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[Eid al-Adha]: Malaysia women group distributes Eid meat, cash gift to Muslim families in Lagos

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[Eid al-Adha]: Malaysia women group distributes Eid meat, cash gift to Muslim families in Lagos

Despite the effect of the Coronavirus pandemic on the world economy, the Nigerian Office of the International Union of Muslim Women (IUMW) has distributed Qurbani (sacrificial meat) to Muslim families in Lagos on the occasion of the Eid-ul-Adha celebration.

The beneficiaries, who assembled outside the popular Ijeshatedo, Da’wah Centre, Lagos while maintaining COVID-19 precautions, also received cash donations from the international women organisation.

The country’s representative on the Board of Trustees, Hajia Sherifah Yusuf-Ajibade addressed the needy families who were drawn from different areas within Lagos state, Nigeria’s most metropolitan city.

She said, “We thank Allah for making us witness this year’s Eid celebration. Despite the hard economy being experienced globally as a result of the pandemic, our women organisation in Malaysia didn’t forget her humanitarian support to the Nigerian Muslims”.

Hajia Yusuf-Ajibade however said unlike the 2019 edition which was held simultaneously in three states (Abuja, Lagos and Osun), this year’s distribution was slated for only Lagos (at this centre).

According to her, “Last year, we reached out to 151 Muslim homes and 400 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in three States. But this year’s distribution was limited to Lagos due to COVID-19 lockdown order which has affected economies globally.

“The good news is that apart from the meat package; which can last a family of 6 for one week, we are also giving them cash. We believe that it will go a long way to support the needy families by Allah’s permission. We thank our sister branch in Malaysia for supporting this gesture. We pray and hope that next year will be bigger,” she added.

Hajiah Yusuf-Ajibade called on the government and well-to-do individuals to see to the welfare of the populace and support organisations involved in charity works.

“I think, it is part of the functions of the government to assist the poor through poverty alleviation programmes or charity organisations, before, during and after Eid.

“In our own parlance, it is said that ‘once hunger goes out of poverty, the poverty is gone’. So if they have food to eat, people won’t go into crimes, cajoled into taking drugs and lured into criminal activities which are prevalent in our country, today. So, government should support the families with palliatives to cushion the effect of the economic impact of the COVID-19 restriction on their businesses,” she noted.

The smiles, joy and happiness on the faces of the beneficiaries knew no bound as they spoke with Muslim News, after receiving the meat and cash donations.

“This distribution made us happy,” Mrs Rabiu Simbiat told Muslim News, adding that, “Because many of us could not slaughter Rams. If we prepare this for our families, they will be happy and we can even give our neighbors because it’s not what we can finish alone”.

Mrs Rabiu, who appreciated the organisers, prayed, “We asked Allah to reward all who participated in the distribution — organisers, donors and others abundantly. We also pray that Allah makes us amongst those that will also be giving to others.”

In his own submission, Mr AbdulSalam Yusuf said, “On behalf of myself and my family, I commend IUMW for this distribution. It is a welcome development. We expect Nigerian organisations to emulate this gesture”.

The International Muslim Women Union (IMWU) is a global group of Muslim women organisations with its Board of Trustees at the headquarters in Khartoum, Sudan and branches in different countries of the world, which majorly represent Muslim women across the globe in affairs that particularly concern them.

Activities of the IUMW Nigeria Office include counselling sessions for university students, provision of relief materials during Ramadan, rendering assistance to female students to secure admission into Sudanese universities on scholarship amongst others.

Source: https://muslimnews.com.ng/

[BREAKING] COVID-19: Expect ‘lengthy’ COVID-19 pandemic, WHO warns

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[BREAKING] COVID-19: Expect ‘lengthy’ COVID-19 pandemic, WHO warns

The Emergency Committee on COVID-19, which was convened by the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Director General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, said the COVID-19 pandemic is expected to have a lengthy duration.

A statement that was issued by the Committee on Saturday, also noted that the committee expects the COVID-19 to remain a public health emergency of international concern in the meantime.

The Executive Committee, which convened under the International Health Regulations (2005), expressed its appreciation to the WHO and its partners on COVID-19 response efforts, whilst stressing the importance of sustained community, national, regional, and global response efforts.

