The Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Muhammadu Abubakar lll, declared Sunday (today) the Eld-el-Fitr day.
Ramadan ended on Saturday following the sighting of the moon, signalling the beginning of the new Islamic month, Shawwal.
In his speech while addressing journalists on Saturday night in his palace, the Sultan disclosed that the moon was sighted in many places in Nigeria by some Islamic leaders and verified by the Sultanate council
The monarch listed cities where moon was sighted to include Sokoto, Kano, Maiduguri, Jos, Zaria, and Kaduna.
The Sultan implored Muslims in Nigeria to continue to live in peace regardless of their religion or ethnic differences.
He also urged Muslims to pray for Nigeria and her leaders to overcome challenges facing the country
Meanwhile, the Controller General of the Federal Fire Service, Abdulganiyu Jaji, has placed his men on red alert to swiftly respond to any emergencies during the Eld-el-Fitr celebration.
This is as the FFS boss urged Nigerians to take extra precautions, particularly while cooking.
In a statement on Saturday in Abuja, Jaji warned against leaving cooking unattended, stressed the importance of storing gas cylinders outside kitchens and keeping matches away from children.
He said, “These safety measures are vital for preventing accidents involving fuel tankers, particularly given the risks associated with festive period travel. I urge stakeholders to adopt these safety standards to protect both human lives and critical infrastructure.
“All fire service commands and zones have been placed on high alert to ensure swift response to any emergencies during the Sallah celebrations. I urge citizens to familiarize themselves with the contact information of their local fire service units.”
The Afghanistan’s Taliban government announced the release of nearly 2,500 prisoners ahead of celebrations marking the end of Ramadan, AFP reported.
The exact number of prisoners held by various security bodies in Afghanistan is unclear, but a spokesman for the Office of Prison Administration told AFP on Saturday that between 11,000 and 12,000 convicted prisoners were in the authority’s custody.
The move is a customary practice ahead of Eid-el-Fitr celebrations, which are expected to begin on Sunday.
The supreme court said on X that “2,463 prisoners who were eligible for amnesty were released, while 3,152 others received sentence reductions” as per a decree by the Taliban supreme leader.
The UN has raised concerns about the growing prison population in Afghanistan, noting that more detainees are being admitted than released.
In a report from October, the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan highlighted the strain on prison facilities, warning that the increasing number of arrests and lengthy jail sentences were putting unsustainable pressure on the system.
Last year, the Taliban released around 2,800 prisoners as part of the same end-of-Ramadan amnesty tradition.
The Minister for Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has said Nigerians will better appreciate President Bola Tinubu, decades from now.
The minister stated this through a birthday tribute he penned to the president, on Saturday, where he said the piece wasn’t just to be read for now alone as it was meant to stand as a testament for generations unborn.
Keyamo, who described the president as a master at fostering progressive coalitions for democratic advancement, added that he has brought value to the Nigerian democratic space.
He said, “From an insider perspective, I dare say it will take decades before Nigerians truly and fully understand and appreciate the value President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has brought into our democratic space in all ramifications and the audacity with which he has taken on some of our key systemic challenges as a nation, root and branch.
“Doubtless, in post-colonial Nigeria, he has been a master at fostering progressive coalitions for the ultimate advancement of democracy. Firstly, he played a very pivotal role in the formation and sustenance of NADECO to oust the Military and restore democratic governance in Nigeria.”
Keyamo stressed Tinubu’s dogged nature while recalling how he had to struggle to secure the ticket of the All Progressives Congress, prior to the 2023 election, despite being instrumental to the forming of the party.
“Secondly, he was at it again in 2015 when he inspired and rallied the biggest coalition of political parties in history to form the APC and oust the overly dominant PDP from power, thus re-balancing our democratic system.
“Despite that, he still had to struggle hard to win the Presidential ticket of the same APC in 2022 and battled even harder to win the presidential polls in 2023 before becoming the President of this great country.”
He also added that since Tinubu’s assumption of office, his decisions, according to Keyamo, have laid indelible marks for generations to come.
He added that through Tinibu’s leadership, Nigeria is now headed in the right direction.
He added, “It can now be seen that he has been motivated over the years by one clear vision: a Nigeria on a genuinely sustainable path of economic growth and development. From the courageous removal of petrol subsidies and the floating of the Naira to other bold reforms the government has embarked upon in different sectors, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has surely taken the bull by the horns. What previous governments shied away from for political expediency has become the defining characteristic of his government.
