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Islamic Forum Appeals for Postponement of National Census

Aisha John-Mark
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Islamic Forum of Nigeria has appealed to the federal government to postpone the national population census due to Ramadan.

The forum observed with serious concern that, the time scheduled for the conduct of the national population census, appears to be the month which Muslims worldwide observe their obligatory fasting.

This was contained in a statement signed by the Executive Secretary of the Forum, Professor Salisu Shehu.

Professor Salisu Shehu explained that, the exercise is a very rigorous one, involving travels across the entire region, where ad-hoc staff can be posted to any part of the country, and remote areas away from their places of origin.

“Generally, Muslims, especially those that will travel to remote non-Muslim areas will not even find the convenience and the conducive environment to observe their spiritual duties in Ramadan like TARAWIH PRAYERS at nights, the SAHUR and IFTAR, TAFSEER,” he said.

The executive secretary highlighted that, Muslims all over the country, staff involved and the people to be enumerated, would find it difficult to cope with the stress that may be occasioned by long distance trips and rigors of the exercise.

The statement pointed out that, the Islamic Forum of Nigeria, is calling on the Federal Government of Nigeria, to consider the plight of over one-Hundred and twenty Million (120,000,000) peopleand therefore, prevail on the National Population Commission, to postpone the exercise to a more conducive and convenient time after Ramadan.

He pointed out that, the forum is aware of the fact that the Census is a national imperative, which is of great importance to national development, and as such, commends the federal government for its resolve and commitment, to conduct the exercise this year as it has been long overdue.

Professor Salisu said, the Forum also appreciates the effective preparations by the National Population Commission in order to ensure successful conduct of the exercise

 

Nigeria’s Active Mobile Subscribers hit 222 Million –NCC

Aisha John-Mark
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Nigeria’s Communications Commission (NCC) says  the number of active mobile subscribers have increased and reached 222.571 million, while internet subscribers have exceeded 154.8 million as at December 2022.

The Executive Vice Chairman  of the NCC, Professor Umar Danbatta disclosed this at the ongoing 44th Kaduna International Trade Fair in Kaduna.

Represented by Banji Ojo, Head, of Consumer Protection and Advocacy, he said the commission recognizes the fact that the telecommunications sector has been a strategic driver of the digital economy agenda of the Federal Government, as it continues to provide the needed digital stamina to support the economy, especially the activities of the SMEs across in Nigeria and beyond.

“Information Communications Technology (ICT) is not only one of the fastest growing industries – directly creating millions of jobs – but it is also an important enabler of innovation and development, as it provides the backbone infrastructure for transnational business.”

According to Professor Danbatta, in line with the Digital Literacy and Skills Pillar of the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS) 2020-2030, for a Digital Nigeria, the Commission embarked on digital literacy training for entrepreneurs across the six geopolitical zones of the country.“The aim was to equip small-scale business owners with the requisite skills and to generate ideas for the development of products and services that can be exported.”

He also noted that NCC’s regulatory efforts in deepening access to digital services will benefit Nigeria and make it competitive compared with other economies in the areas of job creation; contribution to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth; the emergence of new services and industries; workforce transformation; and business innovation.

“It is in our response to ensuring that Nigeria is competitive in all these areas that Commission continuously puts a number of regulatory measures in place to ensure seamless access by Nigerians to telecommunications services in order to deepen competitiveness of the Nigerian economy by making our SMEs digitally compliant.

“In Nigeria today, the number of active mobile subscriptions reached about 222,571 million of December 2022 and Teledensity of 116.60 per cent as of December 2022.

“Also, Internet subscribers have exceeded 154.8 million with broadband penetration standing at 47.36 per cent as of December 2022.

“As you may be aware, the NCC is driving initiatives for a full commercial launch of the Fifth Generation (5G) network in Nigeria. Already, spectrum licences for the companies that will roll out service have been issued,” he said.

