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Warning: “Stay Indoors For Next Three Days Over Expected Hostile Environment Thunderstorms – NIMET Warns Nigerians

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Rain Storm

By Akinwale Kasali

The Nigeria Meteorological Agency, NIMET, has warned Nigerians to stay indoors for the next three days or more due to envisaged hostile environment and thunderstorms.

NIMET stressed that residents of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, are best advised to adhere to this directive in their own interest.

The Agency said that there would be thunderstorms, strong winds, and these are likely to precede the rains and as such, trees, electric poles, unsecured objects and weak buildings may collapse.

The Agency listed  States from the Northern Region of the country, the FCT, Middle Belt States and some Eastern States as target areas.

The States which are on high risk of the harsh weather conditions includes Borno, Adamawa, Bauchi, Gombe, Kaduna, Taraba, Kano, Katsina, Zamfara and Kebbi States. So are parts of Enugu, Imo, Abia, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Bayelsa and Cross Rivers States.

NIMET stated that the aforementioned States have prospects of thunderstorms and it envisages sunny atmosphere Tuesday morning, with patches of clouds over the Northern region, where it says there would be thunderstorms over parts of Adamawa, Taraba and Kaduna States later in the day.

“Cloudy atmosphere with sunshine intervals is anticipated over the North Central Region with prospects of morning rains over parts of Niger, the Federal Capital Territory, Kogi, Benue and Kwara.

“Later in the day, thunderstorms with intermittent rains are expected over parts of Plateau, Benue, Kogi, Kwara and Niger States”.

The Agency, therefore, stated that for residents of the States mentioned, it is best for them to stay indoors as much as possible.

“Cloudy skies are expected over the inland and coastal cities of the South with prospects of morning rains over parts of Enugu, Imo, Abia, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Bayelsa and Cross Rivers”,  it added, while for Wednesday, sunny skies with patches of clouds over the Northern Region with prospects of morning thunderstorms over parts of Borno, Yobe, Taraba and Adamawa are to be expected.

“Thunderstorms are expected over parts of Bauchi, Adamawa, Taraba, Katsina, Kano and Kaduna States during the afternoon and evening hours.

“Cloudy atmosphere with sunshine intervals is anticipated over North central region in the morning hours with prospects of thunderstorms and intermittent rains over parts of Federal Capital Territory, Plateau, Kwara, Benue and Kogi state later in the day.

“Cloudy skies are also expected over the inland and coastal cities of the South with prospects of moderate rains over parts of Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Rivers and Lagos states.

“So the public is advised to be cautious. Stay indoors especially during heavy rainfall to avoid being struck by lightning.

“All Airline operators are advised to avail themselves of weather reports periodically from NiMet for effective planning in their operations.

“Moderate to heavy rainfall could lead to flash flood. The public is advised to take necessary caution. Disaster risk managers, agencies and individuals should be proactive to avert loss of lives and property during rainy season”, NIMET stated.

