2025 - Page 132 of 260 - SocietyGazette.com

Eid-el-Kabir: Katsina First Lady shares food items, cash to 6,000 people

The Katsina State First Lady, Zulaihat Dikko Radda, in partnership with Hasene International Organisation and Baris Charity Foundation, Nigeria, on Thursday distributed fresh cow meat to over 6,000 vulnerable individuals across all 361 political wards of the state.

Our correspondent learnt that each local government area received between 10 and 12 cows, while Katsina LG alone received 90 cows, from which 1,000 meat packages were shared just as half of the packages were reserved for people with special needs while the remaining portions were distributed to orphans, internally displaced persons, the less privileged, and other vulnerable community members.

To ensure fairness, transparency, and efficient delivery, she constituted a dedicated oversight committee comprising representatives from the Ministry of Religious Affairs, Commissioners for Special Duties, Internal Security, and Sports, Senior Special Assistants on Livestock and Disability Affairs.

The First Lady and her team also toured various key institutions across the state, such as the juvenile correctional facility, Katsina old and new prisons, Katsina State Orphanage, General Hospital Katsina, and the Narcotics Rehabilitation Centre, with not just food, but messages of hope and love, offering heartfelt support where needed.

Speaking on behalf of the First Lady in one of the places visited, Abdulkadir Nasir said, “Her Excellency wants you to know that you are not forgotten. She sends her love and prayers, hoping everyone can celebrate Eid with dignity, joy, and a sense of belonging.

“More than charity, this initiative reflects Hajiya Zulaihat Radda’s enduring philosophy of service, compassion, and inclusive leadership.

“It is about being present not only in times of celebration, but also in moments of silence where kindness speaks the loudest.

“As the people of Katsina mark this sacred season, they do so with renewed strength and faith, thanks to a First Lady whose actions continue to echo deeply in the hearts of the people she serves.”

The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Casino Operations

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In 2022, the Bellagio in Las Vegas introduced an AI-driven customer support chatbot, which markedly boosted response times and customer contentment. This innovation enables players to obtain instant help with inquiries, bookings, and game information, enhancing their overall experience. For more insights on AI in the gaming sector, visit The New York Times.

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While AI offers various gains, it is crucial for casinos to uphold ethical standards and defend player information. As AI continues to evolve, casinos must confirm that they implement robust security measures to secure private information and comply with regulations. This harmony between advancement and accountability will shape the future of the casino field.

The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Casino Operations

Army arrests suspected kidnapper, informant in Ondo

Men of the 32 Artillery Brigade of the Nigerian Army have arrested two persons over alleged kidnapping activity in Akunnu Akoko in Akoko North-East Local Government Area of Ondo State.

This was contained in a statement issued by the Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Major Njoka Irabor on Thursday.

According to the statement, the suspected kidnapper was arrested while making a move to collect ransom from the family of a 10-year-old boy who had earlier been abducted by the hoodlums, while the other suspect was caught giving information to the bandits.

The statement read, “In an effort to sustain its operational activities, while maintaining maximum security to decimate kidnappers and other criminal elements within its Area of Responsibility, troops of 32 Brigade Nigerian Army deployed on operation Fast Strike Squad at Forward Operating Base Auga, on June 3, 2025, captured a suspected kidnapper and rescued one kidnapped victim.

“The operation was carried out following credible information received from locals about a family making plans to pay ransom to kidnappers around Sabon Hanya, along the road Aiyere – Kabba in Ondo State. Troops swiftly laid an ambush along the route that the kidnappers prescribed for those to deliver the ransom.

“Consequently, troops captured one of the kidnappers and rescued a kidnapped victim, aged 10.

“The victim has been in the kidnappers’ custody for three days. However, the suspected kidnapper sustained injury during the operation.

“Relatedly, in a follow up operation on 4 June 2025, troops arrested one Mr Abubakar (aka Maude), a suspected informant stationed around Auga in Akoko South East LGA of Ondo State. Preliminary interrogation revealed that the suspect is a member of a kidnapping syndicate, placed in the area to monitor the movement and activities of troops and inform members of his syndicate accordingly.”

Iraboh further stated that the suspects would be handed over to the appropriate security agency for onward prosecution.

“The suspects are presently in our custody for further interrogation and will be handed over to the appropriate security agency for prosecution,” he said.

He added that the Commander 32 Brigade, Brigadier-General Justin Ifeanyi, had implored the people of the state to always avail the troops with credible information on the movement and activities of criminals and unknown persons within their neighbourhood, “as this would enhance the capacity of troops in conducting operations with precision and further stem the tide of criminals within 32 Brigade.”

Eid-el-Kabir: Atiku urges leaders to show compassion, prioritise welfare

Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has called on those in leadership to demonstrate compassion and place the well-being of the people above all, in accordance with divine guidance.

In a statement from his media office on Thursday, congratulating Muslims on Eid al-Adha, Atiku encouraged Nigerians, especially Muslims, to embody kindness and peace in their daily lives.

He stated, “The essence of Eid-al-Adha, rooted in the traditions of Prophet Ibrahim and upheld by Prophet Muhammad, calls us to reflect kindness and peace in our lives.