NDLEA arrests religious leader, student over exportation of hard drugs

Bilkisu Halilu Pai
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Operatives of Nigeria’s Anti-narcotic agencies, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, (NDLEA), have arrested the founder and General Overseer of Seraphic and Sabbath Assembly, Lagos state, High Priest Nnodu Kenrick and a student of Emmanuel College of Theology, Samanta, Ibadan, Udezuka Udoka while attempting to export hard drugs to Dubai, United Arabs Emirates.

 

A press statement by the agency’s spokesperson, Mr. Femi BabaFemi disclosed that Priest Nnodu was arrested on Saturday 11th February 2023 at his Seraphic and Sabbath Assembly church located at No 1, Sabbath Close, Ijesha area of Lagos following the arrest of two suspects; a freight agent Oyoyo Obasi and the theology student, Udezuka Udoka on Thursday 9th February at the Lagos airport in connection with the seizure of 283 parcels of skunk concealed in four 25-litre kegs of palm oil for export to Dubai.

 

They were arrested through the NAHCO export shed of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, (MMIA), Ikeja Lagos, Southern Nigeria.

 

In her statement, Obasi indicted the General Overseer, Nnodu and his son, Chisom Obi, who is now at large as the persons that gave her the consignments for export after being compelled to take an oath of secrecy as well as a sacrifice of chicken in the church while High Priest Nnodu prayed for her for the success of the transaction.

Read Also:NDLEA foils attempt to export illicit drugs to Europe, Dubai

 

BabaFemi explained that, Obasi while giving details said, the clergyman and his son used threats to compel her to take the job after they knew she had known their secrets, adding that High Priest Nnodu was always referring to the illicit drugs as Ice and Bible, (Street names for Methamphetamine and Cannabis) in their telephone text message chats.

 

Meanwhile, the theology student, Udezuka who used to receive two million naira was introduced to Obasi to assist her because she was new in the illicit business.

 

Also, NDLEA operatives have arrested a Dubai-returnee, Nnamani Innocent who was trying to export consignment of skunk and tramadol 225mg to the UAE at Trade Fair complex in Ojo area of Lagos on Tuesday 7th February.

 

In the same vein, NDLEA operatives attached to the SAHCO export shed of the Lagos airport same day intercepted a cargo going to London, United Kingdom containing food items with a conceal 1.10 kilograms of methamphetamine.

 

Also, four members of a syndicate using dispatch motorcycles to distribute illicit drugs in Lekki area of Lagos were arrested on Sunday 5th February.

 

In Kano, four suspects were arrested in connection with the seizure of 229 blocks of skunk weighing 131.1kgs.

 

Reacting to the arrests and seizures, the Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, retired Brig. Gen. Mohammed Buba Marwa commended the officers, men and women of the affected commands for their commitment and professionalism towards ridding Nigeria of the menace of illicit drugs.

 

While urging NDLEA officers across the country to remain unrelenting in the pursuit of the corporate goal, Marwa said the Agency will continue to target anyone or group involved in the criminal trade without fear or favour.

Governor Soludo targets economic growth with Export Emporium

Hauwa Abubakar Anaja
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Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo of Anambra state, has projected that the siting of an export emporium within Dunukofia area, will enhance the economy of the state.

 

The governor said this while flagging off the construction of the 2.14 kilometer Igwe Ezechi Okoye road in Dunukofia, Anambra state.
In a statement by Christian Aburime the Press Secretary to the governor, Soludo emphasized that situating the emporium entails donation of one hundred (100) hectares of land by the people of the area.
Speaking about the Igwe Ezechi Okoye road after inspecting the ongoing project, Governor Soludo expressed satisfaction with the level and standard of work done so far.
According to the Governor, prices of land in the location will skyrocket once the project is completed, thereby making Dunukofia people wealthier.
While expressing gratitude to the people for the opportunity to serve, he assured them that his administration is working round the clock to make the state a better place for all.

 

 

FCT Minister lauds Al-Noor mosque for promoting Islamic culture, education

Bilkisu Halilu Pai
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The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Malam Muhammad Bello, has commended the International Centre for Islamic Culture and Education (ICICE), custodian of Al-Noor mosque, Abuja, for promoting Islamic culture and education in West Africa.