“Now, we are clearly headed in the right direction as a country as developments in different sectors will be rapid in the few years to come because of the rise in our liquidity. Our macro-economic indicators are looking up, and these will eventually impact on jobs and ultimately ensure the revival and stability of the middle class.”
The House of Representatives has condemned the senseless killing of travellers in Uromi, Edo State and called on security agencies to bring the perpetrators to book.
16 travellers of northern extraction were on Friday attacked and killed in Uromi when the vehicle they were travelling in was set ablaze by an irate mob.
Reacting to the sad development in a statement issued by its spokesman, Akin Rotimi on Saturday, the House described the killing as a grave violation of human rights and the rule of law.
The statement read, “We acknowledge the directives of President Bola Tinubu, and Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State, instructing security agencies to conduct an urgent investigation. The House urges law enforcement to ensure all perpetrators are promptly identified, arrested, and prosecuted.
“The House notes the intervention of security agencies, which led to the rescue of survivors and the arrest of some suspects. However, justice must not only be swift but also thorough. Those responsible for inciting, enabling, or carrying out this heinous crime must be fully held accountable to deter future occurrences.”
The statement also quoted the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, as labelling the killings “Barbaric, cowardly, and unacceptable,” stressing that “Such acts of brutality have no place in a society that upholds the sanctity of life – a fundamental principle deeply rooted in both Islamic and Christian teachings.
“It is deeply disturbing that in our nation, fellow citizens can be subjected to such heinous violence, especially when our faith traditions teach us to honour the sanctity of every human life.”
Abbas also called for restraint, urging Nigerians to avoid acts capable of escalating tensions.
He emphasised the need for collective efforts by security agencies, community leaders, and citizens to prevent such tragic incidents from occurring again.
He further noted, “Beyond immediate justice, this tragic incident underscores the urgent need for a national conversation on mob violence, extrajudicial killings, and ethnic profiling, which threaten our collective peace and unity.”
That said, the House called on security agencies “To strengthen intelligence gathering, enhance response mechanisms, and implement proactive measures to prevent mob justice and protect all citizens, regardless of ethnicity or origin.
It also urged “Community leaders, religious institutions, and traditional rulers to actively foster mutual understanding, tolerance, and respect for the rule of law within their communities” and civil society and the media “to promote legal awareness, civic responsibility, and objective reporting to combat mob violence and uphold justice.”
The Speaker Abbas-led House further enjoined all Nigerians to “Reject the dangerous practice of taking the law into their own hands, as it undermines democracy and social cohesion.”
While extending its heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims, the House reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the rule of law, ensuring justice for all, and supporting policies that safeguard the lives and dignity of every Nigerian.
“Mob violence, extrajudicial killings, and ethnic targeting have no place in a civilised society. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and stand in solidarity with all those who seek justice and peace. As representatives of the people, we remain resolute in our duty to protect the fundamental rights of every citizen and ensure that no act of lawlessness goes unpunished,” the statement further read.
Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has signed a N30bn contract to address the state’s water challenges.
The project aims to improve water supply and distribution, particularly in the southern zone of the state, comprising six LGAs
The Governor, who witnessed the contract signing on Friday, restated his administration’s commitment to finding a long-term solution to the state’s water crisis.
The contract was signed under the Plateau State Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscape project, a World Bank-funded initiative in partnership with the Plateau State Government.
Speaking at the event, Mutfwang explained that the contract represents a crucial step in the government’s efforts to resolve the water scarcity affecting the state’s southern senatorial district within the next 30 months.
“Indeed, signing this agreement today marks a significant milestone in our quest to address Plateau’s water crisis. When we assumed office, we inherited a water sector that was virtually on its knees. For years, the Yakubu Gowon Dam has lacked serious intervention, leading to an epileptic water supply in the Jos-Bukuru metropolis.
“However, we are working tirelessly to fix the problem. Each time we address one issue, another emerges, but we are tackling it holistically. By God’s grace, within the next six months, we aim to resolve the challenges surrounding the Yakubu Gowon Dam and other key dams within the metropolis”, Mutfwang assured.
He further stressed that the acute water shortage in Plateau Southern zone is a top priority for his administration. The contract signing, he noted, is a significant step toward reversing the dire water situation in the area.
