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Families, schools key to tackling Nigeria’s insecurity – Senegalese Islamic scholar
Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin
A foremost Senegalese Islamic scholar, Shaykh Muhammad Allaodeen Cisse, has declared that Nigeria’s seemingly intractable security challenges cannot be solved by government action alone, stressing that families and schools also have a central role in raising children on the path of peace and moral responsibility.
Shaykh Cisse, who is on a visit to Nigeria, while fielding questions from journalists in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, opined that lasting security could only be achieved when parents deliberately guide their children at home, and also when schools prioritise the teaching of peaceful coexistence and good character.
He said: “This is not a problem that can be solved by just the government. Charity begins from home. Everyone should start the change and sensitisation from their respective homes.
“We should guide our children towards the right path, the path of peace. Again, we should focus on our schools and ensure that our places of learning are teaching peaceful coexistence.”
The scholar, who is the grandson of the global Islamic icon, Sheikh Ibrahim Niyass, said Islam stands firmly against extremism and violence, warning against judging the religion by the actions of a few misguided individuals.
“Islam preaches against extremism and violence. People should not judge Islam by the actions of a few misguided people because they do not represent Islam,” he said.
He added that peace occupies a central place in Islamic teachings, noting that the Qur’an repeatedly emphasises tranquility and harmony. According to him, Almighty Allah enjoins peace and peaceful coexistence, underscoring Islam’s identity as a religion of peace.
Speaking on interfaith relations and humanity, Shaykh Cisse said religion should be understood as a personal relationship between an individual and Almighty God, stressing that there is no compulsion in faith.
“This life is for all of us regardless of our religion, but our religion is personal,” he said.
He recalled an encounter involving his grandfather, Sheikh Ibrahim Niyass, who once extended a hand of friendship and business partnership to a Christian, despite differences in belief.
“My grandfather told him that we should see this world as a garden where you can relate with whoever you meet there, and thereafter you can go back to your home, which is your mosque or your church,” he said.
On the challenges faced by those propagating Islam, Shaykh Cisse noted that opposition and hardship are inevitable, adding that even revered scholars of the past endured severe trials.
“There is no way you will want to propagate Islam without coming across challenges. If you did not encounter any challenge, then it means what you are propagating is not in conformity with the teachings of Prophet Muhammad,” he said.
He said Sheikh Ibrahim Niyass faced numerous challenges at a time when modern communication tools were unavailable, noting that today’s global connectivity has reduced some of the difficulties confronting contemporary scholars.
Shaykh Cisse also paid tribute to Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi, describing him as a deeply knowledgeable scholar whose influence transcended national boundaries.
“Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi is a knowledgeable man, a Muslim to the core, who spent his life on the path of Prophet Muhammad and is well grounded in Islamic knowledge,” he said. “He propagated Islam not with force but with knowledge, morals, virtue and good human relations, and his influence cut across the globe.”
On youth empowerment, the scholar said Islamic learning should go hand in hand with productive livelihood, particularly agriculture. He disclosed that he runs a centre where young people are taught farming, adding that his grandfather was both a farmer and a religious teacher.
“Learning the Qur’an does not stop one from earning a living, most especially through agriculture,” he said.
He stressed that a peaceful society depends largely on how children are raised, noting that values taught at home eventually shape the wider society.
“When everyone cares for their children and teaches them how to relate peacefully with others, it will extend to the larger society and violence will reduce,” he said.
Shaykh Cisse also spoke on the long-standing cordial relationship between Nigeria and Senegal, noting that ties between the two countries have remained strong politically, economically, religiously and educationally.
“There are Nigerians in Senegal and Senegalese in Nigeria, and they coexist in peace,” he said.
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Kwara: Ifelodun Travellers Transport System Revived
- As Council Signs MoU With P&A Contract Ltd
Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin
The Ifelodun local Government, under the leadership of Hadji Abdulrasheed Femi Yusuf, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with P & A Contract Limited for the construction of a modern motor park in Amoyo, as the Council moves to revive the Ifelodun Travellers transport system and improve transportation within the Local Government.
Speaking during the MoU signing ceremony at the Council s Contact Office in Amoyo, the Chairman explained that the decision to construct the motor park was driven by the need for Ifelodun Local Government to establish its own transport identity, intended to ease people’s transportation problem.
He recalled that residents travelling to and from Ifelodun had, over the years, relied on transport facilities at Offa Garage and Maraba in Ilorin, stressing the need to create a dedicated transport hub that would serve the people of the Local Government.
“At some point in the history of Ifelodun Local Government, we had Ifelodun Travellers, which does not exist anymore. I don’t think there is anything wrong with bringing that identity back to the limelight. Now, we want to add value to that identity,” the Chairman said.
He added that the Council was also working with relevant stakeholders to bring in 10 units of Korope buses, which would commence operations as soon as possible.
“We are working with the NURTW, Kwara State Chapter, for guidance and to ensure that the operation runs smoothly,” he added.
