NEWS
Ulama, Lawyers Slam Minister Over Niger Mass Wedding Opposition
The Ulama Forum in Nigeria, representing Islamic clerics, and the Muslim Lawyers Association of Nigeria (MULAN) have voiced their disapproval of Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye’s decision to challenge a proposed mass wedding for orphaned girls in Niger State through legal means.
Both groups have thrown their support behind Abdulmalik Sarkin-Daji, the Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly, who initiated the idea of conducting a mass wedding for girls who lost their parents to bandit attacks in the state.
In a statement issued jointly from Kano and signed by the forum’s Convener, Aminu Inuwa Muhammad, and Secretary, Engineer Bashir Adamu Aliyu, the Ulama Forum affirmed its backing of the planned weddings for victims of banditry and kidnapping in Niger State.
The forum criticized the minister for what they perceive as her attempt to garner media attention with what they described as “her Islamophobic rhetoric,” alleging that her actions demonstrate a lack of respect for Sharia law.
The forum characterized the minister’s actions as selective, amateurish, and tribalistic, asserting that the 1999 Constitution upholds religious freedom and acknowledges Sharia provisions allowing the marriage of the prospective brides.
Furthermore, they highlighted that, as a lawyer, the minister should be aware that the Child Rights Act does not extend beyond the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The forum cautioned the administration of President Bola Tinubu to be cautious of “such public officers and institutions that will set it against the people.”
Likewise, MULAN has declared its intent to confront the minister in a rigorous legal confrontation regarding her efforts to halt the mass wedding of 100 orphans.
In a statement endorsed by its President, Barrister Saeed Muhammad Tudun-Wada, MULAN asserted that the proposed wedding adhered to the principles and regulations of both Islamic and Nigerian laws, while criticizing the minister for her alleged lack of understanding.
“We understand that the proposed mass wedding scheduled for May 24, 2024, has been subjected to a needless controversy arising from the recent intrusion of the minister,” MULAN said.
“Incidentally, we understand that Mrs Ohanenye has instituted legal action to stop the noble course and further petitioned the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokum, against the move of Niger State Speaker Rt. Hon. Abdulmalik Sarkin-Daji to sponsor the marriage of 100 girls.
“In the light of this, the Muslim lawyers have resolved to meet the minister at the court of competent jurisdiction. Already, we have assembled not less than five Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SAN) and 27 other members of the association to join in challenging the minister.
“MULAN regretted that the minister had decided to venture into a matter she lacked the right and competence to delve into. By so doing, she has overstretched her limit by interfering with the private and personal interests of the Niger girls. We are prepared to join issues with her.
“For the purpose of emphasis, the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is generous enough to allow every Nigerian to conduct marriage with whomever he or she so wishes, so long such an act did not violate any provision of the constitution.
“MULAN is fully behind the proposed mass wedding and the genuine interest of the Speaker to ease the burden of the marriage is well in line with Islamic principles.”
The Minister of Women Affairs on Friday, addressed her legal action against Speaker Sarkindaji, citing his proposal to marry off 100 orphans from his constituency.
During an appearance on Channels TV’s Politics Today, the minister emphasized her adherence to the constitution in her duties, stating: “When I’m doing my work, I focus on the constitution. What I stood for was the fundamental human rights of the children. I want an investigation carried out. Religion is not part of the work I am doing.”
She also mentioned collaborating with the Speaker and other stakeholders to empower the girls instead of arranging marriages for them.
She said “When I met with the speaker recently, he said to me that he never thought about it in the manner I was thinking about it, that he thought he was helping.
“But now that I have brought this up, we have partnered together to look into how we empower these children, take them to school, open businesses for them and make their lives better. He said he will partner with me.”
NEWS
With Sights Restored, NNPC/Shell Vision First Outreach Makes Mark in Badagry
Nearly 3,000 people in Badagry Local Government Area of Lagos State benefitted from the latest edition of the Vision First initiative of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) and Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Limited (SNEPCo), last week.
Biztellers reports that on the first day alone, 38 patients had surgeries which restored their sights.
The beneficiaries expressed gratitude to the NNPC Ltd/SNEPCo for the treatment, saying the restoration of their sights would help reintegrate them into society.
READ ALSO: Pipeline Surveillance Crucial for $50bn Upstream Investment
A total of 2,297 people were seen by the medical team of which 1,458 had eye care services with 154 surgeries for cataract and 878 spectacles dispensed. This was in addition to more than 200 general surgeries. There were long queues as people turned out early from different parts of the local government area to take advantage of the services in the five-day outreach.
SNEPCo Managing Director, Ronald Adams commented: “We believe that caring for people goes beyond business; it is a responsibility and a privilege. That is why we remain committed to supporting initiatives that strengthen communities and create lasting impact.”
The Badagry outreach was the 6th since the inception of the Vision First initiative in 2022. Late last year, the first session outside Lagos was held in Asaba, Delta State where nearly 2,000 people received healthcare.