Note that  the Executive Committee’s unanimous conclusion that the pandemic still constitutes a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC), was sent to WHO’s  Tedros as a recommendation.

The Committee also advised the WHO to continue to mobilize global and regional multilateral organizations and partners for COVID-19 preparedness and response, in order to support member states in maintaining health services, while accelerating the research and eventual access to diagnostics, therapeutics, and vaccines.

It also recommended a sustained attack on the virus on all fronts, from testing and contact tracing to developing vaccine treatments

It urged countries to support these various research efforts, including by funding, and to join in efforts to allow equitable allocation of diagnostics, therapeutics, and vaccines by engaging in the Access to COVID-19 Tools (ACT) Accelerator among other initiatives.

The committee also advised countries to strengthen public health surveillance for case identification and contact tracing, including in low-resource, vulnerable, or high-risk settings and to maintain essential health services with sufficient funding, supplies, and human resources.

Countries were advised to implement proportionate measures and advice on travel, based on risk assessments, and to review these measures regularly.

While accepting these recommendations, Tedros confirmed that the pandemic still constitutes a PHEIC. He then issued the Committee’s advice to States Parties as Temporary Recommendations under the IHR.

“The pandemic is a once-in-a-century health crisis, the effects of which will be felt for decades to come,” Dr Tedros told the Committee in his opening remarks on Friday. “Many countries that believed they were past the worst are now grappling with new outbreaks. Some that were less affected in the earliest weeks are now seeing escalating numbers of cases and deaths. And some that had large outbreaks have brought them under control.”

A PHEIC, which is the WHO’s highest level of alarm under IHR, was first declared on January 30th at a time when there were fewer than 100 cases and no deaths outside China.

 

Source: Nairametrics

Publish details Of Govt Loans Since 2015 — SERAP drag Buhari to Court

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Publish details Of Govt Loans Since 2015 — SERAP drag Buhari to Court

Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has asked the Federal High Court, Abuja to order President Muhammadu Buhari to “publish details of loans that have been obtained by the government since May 29, 2015, including the interest rate, the total amount of debts that have so far been incurred by this government, as well as details of the projects on which the loans have been spent.”

Joined as Respondents in the suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/785/2020 are Mr Abubakar Malami, Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice; Ms Zainab Ahmed, Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning; and Ms Patience Oniha Director-General of the Debt Management Office.

SERAP is seeking: “an order of mandamus to direct and compel President Buhari to tell Nigerians the names of countries and bodies that have given the loans, specific repayment conditions, and whether any public officers solicited and/or received bribes in the negotiations for any of the loans, and if there is plan to audit the spending of the loans, to resolve any allegations of mismanagement and corruption.”

SERAP is also asking the court to: “direct and compel President Buhari to tell Nigerians if he would instruct the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to monitor the spending of all loans obtained since May 2015.”

SERAP is arguing that: “Opacity in the spending of loans would continue to have negative impacts on the fundamental interests of citizens. Transparency would ensure that the loans are not diverted to private pockets, increase public trust that these loans would be used to benefit Nigerians, provide good value for money, and reassure Nigeria’s creditors.”

According to SERAP, “This suit is permitted under the Freedom of Information Act, the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and the UN Convention against Corruption to which Nigeria is a state party.”

SERAP is also arguing that: “While access to loans can provide indispensable resources, the mismanagement and squandering of any such resources would be counter-productive. Nigerians should no longer be made to repay debts incurred in their name but which have not benefited them in any manner, shape or form.”

The suit followed SERAP’s Freedom of Information (FoI) request dated 30 May, 2020 to President Buhari, expressing “concerns that while governments since 1999 have borrowed money in the name of Nigeria and its citizens, much of the funds have reportedly been mismanaged, stolen or squandered, leaving the citizens with the burden of having to repay these loans.”

The suit filed on behalf of SERAP by its lawyers Kolawole Oluwadare and Adelanke Aremo, read in part: “the massive and growing national debts have continued to have negative impacts on socio-economic development and on Nigerians’ access to public goods and services, including quality education, adequate healthcare, clean water, and regular electricity supply.”

“SERAP is praying the court to hold that the interest of the public in publishing the information sought is far greater than any other interest President Buhari may be trying to preserve.”

“Transparency and accountability in the spending details of all the loans that have so far been obtained by the government, and those obtained by previous administrations would mean that the loans can help Nigeria to overcome its acute development challenges, and reduce the possibility of mismanagement and corruption.”

