Month: July 2025

Tinubu appoints Muhammad Babangida as Chairman, Bank of Agriculture, Names New Heads for Strategic Agencies

Lukman Laleye Babalola

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the appointment of Muhammad Babangida, son of former military Head of State, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (rtd), as the Chairman of the revitalised Bank of Agriculture (BOA). The appointment, announced on Thursday, July 18, 2025, was contained in a statement signed by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga. It is part of the Federal Government’s strategic move to reposition key institutions for enhanced performance and national development. The newly appointed officials are expected to bring their expertise,…

MURIC urges Lawmakers to pass Unexplained Wealth Bill, backs EFCC Chairman’s call

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has lent its support to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over the recent call for the National Assembly to pass the Unexplained Wealth Bill into law.   In a statement issued on Saturday, 19th July 2025, the Executive Director of MURIC, Professor Ishaq Akintola, urged lawmakers to act swiftly on the proposal, describing it as a vital step in combating corruption and financial crimes in Nigeria.   Professor Akintola noted that the bill, once passed, would expose illicit wealth and compel public officers…

NUJ FCT Press Week Kicks Off with Prayers at NASFAT Mosque

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The 2025 Press Week of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, commenced on a spiritual note on Friday with a congregational prayer held at the NASFAT Mosque in Utako, Abuja.   Delivering the sermon, the Acting Zonal Missionary Imam of NASFAT FCT, Imam Marouf Farouji, urged journalists and the leadership of NUJ to remain steadfast in their dedication to humanity and uphold the ethics of the profession.   “Let us thank Almighty Allah for the gift of life, for being human, and for being Muslim,” he said. “The…

NAPTIP DG warns Parents against entrusting children to stranger, casual friend as agency reunites stolen child with family in Yobe

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Director General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Binta Adamu Bello, has issued a strong warning to parents across the country against leaving their children in the care of untrusted neighbours, casual friends, or one-off service providers. She noted that such practices exposed children to the risks of trafficking and abduction.   She gave this warning during the official reunification of a five-year-old girl, Rahama Ibrahim, with her parents in Damaturu, Yobe State. The DG was represented at the event by Mr. Saleh…

Future of Nigeria’s Digital Economy is Unfolding Before us — NCC EVC

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Aminu Maida, has declared that the future of Nigeria’s digital economy is already taking shape, emphasizing the critical role of the telecommunications sector in driving innovation, inclusion, and national development. Dr. Maida made this assertion during the Stakeholders’ Forum on the Draft General Authorisation Framework for the Nigerian Telecommunications Industry held in Abuja on Thursday, July 17, 2025. “The future of Nigeria’s digital economy is no longer distant. It is unfolding right before us. And…

Nigeria Customs renovates Ajegunle School, CGC Adeniyi flags off distribution of Educational Materials to 2,000 Pupils

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, on Thursday, July 17, 2025, commissioned the newly renovated Christ Assembly Nursery and Primary School in Ajegunle, Lagos, reaffirming the Nigeria Customs Service’s commitment to impactful Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) under its “Customs Cares” initiative. The project, executed by the Tincan Island Port Command, mark a significant investment in the education sector, particularly in underserved communities. The event witnessed the presence of key dignitaries including His Royal Highness Oba Muhammed Maruf, the Olumakinwa of Apapa Kingdom; Chairman of Ajeromi Ifelodun LGA, Mayor Fatai…

Customs NPRO Maiwada makes 2025 PR Power List, earns National Recognition for Communication Excellence

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has once again been recognized for its outstanding approach to public communication, as its National Public Relations Officer, Assistant Comptroller Abdullahi Maiwada, was named among Nigeria’s top 50 PR and communications professionals in the 2025 PR Power List. The prestigious list, jointly published by GLG Communications and The Guardian newspaper on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, celebrates individuals who are redefining the communications landscape across Nigeria and the diaspora.   AC Maiwada was honoured in the Changemakers category reserved for professionals who challenge conventions, introduce innovative…

Friday Sermon: Allah Is The All-Forgiving (Al-Ghafur), The One Who Can Forgives All Sins! By Imam Murtadha Gusau

Emporium Reporters

In The Name of Allah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy All perfect praise be to Allah the Lord of the Worlds. May His peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) and upon all his family and companions. To proceed: Dear brothers and sisters! This week’s sermon is quite great, because we’ll be discussing four of Allah’s names – Al-Ghafir, Al-Ghafur, Al-Ghaffar and Al-Afuw. All four of these are related to one topic: forgiveness. And on how much we need His forgiveness! When…

Tinubu renames UNIMAID after Buhari, recalls support in 2023 Elections, says his absence will be felt for generations

Lukman Laleye Babalola

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday led a solemn session of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) in Abuja to honour the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, described him as a leader whose absence will echo through generations.   The special session, held at the Presidential Villa, brought together cabinet members, state governors, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, and the Head of the Civil Service. In a symbolic gesture, President Tinubu announced the renaming of the University of Maiduguri to Muhammadu Buhari University, in tribute to the legacy…

NHRC urges comprehensive reforms in Correctional Facilities, decries Systemic Injustice

Lukman Laleye Babalola

As the world mark Nelson Mandela International Day, the Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Dr. Tony Ojukwu, has called for urgent and holistic reforms in Nigeria’s correctional system, citing widespread systemic bias and deplorable detention conditions.   In a statement signed by Fatimah Agwai Mohammed, Director, Corporate Affairs and External Linkages, and issued ahead of the commemoration, Dr. Ojukwu urged stakeholders to reflect on Mandela’s enduring values of justice, dignity, equality, and compassion. He noted that the late South African leader’s legacy remains a powerful reminder…