The Vision First programme incorporates other aspects of health care such as cardiovascular screening, consultations and treatment for mild and chronic illnesses, laboratory services, pharmaceutical services and distribution of insecticide-treated nets.
The programme has been delivered in collaboration with Kolmarg Eyesight Foundation, an NGO based in Jos, Plateau State, which aims “to provide comprehensive eye care to the poor and underprivileged in Sub-Saharan Africa.”
SNEPCo, which pioneered deepwater oil production in Nigeria through the Bonga field in 2005, also supports the socio-economic development of the country through investments in education, health, employment generation and infrastructural development.
NEWS
Osun 2026: Tinubu Congratulated Adeleke Before INEC Declared Him Winner — Accord Chieftain
President Bola Tinubu congratulated Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, on his victory in the 2026 governorship election before the Independent National Electoral Commission formally declared him winner, an Accord Party chieftain, Pelumi Olajengbesi, has disclosed.
Olajengbesi made the disclosure while speaking with journalists at the INEC collation centre in Osogbo shortly after Adeleke was declared winner of the election.
He commended Tinubu for what he described as the President’s decision not to interfere with the electoral process, saying it demonstrated his commitment to ensuring that the election was free, fair and credible.
SEE MORE: Osun 2026: Oyebanji Applauds Adeleke, Says Voters Have Spoken
According to him, the President had earlier directed INEC and security agencies to ensure that the election met the required standards.
However, Olajengbesi said the poll could not be considered entirely free and fair, alleging that opposition supporters were subjected to oppression and arrests.
“Let me be honest with you, we are also appreciative of Mr. President because at the commencement of this election, Mr. President himself announced to the world and gave a directive to INEC and all security agencies that this election must be free, fair, and credible.
“We want to believe that this election is very credible, but we do not agree that this election is free and fair because it was oppressive. Our people are still in detention. As I speak to you today, even during the election, over 11 persons were arrested in the process.”
Despite his concerns, Olajengbesi praised Tinubu for allowing the electoral process to continue and respecting the outcome.
“We are glad that the president was able to stand by his word and insist that the right thing must be done,” he said.
He further revealed that Tinubu had contacted Adeleke to congratulate him before INEC formally announced the result.
“Let me tell you this quickly: even before the result was declared yesterday night, Mr. President called Mr. Governor and congratulated him, and that is good leadership,” Olajengbesi said.
Adeleke won the election with 511,067 votes, defeating his closest challenger, Bola Oyebamiji of the All Progressives Congress, who secured 444,815 votes.
NEWS
Empower Police Wives to Boost Officers’ Morale — NPTF
The Nigeria Police Trust Fund (NPTF) has called for greater empowerment of police officers’ wives, saying economically empowered families can boost the morale, stability and effectiveness of personnel.
The Fund made the call after training and equipping 100 wives of police officers in Kogi State with tailoring and hairstyling starter packs.
SEE MORE: State Police Bill: FG Extends Deadline for Nigerians to Submit Memoranda
The empowerment programme, which was held at the 37 Squadron, Police Mobile Force (MOPOL) Barracks, Lokoja, was designed to equip the beneficiaries with vocational skills and tools to establish sustainable sources of income.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, the Executive Secretary of the NPTF, Alhaji Mohammed Sheidu, represented by Salihu Aliyu, said the initiative was aimed at strengthening the families behind police officers who often operate under demanding and hazardous conditions.
He said, “By providing these starter packs, the Fund is creating opportunities for beneficiaries to become economically empowered, develop sustainable sources of income and contribute meaningfully to the wellbeing of their families.
“These starter packs represent opportunity, empowerment, hope and a pathway towards self-reliance.”
Sheidu urged the beneficiaries to regard the equipment as an investment in their future and utilise the skills acquired during the training to establish viable businesses.
Also speaking, the Kogi State Commissioner of Police, CP Naziru Bello Kankarofi, represented by DCP Baba Mallam, stressed the importance of supporting police wives as part of efforts to improve the welfare and effectiveness of police personnel.
He said, “The welfare of the police extends beyond our officers to the families who support them and make their service possible. Our officers make enormous sacrifices in the service of our nation.
“An empowered family is a stronger family. Such families contribute significantly to the morale, stability and effectiveness of officers.”
Kankarofi commended the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, for his commitment to the welfare of police personnel and their families, while appreciating the NPTF for sponsoring the empowerment programme.
He urged the beneficiaries to put the skills and equipment to productive use and turn them into sustainable sources of livelihood.
The Chairperson of the Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA), Kogi State Chapter, Mrs Asmau Kankarofi, described the starter packs as “seeds of economic independence” for the beneficiaries.
She said police wives remained a vital source of encouragement, strength and support to their husbands and families, particularly given the sacrifices associated with policing.
“We understand the sacrifices that come with the policing profession. As wives, we remain a vital source of encouragement, strength and support to our husbands and families,” she said.
She urged the beneficiaries to utilise the equipment judiciously and support one another in building sustainable businesses.
The beneficiaries expressed appreciation to the NPTF and pledged to make productive use of the equipment to improve the welfare of their families.





