Day: January 26, 2025

MPAC condemns Ekiti Monarch’s order to dissolve Ekiti Shari’ah Panel

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Muslim Public Affairs Centre (MPAC) has condemned the recent directive by the Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe, to dissolve the Ekiti State Shari’ah Panel, describing it as a violation of constitutional rights and an attempt to curtail the religious freedoms of Muslims in the state.   In a press statement released today, MPAC expressed strong opposition to the order, asserting that it contravenes Section 38(i) and (ii) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which guarantees freedom of religion.   “This move is…

Troops Neutralize Over 70 Terrorists, Including Key Commanders, in North East Clearance Operation

Lukman Laleye Babalola

Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have achieved a significant breakthrough in the ongoing fight against terrorism in the North East, eliminating over 70 terrorists, including three high-profile commanders, during a clearance operation in the infamous Timbuktu Triangle.   The operation, which commenced on 16 January 2025, is a coordinated three-pronged assault aimed at dismantling the terrorist enclave. Among the neutralized commanders are Talha, the Terrorist Special Forces Commander; Mallam Umar, the Terrorist Operations Commander; and Abu Yazeed, the Terrorist Brigade Commander.   Despite facing fierce resistance, including the use of…

Gov Okpebholo orders Contractors to complete Benin-Ekpoma-Auchi Road repairs before rainy season

Lukman Laleye Babalola

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has issued a directive to contractors handling the rehabilitation of failed sections of the Benin-Ekpoma-Auchi highway to expedite work and ensure completion before the rainy season begins. The governor gave the marching orders while inspecting various sections of the road during a stopover en route to Irrua in Esan Central Local Government Area. The Edo State Government is overseeing the ongoing palliative works on the highway. Governor Okpebholo, accompanied by his entourage, visited critical points, including Ugha, Ehor, Ihie, Utene, Igieduma, Okemuen, Power Line…

Senate moves to boost budgetary funding for Information Ministry and Agencies

Emporium Reporters

By James Isaac, Abuja The Senate on Friday resolved to increase budgetary funding for the Ministry of Information and National Orientation in the 2025 fiscal year to strengthen its capacity to fulfill its mandate. During the budget defence session before the Appropriations Committee, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Information, Engr. Kenneth Emeka Eze, highlighted the inadequate funding allocated to the ministry, stressing the urgent need for more resources to address critical challenges. Eze underscored the capital-intensive nature of the broadcast industry, lamenting that key agencies like the Nigerian Television…

Gaining Strength and Serenity in 2025: Insights from Rev. Dr. Babatunde Idowu’s Sermon

Emporium Reporters

By Dr. Afolabi Olajuwon     On Sunday, January 26, 2025, the Foursquare Gospel Church in Abuja became a beacon of hope and renewal as congregants gathered to embrace the new year with Rev. Dr. Babatunde Idowu’s inspiring sermon, “Grant Us Strength and Peace.”   Dr. Idowu’s messages are known for their profound insights and compassionate delivery, and this sermon was no exception, continuing his dynamic series exploring spiritual resilience and divine peace.   The ambiance was electric, filled with the harmonious voices of the church choir that set the…

MURIC condemns Ewi of Ado Ekiti’s dissolution of Ekiti Shari’ah panel, says it’s unconstitutional

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has strongly criticized the Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe, over the recent dissolution of the Ekiti Shari’ah Panel. The traditional ruler reportedly summoned the Chief Imam of Ado Ekiti, Shaykh Jamiu Kewulere, to his palace on Saturday, January 25, 2025, where he ordered the immediate disbandment of the panel. In a press statement issued on Sunday, January 26, 2025, and signed by its Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, MURIC described the monarch’s action as illegal, illegitimate, and unconstitutional. The organization further labeled…

SERAP sues FG, NCC over 50% Telecom Tariff Hike

Emporium Reporters

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a lawsuit against the Federal Government and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) over the recent 50% increase in telecom tariffs, described the hike as “arbitrary, unconstitutional, unlawful, and unreasonable.” The NCC had approved the hike, raising the cost of a one-minute call from N11 to N16.5, 1GB of data from N287.5 to N431.25, and SMS charges from N4 to N6, sparking widespread criticism across the country. Filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday, January 19, 2025, SERAP is…

Aisha Garba : New Dawn at UBEC, By Abubakar Yusuf

Lukman Laleye Babalola

For many years , the appointment of a World Bank Education expert , with both local and international exposure, Aisha Garba at the tail end of of 2024, assumed duty as the new Executive Secretary, Chief Executive Officer, ES/CEO, Universal Basic Education Commission, UBEC. The appointment which came at a time when the clamour for gender parity and equality is at the top priority of both private and public sector, with UBEC only experiencing in Ag capacity, all the years. Though , appointed purely on merit and coinciding with the…

NUJ FCT Council hails Wike’s Infrastructure drive, urges action on Cost of Living

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council, has commended the Minister of the FCT, Barrister Nyesom Wike, for his visible efforts in driving infrastructural development across the nation’s capital.   The commendation came through a communiqué issued after the Council’s first Congress, held on Saturday at its Secretariat in Utako, Abuja. The Congress, presided over by the NUJ FCT Chairman, Comrade Grace Ike, attracted over 400 members, including former Council Chairmen and past leaders of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ).   While acknowledging the…

Of sons, daughters and preservation of legacies, by Hassan Gimba

Emporium Reporters

Throughout history, men have been under immense societal pressure to produce male heirs to carry on their names and legacies. This expectation has often led to strife, stress, and sometimes untoward actions. The preference for male heirs is deeply rooted in many societies, possibly stemming from the belief in male superiority. Historically, patriarchal families believed that women were economically dependent on men and thus became their subjects as daughters married, lived in their husbands’ homes, and did not carry the responsibility of caring for their parents. Despite these societal norms,…