“SERAP is seeking an order to direct and compel President Buhari to disclose information on details of spending of loans obtained by successive governments since the return of democracy in 1999, list of countries and bodies that have given the loans, and specific conditions of repayment of the loans.”

Obedience to the rule of law by all citizens but more particularly those who publicly took oath of office to protect and preserve the constitution is a desideratum to good governance and respect for the rule of law.”

“The Nigeria Government has signed on to the Open Government Partnership [OGP], and the country is a state party to the UN Convention against Corruption and the African Union Convention on Preventing and Combating Corruption.”

It would be recalled that Buhari recently sought the National Assembly’s approval for a fresh loan of $5.513bn, reportedly to fund the 2020 budget deficit, critical projects, and support some states. The National Assembly also recently approved a N850 billion loan. Another loan of $22.79bn, had previously been approved by the National Assembly.

No date has been fixed for the hearing of the suit.

Ahmed Lawan Seek cooperation between the National Assembly and the NBA as he congratulates new Excos

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Ahmed Lawan Seek cooperation between the National Assembly and the NBA as he congratulates new Excos

The President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan, has congratulated Olumide Akpata on his election as the 30th President of the Nigerian Bar Association.

Lawan, who also congratulated other newly elected executives of the association, noted that the National Assembly counts on inputs from the NBA to amend the country’s constitution.

This was contained in a statement on Saturday by his Special Adviser on Media, Ola Awoniyi.

In the statement titled, “Senate President congratulates new NBA President, Olumide Akpata”, Lawan noted that Akpata and his team convinced their learned colleagues that they possess the experience, integrity, and capacity to lead the association, urging them to live up to the high expectations.

He added, “The need for cooperation between the National Assembly and the NBA is even more cogent now in the light of the impending process of constitutional amendment on which the designated parliamentary Committee is poised to go full blast as soon as Parliament resumes from the current recess.

“We at the National Assembly will count on the inputs of members of the public and in particular the respected members of the bar in the efforts to finetune our constitution.”

BREAKING: Lagos To Reopen Worship Centres August 7

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BREAKING: Lagos To Reopen Worship Centres August 7

The Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu says places of worship in the state will be reopened from Friday, August 7.

Sanwo-Olu disclosed this during a briefing on COVID-19 at the Lagos House in Marina area of the state.

While mosques will be reopened next week Friday, the governor said churches will follow suit on Sunday, August 9.

According to him, religious leaders must make available hand sanitisers, handheld thermometer checks, adding that the state government will ensure that social distancing is maintained.

Fasanmi brought dignity to Yoruba –Ooni of Ife

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Fasanmi brought dignity to Yoruba –Ooni of Ife

Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, on Friday said late Pa Ayo Fasanmi’s life and accomplishments brought dignity to all descendants of Oduduwa.

In a tribute signed by his Director of Media and Public Affairs, Mr Moses Olafare, Oba Ogunwusi described the late Afenifere leader as an epitome of leadership, politics, and good governance.

The statement read in part, “Pa Ayo Fasanmi was a great leader whose words, actions, and involvement in Nigerian politics brought dignity to the Yoruba people.

“We are going to miss him greatly because of the roles he had been playing as an elder statesman after stepping out of partisan politics, but we shall continue to remember him for the goods he did when he was with us.

“Our leaders, particularly those in the political class, have a lot to learn from Pa Fasanmi’s selfless style of leadership. We must wake up to our responsibilities towards creating the great Nigeria of our dream.”

JUST IN: Fire razes market in Mushin, Lagos

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JUST IN: Fire razes market in Mushin, Lagos

Fire gutted a foam market in the Mushin Local Government Area of Lagos State on Saturday.

The incident happened around 1pm at 16, Ladipo Street in Mushin, said Spokesperson for the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, Nosa Okunbor.

He added that first responders including LASEMA operatives have been deployed in the scene to prevent the fire from escalating to adjoining buildings.

According to Okunbor, no casualty has been recorded as of the time of filing this report but search and rescue operation is ongoing.

In a subsequent statement, the spokesperson stated, “The fire, which cause is yet to be ascertained, has now been brought under control and stopped from further escalating to adjoining buildings, with no loss of life nor injuries recorded so far at the scene of the incident.