“Let me remind the people of Plateau State that this project is financed through a loan secured under the World Bank framework in collaboration with other northern states. The project is designed to combat desertification, ensuring sustainable water supply and environmental restoration. The dedicated project team has worked tirelessly to reach this stage, and we are fully prepared for implementation”, he stated.
The project scope includes the desilting of Dams One and Two in Langtang North, the construction of hedge rows to minimize future siltation, the maintenance of washout embankments with laterite filling compacted to 100% WASC standards, and the planting of grass and trees to prevent erosion, enhance environmental greening, and curb land degradation. These interventions are expected to ensure a stable water supply for the affected communities.
Project Coordinator of ACReSAL, Garba Gonkol, commended Mutfwang for prioritising impactful projects, noting that Plateau State has never experienced such a high level of commitment to addressing water challenges.
Similarly, the Project Engineer and Contractor, Akin Fagbohun, provided an overview of the project and pledged to complete the contract within the stipulated 30-month timeline.
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, and the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, have eulogised President Bola Tinubu on the occasion of his birthday anniversary.
Born on March 29, 1952, the President turned 73 on Saturday.
In a congratulatory message on Saturday, issued by the Special Adviser to the Speaker on Media and Publicity, Musa Krishi, Abbas said Nigeria is lucky to have a democrat and patriot in the person of President Tinubu as its leader at this critical point in the country’s democratic journey.
The speaker described the president as “One of the most experienced politicians to have occupied the presidential seat, having at various times excelled at the state and federal levels in the executive and legislative arms of the government.”
He commended the first citizen for taking some bold initiatives aimed at turning around the fortune of the Nigerian state, such as the removal of subsidy from petrol, among other reforms.
The statement said these reforms are already yielding positive results for the country, affirming the sincerity of purpose in the administration’s handling of the economy.
He also applauded the president for programmes such as the Student Loan Scheme, the consumer credit scheme, the new national minimum wage, local government autonomy, the crude-for-naira deal, and the fixing of the Port Harcourt Refinery, among many others.
He said, “It is indeed a day of celebration not just for His Excellency, President Bola Tinubu, GCFR, and his family but also for every well-meaning Nigerian.
“As a democrat and patriot that he is, President Tinubu has demonstrated his unflinching allegiance and steadfastness to the well-being of Nigerians. He keeps to his covenant of making Nigeria better.
“Though initially painful, the policies and programmes introduced by the Tinubu administration are necessary for our future and the future of our unborn generations. As we have already started witnessing, these painful decisions are now paying off. Prices of foodstuffs are dropping drastically; the naira is truly fighting for its strength as exchange rates keep crashing; insecurity is gradually being nipped in the bud.
“I make bold to say that across all sectors, we are witnessing not just the resilience of our country and its people but also the transformative impact of these courageous policies. Your strategic foresight and unwavering commitment have set Nigeria on a remarkable path to recovery, prosperity, and renewed national pride.
“Under your resolute command, our security apparatus has delivered peace and order, cutting violent crime and insurgency by over 30% across our beloved states. Improved coordination among our armed forces, intelligence agencies, and community security initiatives has resulted in a reduction of over 30% in violent crimes and insurgency incidents across several states,” the statement read in part.
On his part, the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, has congratulated Tinubu for his courage in taking some painful but necessary steps to stabilise the economy.
He highlighted Tinubu’s removal of the fuel subsidy, which he described as a “whited sepulchre” that had deceptively appeared economical on the surface but was, in reality, draining the country’s resources.
In a congratulatory message issued on Saturday by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Levinus Nwabughiogu, Kalu lauded President Tinubu’s efforts to develop the geo-political zones in Nigeria through the creation of regional development commissions.
According to him, the initiative will meet the infrastructure needs of the people and foster economic prosperity and social cohesion in the respective regions.
“President Tinubu’s leadership has been a game-changer for Nigeria. His commitment to economic reforms and development is unwavering, and we are confident that his policies will yield positive results in the long run,” the statement read in part.
In his tribute, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, described President Tinubu as the “Aare Ona Kankafo” of all political and democratic struggles in the land.
He said, “Let us pay tribute to this enigmatic and bold reformer as he turns 73; this quintessential democrat; this master of political consensus; this consummate politician; this exemplary President, and this ‘Aare Ona Kankafo’ of all political and democratic struggles.”
