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Category: Metro News

  • Watch out for the Ramadan crescent

    Watch out for the Ramadan crescent

    The Sultan of Sokoto and President, Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, His Emminence Saad Abubakar has urged Muslims to watch out for the new moon of Ramadan.

    in a statement by Professor Sambo Wali Junaid, the Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs at the Sultanate it was admonished that the appropriate time to watch out for the crescent was Friday, 29th Sha’aban, 1446AH.

    It was advised in the statement that anyone who sights the new moon should please inform His Emminence via his telephone contact details which were provided to include the following: 08037157100, 080660303077, 08035965322, 08099945903, and 07067146900.

    Fasting by abstaining from food, drink and other bodily pleasures is enjoined on all Muslims from sunrise to sunset all through the month of Ramadan, being the nineth month of the Muslim calendar.

  • 2,450 Vulnerable Nigerians get Saudi food donation in Kebbi State

    2,450 Vulnerable Nigerians get Saudi food donation in Kebbi State

    The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), has distributed food baskets to 2,450 vulnerable people in Kebbi.

    The food package was donated by King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief), Saudi Arabia.

    Flagging off the distribution at Kalgo Local Government Area on Wednesday, Gov. Nasir Idris, expressed gratitude to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for their unwavering support and generosity towards the people of the state.

    “We are deeply grateful to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for their unwavering support and generosity towards the people of Kebbi.

    “This is not the first time they have come to our aid, and we appreciate the cordial relationship that exists between our state and the Kingdom, particularly in matters related to Hajj,” he said.

    Idris, represented by his Deputy, Sen. Umar Abubakar-Tafida, said the relief food baskets would go a long way in alleviating the suffering of the vulnerable families, adding that the state government was thankful for the timely intervention.

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    The governor also urged the beneficiaries to make good use of the items and to remember that government shared their pain in their struggles.

    “We wish to thank the Federal Government and commend NEMA for this intervention and similar others in the past, which are complementing the state government’s efforts in providing succor to our people who were displaced by flood and other disasters in the state,” Idris said.

    The governor commended NEMA for availing partnership through their Sokoto Operation office covering the state in the management of disasters.

    Earlier, the Director-General of NEMA, Mrs Zubaida Umar, noted that the event marked a significant milestone in their partnership with KSrelief Centre, which dated back to 2018.

    “Since then, the centre has continued to entrust NEMA with humanitarian support in the form of food baskets that have been distributed directly to vulnerable persons in Borno, Yobe, Kano, Zamfara, Jigawa and Katsina states.

    “The impact of these interventions have no doubt improved lives and given hope to the beneficiaries as evident in the positive testimonies of the people.

    “Under the present food donation, the centre has graciously extended the gesture to Kebbi and Adamawa States with donation of 2,450 food baskets in each of the two states,” she said.

    Mrs Umar, represented by the Director, Special Duties in the agency, Hajiya Fatima Kasim, explained that the beneficiaries of the gesture were identified and profiled by NEMA in collaboration with the Kebbi State Emergency Management Agency.

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    “Each of the benefiting households will have a total 59.8 kilogram basket of food, comprising of 25kg of rice; 25kg of beans; 4kg of Masa Vita flour; 2kg of tomato paste; 2 litres of groundnut oil; 1kg of salt and 0.8kg of maggi cubes.

    “It is heartwarming that this distribution is timely, coming when the people are preparing to welcome the Holy Month of Ramadan,” she said.

    The DG expressed sincere appreciation to the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre Saudi Arabia for their kindness and generosity.

    “May your philanthropic efforts continue to inspire other organisations to follow your example by investing in the well-being of our citizens,” she prayed. 

  • Hajj 2025: NAHCON approves 4 banks for savings scheme

    Hajj 2025: NAHCON approves 4 banks for savings scheme

    The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has approved four banks to support and implement the Hajj Savings Scheme.

    Abdulbasit Abba, an official in the Information and Publications Division of NAHCON, announced the development in a statement in Abuja on Tuesday.

    Abba stated, “A significant milestone for the Hajj Savings Scheme, three new Islamic banks—Taj Bank, Alternative Bank, and Lotus Bank have officially joined the initiative to support Nigerian pilgrims.

    “These banks will operate alongside Ja’iz Bank, bringing the total number of participating financial institutions to four.

    “The official signing and acknowledgment of the appointment letters took place at Hajj House in Abuja, where representatives from the three new banks received their official letters from the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).

    “The Commissioner for Policy, Personnel, Management, and Finance, Prince Abdullazak Aliu, presented the letters on behalf of the Chairman/CEO, Prof. Abdullahi Usman.