Kyari, Funtua’s deaths so disturbing to me – Mamman Daura

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Kyari, Funtua’s deaths so disturbing to me – Mamman Daura

Mamman Daura, the nephew of the President, Major Gen. Muhammadu Buhari(retd.) said on Saturday that the death of the late Chief of Staff, Abba Kyari and that of late Ismaila Isa Funtua, was so disturbing to him.

Kyari, died on April 17 of complications arising from the COVID-19 while Funtua died of cardiac arrest on July 20.

The President’s nephew, along with Kyari and Funtua; were described as powerful members of the ‘kitchen cabinet’ of the retired general.

Speaking in an interview on the Hausa service of the British Broadcasting Corporation monitored in Kaduna on Saturday, Daura described the two men as “close associates” of over 40 years.

He said Kyari and Funtua’s services to the administration of President Buhari in the first and second tenures, were “immeasurable”.

The President’s nephew said he worked with Kyari when he was Editor and Managing Director of the New Nigerian Newspaper, Kaduna, adding that he and Funtua, established the Funtua Textile Mills.

He said, “Truly, it (death of two intimate friends) was very disturbing. These two great personalities, aside from being my friends were my close associates.

“What they did for the government since they came in – Malam Ismailia Isa by the side while Abba Kyari in the centre, how they worked for this government was beyond our thought. May Almighty Allah have mercy on them.

“They were close associates, not blood relations. Close associates due to our long term relationship.”

On the late Ismaila Isa Funtua, Daura said together they established the Funtua Textile Mills which has outlived other textile companies across the length and breadth of the country.

“After leaving New Nigerian, and retired as a Managing Director, I became the Director of United Nigeria Textile Limited, UNTL.

“It’s 40 years now. He was the Personnel Manager there. That was when we worked together and became intimate.

“Together, we established Funtua Textiles, close to Mairua Dam. All textile mills that were established at that time have all closed down. The ones in Lagos. Kaduna and Kano, at one point or the other, have stopped production but Funtua Textiles has been in operations in the last 40 years,” he said.

Source: The Punch

[JUDGMENT]: Court dismisses suit against Senator Elisha Abbo

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[JUDGMENT]: Court dismisses suit against Senator Elisha Abbo

A magistrate’s court in Zuba, federal capital territory (FCT), has dismissed a suit instituted against Elisha Abbo, senator representing Adamawa north, by the police.

Abbo was arraigned on a one-count charge by the police for allegedly assaulting Osimibibra Warmate, a woman, at sex toy shop in Abuja.

Despite a video evidence of the incident, Abdullahi Ilelah, the magistrate, upheld the no-case submission filed by the lawmaker.

Despite the testimonies of Warmate and Mary Daniel, a police officer who investigated the case, Ilelah said the evidence and exhibits tendered do not establish that the senator assaulted the complainant at sex toy shop.

“The evidence and exhibits tendered do not disclose a prima facie case of the alleged crime of criminal force and assault against the defendant (Abbo),” the magistrate held.

“The prosecution’s case centred on the oral evidence of PW1 (Warmate) and the two discs containing CCTV footage of the incident and alleged video clip of an apology from the defendant (Abbo).”

Segun Awosanya, an activist better known as Segalink, said the case would be revisited to ensure that justice is served.

“This will not stand on our watch. We shall revisit this and ensure Justice is served. This MUST never be a precedent that will impact our children. It will be given everything we’ve got in attention for the sanctity of our society,” he tweeted.

JUST IN: Fayemi recovers from COVID-19

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JUST IN: Fayemi recovers from COVID-19

Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi has recovered from coronavirus after the test conducted on him returned negative for the virus.

Fayemi who had spent 11 days in self- isolation announced his recovery on Saturday via his verified Twitter handle @Kfayemi.

The governor, had last week confirmed on his Twitter handle that the result of his COVID-19 test turned out positive.

The governor, had, thereafter, gone into isolation with some of his aides who later confirmed positive taking similar step.

Fayemi tweeted: “After 11 days in isolation, I received news that my COVID-19 repeat test came back negative.

“My sincere gratitude goes to God Almighty, my family, my medical team and all well wishers for the prayers and solidarity.

“We must continue to do all we can to tackle the pandemic,” he tweeted.

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