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US officials apologise for asking Canadian minister to remove turban at airport

Innovation, Science and Economic Development Minister Navdeep Singh Bains responds to a question from the floor during a policy conference in Ottawa, Wednesday October 12, 2016. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld
US officials have apologised to Canadian Federal Innovation Minister, Navdeep Bains, who was asked by airport security in Detroit to remove his turban.
Bains, who has accepted the apology, is Sikh. He said that wearing a turban is “one of the most dutiful acts for a person of the faith,” and that being told to take it off was “frustrating” and “awkward.”
He told reporters in Toronto on Thursday that he had already made it to the gate while boarding his flight in April 2017 when he was asked to remove the turban. He did not comply.
Bains had already gone through additional security screen, as per US policy that allowed Sikhs to keep their turbans on when going through airport checks.
“Once they realized my position, who I was, I was ultimately allowed to fly,” Bains said.
“But for me, this is an issue that I think speaks to discrimination and discrimination happens to many people,” he added. “I’m in a very fortunate position to talk about it.”
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“I understand how important security,” Bains said, “but the proper process needs to be followed.”
Bains added that he had travelled to the US and internationally many times and had never before been asked to remove his turban.
While Bains, as a member of the federal cabinet, carries a special diplomatic passport, his office said he did not use his status or show the passport until he was asked by a supervisor to confirm his identity.
Following the incident, Foreign Affairs officials spoke with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Transportation Security Administration. It was concluded that the way security officials acted towards Bains was against protocol, and the Americans have apologized, according to Bains’ office.
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Edo Killings: Akpabio Condemns Attack, Demands Justice for Victims

President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has strongly condemned the brutal killing of 16 travellers in Edo State, describing the act as senseless, barbaric, and unacceptable.
Akpabio, in a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media, Jackson Udom, expressed deep sorrow over the incident and called for swift justice to assuage the pain of the victims’ families.
“I am deeply saddened and disturbed by the gruesome murder of 16 travellers in Edo State. This senseless act of violence is unacceptable and has no place in our society,” he said.
The Senate President urged security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation and bring the perpetrators to book without delay.
“I condemn in very strong terms this heinous crime and urge the relevant authorities to ensure that those responsible are held accountable for their actions. Justice must be served to prevent further occurrences and reassure Nigerians of their safety.”
Akpabio further emphasised the need for unity in the face of violence, calling on Nigerians to resist divisions that could arise from such tragic events.
“As a people, we must work together to promote peace, unity, and understanding. We cannot afford to let such acts of violence divide us or undermine our collective efforts to build a better Nigeria.”
He extended his condolences to the bereaved families, the government, and the people of Edo State, praying for divine comfort in their time of grief.
“My heartfelt condolences go to the families of the victims, the government, and the people of Edo State. May God grant the departed peaceful rest and give their loved ones the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.”
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Eid-ul-Fitr: Oseni Urges Muslims to Uphold Ramadan Virtues, Calls for National Unity

As Muslims around the world celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr, marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan, the lawmaker representing Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Engr. Aderemi Oseni has urged the Muslim faithful to uphold the virtues of Ramadan in their daily lives.
According to a statement on Sunday by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, the lawmaker congratulated the Muslim Ummah on the successful completion of the month-long fasting and encouraged them to reflect on the values of sacrifice, self-discipline, and devotion to God, which Ramadan represents.
He emphasised that Ramadan is not only about fasting but also about fostering compassion, patience, and love for one another—values he described as crucial for national unity and development.
“As we celebrate this year’s Eid-ul-Fitr, I encourage my Muslim brothers and sisters to continue embodying the noble virtues of Ramadan. Let the spirit of sacrifice, empathy, and community service guide our actions beyond this season,” the statement read.
Oseni, who chairs the House Committee on the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), also underscored the importance of national cohesion, urging Nigerians to work together to promote peace and stability. He called on leaders at all levels of government to implement policies that address economic challenges, security concerns, and infrastructural development.
He further reassured his constituents in Ibarapa East/Ido of his commitment to quality representation, pledging to continue advocating for policies that prioritise their welfare and development.
Oseni also appealed to religious leaders to use their platforms to preach unity and patriotism, stating that Nigeria’s progress depends on the collective efforts of its citizens in fostering tolerance and peaceful coexistence.
“Eid is a time of joy, reflection, and gratitude. Let us celebrate responsibly while remembering to extend kindness to the less privileged. May Almighty Allah accept our prayers and grant our nation lasting peace and prosperity,” he added.
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Eid-el-Fitr: Oyo APC Chieftain, Oladiran Alabi, Greets Muslims, Calls for Unity

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State and former House of Assembly candidate for Ibadan South-West Constituency I, Hon. Oladiran Alabi, has congratulated Muslims on the occasion of Eid-el-Fitr, urging Nigerians to embrace unity and peaceful coexistence.
In a statement on Sunday, Alabi commended the Muslim faithful for their devotion and sacrifices during the holy month of Ramadan, stressing the need to uphold the values of love, tolerance, and compassion beyond the fasting period.
He said, “The end of Ramadan is a time for reflection, gratitude, and renewed commitment to the principles of Islam. I felicitate with my Muslim brothers and sisters and pray that Almighty Allah accepts their supplications and rewards them abundantly.”
Alabi also emphasised the importance of unity in addressing Nigeria’s socio-political and economic challenges, urging leaders and citizens alike to foster harmony irrespective of religious and ethnic differences.
“Our strength as a nation lies in our unity. It is imperative that we work together to promote peace and development. I call on all Nigerians to prioritise national interest above personal or sectional gains,” he added.
He further urged political leaders to implement policies that would improve the welfare of the people, enhance economic growth, and strengthen security across the country.
The APC stalwart prayed for a peaceful and prosperous Nigeria, wishing the Muslim community a joyous and spiritually fulfilling Eid celebration.
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