 

Bello made the commendation at the 10th Anniversary of ICICE and Al-Noor Mosque Dinner in honour of major donors of its ongoing expansion project to increase the capacity of the mosque from 1,000 to 12,000 worshippers, held on Saturday in Abuja.

 

Represented by Alhaji Mukhtar Galadima, the Director, Department of Development Control of FCTA, the minister said the centre had become a hub for scholars, researchers and students of Islamic studies, who come from far and wide to learn about the rich heritage and teachings of Islam.

 

Bello observed that in last decade, the centre has also successfully organised numerous conferences, workshops and seminars, aimed at promoting peace, tolerance and understanding among different religious communities.

 

“Over the last 10 years the Centre has made tremendous strides in promoting Islamic culture and education, not just in Nigeria, but also in the wider West African region.

 

“Your contributions have made it possible for the centre to achieve its mission, provide meals and medical outreach for those in need and we remember very well your generous contributions during our fight against COVID-19.

 

“Your contributions without doubt have provided the centre with the resources it needs to continue its important work, expand its programmes and to bring its services to even more people.”

 

The minister also commended the centre’s flagship school, the Al-Noor Academy, which had become one of the best educational institutions in the FCT, renowned for positively molding the character and intellect of young Nigerians who pass through its walls.

 

“Through its efforts I am also informed, the centre has become a platform for inter-faith dialogue, where people of different beliefs can come together to learn from each other and find common ground.

 

“This plays well with the principles on which the FCT is founded; which is unity, tolerance and the indivisibility of our country and we are proud to be associated with the laudable achievements of the ICICE in this regard.

 

“It is on this premise that I once again congratulate Prof. Ibrahim Sulaiman, the Chairman Board of Trustees of the ICICE, other members of the board as well as its management and staff for their efforts in living up to the ideals of this institution.”

 

Earlier, the Founder of the mosque and the centre, Alhaji Aminu Baba-Kusa, while reflecting on the mandate, vision and mission of the ICICE, said: “I’m intrigued by the laudable achievements recorded so far, which are in line with my vision and aspirations.”

 

Represented by his son, Alhaji Mahmud Baba-Kusa, he also expressed delight saying “I can see the centre touching the life of the community through the provision of quality education, authentic Islamic knowledge and the propagation of knowledge on Islamic Banking and Finance and related Capital Market products.

 

“Today we are celebrating the contributions made by the donors for Al-Noor Masjid Expansion project. The trajectory is to increase the capacity from 1,000 to 12,000 worshippers.

 

“This is indeed a remarkable milestone that should be supported and celebrated. It is a very joyful day for me and pray to Allah SWT for a successful completion of this project.”

 

On his part, Dr Mele Kyari, the Chairman, ICICE Advisory Committee and Group Executive Officer, NNPC Ltd., enjoined all Muslims to endeavour to secure a house for themselves in paradise by contributing towards the completion of the ongoing Al-Noor masjid expansion project.

 

Kyari assured that the committee would intensify efforts and continue to reach out to the Muslims to donate and support the project.

 

The Director-General of the centre, Dr Kabir Usman, also commended the major donors who earlier contributed about N2.2 billion to the ongoing project which was on course.

 

“Initially, we booked, planned and asked for donation of about N3.15 billion and at a go we generated about N2.2 billion and now we are on course but we know the prices of building materials and whatever has increased.”

 

The former Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Dr Shamsudeen Usman, who stressed the importance of transparency and accountability, assured donors that their money was being utilised properly.

 

He explained that the project was being implemented with the best international standard, adding that when the project is completed “we will do a detailed technical report”.

 

Sen. Mohammed Sanusi Dagash, former Minister of Works, also said “it is in the interest of all muslims to support our religion so that those who will come after us will meet a responsible society.

 

“We are here to ensure that the project succeed and impact positively on the lives of the Muslim community.”

Bandits kill Divisional Police Officer, others in Niger State

Bilkisu Halilu Pai
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The Nigeria Police Command in Niger State North Central Nigeria, has confirmed the killing of a Divisional Police Officer (DPO), in Paikoro Division by alleged bandits during a gun battle.

