Prof. Chidi Odinakalu, said the association  would consult with law enforcement agencies, the school and families of the deceased to create appropriate incentives for persons that have information on what happened to Tochukwu and Chukwemeka to come forward with information that may help apprehend their killers.

    ‎‎Tochukwu and Chukwemeka  who were reported missing after their final papers were found dead last week.‎

    The killings, the association said, was the third recent killings in Unity schools in Nigeria.‎

    Prof. Odinakalu, who spoke to reporters at a media briefing in Abuja on Thursday, added that the association may put a bounty on the killers of the two students.‎

    Odinakalu, noted that the killings of children in school had become something of a regular occurrence in Nigerian schools, adding that the killing of Tochukwu and Chukwuemeka is the third recent killing of students in unity schools in Nigeria.‎

    ‎Prof. Odinakalu, who condemned the act, said that there was no justification for the gruesome end to the young and very promising lives of the students.

    He urged the Federal Government to address the underlying reasons for the increasing frequency of fatal attacks on students of unity schools across the country and ensure that the killers of the two students we‎re brought to book.‎

    ‎Prof Odinaklu said: “We send our children to school so they can become greater, dream bigger, fly higher and become equipped to replace us and lead our country. We don’t send them to school to return in body bags, killed for harmless pursuit of knowledge.

    “What manner of person would abduct and kill innocent children? he asked, saying “this is a question we must confront as a nation until we trap the killers of these children.

    “These occurrences are becoming far too frequent to ignore. The pattern of unresolved attacks endangers the attainment of the goal 4 of Education for All (EfA) in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to which Nigeria signed.”

    The former, Executive Secretary, National Human Rights Commission, said that whenever a child is killed in school, it makes parents and indeed, the society to question the need for education.

    “Even worse, it makes parents unwilling to allow their children explore the incredibly rich diversity of Nigeria, which is why we created the unity schools in the first place.

    “These killings, therefore endanger education in our country, threaten our unity as a people, and undermine the very rationale for the unity schools,” he said.‎

    However, the Okposi community had gathered to place a curse on anyone responsible for the killing of the students