In an advisory released on Friday, DSS spokesman, Peter Afunanya, emphasised the need for vigilance against potential threats, particularly Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs).

Afunanya extended felicitations to the Muslim faithful for Ramadan and Christians observing Lent.

He called on citizens to report any suspicious activities to security agencies and cautioned religious leaders, traditional rulers, and stakeholders against economic exploitation or profiteering during these sacred obligations.

The statement read, “Residents are advised to remain vigilant against public dangers, especially Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs). The general public is urged to stay informed about potential threats, avoid crowded or suspicious areas, and report any strange objects, activities, and movements to relevant security agencies.”

Recognising the significance of these religious rites, Afunanya urged worshipers to promote understanding, compassion, and respect for one another. He emphasised the importance of upholding good standards to ensure the observance of religious duties with ease and dignity.

The DSS spokesperson appealed to the media to foster informed and accurate engagements that enhance national security objectives.

He called for tolerance, bonds of brotherhood, dialogue, and peaceful coexistence among the populace.

Afunanya concluded, stating, “As we undertake these spiritual journeys in the Lenten and Ramadan periods, let us remember to love and share the values that unite us. Let us reaffirm our commitment to the values of mercy, tolerance, forgiveness, being our brother’s keepers, among others, and by these, advance a more inclusive and equitable society for us all.”

The post DSS Warns Against Crowded Gatherings During Religious Periods first appeared on MegaIcon Magazine.

The post DSS Warns Against Crowded Gatherings During Religious Periods appeared first on MegaIcon Magazine.

The late Mrs. Okwuofu  passed on , on Tuesday 12, March ,2019  after a brief illness. She was 80 years old.

Before her demise, Mrs. Okwuofu was a renowned community leader , business icon , and a respected member of various christian and community associations.

A devout Catholic, the late community leader,  who hailed from the popular Onochie family of Onicha-Uku,  is survived by her husband, Pa. Thomas Okwuofu, 96, children, and grandchildren.

According to the funeral arrangement  released by the family, the body of the late matriarch of the Okwuofu family will leave the Isele-Uku mortuary to the husband’s family compound , Ogbe-Ogene Quarters, Obomkpa , for a wake keep mass on Thursday, 23 May, 2019 .

There will be a funeral mass at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Obomkpa , before the body leaves in a procession to her home town, Ishiekpe Quarters, Onicha-Uku , Aniocha North Local Government, Delta state for interment on Friday 24 , May 2019,  followed by entertainment of guest .

The post Madam Okwuofu for burial first appeared on MegaIcon Magazine.

The post Madam Okwuofu for burial appeared first on MegaIcon Magazine.

Checks unearthed that the Pace Setter’s state housed Muslims, Christians and Traditional worshipers, thus the need for proper religious identity in regards of governorship election.

Many believed that Bayo Adelabu was a converted Christian, until the ‘sudden’ addition of ‘Abdulwaheed’ to his name purposely for election.

According to a family source, the religious identity of Adelabu is nebulous.

Relying on the press statement I obtained from the Peoples’ Awareness Initiatives (PAI) under the aegis of Muslim Community, Oyo State issued recently, the group expressed its sympathetic pleasure on account of Chief Adelabu’s victory at the primary poll.

The statement stated that Muslims in the state are at cross road orchestrated by the sullenness and cloudy nature of Bayo Adelabu’s religious identity.

The group argued that Chief Adelabu has hitherto bizarrely conceived to be a Muslim by introducing himself as ‘Abdul Waheed’ while he was declaring his ambition to run for the most exalted seat in the state, observing that being a Muslim transcends mere name bearing.

The statement stressed that “Muslims in Oyo state would be more pleased and assuaged provided that Chief Adelabu can take further practical steps to prove that he is really a Muslim just like all of us are expecting him to be one.

“This persuasion is not only necessary but highly imperative as keeping us (Muslims) in such a dingy and grimy scenario as far as his true religious faith is concerned signals shrewd practise on the part of Chief Adelabu which (without mincing word) would be obnoxious and insupportable.

“The need for Chief Adelabu to practically prove his religious faith as a true Muslim is very vital as such actions determine who his running mate would be, Muslim or Christian?