 

A statement by the Spokesperson of the Command, DSP Wasiu Abiodun said the DPO, SP Mukhtar Sabiu and 4 other police personnel lost their lives during the gun duel.

 

The issue according to DSP Wasiu occured when the bandits attempted to attack the Chibani village market via Sarkin-Pawa, in Munya Local Government area of the State.

 

“Combined teams of police from Gawu-Babangida Div. and Paiko Div, military and vigilante members were drafted to the scene and the hoodlums were engaged in a gun duel and repelled with scores of them being neutralized, while others escaped with bullet injuries”.

 

The Commissioner of Police, Niger State Command, CP Ogundele Ayodeji, who led a reinforcement team to the scene and recovered the bodies of the deceased personnel, condoled with the families of the affected personnel.

 

The Commissioner of Police however re-assured members of the public that the Command will not relent in the fight against banditry and other criminality in the State.

Nigerian government inaugurates new NYSC camp in Bayelsa state

Bilkisu Halilu Pai
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The Government of Nigeria has inaugurated the new Bayelsa State National Youth Service Corps, (NYSC) Permanent Orientation Camp in Boro town, Kaiama Local Government Area of the state.

 

This is contained in a statement issued by the Director, Press and Public Relations of the Scheme, Mr. Eddy Megwa. 

 

According to the statement, the Minister for Youth and Sports Development, Mr. Sunday Dare during the inauguration commended Governor Duoye Diri for providing a conducive environment for the NYSC which has enhanced the smooth conduct of the Scheme’s operations.

 

The Minister stated that the completion of the new Orientation Camp is another clear testimony of the Governor’s passion for the progress of the Nigerian youths, who are being trained and mentored for citizenship and leadership roles on the platform of NYSC.

 

Dare said the Governor’s administration has produced lots of people-oriented policies and programmes which has resulted into dividends of democracy.

 

Speaking further, he said the facilities at the Orientation Camp would not only ensure the smooth conduct of Orientation Courses but also serve as morale booster to Corps members including the Camp officials.

 

“I assure you that we shall continue to reciprocate the gesture through the deployment of Corps Members that would contribute to the development of their host communities and the State in general”, Dare said.

 

The minister also appealed to other State Governors to upgrade the facilities in their respective Orientation Camps to accommodate at least five thousand Corps Members.

 

Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Duoye Diri in his remarks directed that two new additional hostels be constructed at the Orientation Camp, one for male and another for female corps members.

 

He said this would provide a friendly accommodation for successive batches of corps members that would be deployed to the State.

 

The Governor also directed that each corps member should be paid Ten Thousand Naira as transport allowance from Camp to their respective Places of Primary Assignment.

Election: Nigerian Army expresses readiness to provide peaceful environment

Bilkisu Halilu Pai
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The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 8 Division, Nigerian Army Headquarters in Sokoto, Major General Godwin Mutkut, said the Army is ready to support all the relevant security agencies and other authorities in ensuring that the forthcoming general elections are conducted in a free and fair atmosphere.

 

General Mutkut stated this at 2022 West African Social Activities (WASA) celebration in Giginya Barracks, Sokoto State.

 

“I am proud to say that the officers and soldiers of 8 Division Nigerian Army have done exceptionally well as evident in the current level of peace and security within Sokoto state. 

 

“Not relenting, 8 Division Nigeria Army will continue to be committed and more response responsive in discharging its constitutional roles especially during the forthcoming Presidential and Gubernatorial elections,” General Mutkut said.

 

According to him, WASA is a tradition upheld by the Nigerian Army and a social function inherited from the Colonial Era in the Second World War during which indigenous Nigerian Army personnel celebrate their cultural heritage at the end of every year in a conducive atmosphere to foster the spirit of togetherness.

 

He said the event brings officers, soldiers, family members and the communities together to celebrate and socialize.

 

“The age long tradition includes the display of our rich cultures and cuisines, burn fire, dancing, other entertainment as well as the beating of the retreat.

 

“It is indeed an event that the entire barracks community looks forward to as it affords us to interact in a more relaxed environment while we savour our rich and splendid cultures and traditions,” he added.

