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I Won’t Relegate any Religion in Ekiti, Oyebanji Assures Muslim Community

.…your humility, home boy culture have paid off, Sheikh Bello tells Governor

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has promised to continue to maintain fairness in dealing with religious affairs in the state as a way of fostering harmony and spirit of brotherhood among adherents of different religions, adding that he won’t betray the confidence reposed in him by the Muslim community.

Oyebanji gave the assurance, on Friday, at a Jum’at Service commemorating his second year anniversary, held at the Central Mosque, Oja Oba, Ado Ekiti, the Ekiti State Capital.

Addressing the congregation, Oyebanji praised the Muslim leaders and faithful across the state for being steadfast in their support for his government, promising to rev up the pedal of development to benefit all the strata of the society for the rest of his tenure.

He charged Muslims to maintain the culture of religious tolerance and harmony being enjoyed among all religious tendencies, urging them to sustain the tempo in the overall interest of the state, particularly in driving investments.

“I am here to appreciate God and all Muslims for their support. Let me bring to your notice that none of those Muslims in my cabinet failed leadership tests, they all performed well, right from the Secretary to the state Government to the last person.

“Last time we came here, I pledged that flooding won’t affect this Mosque again, I thank God that we have redeemed our pledge.

“Let me assure you that whatever is due for you, I shall give you freely without you fighting for it. When things were tough and hard, Muslims stood by me, they never said I am not their member. Whatever you have interest in, I shall redeem it and make it possible for you. You said I have the best records in terms of appointments for Muslims, this is just the beginning, I shall do more by God’s grace.

“I want to assure you that we are going to serve you very well and zealously. We are supposed to serve you as leaders. You elected us and sent us on this journey, so that we can serve you. I will never fail you. Muslims leaders, particularly the Grand Imam has been so nice and steadfast in his support. I appreciate you”, Oyebanji said.

In his sermon, the President, League of Imams and Alfas in Southwest, Edo and Delta, Sheikh Jamiu Kewulere Bello, warned the Muslim adherents against abusing their leaders and scolding them openly over any noticeable shortcoming.

The Islamic Cleric advised that they should rather offer prayer supplications that would direct the psyches and feet of those in leadership to the path of honesty, humanity, transparency and accountability.

Bello, who doubles as the Grand Imams of Ekiti State, appreciated the governor for embracing religious balancing and appointed many Muslims into his cabinet to contribute their quotas to the development of the State.

“We should pray for our leaders, so that they can do more. The work they do is tasking and arduous. Governor Oyebanji is one Governor we should all pray for, he deserves our prayers. Our Governor is working hard, he didn’t allow us to be hungry the way God wishes.

“We have been having governors in this state, Governor Oyebanji is different. In character, mutual respect , philanthropy and humility, he is unique. You are leading well and other arms of government like the State Assembly are following your footsteps. I want you to work harder. I am happy that you didn’t abandon your predecessors, that is how a leader should behave”, Bello stated.

Bello stated further that the “homeboy culture” of Governor Oyebanji has paid off for the citizens of the state, praising those who supported him to be governor for propping up and marketed a good product for Ekiti populace.

At the closure of his short exhortation, Sheikh Bello led the congregation to offer prayers for the success of the administrations of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Oyebanji.

Present at the service are: the Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, Speaker, Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye, Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Habibat Adubiaro, Commissioners, Special Advisers, Muslim leaders, among others.

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Bandits kill Imam, abduct 10 worshippers during Isha prayer in Katsina

Bandits on Wednesday night stormed a mosque in Tudun Malamai community, Faskari Local Government Area of Katsina State, killing the Imam who was leading the Isha prayer and abducting at least ten worshippers.

The incident, which unfolded during the night prayers, left two other individuals injured.

Details of the attack were made public on Thursday in a post by a prominent Katsina-based security analyst, Bakatsine on X.

“Yesterday night, bandits attacked worshippers during the Isha prayer in Tudun Malamai community, Faskari LGA of Katsina State. They killed the imam leading the prayer, injured two people and abducted at least 10 worshippers during the attack,” the post read.

The Katsina State Police Command is yet to issue an official statement regarding the incident as of the time of filing this report.

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Lagos Govt bans pregnant women from 2025 Hajj

The Lagos State Government has officially barred pregnant women from participating in this year’s Hajj pilgrimage, citing health and safety concerns.