‘The Waziri Adamawa urged Muslims to extend charity to the less privileged, noting, kindness and generosity are integral to our faith – values we must uphold not only during this celebration but at all times.”

He also urged leaders at all levels to embody the spirit of compassion and sacrifice reflected in the festival.

The statement added, “Leadership demands forbearance and commitment to the greater good. I appeal to those in authority to show compassion and prioritise the welfare of the people, in line with God’s command.

“Atiku concluded by advocating for peace and unity, encouraging Nigerians to pray for harmony in their homes and society during this sacred time.”

Eid el-Kabir: APC secretary seeks prayers for Osun

The National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress, Ajibola Basiru, has urged Muslims to celebrate the forthcoming Eid-ul-Adha with love, moderation, and reflection.

Basiru, who is seeking the APC governorship ticket for the 2026 Osun governorship poll, in a statement by the spokesperson for the Senator Ajibola Basiru Campaign Organisation, Prof. Sulaiman Ajala, called for prayers for the prosperity of the state and peaceful conduct of the August 8, 2026, governorship election.

He felicitated Muslims on witnessing another Eid-ul-Adha celebration.

The governorship aspirant admonished the Muslim Ummah to extend kindness to everybody irrespective of their religious beliefs.

“We thank the Almighty Allah for another grace of life to be part of this year’s celebrations. It’s a privilege, not by our doing, strength, or power. I want to appreciate the people of Osun State for sustaining their confidence in the APC. I appreciate the sacrifices we have made so far under the clueless administration in the state.

“I treasure the support of our people for the Alubarika Movement. I relish your unrelenting efforts and admire your courage in ensuring that our determination to govern the state sees the light of day.

“I still want to prod us to use this period of acceptance of prayers to pray for our dear state, nation, and party, particularly APC’s triumph in next year’s governorship poll in Osun and other elections elsewhere,” he added.

Eid-el-Kabir: Kalu shares rams, rice to Abia Muslims

The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu has donated rams, bags of rice and other food items to the Muslim community in Abia State ahead of the Sallah festivities billed for Friday.

Presenting the items to the Muslim faithful led by Sarki Shehu Bello in Bende, Bende Local Government Area of the State, Kalu urged them to use the occasion to spread love to the indigent people and put a smile on their faces.

A statement issued on Thursday by the Special Assistant to the Deputy Speaker on Print Affairs, Udora Orizu, quoted Kalu as saying that he would not relent in championing the cause and welfare of his people by spreading the dividends of democracy.

Wishing them a joyous celebration, the Deputy Speaker who also represents Bende Federal Constituency of Abia State appealed to the Muslim faithful and indeed, all Nigerians to continue to pray for and support the President Bola Tinubu-led administration.

In his response, the leader of Abia Muslim Community, thanked the Deputy Speaker for his benevolence, and ensuring that the Muslim community residing in Abia state celebrate Sallah in harmony in happiness and joy.

He said, “On behalf of the Muslim community, we want to appreciate His Excellency, the Deputy Speaker for remembering us, for making sure that the Muslim community residing in Abia State celebrate this Sallah in harmony, happiness and joy. May God bless him more and more. He will have long life and things will go well for him.”

Ex-Zambia president Lungu dies at 68

Zambia’s former president Edgar Lungu, who held power for almost seven years until 2021, died Thursday in a hospital in South Africa at the age of 68, his party and family announced.

Lungu had been receiving specialised medical treatment in a clinic in Pretoria, the Patriotic Front, his political party, said in a statement.

“My father had been under medical supervision in recent weeks,” his daughter Tasila Lungu-Mwansa announced in a video shared on social media.

“His condition was managed with dignity and privacy with support from all well-wishers,” she said, without providing details of the cause of his death.

Lungu had suffered from recurring achalasia, a condition caused by narrowing of the oesophagus, for which he had been treated in South Africa.

Lungu, a trained military officer and lawyer, stepped down from the presidency in 2021 when veteran opposition leader Hakainde Hichilema, the current president, won elections by a landslide.

He had said he planned to run for president again in the 2026 elections.

He came into power in 2015, after the death in office of his predecessor Michael Sata, and described himself as an “ordinary Zambian of humble beginnings”.

AFP

Ex-Kogi senator, Smart Adeyemi, loses mother

The immediate past Senator representing Kogi West, Smart Adeyemi, has lost his mother, Victoria Adeyemi.

PUNCH Online gathered that she died on Wednesday morning at her Abuja residence.

The National President of Iyara Development Association, Dr. Aliyu Badaki, in a statement on Thursday, stated that the Iyara community has lost a matriarch, entrepreneur and virtuous mother.

Badaki stated, “This is to announce the glorious exit of our dear, lovely grandma, mama, Mrs Victoria Oyeyemi Adeyemi (nee Ibilola). She will always be remembered for her love and passion towards the development of Iyara.”

He extended the condolences of the community to Adeyemi and the family on the unfortunate loss, praying that God to grant her eternal rest.

“May her soul rest in peace. Our condolences to the entire family, especially the Distinguished Senator Smart Adeyemi and the community in general. Adieu, mama,” the statement added.

When our correspondent got in touch with the former Senator, he simply thanked him for the message.

Asked to confirm the development, the senator replied, “Thank you so much, and God bless you.”