Author: Lawal AbdulSalam Olawale

The Federal Government has declared Monday, March 31 and Tuesday April 1 public holidays for the Eid-el-Fitr celebration.

 

The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government.

 

He congratulated Muslim Ummah on the successful completion of the Ramadan fast.

 

Tunji-Ojo urged all Muslims to embrace the virtues of self-discipline, compassion, generosity and peace, emphasising the importance of love, forgiveness, and solidarity in building a harmonious society.

 

In a statement by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr Magdalene Ajani, the Minister called on Nigerians to use this festive period to pray for peace, stability, and prosperity of the nation.

 

He expressed hope the joyous occasion of Eid-el-Fitr would inspire unity and cooperation across religious and ethnic lines.

 

Tunji-Ojo also encouraged citizens to celebrate safely and responsibly, while remembering the less privileged through acts of kindness and charity, in keeping with the true spirit of Ramadan and Eid.

 

On behalf of the government, he extended heartfelt Eid Mubarak wishes to all Muslim faithful and prayed that the blessings of the season bring happiness, success, and fulfillment to everyone.

 

 

 

 

The Federal Government has officially commenced payment of N77,000 monthly allowance to National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members.

 

The announcement of a pay increase by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu which earlier brought relief and excitement among corps members nationwide, was met with disappointment following delays in implementation of the new allowance.

 

For almost six months after the announcement in September 2024, serving corps members were paid the previous N33,000 allowance introduced in 2020 under former President Muhammadu Buhari.

 

Confirming the development to Tribune , a serving corps member in Kwara State, simply identified as Adepoju, said the scheme has commenced N77,000, describing the increase as “long overdue.”

 

He opined that the payment is possibly being disbursed in batches, noting that while some corps members had already received theirs, others were still anxiously waiting.

 

Also, Nigerians on social media, have begun reacting to the development which came following an assurance from the Minister of Youths that the federal government would pay backlog of the N77,000 allowance.

 

A Twitter user, @ToluDaniel10, expressed his thoughts, writing:

 

“NYSC is finally paying 77k to corps members . If you have this girl’s DM, go say a big thank you. I bet the government wouldn’t have listened to you if not for her.”

 

Another user, @fimlex2, wondered why the space was still quite compared to when the scheme failed, tweeting:

 

 

 

Nine persons, including five students of the Osun State University (UNIOSUN), have died in a road crash on Ikire/Ibadan Expressway.

 

The Nation gathered that the 18-seater bus in which they were travelling had an accident with a luxury bus that was moving against traffic.

 

The institution’s Public Relations ‘Officer, Ademola Adesoji, confirmed that the accident occurred around Balogun, before Unity School, Ikire, Osun State.

This ghastly road accident involving a luxury bus travelling from Ibadan and an 18-passenger bus from Osogbo resulted in multiple fatalities, including five of UNIOSUN students.

 

“According to reports from the Nigerian Police and Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the accident was caused by the head-on collision of the two buses, leading to a severe impact that claimed the lives of several passengers.

 

Our University Management, upon receiving this distressing news, swiftly dispatched a team to the scene to identify and support any of our students involved in the accident.

 

Regrettably, we confirm the loss of the following students: Olagbemide Dotun, a 200-level student of Software Engineering; Suleiman Farouq Adedayo, a 400-level student of Law; Ogundare Pelumi, a 300-level student of Public Health; Ogundare Elijah, a 100-level student of Mechanical Engineering and Olawuyi Mary, a 200-level student of Nursing.

 

“However, one of our students, Olagbemide Damilola, a 200-level student of Medicine and Surgery, survived the accident and is receiving medical attention.”

 

“The Nigerian Police have confirmed a total of 10 fatalities from this unfortunate incident.

 

This tragic loss has deeply shaken our university community. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and loved ones of the deceased. We urge our students, staff, and the entire university community to remain calm and supportive during this difficult time.

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has rejected Governor Ademola Adeleke’s nomination of ex-Finance Commissioner, Wale Bolorunduro, as a Director of Osun-owned Living Trust Mortgage Bank.

 

The Nation reports Adeleke appointed Boluwaduro, who served under the administration of Ex-Governor Rauf Aregbesola as the Director and Chairman of Living Trust Mortgage Bank in 2024.

 

But the CBN in a letter obtained by The Nation with reference number: OFI/SG2/CON/PLI/018/171 dated March 21st 2025 titled: “Re: Resolutions Reached At The Settlements Helf on August 28, 2024 In Relation to LivingTrust Mortgage Bank PLC” declined the nomination of Boluwaduro.

The letter signed by the Director, Other Financial Institutions Supervision Department, Oluwasola Ajewole of the apex monetary authority approved the nomination of 10 others nominated as Managing, Executive, Non-Executive, Independent Non-Executive Directors.