Sokoto: MURIC Condemns Killers Of Prophet Muhammad Blasphemer

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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The Muslim Rights Concern, MURIC, has condemned the killing of Usman Buda, who was mobbed to death in Sokoto state by Islamic extremists.
Buda died in the hospital from the serious injuries he sustainable from the beaten he received from the extremists, according to the state police command.
Not a few Nigerians, including the governor of the state have condemned the killing, describing it as a jungle justice that must not be tolerated in a decent society.
Reacting,  MURIC chairman in the state,   Muhammad Aliyu in a statement in Lagos, urged the Muslims to stop taking the law into their hands each time there was an alleged blasphemy.
He said Islam abhors jungle justice because it leads to the killings of innocent people.
For instance, some business associates of Buda were said to have been beaten by the irate mob who inflicted first degree injuries on them while trying to save the deceased.
Citing various Verses in the Quran to support its position, MURIC said blasphemers should be handed over to law enforcement agencies, while the court must be allowed to pronounce them guilty.
 MURIC said, “The good people of Sokoto woke up and learnt about the murder of one butcher called Buda over an alleged blasphemous comment against our noble Prophet Muhammad (SAW).
“Sources revealed that some of the victim’s closest business associates at Sokoto abattoir made frantic efforts to rescue him but they equally sustained injuries and have been admitted to the hospital due to the attack.
“We assert that Islam abhors jungle justice because it will lead to taking innocent lives and destruction of the property of persons unjustly.
“Islam does not allow people to do what they like or take laws into their hands as they deem fit.
“This position can be found in many Qur’anic verses like Qur’an 4:65, 6:57, 12:40and 43:10.
“It is not in dispute that Islamic law provides a death sentence against anybody, who insults, defames or brings disrepute to the Prophet of Islam Muhammad.
“However, Islamic law does not leave the killing open in the hands of private individuals as it happened in the case of Buda.
“In fact, Islamic law stipulates that the offence of blasphemy like other offences should be established through evidence by witnesses before a court of law.
“Finally, while we condemn the murder of Buda, we also in the strongest term, urge Muslims to stop jungle justice and allow the law to take its course.”
The northern part of Nigeria is notorious for jungle justice against blasphemers.

Lagos: Gas Explosion Leaves One Dead, Four Severely Injured

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Gas Explosion in Agege

By Akinwale Kasali

There was tension in Agege area of Lagos State, as a Gas Explosion from a Gas Shop left one person dead. Four persons were severely injured by the explosion.

It was gathered that the explosion was caused  by  one of the Cylinders which  had a leak.

The  Gas Shop is beside an Apostolic Church in Agege. People scampered for safety following the fire which accompanied tye explosion.

It was gathered that residents in the area were able to contain the ensuing inferno from escalating and affecting houses within the area.

Confirming the incident, the Permanent Secretary of the  Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, LASEMA, Femi Oke-Osanyintolu, said those that suffered second degree burns were taken to the hospital for treatment, while a life was lost.

He added that rescuers were able to contain the ensuing inferno from escalating to adjourning shops and nearby buildings.

Protest Rocks Kano Over Demolition

By
Ayodele Oni
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By Ayodele Oni

Following the decision by the State Government to continue with demolition of illegal structures, hundreds of protesters on Monday hit Kano streets to express their displeasure with the ongoing  exercise of the State Government.

The Government has pulled down some structures, while several others have been marked for demolition.

The Government premised its action because the land upon which the affected structures were erected was “illegally” allocated by the immediate past government.

While the Government has insisted there is no going back in its resolve to “restore” the Kano Urban Development Masterplan, which includes removing structures erected on public spaces, the protesters that hit the streets early Monday demanded that the government rescind its decision.

With posters like “Gov Yusuf, your action is sending away investors,” “Don’t bring insecurity to our state, Mr Governor,” and “Let the law takes its cause” among others, the protesters after converging at the demolished Daula Hotel, proceeded to the police headquarters to register their grievances.

Immediate past Governor, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, had threatened to slap the Governor over the demolitions.

Skit Maker, Adisa, Appears In Court, Denied Bail

By
Ayodele Oni
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By Ayodele Oni

Abdullahi Maruff Adisa, aka Trinityguy, will remain in prison following  denial of bail for him  by a Magistrate Court in Ibadan, Oyo state, on Monday.

Also remanded along with Adisa is  the parent of the little girl he used in an obscene viral video.

This is pending legal advice from the State Ministry of Justice.

The Court ordered the remand of  Trinityguy in prison over allegations of using a minor in an immoral viral skit video.

The Nigerian Police, through Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, had called for the arrest of Trinity guy following a viral video of his dangerous pranks.

Oyo State Police Command on Friday, disclosed that the skit maker and parent of the little girl in the viral video were quizzed by the Command and would appear in court Monday.

Counsel to Adisa, Olúdáre Adebayo, who was brought before the Magistrate by the Police, urged the court to grant his client bail.

Magistrate P.O Adetuyibi, while denying the bail application, stated that the allegations against the Skit maker is currently receiving attention of the state Ministry of Justice.

