Month: February 2025

Saudi Arabia confirms sighting of Ramadan moon, fasting begins Saturday

Lukman Laleye Babalola

Saudi Arabia has officially announced the sighting of the crescent moon, signaling the commencement of the holy month of Ramadan on Saturday, March 1, 2025. The announcement was made on Friday, February 28, 2025, by Inside The Haramain, a publication focused on the Two Holy Mosques in Islam. “#Ramadan1446 Crescent has been SEEN in Saudi Arabia. Subsequently, Saturday, 1st March 2025 is the beginning of the month of Ramadan,” the publication confirmed in a post. Meanwhile, Muslims in Nigeria are awaiting the official proclamation from the Sultan of Sokoto and…

MURIC urges Nigerian muslims to await Sultan’s announcement before starting Ramadan

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has called on Nigerian Muslims to wait for the official announcement from the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, before commencing the 2025 Ramadan fast.   In a pre-Ramadan message released on Friday, MURIC emphasized the need for unity and synergy among Muslims, aligning with the position of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA).   According to the statement signed by the Founder and Executive Director of MURIC, Professor Ishaq Akintola, the NSCIA has instructed Muslims to look out for the…

NiDCOM, IOM strengthen partnership on Migration, Diaspora Engagement

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has reaffirmed its commitment to deepening collaboration with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) on migration management and diaspora engagement.   Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO of NiDCOM, made this known during a strategic meeting with Ms. Paola Pace, Acting Chief of Mission, IOM, at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja. Dabiri-Erewa lauded IOM’s consistent support, especially in developing and implementing the National Diaspora Policy, aimed at harnessing the potential of Nigerians in the diaspora for national development. She disclosed that plans are underway to review…

Anike Agbaje-Williams, Africa’s First Female Broadcaster, Dies at 88

Emporium Reporters

Anike Agbaje-Williams, the trailblazing pioneer of African television and the first female broadcaster on the continent, has passed away at the age of 88.   Her death was announced by Banji Sokoya in a family statement, highlighting her immense contributions to the African media landscape and her enduring legacy.   Agbaje-Williams made history on October 31, 1959, by becoming the first face on Africa’s television during the test transmission of the Western Nigeria Television (WNTV), the first television station in Africa, which later evolved into the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA).…

Customs Boss backs Tax Reform Bills, advocates synergy for National Development

Emporium Reporters

The Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Adewale Adeniyi, has thrown his weight behind the proposed tax reform bills, described them as vital for boosting national development, enhancing revenue generation, and fostering economic stability.   Speaking at a public hearing organized by the House of Representatives Committee on Finance, Adeniyi emphasized the need for collaborative efforts between the NCS and tax authorities to streamline operations and avoid jurisdictional conflicts.   He noted that efficient tax reforms would not only improve government revenue but also create a business-friendly environment…

MURIC hails Falana’s legal move against IBB, backs Posthumous declaration of Abiola as President

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has applauded prominent human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), for his plan to take legal action against former military head of state, General Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida (IBB), over the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election.   The Islamic human rights group also backed the call for the posthumous declaration of Chief MKO Abiola as Nigeria’s president, following IBB’s recent admission that Abiola won the historic election.   This was disclosed in a press statement issued on Thursday, February 27, 2025, by the Executive…

Asue Ighodalo’s desperation versus Governor Okpebholo’s steadfastness By Fred Itua

Emporium Reporters

Recently, Team Asue Media Organization (TAMO), launched a baseless attack on the Executive Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, over his well-founded remarks on the glaring manipulative attempts surrounding the ongoing Governorship Election Petition Tribunal proceedings.   Dr. Ighodalo’s outburst, laced with empty rhetorics and hollow accusations, only confirms what the people of Edo State already know: the PDP’s case before the tribunal is weak, crumbling, and destined to fail. Their frustration is evident, and their desperation is now manifesting in cheap attempts to twist narratives and preempt the…

NSCIA announces Moonsighting for Ramadan 1446 AH, urges Muslims to look out for Crescent

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has called on the Muslim Ummah across the country to look out for the crescent moon on Friday, 28th February 2025, to determine the commencement of the 1446 AH Ramadan fast.   The announcement was made in a statement signed by the Secretary-General of NSCIA, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, (Kuliyan Sokoto), on behalf of the President-General of the Council and Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar.   According to the Council, the moon sighting will mark the end of Sha’aban…

Sen Haruna Manu advocates establishment of FMC Gembu to enhance healthcare Access

Emporium Reporters

By James Isaac, Abuja   The Senator representing Taraba Central Senatorial District, Haruna Manu, has called for the establishment of the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Gembu in Sardauna Local Government Area of Taraba State to improve healthcare delivery and accessibility for residents.   The lawmaker made the appeal during a one-day public hearing organized by the Senate Committee on Health (Secondary and Tertiary) at the National Assembly. He presented a memorandum supporting the amendment of the Federal Medical Centres Act 2022, which seeks to provide a legal framework for the…

Sen Maidoki seeks establishment of FMC Zuru to enhance healthcare access in Kebbi South

Emporium Reporters

By James Isaac, Abuja   The Senator representing Kebbi South Senatorial District, Garba Musa Maidoki, has called for the establishment of a Federal Medical Center (FMC) in Zuru to address the rising healthcare demands of the people in the region.   Presenting his submission during a public hearing organized by the Senate Committee on Health, Senator Maidoki highlighted that the proposed medical center would cater to over one million residents of Zuru Emirate, which comprises four Local Government Areas (LGAs), as well as the larger Kebbi South Senatorial District with…