    “This expansion marks a new era for the Hajj Savings Scheme, ensuring a more robust financial structure to facilitate pilgrimage arrangements for Nigerian Muslims.

  • FCCPC summons MultiChoice over planned price hike

    FCCPC summons MultiChoice over planned price hike

    The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has summoned MultiChoice Nigeria to explain its decision to raise subscription prices, a move set to take effect on March 1, 2025.

    In a statement released on Monday, the FCCPC directed MultiChoice Nigeria’s Chief Executive Officer to appear before an investigative hearing at its headquarters on February 27, 2025. 

    The Commission cited Sections 32 and 33 of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) as the basis for the summons.

    The action follows MultiChoice’s formal announcement of the price adjustment, raising concerns over frequent price hikes, possible abuse of market power, and anti-competitive practices in Nigeria’s pay-TV industry. 

    The FCCPC noted that Nigerian subscribers face repeated increases, while reports suggest MultiChoice applies different pricing models in other countries.

    The regulatory body warned that if the company fails to provide a satisfactory explanation or is found to have violated fair market rules, it could face penalties, sanctions, or other corrective actions.

    To address these concerns, the FCCPC is working with the industry regulator and other relevant agencies to ensure fair pricing and protect consumers in the pay-TV market.

  • Nigeria National Census: President Tinubu to Establish Committee

    Nigeria National Census: President Tinubu to Establish Committee

    On Monday, Nigeria made significant progress towards conducting a new national population and housing census, which will include biometric and digital elements. 

    The last national census was held in November 2006.

    During a meeting at the Statehouse with officials from the National Population Commission (NPC), President Bola Tinubu announced plans to form a committee to align the census budget with the country’s current financial situation.

     He emphasized the need for the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) to be involved in the review process.

    The president explained that having an accurate census is crucial for effective planning in areas such as employment, agriculture, and food security. 

    He noted that without reliable data, managing national challenges would be difficult. He also expressed his commitment to ensuring that the census results would support development efforts and improve social security in Nigeria.

    The NPC Chairman, Nasir Isa Kwarra, along with other members of the commission, updated the president on the preparations for the census.

     President Tinubu pointed out that government programs like fertilizer distribution could be more effective if they were based on reliable data.

    The president further suggested that biometric identification, including facial and voice recognition, should be a central part of the process. 

    He stressed that the government must first solidify its financial capacity before seeking support from development partners.

    In his comments, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Sen. Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, noted that census data would be essential for future planning and resource distribution. 

    He reminded the president of his commitment to the census, highlighting the financial challenges faced in funding it. He also shared that development partners had funded 40 percent of the 2006 census.

    Efforts to connect various identity and data agencies, including the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) and the NIMC, are ongoing.

     These agencies are working together to assess available data and optimize resources.

    NPC Chairman Kwarra reminded the president that the data from the last census is outdated and no longer relevant for current planning. 

    He also mentioned that 760,000 tablets have been secured and stored at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for the new census.

  • Name a national monument after Edwin Clark: Senate pleads with Tinubu

    Name a national monument after Edwin Clark: Senate pleads with Tinubu

    The Senate has asked the Federal Government to honour the late Chief Edwin Clark by naming a national monument after him.

     Clark, a former Federal Commissioner for Information and a well-known South-South leader, died on February 17, 2025, at 97.

    During Tuesday’s plenary, lawmakers observed a minute of silence in his memory and shared tributes to his contributions.

     They also agreed to send a delegation to his family and attend his burial.

    The motion, sponsored by Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas and 16 other South-South senators, recalled Clark’s long service to Nigeria. 

    He was a nationalist, lawyer, administrator, and strong advocate for the Niger Delta. 

    His political career started in 1953 as a councillor, and he later became a senator and a key figure in the fight for regional development.

    As Midwestern Commissioner for Education and Finance, he helped establish the Midwest College of Technology, which became the University of Benin. 

    He also served as Federal Commissioner for Information in 1975 and played a role in national unity efforts.

    Several senators praised his courage and commitment to justice. Senate President Godswill Akpabio noted that Clark remained a strong voice for equity even in his old age.

  • Court Dismisses Defamation Case Against Dele Farotimi

    Court Dismisses Defamation Case Against Dele Farotimi

    The Ekiti State Chief Magistrates’ Court in Ado-Ekiti has dismissed a defamation case against human rights lawyer Dele Farotimi. 

    The case was withdrawn after the police prosecutor, Martins Akala, filed an application to discontinue it.

    Farotimi had been charged on December 4, 2024, over claims in his book, Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System, where he accused legal icon Afe Babalola of influencing Supreme Court justices.

    The court had granted him bail on December 20, 2024, and scheduled a hearing for February 13, 2025.