It’s Wicked, I Am Not Contemplating State Pardon For Convicted Proprietor Of Oduduwa University – Osun Gov Adeleke

By
Ayodele Oni
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Ademola Adeleke sworn in as Governor of Osun State

By Ayodele Oni

Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has cried out over an alleged move to link him with the convicted proprietor of Oduduwa University, Rahman Adedoyin.

Adeleke said there are rumors on social media that he is plotting to subvert the  death judgement on Adedoyin, affirming that there is no plan to use state apparatus to pardon the proprietor of the Oduduwa University.

Adedoyin and some of his workers were condemned to death over the gruesome murder of a postgraduate student of the Obafemi Awolowo University, (OAU) that lodged at his hotel in Ile Ife.

He has, however, appealed against the verdict of the Osun State High Court.

Reacting to the growing rumour of possible state pardon for the businessman, Governor Adeleke  said that his administration has never, and will never intervene in the judicial process, labeling those behind the fake news as public enemies.

“Those who concorted the fake news are evil minded political operatives who are merely grasping at straws in their desperation to blackmail the state Governor.

“Governor Adeleke has not and will never contemplate exercising the prerogative of mercy or whatever the report calls it, on a matter under adjudication which has generated deep interest among local and global communities.

“It is important to clarify that neither the State Governor nor his political party has any hidden plot on the said murder case other than a public interest agenda to see culprits in the dastardly act face the full wrath of the law.

“That explains why no PDP member is involved as counsel for any of the convicted individuals and why the state judiciary enjoys and exercises its full independence in the hearing and judgement of the case.

“It is uncharitable for political enemies and their paid agents to attempt any linkage between the convicted businessman and the state Governor.

“We affirm with all sense of responsibility that Governor Adeleke is not at any material time a friend or partner of the owner of Oduduwa University and did not interfere, intervene or manifest any untoward agenda in the arraignment, hearing and sentencing of the accused.

“We therefore urged the members of the public to ignore the repeated rumors of state pardon by Governor Adeleke for the convict and the watery push to link service records of a state judicial official to a popular verdict on the gruesome murder of a postgraduate student.

“Those peddling such lies are agents of darkness acting on behalf of disgruntled, dark political elements. They are better ignored.

“We convey appreciation to men and women of goodwill who have put up spirited defense for the Governor in the face of this orchestrated falsehood.

“The undiluted truth is that neither the State Government nor the state Governor is interested in the subversion of the wheel of justice.”

Sokoto Gov Speaks Against Mob Justice For Blasphemers Of Prophet Mohammed

By
James Orji
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Governor Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto state has vowed to deal decisively with anyone who blasphemes Prophet Mohammed.

The governor however stated that jungle justice will not be allowed for those who committed blasphemy against the Islamic prophet.

The governor spoke after some extremists, on Sunday, mobbed to death Usman Buda for allegedly blaspheming the Muslim prophet.

Buda, a trader in the state was brutally killed in the presence of other traders who tried to save him from the mob.

Some traders who tried to rescue him, according to Ahmad Rufai, Sokoto police spokesperson, were injured by the mob, and are now in critical condition after sustaining serious injuries.

This is not the first time somebody will be killed for abusing the Prophet in the Muslim-dominated state.

Recall the gruesome murder of Deborah Samuel, a student of Shehu Shagari College of Education, in May 2022 by her irate schoolmates for allegedly blaspheming Mohammed.

Reacting to Buda’s murder, Governor Aliyu said anyone who abused the prophet will be dealt with appropriately, saying such acts would not be tolerated.

He said in a statement signed by his spokesperson, Abubakar Bawa, that “degrading the personality of Prophet Muhammad SAW, especially in a state like Sokoto, which is predominantly a Muslim-dominated community,” will not be allowed in the state, urging the residents to respect and protect the prophet’s dignity and personality.

