Day: January 17, 2026

Corruption, Drug Abuse fuels insecurity in Nigeria —MURIC Director Prof Akintola

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Founder and Executive Director of the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), Prof. Ishaq Akintola, has attributed Nigeria’s rising insecurity to corruption, political mismanagement, and drug abuse, called for collective action by the Ummah, government, security agencies, and communities. Akintola made the remarks while delivering a public lecture organised by MURIC Abuja Branch on the topic “The Role of the Ummah in Addressing Insecurity and Drug Abuse in Nigeria” with the theme “Towards Changing The Narrative on Insecurity and Drug Abuse in Nigeria.” He recalled the diversion of $2.1 billion meant…

NDLEA calls for faith-based alliance to tackle Insecurity, Drug Abuse

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has called for a strong faith-based and community-driven alliance to confront insecurity and drug abuse in Nigeria, described substance abuse as a major driver of violent crime and social instability. The call was made by the Director of Media and Advocacy, NDLEA, Mr. Femi Babafemi, who was the guest speaker at a public lecture titled “The Role of Ummah in Addressing Insecurity and Drug Abuse in Nigeria”, organised by the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), Abuja Chapter, at the Conference Hall of the National…

MURIC calls for unified action against insecurity, drug abuse in Nigeria

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), Abuja Chapter, has urged religious leaders, security agencies, and communities to join forces against rising insecurity and drug abuse in Nigeria, highlighting that these twin crises threaten the nation’s moral, social, and economic stability. The call came during a public lecture held on Saturday at the National Mosque Conference Hall, Abuja, titled “The Role of the Ummah in Addressing Insecurity and Drug Abuse in Nigeria.” The event drew a broad audience, including religious leaders, students, academics, civil society groups, and faith-based organizations, reflecting widespread concern…

NUJ FCT mourns former Chairman, Suleiman Muhammed Kaura

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council, has announced the passing of a former Chairman of the Council, Mallam Suleiman Muhammed Kaura. The sad development was disclosed in a statement issued by the Secretary of the Council, Comrade Jide Oyekunle, on Saturday in Abuja. Mallam Kaura, a retired Controller of News and Current Affairs at the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), Kaduna, died on Friday, January 16, 2026, at the Barau Diko Teaching Hospital, Kaduna, after a brief illness. During his illustrious career in journalism,…

Niger State clarifies pension, gratuity payments, urges Retirees to remain patient

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Niger State Government has clarified the status of pension and gratuity payments in the state, assured retirees that while pensions are fully up to date, gratuity payments are being processed transparently in phases. In a statement issued by the Ministry of Information and Orientation, the government said there are no outstanding pension arrears in Niger State, stressed that all verified pensioners are paid promptly and as and when due. The Ministry explained that gratuity payments are ongoing but are being handled in phases to ensure proper verification and accountability.…

Minna Emirate confers traditional title of Zinariyar Minna on Hajiya Sa’adatu Sani Musa

Emporium Reporters

The Minna Emirate Council has conferred the prestigious traditional title of Zinariyar Minna on Hajiya Sa’adatu Sani Musa in recognition of her integrity, humanitarian service, and outstanding contributions to community development. The conferment, which take effect from 9 January 2026, was approved by the Emir of Minna, Alhaji Umaru Faruq Bahago, who also serve as Chairman of the Minna Emirate Council. This was contained in an official letter issued from the Emir’s Palace in Minna, Niger State. According to the letter, the Emirate Council said the title reflects the high…

IBEDC: When will this pain be over? By abiodun KOMOLAFE

Emporium Reporters

The title of this commentary reflects a question asked wherever people gather – on buses, in bars, and at parties. Modern life revolves around the reliable provision of electricity, water and mass transit. Without power, the simple task of pumping water becomes nightmarish; relying on handheld pumps is a physically exhausting struggle.   Dealing with our so-called electricity distribution companies is like living through a series of ‘tales of the unexpected’. It is a tragicomedy of the highest order! Many have endured the harrowing frustration of failing to load prepaid…