    The decision to drop the case followed a request from Afe Babalola, who agreed to withdraw all criminal defamation charges after discussions led by traditional rulers, including the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi.

    During the court session on Thursday, the police prosecutor informed the court that authorities had instructed the withdrawal of the case. The defense counsel, Kembi Adejare, had no objection.

    Chief Magistrate Abayomi Adeosun ruled that the case be struck out, marking its official end.

    Following this development, some have expressed the view that the claims in the book by the author had been validated.

  • My dad collapsed after DSS forced him to trek – late Iwuanyanwu’s son

    My dad collapsed after DSS forced him to trek – late Iwuanyanwu’s son

    Jide, son of the deceased Elder statesman and leader of OHANAEZE NDIGBO, Engr. Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu has narrated how his father slumped upon his return from the DSS Headquarters, after he was forced to trek long distance while he went visiting IPOB Leader, Nnamdi Kanu

    Jide Iwuanyanwu, son of the late Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, has shared details about his father’s final trip before his passing.

    The former President-General of Ohaneze Ndi-Igbo died at 82 on July 24, 2024, and was buried on November 2, 2024.

    Speaking with journalists on Sunday, Jide expressed gratitude to the government for their support during the funeral.

    He revealed that his father’s last journey was to Abuja, where he visited Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), held in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS).

    During the visit, security operatives at the DSS headquarters prevented Chief Iwuanyanwu from being driven into the premises, requiring him to walk instead.

    “While at the DSS headquarters in Abuja where Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is being held, the security operatives at the gate denied him from being driven into the premises. They said the only condition for him to achieve his mission there was for him to walk down and he obliged,” Jide said.

    After returning home, he collapsed and was rushed to the hospital, where he passed away.

    Jide urged the government to fulfill his father’s final wish by releasing Kanu, believing it would restore peace, boost business, end the Monday sit-at-home protests, and improve the situation in the South East.

    He also thanked Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu for engaging with his late father on issues such as Kanu’s release and the South East Development Commission.

    While appreciating President Tinubu for approving the commission, Jide called on him to grant Kanu’s release as a tribute to his father’s legacy.

  • SDP pays tribute to Useni, hails his legacy

    SDP pays tribute to Useni, hails his legacy

    Lt.-Gen. Jeremiah Useni, a former FCT Minister, has been described as an “angel in army uniform” by the Social Democratic Party (SDP) for his contributions to many lives.

    The SDP presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Prince Adewole Adebayo, made this remark in Abuja on Friday during a condolence visit to Useni’s family with party leaders.

    Adebayo praised Useni’s lifelong service, saying he was devoted to justice and helping people, regardless of political, religious, or ethnic background. He said Useni always prioritised humanity.

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    He credited Useni for making Abuja a city for the people. He noted that Useni allocated land to small traders and relocated, rather than demolished, homes in disadvantaged areas.

    “During military rule, he transformed Abuja into the city of the people. Politicians today must ensure it remains a city for the people, not just the government,” Adebayo said.

    Adebayo highlighted Useni’s role in uniting Nigeria from 1966 onward. He recalled a crucial moment in 1998 when Useni remained professional despite political pressures.

    He noted that when the Nigerian Head of State died in 1998, Useni was the most senior officer but did not politicise the situation or seek personal advantage.

    SDP National Chairman, Shehu Gabam, described Useni as a great leader with an outstanding legacy. He called his death a national loss and praised his simplicity and patriotism.

    “At 30, every Nigerian knew his name. We never heard negative things about him, only positive reports,” Gabam said, recognising Useni’s impact on national unity and development.

    Responding on behalf of the family, Useni’s first child, Mrs Julcit Bali, expressed gratitude to the SDP leadership for their visit and their kind words about her father.

    She described her father as deeply generous. “Baba was not just a father to us but to many. Even in hospital, he still gave to others,” she said.

    Members of the SDP National Working Committee also attended the condolence visit, joining in honouring Useni’s legacy and expressing their support for his grieving family.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Useni passed away on Jan. 23 at the age of 82 after a prolonged illness.

  • Muslims Asked to Watch for Sha’aban Moon on Wednesday

    Muslims Asked to Watch for Sha’aban Moon on Wednesday

    As the global Muslim Umma prepare for the commencement of Ramadhan fasting, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, has called for the observance of the crescent moon of Sha’aban 1446 AH on Wednesday, January 29. 

    In a statement from Sokoto, the Sultanate Council’s Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs encouraged Muslims to report moon sightings to their local district or village heads. 

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    This observation marks the start of Sha’aban, the Islamic calendar’s eighth month, which precedes Ramadan.

    The Sultan offered prayers for divine blessings and guidance as Muslims prepare for their spiritual duties.