The announcement was made on Wednesday in Badagry by the Commissioner for Home Affairs, Olanrewaju Ibrahim Layode, who stressed that the rigorous nature of the pilgrimage poses significant risks to the health of expectant mothers.

Layode noted that the state’s decision aligns with the directive issued by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), which has instructed State Muslim Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards not to register pregnant women for the pilgrimage.

Supporting the directive, NAHCON’s Commissioner for Planning, Research, Statistics, Information, and Library Services (PRSILS), Professor Abubakar Yagawal, reiterated the policy while addressing preparations for the pilgrimage, including the establishment of medical clinics in Makkah and Madinah and the distribution of Yellow Cards to various states.

Layode added that the Lagos State Ministry of Home Affairs is also acting on the directive of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who has emphasized the need to ensure that only medically fit individuals are cleared for the pilgrimage.

Governor Sanwo-Olu, during the First Family of Lagos State and Ministry of Home Affairs Eid-el-Fitr celebration, at the Lagos House, Marina, said: “By May, those travelling to Makkah will begin to travel. Please ensure you are in good health. If you are ill, refrain from travelling for the 2025 Hajj; stay back and pray here in Nigeria.”

According to the Commissioner for Home Affairs, “It is very dangerous, very delicate for expectant women to go for hajj exercise.

“The processes are rigorous. From Medina to Makkah, the Tawaf, the Safa and Marwah, these are not things an expectant woman should undergo. It’s not about fashion or naming a child after a prophet because they were born in Saudi Arabia.”

The commissioner revealed that in previous years, some women had attempted to hide their pregnancies in order to partake in the pilgrimage, with instances of individuals allegedly submitting their husbands’ urine for medical screening.

To prevent such deceptive practices, the state government has introduced advanced medical screening measures, including the deployment of mobile diagnostic vans equipped to detect pregnancies and tuberculosis at designated screening centres.

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FRSC: SGF approves appointment of three Deputy Corps Marshals

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, has approved the appointment of three Assistant Corps Marshal (ACMs) to the rank of Deputy Corps Marshal (DCMs), Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).

This is contained in a statement by the Corps Public Education Officer (CPEO), Mr Olusegun Ogungbemide on Wednesday in Abuja.

The SGF said that the newly appointed senior officers were to fill up existing vacancies in the South South, North East, and North West geopolitical zones.

Akume said that the appointment marked a significant milestone in the Corps’ efforts to enhance its leadership and operational capabilities.

He named the Officers to fill up existing vacancies as DCM Aliyu Datsama (North West), DCM Pauline Olaye (South South) and DCM Attahiru Hassan (North East).

According to Akume, the appointment of the seasoned professionals would bring fresh perspectives and expertise to the FRSC’s leadership team.

“They are expected to play a crucial role in shaping the Corps’ strategic direction and driving its mission to reduce road crashes and promote safe driving practices.

“The appointment is part of President Bola Tinubu’s drive towards rewarding excellence, diligence and hard work which is in line with the administrative philosophy of the present leadership of the Hope Agenda regime,”he said.

The FRSC Corps Marshal, Malam Shehu Mohammed, equally congratulated the newly elevated Officers for their excellent performances during the exercise.

Mohammed said that every promotion comes with greater responsibilities.

He charged them to put in their best in the course of their duties as the new rank calls for more focus, more dedication, commitment and passion.

He also admonished those who were not fortunate in this appointment year to keep faith alive and be loyal to the system.

The FRSC boss promised to improve the general welfare of the personnel of the corps while beckoning all personnel to be of good cheer and put in great efforts towards the realisation of the corporate mandate of the corps.

DCM Aliyu Datsama is presently the ACM in charge of Special Duties and External Relations. He has held several positions including Sector and Zonal Commanding Officer positions in different states and Zones.

On the other hand, DCM Pauline Olaye who is currently the Head, Project Implementation Office at the National Headquarters of the Corps is by virtue of her new appointment, the most senior female officer in the Corps.

She has held several positions of authority including the position of Assistant Corps Marshal, Special Duties and External Relations Department, as well as Zonal Commanding Officer Zone RS1HQ Kaduna.

In the same vein, DCM Attahiru Hassan is presently the ACM in charge of the Technical Service Department. He has held several positions amongst which include the positions of Corps Provost as well as Sector Commander.