The statement read, “Sokoto State Governor, Dr. Ahmed Aliyu, has called on the people of the state to remain calm and law-abiding at all times. The governor cautioned the people against any act capable of degrading the personality of Prophet Muhammad SAW, especially in a state like Sokoto, which is a predominantly Muslim-dominated community.

“Dr Aliyu said that Sokoto people have so much respect and regard for Prophet Muhammad SAW, hence the need for all the residents to respect, protect his dignity and personality.

“I want to call on the people of Sokoto State to avoid taking laws into their own hands and instead report any alleged crime or blasphemy to the appropriate quarters for necessary action.

“Our religion does not encourage taking laws into one’s hands, so let us try to be good followers of our religion,” he appealed.

Kano: Ganduje Gets Reprieve As Court Stops Demolition Of His Properties

By
James Orji
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Former Governor Abdullahi of Kano state has finally got a reprieve over the demolition of his properties and those of his proxies by the incumbent, Abba Yusuf.

The reprieve for the former governor came a few weeks after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s intervention on the matter failed.

The former governor has blamed his predecessor, Musa Kwakwanso for his predicament, and the duo was summoned to Aso Rock by President Tinubu for a reconciliatory meeting recently.

The meeting did not succeed as Governor Yusuf continued the demolition of structures owned by the former governor and other former government officials, whom the governor accused of acquiring state properties, illegally.

But Justice S.A Amobeda has now directed the demolition to stop. He made the order after granting a motion ex-parte, filed by Saminu Muhammad, which prayed the court to restrain the government and its agents from demolishing some buildings on BUK road.

The judge also ordered the state government to stop plans of demolishing the applicant’s property at No. 41 and 43 Salanta, on BUK road.

Attorney-general, solicitor general, governor, government, and Kano State Bureau for Land Management are respondents in the suit.

Other defendants include: Kano State Urban Planning and Development Authority, inspector-general of Police, Police, commissioner of Police, commandant general of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.

The court, after listening to the motion by the applicant’s counsel, Prof. Nasiru Aliyu, ordered an accelerated hearing of the case and adjourned to July 10.

Justice Amobeda said “Order of this court is hereby made in the interim restraining the respondents by themselves, agents, servant or proxies whatsoever called from encroaching, trespassing, entering, invading, demolishing or revoking the applicant’s titles or doing any other act in respect of the applicant’s property, No. 41 and 43 at Salanta, on BUK Road, Kano, covered by Certificate of Occupancy No. KNMLO8228 and Certificate of Occupancy No. KNMLO8229 pending hearing and determination of the originating motion.

”That Order of this Honourable Court is hereby made granting leave to the bailiff of this Court to serve the 3rd, 4h, 5h, and 6th Respondents with all processes and all subsequent procedings.”

Not a few Nigerians insist that Governor Yusuf is on a revenge mission against his predecessor for betraying Kwakwanso, the leader of the Kwakwansiyya group, which Ganduje rode to power in 2015, but later dumped following a fierce political struggle with his predecessor.

Governor Yusuf is a son in-law to Kwakwanso, a former governor and Minister of Defense.

France Earmarks 600,000 Euros For French Teachers In Nigeria

By
James Orji
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The Government of France says it is pumping 600,000 euro into Nigeria to make French the second language in Nigeria.

The funds will be spent to encourage French teachers in the country to propagate the language, through a special fund, called the Solidarity Funds for Innovative Projects, according to the French Ambassador to Nigeria, Emmanuella Blatmann.

The French envoy said secondary school teachers will be encouraged to create a network of media platforms using the French language, adding that 50 secondary schools in the country will be used as a pilotage.

According to her, “The Embassy of France in Nigeria officially sets in motion a new project, titled: “French in Nigeria, language of communication and capacity building,” financed by a special fund called “Solidarity Funds for innovative Projects” (FSPI in French) to the sum of €600,000.

“This project, with the slogan: ‘À toi le micro, Naija’ (the mic is yours, Naija), aims at positioning French as a real language of communication in secondary schools and in the Nigerian public space, by supporting the training of secondary school teachers in Nigeria and creating a network of media platforms using the French language.