 

He expressed appreciation to President Muhammadu Buhari for his numerous supports to the leadership of the Nigerian Army.

 

General Mutkut also commended Chief of Army Staff, Liutenant. General Faruk Yahaya, and Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, for their necessary support.

 

In his remarks, the Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, described the celebration as apt and timely, especially as 2023 general elections draws nearer.

 

Tambuwal who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Malam Mainasara Ahmad, said that WASA promotes unity in diversity.

 

He further applauded troops of the 8 Division Nigerian Army for sustaining peace across the State.

 

Highlight of the event was presentation of Awards to different personalities and troops who distinguished themselves while discharging their duties.

African Tech startup funding reaches $3billion mark

Bilkisu Halilu Pai
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African Tech Startups Funding has for the first time passed the $3 billion mark.

This was revealed by Disrupt Africa in its annual African Tech Startups Funding report.

While this might not be as big a leap as in 2021, when the sector passed both the $1 billion and $2 billion mark, it’s a sign of continuous investors’ confidence in the sector’s opportunities.

The report cautions that measuring this kind of funding is not an exact science, as the definition of “African startup” itself remains controversial.

“In the clearest scenario, an African startup would be headquartered in Africa, founded by an African, and have Africa as its primary market. This, however, is rarely the case,” the document states.

According to the report, tracking this one particular source of startup funding data over time shows the impressive growth of the African startup sector.

“When Disrupt Africa put out their first edition of the report in 2015, 125 tech startups had raised $187 million that year. Less than a decade later, the number of startups has grown by 406% and funding raised has increased by close to 1,700%,” the report says.

Disrupts Africa explains that Fintech continues to dominate funding. It accounts for 43.4% of the total raised by the continent’s startups as well as counting for some of the largest deals, but there was also growth across all sectors including in other leading sectors such as e-commerce, e-health, logistics, edtech, energy, agri-tech, and transport.

“The “big four” markets of Egypt, Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa still dominate startup funding—accounting for 76% of funding this year, down from 80% last year—but other startup hubs are also starting to bloom with a record-breaking year of funding for both Ghana and Tunisia.”

African startup funding overall makes up just a tiny fraction of global startup funding, but Disrupt Africa’s figures show that, despite a global downturn in investments, Africa has held its own.

Turkey-Syria earthquake death toll to top 50,000, UN warns

Mosunmola Ore
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The United Nations emergency relief coordinator, Martin Griffiths has warned that death toll from the earthquake in Turkey and Syria will “double or more” from its current level, which is now close to thirty thousand.

READ ALSO: Earthquakes in Turkey, Syria: Death Toll Passes 23,000

Griffiths arrived on Saturday in Turkey’s southern city of Kahramanmaras, the epicentre of the first 7.8-magnitude tremor that upturned millions of lives on Monday.

With every passing moment, hopes are fading for those trapped under wreckage in Turkey, Griffiths said, adding that rescue efforts were now in their final stages in Syria.

“They say 72 hours is the golden period (for rescues),” Griffiths said.

“But just now they have pulled out someone alive, an hour or two ago. It must be incredibly difficult to decide when to stop this rescue phase and move into the next phase, which is also going to have its problems,” he added.

According to officials and medics, so far 24,617 people were killed in Turkey and 3,574 in Syria, summing up to a confirmed total death toll of 28,191.

Tens of thousands of rescue workers are excavating through flattened neighborhoods and debris in freezing temperatures that have deepened the misery of millions now in desperate need of aid.

There have been more than 32,000 disaster management personnel from Turkish organizations deployed at the affected areas and are working on search-and-rescue efforts, Turkey’s disaster agency said.

Apart from the national rescuers, there are also 8,294 international rescuers present.

“Soon, the search and rescue people will make way for the humanitarian agencies, whose job is to look after the extraordinary numbers of those affected for the next months,” Griffiths said in a video posted to Twitter.

Around 26 million people have been affected by the earthquake, the World Health Organization (WHO) said as it launched a flash appeal on Saturday for $42.8 million to cope with immediate and overwhelming health needs.

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