“The importance of this persuasion is to arouse the consciousness of the so-called king makers to the attendant repercussion of this uncleared religious identity for the Oyo State APC in a general election. In fact, this call does not only beneficial to the Muslims but also to the Christians in the state”, its continued.

Interestingly, if peradventure, Chief Adelabu happens to be a Muslim, will it be justificatory and balanced to have Muslim deputy. will CAN accept it?, the statement questioned.

On the other hand, if he turned to be a Christian, will it be fair and balanced to choose a Christian deputy for him (Christian -Christian ticket?, the statement observed further.

This clamour, as reliably gathered was simply to avert the lopsidedness in political office bearing as well as religious imbroglio on both sides since religion issue is very key in our political affairs and history considering the heterogenous nature of Nigerian state.

Furthermore, it is germane to add that some APC sympathisers in the state who are also conscious of their religions are seriously enmeshed in a quagmire over this indecipherable religion identity of Adelabu.

The press statement, howey urged, Bayo Adelabu to as a matter of urgency clarify his ‘true religious identity’.

“We, as Muslims in the state would be greatly happy if Chief Adelabu can thoroughly identify himself with Islam and as a practising Muslim since this will not only put to rest the lingering controversy, but also afforded him the opportunity to be counted among the inmates of Al-Janah (Paradise).

“At this juncture, we wish to state unequivocally clear that this persuasion and vociferation do not in anyway mean any form of endorsement nor indicates any support for the candidature of Chief Adelabu while we stand resolute with our principles and policies as far as lending our supports to any candidate is concerned.

“We stand with competence and credibility while religious issue is also sacrosanct”, the statement concluded.

Aside this, there are many untold stories about the Governorship candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Adebayo Adekola Adelabu

Ademola Bakare writes from Ibadan

To be continued

The post OPINION: Emergence of Adelabu And Fences Around Him Part II first appeared on MegaIcon Magazine.

The post OPINION: Emergence of Adelabu And Fences Around Him Part II appeared first on MegaIcon Magazine.

The Association of Christian Schools in Nigeria has said it will direct its members to boycott the West African Examination Council (WAEC) if the body does not reverse its decision banning all private school teachers from invigilating its examinations.

The examination body had issued a directive banning private school teachers from supervising its examinations over allegations that they aid students to commit malpractices.

But the association said the ban is aimed at Christian schools in Nigeria.

Mrs. Ekaete Ettang, the president of the association, while addressing journalists at a press briefing in Plateau state, said WAEC must reverse its decision and “planned implementation”.

She said: “In view of the above, the association of Christian schools demand that WAEC cancels the order and revert to status quo where credible teachers from Christian schools in Nigeria were involved in the supervision of WAEC examination. Failure to do so, all Christian schools nationwide will withdraw from future WAEC examinations.” WAEC logo

“If WAEC does not reverse this decision and planned implementation, all Christian schools will boycott future WAEC examination.

“WAEC and ministries of education must provide statistics to show the trend in the examination malpractices across the schools, which forms the basis of their decision.”

Mrs. Ettang also demanded to know the law which banned its members from participating in the supervision of WAEC, examinations, pointing out that the move by the examination body was an indictment on the association.

“The Christian schools demand that the laws and legislations that prohibit teachers from Christian schools from supervising WAEC examinations be made available, as they have been participating in this process over the years based on written communication that are on record.”

Few weeks ago, the President of the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), Ishaq Akintola, also warned the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) to fix its examination timetable to accommodate the Friday jummat prayer or risk disruption of the examinations by Muslims.

The post Christian Schools Will Boycott WAEC Examinations, Says Group first appeared on MegaIcon Magazine.

The post Christian Schools Will Boycott WAEC Examinations, Says Group appeared first on MegaIcon Magazine.

CAN described the silence of the President on Sharibu who is still with the Boko Haram insurgents as sad and worrisome.

In a Press Statement made available to Newsmen in Akure, the State capital, CAN Chairman in the state, Rev. Ayo Oladapo accused President Buhari of planning to crush out Christianity in the country.

The Christian body queried President Buhari if it is a crime to be a Christian in Nigeria.