“In line with the foregoing, this FSPI project will make it possible to deploy a programme for 50 schools in five states in which local partners have clearly expressed the desire to intensify educational cooperation actions: Enugu, Plateau, Oyo, FCT and Lagos.

“These schools will benefit directly from a pilot initiative involving teacher trainings in France and in Nigeria, and the purchase of books and computer equipment.

“A link will also be created with five radio stations (FM and web radio) that already broadcast content in French in Nigeria and who will collaborate with the pilot schools.

“Furthermore, educational programmes will be created to allow adults and children to practise. French, differently, and podcast creation workshops offered in schools will allow learners to develop computer and transversal skills.

“This fund will also make it possible to create a modern resource centre within the Nigerian French Language Village in Badagry and to make this inter-university facility a model center for teacher training.

“A partnership will also be developed with the University of Caen, a French institution specialising in the teaching programme of French as a foreign language.”

English is the official second language in Nigeria.

Zenith Bank’s CFO Emerges Winner At All African Business Leaders Awards

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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0

The Chief Financial Officer of Zenith Bank Plc, Dr. Mukhtar Adam has been named ‘Chief Financial Officer of the Year’ at the 11th All Africa Business Leaders Awards, AABLA, in partnership with CNBC Africa. The award ceremony took place at the King’s Ballroom, Sun City, South Africa, on June 23, 2023. This honour places Dr. Mukhtar alongside other celebrated professionals across Africa.

Expressing his gratitude for the recognition, Dr. Mukhtar thanked the judges and organisers of the award, expressing his appreciation for being deemed a fitting recipient of the ‘Chief Financial Officer of the Year’ for 2023. He dedicated the award to the Founder and Chairman of Zenith Bank Plc, Jim Ovia, CFR. Additionally, he expressed his gratitude to the management of Zenith Bank, his colleagues in Nigeria and the bank’s subsidiaries for fostering a positive work environment. Dr. Mukhtar also extended his thanks to the bank’s many customers.

AABLA  in partnership with CNBC Africa, represents Africa’s largest single-business awards, celebrating the pinnacle of African business achievement. The AABLA has consistently narrated an African story of perseverance, success, innovation, and accountability. It has become synonymous with recognising the finest in business leadership on the African continent.

Dr. Mukhtar Adam is a distinguished finance professional with over two decades of cognate experience. He holds a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Finance from Leeds Beckett University, an M.Sc. in Finance – Financial Sector Management from the University of London’s School of Oriental and African Studies, an MBA in Finance from the University of Leicester, and a B.Ed. in Social Sciences, specialising in Economics and Management, from the University of Cape Coast in Ghana. Dr. Mukhtar Adam also holds a Diploma in International Financial Reporting Standards, IFRS, from the esteemed Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, ICAEW, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Islamic Banking and Insurance from the Institute of Islamic Banking and Insurance in the UK.

Dr. Mukhtar Adam has participated in several executive programmes at world-leading institutions, including the General Management Program, GMP, at Wharton Business School in the USA, Harvard Business School, INSEAD Business School in Paris, the London School of Economics and Political Science, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, ICAN, the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Ghana, ICAG, and the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria, CITN.

Prior to his current role as the Chief Financial Officer, CFO, of Zenith Bank Plc, Dr. Mukhtar Adam served as the bank’s Deputy CFO, leading the Financial Reporting, Tax Management and Strategic Planning Groups and supervising the Zenith Group’s entire financial reporting function. Before joining Zenith Bank in 2007, he honed his skills as a Senior Consultant in the Financial Services Group of PricewaterhouseCoopers, PwC.

His vast expertise spans numerous financial areas, from financial sector management and policy analysis to financial reporting and analysis, tax management, audit management, strategy development and execution, enterprise risk management, credit risk management, and financial advisory. He is also accomplished in capacity building and training. Dr. Mukhtar Adam is a prolific researcher with several professional and academic publications.

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