Month: January 2026

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…

Al-Usri-Yusra : The movie every muslim family must watch ….. Sets to premiere in Abuja

Emporium Reporters

A new Islamic film, Al’usra, is set to premiere in Abuja, promised to inspire Muslims on how to face life’s challenges while strengthening family bonds. Produced by Waud Family, the movie is scheduled for screening at the Silverbird Cinema, Federal Capital Territory, on March 22, 2026. The film explored the importance of anchoring one’s faith in Allah amidst modern-day pressures, highlighting the role of women in nurturing religious consciousness and moral values within the family. Through relatable storylines, Al’usra delivers a message that resonates with children, young adults, and parents…

NITDA moves into full implementation mode for 2026, briefs Communications Ministry

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has entered full implementation mode for its 2026 initiatives, as it briefed the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Engr. Nadungu Gagare, on its strategic priorities and achievements. The briefing session, held at the beginning of the year, was led by the Director General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, and provided a comprehensive overview of the agency’s evolution since its establishment in 2001. It also reaffirmed NITDA’s alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda through…

Tinubu mourns Plateau cleric who saved over 200 Christians

Lukman Laleye Babalola

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Imam Abdullahi Abubakar, the Chief Imam of Nghar village in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State, describing him as a courageous servant of God and a symbol of humanity. Imam Abubakar, who died at the age of 92, gained national and international recognition in 2018 after he sheltered and protected more than 200 Christians during violent communal clashes in Plateau State, an act that saved many lives. In a condolence message issued on Friday by his…

No Worker Protection, No Growth — Faleye warns as NSITF, NECA push safe workplaces

Lukman Laleye Babalola

Managing Director of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), Barrister Olúwaṣeun Faleye, has warned that sustainable economic growth is impossible without deliberate protection, responsibility to, and respect for Nigerian workers. Faleye gave the warning in Abuja at a press conference to flag off the 2025 Safe Workplace Intervention Project (SWIP), a collaborative initiative between the NSITF and the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA), reconvened in January 2026 due to operational exigencies. According to him, SWIP was conceived as a direct response to a lingering national challenge in which many…

Major General Bemgba Paul Koughna takes over as GOC 8 Division, Commander Sector 2 Operation FANSAN YAMMA

Lukman Laleye Babalola

Major General Bemgba Paul Koughna has formally assumed duty as the new General Officer Commanding (GOC) 8 Division, Nigerian Army, and Commander Sector 2 Joint Task Force (North West), Operation FANSAN YAMMA. The change of command took place during a handover ceremony held at the Headquarters of 8 Division, Giginya Cantonment, Sokoto. Major General Koughna succeeded Major General Ibikunle Ademola Ajose, whose tenure recorded notable gains in counter-banditry and other security operations across the North West. In his inaugural address, Major General Koughna expressed profound appreciation to the Chief of…