“It is painful to note that Liya Sharibu the only girl that still remains with the Boko Haram is said to be the only lady that refused to renounce her Christian faith

“With this development, It is clear that the battle is against Christianity. Information has it that the Boko Haram people came into Dapchi town majestically to return the girls

“They claim that they were not aware that the girls were Muslims, hence, they need to return them because they are Muslims When did it become a crime for a person to become a Christian in Nigeria?

“According to the girls, they were release because they were Muslims. Is it a crime to become a Christian in Nigeria? President Buhari should tell the whole world ” CAN said.

The Religion body charged Vice President, Yemi Osinbanjo not to keep quiet as a Christian in government.

It asked Christians across the nation to mobilize prayer for the release of Sharibu to rejoin with the parents unharmed.

The statement added, ” It is painful that the government, civil society organization, human right activist kept mute on the only Christian girl that is still held captive

” We, therefore, demand that the President Muhammad Buhari and all his security outfits should without delay facilitate the immediate release of Layi Sharibu

” It is becoming clearer that president Buhari’s administration is out to crush Christianity to nothing in this nation, if he is keeping quiet on the only girl in captivity because of her faith in Christ Jesus

” No wonder, President Buhari is not doing much as expected of him to stop the killings of people in the Christian community by the herdsmen

“Pastor Professor Yemi Oshibanjo should not keep quiet as a Christian at this time, we encourage all Churches to please mobilize prayer for the release of Liya Sharibu to rejoin with the parents unharmed. We equally call on the International community to assist in the release of the Christian girl. “

https://iso.keq.mybluehost.me/benue-killings-continue-because-igp-disobeyed-me-buhari/

The post Dapchi: CAN calls for release of Christian girl, blames Buhari for not acting first appeared on MegaIcon Magazine.

The post Dapchi: CAN calls for release of Christian girl, blames Buhari for not acting appeared first on MegaIcon Magazine.

Sadly however, it was reported that five of the innocent kids died while in captivity.

According to an AFP report, Fatimah had informed that Boko Haram terrorists that abducted and later drove them back to Dapchi early Wednesday told the girls they were so lucky because they were young and essentially Muslims.

The innocent freed abductee stated that one of them who is a Christian is still in Boko Haram captivity because of her religion.

“Fatima Gremah, 13, who was among those released, earlier told reporters: “Boko Haram said we were lucky we were young and also Muslims.

Fatimah said: “”One of us who is a Christian has been left behind. They said they would keep her until she converted. If she converts, they will release her. She is the only one among us left behind.”

Reports agree that the girls were driven back in motorcade to the town while their captors made their way back uninterrupted.

If some photos circulating online are reliable, most of the girls were seen clutching fibre bags commonly called ghana-must-go in Nigeria raising issues on whether they were taken with such bags or the terrorists bought them bags while in captivity.

Boko Haram kidnapped 110 schoolgirls in Dapchi, northeast Nigeria, just over a month ago. Nigerian Information Minister Lai Mohammed said the girls were released “unconditionally”. “No money changed hands,” he told reporters in the capital, Abuja.

He added: “As of now, the number (of girls confirmed to have been released) has increased to 101.”

Mohammed had earlier said their release was the result of “back-channel efforts” with the help of “some friends of the country”, without elaborating.

Military operations in and around Dapchi had been suspended “to ensure free passage” of the girls and also to ensure “that lives were not lost”, he added.

Nigeria’s presidency said separately the girls were in the custody of the country’s intelligence agency, the Department of State Services.

With Agency reports

https://iso.keq.mybluehost.me/fani-kayode-reveals-what-will-happen-to-those-who-claim-herdsmen-are-not-fulanis/

The post Boko Haram Released Us Because We Are Muslims, Christian Girls Still In Captivity-Freed Dapchi Girl first appeared on MegaIcon Magazine.

The post Boko Haram Released Us Because We Are Muslims, Christian Girls Still In Captivity-Freed Dapchi Girl appeared first on MegaIcon Magazine.

The post Oyedepo: The Folly of a Shepherd with Wiser Sheep. first appeared on MegaIcon Magazine.

The post Oyedepo: The Folly of a Shepherd with Wiser Sheep. appeared first on MegaIcon Magazine.