The minister said, “It will take decades before Nigerians truly and fully understand and appreciate the value President Tinubu has brought into our democratic space in all ramifications and the audacity with which he has taken on some of our key systemic challenges as a nation, root and branch.”
Guinea’s ex-dictator Moussa Dadis Camara, who was sentenced to 20 years in prison over a 2009 massacre, was pardoned for “health reasons” by the West African country’s junta head, according to a decree read out on national television.
“Upon the proposal of the Minister of Justice, a presidential pardon is granted to Mr. Moussa Dadis Camara for health reasons,” said the decree, read out on television by presidential spokesperson General Amara Camara late Friday.
Following a landmark trial, a court found Dadis Camara guilty of crimes against humanity and sentenced him in July to 20 years behind bars over what is considered one of the darkest pages of Guinea’s history.
On September 28, 2009, at least 156 people were killed by gunfire, knives, machetes, or bayonets in a massacre at an opposition rally, according to a UN-mandated international commission of inquiry.
Hundreds more were wounded and at least 109 women were raped.
The abuses continued for several days against women who were held captive, and detainees were tortured.
Only 57 bodies of the victims were recovered, according to families and human rights organisations, and the toll is believed to be far higher.
Dadis Camara was found guilty “on the basis of superior responsibility”, a judge said, and was also guilty of “his intention to suppress the demonstration” and for failing to punish the perpetrators of the massacre.
Seven other people were also sentenced to prison terms of up to life imprisonment for their role in the massacre.
The Office of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) had welcomed the verdict, calling it a “landmark moment in establishing the truth… and bringing to account those bearing the greatest responsibility for the atrocities committed”.
Camera’s younger brother Jean Dadis Camara, told AFP he was delighted to hear the news.
“Everyone is happy. We thank the president … I followed the decree on television,” he said.
“We are extremely grateful to President Mamadi Doumbouya for this pardon. It is the greatest gift for the entire family,” said Marcus Olivier Thea, a close friend and confidant of the former dictator.
Dadis Camara’s pardon came after the junta’s head General Mamadi Doumbouya announced Wednesday that the compensation costs for the victims of the September 28, 2009, incident would be covered.
The junta would implement the reparations ordered by the judge for the victims, ranging from 200 million Guinean francs ($23,100) to 1.5 billion Guinean francs ($173,300), depending on the case.
The junta, which came to power through a coup in 2021, had allowed this historic trial to take place.
This week’s decrees come amid severe restrictions on freedoms in Guinea.
Many opponents of the junta have disappeared or are being questioned by the courts, demonstrations demanding the departure of the military are regularly banned, and several media outlets have been closed across the country.
Students under the umbrella of the National Association of Nigerian Students, Ondo State chapter, took to the streets on Thursday to protest the worsening insecurity in the state.
The demonstrators, primarily from Owo Polytechnic, blocked Oba Adesida Road near the “A” Division in Akure, chanting “Enough is enough” and demanding urgent government intervention
The students decried the frequent abduction of their colleagues, alleging that kidnappers often killed victims even after collecting ransom.
President Bola Tinubu on Thursday received his Ghanaian counterpart, John Mahama, at his official residence in the State House, Abuja.
Mahama’s visit to Nigeria is his first official visit since his inauguration on January 7, 2025.
Both leaders are expected to focus on strengthening diplomatic ties between Nigeria and Ghana in areas of cooperation in trade and security and discussing key regional issues within the Economic Community of West African States.
Shortly after winning the presidential election in December 2024, Tinubu visited Mahama in Accra to congratulate him on becoming Ghana’s president.
Activist politician and former African Action Congress, presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore on Thursday, said he rejected the offer to work with former president, Goodluck Jonathan.
According to him, he rejected the offer due to the calibre of people under Jonathan’s administration.
He disclosed this in an interview on ‘State of the Nation’ with Leadership TV.
“When Goodluck became president, he sent a man to come look for me in Breton with money, but I declined, telling him I cannot work with the people under his administration,” Sowore said.
He explained that he had been close to a friend who was actively involved in challenging the political establishment during the tenure of the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua.
Sowore suggested that Jonathan was the only politician he might have had some level of connection with, but he remained firm in his stance against working with his government.
