Day: August 21, 2025

Dilapidated Schools in Oyo State: A Call for Urgent Government Intervention – Ratibi Muslim Primary and College as a Case Study

Emporium Reporters

Education is the bedrock of every society, and the condition of our schools is a reflection of the value we place on the future of our children. It is with deep concern that I draw the attention of the Oyo State Government, stakeholders in the education sector, and the general public to the alarming state of public primary and secondary schools across the state.   A striking example is Ratibi Muslim Primary and Secondary School, located in Ibadan. Once a center of learning and community pride, the school faces severe…

NAHCON urges compliance with Saudi Timelines, rules out extensions for 2026 Hajj

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has called on all stakeholders to strictly comply with deadlines set by Saudi Arabian authorities for the 2026 Hajj, warned that there will be no extensions for visa processing, payments, or contractual agreements. This caution was issued during the post-Hajj stakeholders’ meeting with Licensed Tour Operator Companies held at the Hajj House, Abuja. The meeting was presided over by NAHCON Chairman/CEO, Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, who was joined by the Commissioner of Operations, Prince Anofiu Elegushi, and the Commissioner of Policy, Personnel, Management…

APC’s victory at Bye-Elections reflects party’s nationwide acceptability – Senator Imasuen

Emporium Reporters

By James Isaac, Abuja     The Senator representing Edo South Senatorial District, Neda Imasuen, has attributed the All Progressives Congress (APC)’s sweeping victory at the just concluded bye-elections across the country, particularly in Edo State, to the wide acceptability of the party at both state and national levels.   Speaking on the outcome of the polls, Senator Imasuen noted that the performance of the government, especially in the areas of bold policy decisions, played a key role in endearing the masses to the APC. He cited the removal of…

NHRC condemns assault on Corps member, warns against rising vigilante brutality

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Dr. Tony Ojukwu, has condemned the viral video showing operatives of the Agunechemba Vigilante Group physically assaulting a youth corps member, Ms. Jennifer Edema Elohor.   In a statement signed by Fatimah Agwai Mohammed, Director, Corporate Affairs and External Linkages of the Commission, Dr. Ojukwu described the incident as a gross violation of human dignity and a clear breach of the provisions of Nigeria’s Anti-Torture Act, 2017, which criminalized torture, cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment under any circumstance.   “It…

Good Leaders Are Known For Their Generosity! By Imam Murtadha Gusau

Emporium Reporters

In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful   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.   Dear brothers and sisters! Several prominent figures in Islam are renowned for their generosity, including our beloved Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him), Abubakar As-Siddiq, Umar Ibn Al-Khattab, Uthman ibn Affan, Ali Ibn Abi Talib and AbdulRahman Ibn Awf. These individuals exemplified generosity through their actions,…

MURIC backs Isese Day holiday demand, insists Traditionalists must respect Others’ rights

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has expressed support for calls by traditionalists in Yorubaland for the Federal Government to declare August 21st and 22nd as Isese Day public holidays.   MURIC, however, said its support comes with conditions, stressed that traditional religion adherents must also respect the fundamental rights of others.   The group’s position was contained in a statement issued on Thursday, August 21, 2025, by its Founder and Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola.   According to Akintola, freedom of religion is a fundamental human right that must be…

Ethical Persuasion: Public Relations and the Restoration of National Values Dr. Afolabi Olajuwon

Emporium Reporters

In an era marked by eroding trust and fragmented societies, the role of public relations (PR) in shaping national values has become increasingly critical. My focus is to examine the potential of ethical persuasion, grounded in principles of transparency, authenticity, and stakeholder engagement, to restore faith in institutions and foster a sense of shared national identity.   Also observed that PR, when practiced ethically, can be a powerful tool for promoting civic virtues, encouraging responsible citizenship, and ultimately, reclaiming a nation’s moral direction. Nations are built on shared values, ideals…

Mining Marshals Commandant seeks media partnership in battle against illegal mining …warns against rogue journalism, highlights $9bn annual losses

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Commander of the Mining Marshals, ACC Attah John Onoja, has urged Nigerian journalists to partner with law enforcement agencies in the fight against illegal mining, warning against biased or compromised reportage that could undermine the national campaign.   Onoja made the call in Abuja during a media parley organised by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT Council, where he revealed that illegal mining cartels were sponsoring what he described as “rogue journalism” aimed at discrediting enforcement operations.   “We will not cave to any blackmail designed to weaken…

Senate President Akpabio mourns Governor Ododo’s Father

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has commiserated with the Governor of Kogi State, Ahmed Usman Ododo, over the death of his father, Alhaji Ahmed Sani Ododo. In a condolence message issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Hon. Eseme Eyiboh, Akpabio described the late Ododo as a devout Muslim, a caring and supportive father, and a strict disciplinarian whose legacies would endure. The Senate President said the death was not only a loss to the Ododo family but also to the entire people of Kogi…

Kano remains NNPP stronghold despite intimidation, says Senator Hanga

Emporium Reporters

By James Isaac     The Senator representing Kano Central, Rufai Hanga, has declared that Kano State firmly belongs to the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), stressed that the people of the state have continued to demonstrate overwhelming support for the party.   Speaking while assessing the just-concluded bye-elections conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Hanga alleged that despite intimidation and a hostile security atmosphere, voters in Kano came out in their numbers to cast their ballots for the NNPP.   He further disclosed that the party will…