. . . Commissions Mosque In Ogbomoso, Warns Against selfishness

Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima @officialSKSM has called on Nigerians, especially leaders, to exemplify true leadership by prioritizing community service and legacy-building over personal gain.

This was contained in statement issued Friday evening on X by the Senior Special Assistant to The President on Media & Communications (Office of The Vice President), Stanley Nkwocha.

The VP  urged Nigerians to prioritise spiritual obligations and community service over personal interests in an era where people are becoming more individualistic and giving less premium to God.

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He made comments during the inauguration of the Ibapon Central Mosque in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, the Vice President expressed worry about the shifting societal values in contemporary Nigeria.

“Today, the world is unfortunately marked by a mindset that values self-interest over selflessness, and many see giving back or even engaging in spiritual obligations as burdens or distractions,” VP Shettima said.

According to him, the Mosque, a multi-million naira project built by Senator Abdulfatai Omotayo Buhari @BuhariOyoNorth representing Oyo North Senatorial District, is a “gift for generations” that stands in stark contrast to prevailing materialistic trends.

“Every second of our lives is a reminder of our impermanence, and the brevity of life underscores the urgency of filling our days with deeds that matter in the hereafter,” the VP added.

VP Shettima lauded the project, describing it as an example of Sadaqah Jariyah (continuous charity), noting that such initiatives represent the kind of legacy-building that society desperately needs.

“This is a legacy, a bridge between this world and the next, grounded in kindness and devotion,” he stated.

In a pointed message to political leaders and wealthy Nigerians, Shettima questioned the lasting impact of material accumulation: “We must ask ourselves — what remains when this race ends? In the end, all that endures are the records of our selfless deeds, our adherence to our faith, and our acts of charity.”

The new religious edifice is expected to serve as a major spiritual centre for Muslims in Ogbomoso and surrounding communities, with the Vice President expressing hope that it will “be a source of spiritual strength and inspiration for this community and beyond.”

Earlier, Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin @barauijibrin, also eulogised Senator Buhari, saying the Mosque project was not just a service to the Muslim Ummah but to humanity at large.

“My prayer is that God reward you with Al-Jannatul Firdaus. You are an epitome of good character and someone who is always at the forefront of service to this country and humanity at large,” he said.

On his part, Oyo State Deputy Governor, Barr. Abdul-Raheem Adebayo Lawal, said the immediate family of Senator Buhari would be proud to have someone who makes them very proud all the time.

“On behalf of the Governor of Oyo State, we appreciate the Vice President for coming to our state,” he said.

He said the Mosque project is not just a physical building but a spiritual exercise in which the reward extends beyond one’s earthly life.

“It is also a means of spiritual purification and unity, fostering the unity of Nigeria because whenever we worship, we call for the unity and peace of Nigeria,” he added.

Responding, Senator Buhari @BuhariOyoNorth said it was indeed an honour and a dream come true for him to have completed the Mosque project.

He specifically thanked the Vice President, the governors of Oyo and Kwara States, members of the National Assembly, and community members who contributed to the success of the worship centre.

There was also a welcome address by the Aare Musulumi of Ogbomosoland and the turbaning of two Imams for the newly commissioned Mosque.

Other officials at the event included the Governor of Kwara State, Alhaji AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq; the Soun of Ogbomoso Land, Oba Afolabi Ghandi Olaoye, state government officials and traditional rulers.

The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has called on students across Nigeria  to  identify and emulate good models in order to steer clear of vices, including internet fraud and other financial crimes.

The EFCC boss made the call in Abuja on Thursday, November 7, 2024, when students of Val De Mauris Academy, Abuja, visited the Commission’s headquarters on a study tour.

Olukoyede, who spoke through the Head, Enlightenment and Reorientation Unit of the EFCC,  Assistant Commander of the EFCC, ACE 11 Aisha Mohammed, pointed out that, having good role models would imbue in students the right values which would insulate them from indulgence in internet fraud.

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“Have good role models. This is necessary to draw you to the right contacts and influence for integrity.  This way, you will be removed from any form of internet offence.  Integrity is what you do when no one is watching you. Our hope is on you. Be focused. The future is bright as the sky will be your starting point,’’ she stated.

The Head, Communication and Creative Unit, Assistant Commander, ACE I, Chris Oluka, advised the students to always engage their minds in honest endeavours so as to be able to discern the good from the bad.

He asked them to deploy their creative minds to more rewarding positive careers by using the social media and internet to more creative ventures in furtherance of their education for a brighter future.

According to Oluka, students and youths should be mindful of what they do online, stating that the internet was meant for the good of  humanity, research, academics, studying,  information gathering and accurate data and not for crime and fraud.

“If found guilty by the law, the EFCC will not spare anyone of the crime committed. Every crime is a crime, irrespective of who is involved, and the EFCC will fight you to the very last. Whatever you do that you are not supposed to do and is against the law is corruption.

Also in his remark, Assistant Superintendent of EFCC, ASE I Ogunjobi Olalekan, stressed the importance of being hardworking students and determined and focused, stating that these qualities are imperative for students to attain excellence in their careers.

“For our dear students, you can be whatever you want to become by hard work and sheer determination. There’s a lot in the computer space. You can think and come up with creative inventions and make the best of it. You can be programmers, forensic analysts, financial analysts, investigators, developers, change makers and as nation builders,” he said.

Two students, Odimba Ikenna Ugochukwu and Sunday Aneke Sophia emerged winners in the EFCC’s Quiz competition and were gifted with a mobile phone each for their exemplary efforts while Khadijah Kabiru Bakan and Faheem Goodluck Hussein were crowned EFCC’s Ambassadors.

In a strong show of solidarity, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has expressed support for the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) amid escalating tensions at the Oritsetimeyin oil rig.

The NUPENG has threatened a nationwide strike, protesting what it alleges was the forced eviction of workers from the oil rig by military personnel.

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In a statement on Friday, NLC President Joe Ajaero condemned the alleged use of military force, calling it a violation of workers’ rights and industrial relations principles.

The NLC’s statement emphasized that deploying armed personnel to resolve an industrial dispute undermines democracy and threatens workers’ rights to a safe and coercion-free workplace.

Ajaero said, “NLC stands in unequivocal solidarity with NUPENG. The use of the army in the Oritsetimeyin oil rig dispute is an abuse of state security that runs counter to the tenets of fair industrial relations. Militarizing workplaces contaminates our economy, potentially causing long-lasting harm.”

The dispute reportedly began when NUPENG accused the rig’s operators, Dutchford E&P and Selective Marine Services, of reneging on agreements reached through mediation led by the Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC).

According to NUPENG, these agreements included severance benefits and other protections for workers, which the companies allegedly ignored, opting instead to deploy military personnel to forcefully remove workers.

Ajaero urged Nigeria’s top military and security officials, including the National Security Adviser, the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Federal Government, to intervene swiftly.

He emphasized that this matter remains strictly a labor issue, with no grounds for military involvement.

The NLC warned that it would take further action if such incidents persist, stressing that workers’ rights and workplace safety remain a priority.

Ajaero expressed that while the NLC appreciates the military’s role in national security, it should not be used to suppress workers’ demands.