The Supervisory Councillor for Works and Infrastructure Development, Mrs. Kolo Rebecca, explained that the proposed park would feature several amenities, including a garage, warehouse, 100-unit shopping complex, parking spaces and general toilets.
She said the facilities were designed to boost economic activities, improve the image of the Local Government and provide a more convenient transportation system for residents.
According to her, the initiative is also in line with the efforts of the Kwara State Governor, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, to take governance and development directly to the grassroots.
The contractor, Mallam Jimoh Toheeb Abolore, assured the Local Government of the prompt execution of the project, promising that the construction would meet the required standards and contribute positively to the image and development of Ifelodun Local Government.
Those in attendance included the Vice Chairman, Hon. Nike Ajibola; Secretary to the Local Government, Dr. Kamil Akorede; DPM, Mallam Ayinde Salman; LGT, Mallam Usman Waheed; Chief of Staff to the Chairman, Chief Ademola Zubair; Head of Works, Engr. Awodi Muhammad; Land officer, Tola Kadir and other Special Assistants.
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Lawyer Demands Release of Detained Kano Blogger, Maryam Shehu
By Hassan Agboola
A lawyer and human rights activist, Hamza Nuhu Dantani, has called for the immediate release of Kano-based blogger, Maryam Shehu, who he said has been in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for almost 30 days.
Dantani, in a statement on Monday, said the prolonged detention of Shehu was becoming difficult to reconcile with the rule of law and provisions of the 1999 Constitution, particularly her fundamental right to personal liberty.
He questioned why Shehu should remain in detention for nearly 30 days, particularly over an offence he described as ordinarily bailable.
“How on earth can a person be detained for almost 30 days and counting, particularly in relation to an offence that is ordinarily bailable, without meaningful consideration of her liberty and constitutional rights?” he asked.
Dantani said the EFCC’s powers to investigate did not give the commission the right to detain a suspect indefinitely, punish her before trial or disregard her fundamental rights.
He also criticised the alleged practice of photographing persons in EFCC custody and publishing their images online while they remain presumed innocent.
Citing Section 36(5) of the Constitution, Dantani said the law guarantees the presumption of innocence until a suspect is proven guilty by a competent court.
He warned that publicly portraying suspects as criminals before trial could amount to subjecting them to public punishment and humiliation.
“The EFCC is a law-enforcement institution. It must therefore be the first institution to demonstrate obedience to law. It cannot demand respect for law from citizens while appearing to disregard constitutional safeguards itself,” he said.
Dantani urged the commission to either charge Shehu before a competent court if it has credible evidence against her or release her immediately
.
“We call on EFCC to respect the Constitution, respect presumption of innocence and respect fundamental right to personal liberty. Investigation is not conviction. Detention is not punishment. And an allegation is not guilt,” he said.
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Cristiano Ronaldo’s Comment on Lionel Messi’s Tribute to His Dad Becomes Most-Liked Instagram Comment
By Fabian Apechihin
Cristiano Ronaldo’s heartfelt message to Lionel Messi following the death of his father, Jorge Messi, has reportedly become the most-liked comment in Instagram history.
Jorge Messi died on August 7 in Rosario, Argentina, aged 68. Five days later, Messi paid tribute to his late father in an emotional Instagram post featuring a photo of the pair.
In the post, Messi wrote, “Te amo, pa” — meaning “I love you, Dad” — alongside a lengthy tribute reflecting on his father’s influence and the pain of losing him.
Among the many reactions from fans, celebrities and fellow footballers was a message from Ronaldo.
“Un abrazo enorme para ti y los tuyos en estos duros momentos, Leo. Mucha fuerza,” Ronaldo wrote, which translates to: “A huge hug to you and yours in these tough times, Leo. Much strength.”
Ronaldo’s comment reportedly attracted more than 6.86 million likes and over 86,000 comments, making it the most-liked comment on Instagram.
The previous record was also held by Ronaldo, whose comment on Kylian Mbappé’s announcement of his move to Real Madrid reportedly received more than five million likes.
Other football stars also expressed their condolences to Messi. Neymar Jr.’s message, translated as “Much strength for you and your family. Big hug,” reportedly received more than 1.6 million likes, while David Beckham’s comment expressing support for Messi and his family attracted more than 300,000 likes.
In his tribute, Messi described his father’s death as difficult to comprehend, saying he struggled to accept that he would no longer see or speak with him.
Messi also recalled how his father had encouraged him to play at the 2026 World Cup despite his deteriorating health. He said his father had hoped to watch him compete and had planned to travel if his condition improved.
According to Messi, he had promised his father that Argentina would reach the final so he could be there. Although Argentina reached the final, his father was unable to attend.
Reflecting on the loss, Messi said he had wanted to win the tournament and bring the trophy to his father but ultimately struggled physically during the competition.
The emotional tribute highlighted the close bond between Messi and his father and the profound impact of his loss on the football superstar.
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