The letter reads partially; “Dr. Adewale Bolorunduro’s approval is declined due to his involvement in the board crisis as ascertained in the investigation carried out by the CBN Examiners as at May 31, 2024.

The OSSG will be required to replace him with a neutral person to ensure stability on the board.

“However, you are required to forward the following additional documents in respect of the below appointees within three months from the date of this letter. Failure to do so would nullify the approval of the appointments of Mr. Afolabi Olanrewaju Olatunji and Mr. Ogungbile Adeola Olusola.”

The letter directed that Olatunji should provide letter of undertaking that he would make good the non-performing loan with Prudential Mortgage Bank while Ogungbile should make available a Executed Code of Conduct form for Directors of Other Financial Institutions.

 

“Also, note that Mrs. Olaitan who had served on the board between 2018 to date, has only four years remaining as an Executive Director, In line with Section 2.5 of the Revised Guidelines for Mortgage Banks.

 

” Likewise, Mr. Michael Omolaja who had served between 2016 to 2023, has only one year remaining as an Independent Non-Executive Director in line with Section 2.5 of the Revised Guidelines for Primary Mortgage Banks in Nigeria,” the CBN added.

*BREAKING NEWS*

 

*Muslim Students Debunks MURIC Allegations Against Adeleke University*

 

*● No Muslim Student was Suspended*

 

*●Our Faith is Respected by Management*

 

*● Chief (Mrs) Dupe Adeleke Cares for Us*

 

The Muslim Students Association chapter of the Adeleke University has debunked a statement credited to MURIC which alleged the suspension of a Muslim student over Friday prayer, describing the reports as fake news.

 

In two separate letters to the management of the University, the association in a statement signed by its Ameer, Imran Adigun AbdulHakeem said the MURIC’s reports circulated on social media was a misrepresentation of happenings within the university, our faith is respected by the management.

 

In the second letter, the association apologized to a director and facilitator of the University, Chief (Mrs) Dupe Adeleke- Sanni whom the association credited with providing a conducive atmosphere for the Muslim students to practice their faith.

 

The letter runs as follows: “On behalf of the Muslim Students Society of Nigeria (MSSN), Adeleke University Chapter, write to address the ongoing misinformation circulating on social media and other platforms regarding the suspension of Muslim Students for praying on Campus.

 

“On the 14th of March, 2025, we were temporarily suspended from observing our Night Ramadan Prayers (Taraweeh) and Jummat prayers on campus on the orders of the Director of Security

Service (DSS).

 

“However, on the 18th of March, we met with Dr. Mrs. Modupe Adeleke regarding these challenges.”

 

“She provided us with a place where we could observe Ramadan, Jummat prayers, and the five daily prayers which we accepted. As a result, the suspension has been lifted, and we have resumed prayers at the new location provided by the university on the orders of Dr Modupe Adeleke.

 

“At no time have Muslim Students been forced to change their beliefs. While challenges may arise in any diverse academic institution, the university management has always been open to dialogue, and we have continued to receive support in practicing our faith.”

 

“Adeleke University has provided a peaceful and respectful environment for all faiths, and we continue to practice our religion freely.”

 

“We urge the public to disregard the misinformation that may have been spread regarding this matter as they do not reflect the reality of our experiences”, the letter to the university management noted.

 

The second letter tagged letter of apology to Chief (Mrs) Dupe Adeleke-Sanni, reads as follows: “As-salamu alaykum (peace be upon you). On behalf of the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN), Adeleke University Chapter, I apologize for any distress caused by the false social media reports.

 

“We assure you that we had no hand in spreading the misinformation. We are deeply grateful for your unwavering support, guidance, and kindness towards us.

 

“Your commitment to our well-being and academic success is invaluable, and we appreciate everything you’ve done for us. May Allah (SWT) reward you abundantly for your good deeds. Jazakumullah khairan (may Allah reward you with goodness).

 

“Thank you for being an exceptional Mother and mentor. We are blessed to have you”, the statement signed by the association’s Ameer concluded.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has issued a strong warning to the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP)-led Kano State government following controversial remarks made by the Deputy Governor, Comrade Aminu Abdulsalam.

Abdulsalam had accused Professor Hafsat Abdullahi Ganduje, wife of former Governor and current APC National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, of financial misconduct, specifically interfering with pension funds during her husband’s tenure.

 

In a widely circulated video seen by Newsmen as, the Deputy Governor alleged that pensioners were only paid after Professor Hafsat had taken her share of the funds.

Reacting to these allegations, APC’s Kano Publicity Secretary, Ahmad S. Aruwa, strongly condemned Abdulsalam’s statements during an interview with Express Radio.

 

He described the remarks as defamatory and a violation of Nigeria’s constitution.

 

Aruwa stated that the comments amounted to character assassination and went against constitutional principles.

 

He further warned that such statements could escalate tensions in Kano, potentially leading to a declaration of a state of emergency, similar to what was imposed in Rivers State by the Bola Tinubu administration.