News
Catholic condemns Kwara govt’s imposition of hijab use in all schools
***Reiterates its rejection in grant-aided Christian mission schools
By Steve Oni, Ilorin
The Catholic Bishop of Ilorin Diocese, Most Rev. Paul Olawoore, has condemned the Kwara state government’s use of force to take control of Christian mission schools in the State, declaring that “we are not in agreement with the government over the use of hijab in our schools.”
The Bishop, who was stating the Catholic Church position on the use of hijab in grant-aided Christian mission schools in the state, however, discouraged any form of violence, saying “I don’t want any confrontation that will inflict pain or any kind of injury on anybody. Neither do I wish that anyone should lose his or her life on this issue.”
Bishop Olawoore, who is also the Chairman of the State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), opined that it’s time to join hands to show the world that peaceful coexistence and tolerance is the way to go, rather than apportioning blame or accusing one another derogatorily.
Also reacting, Rev. Fr. Ralph Ajewole, who is CAN’s Director of Ecumenism and Interfaith Dialogue, debunked the message making the rounds that Christians have agreed to the use of hijab in their grant-aided mission schools, describing the message as a blatant lie from the pit of hell.
He said: “We insist that the Catholic Church rejects and condemns the use of Hijab in our Mission Schools. No matter how hard anyone tries to change the narrative, we stand with CAN that the use of Hijab is totally rejected in schools built and owned by Christians in the state.
“The conduct of the state government in which its agents forcefully broke the Christian mission schools’ gates under the watch of armed security men is unpleasant, uncharitable and quite unfortunate.
“The Church is, however, not interested in violence of any type; hence it jettisoned it, but we need to sound it loud and clear that we would protect and defend our heritage.”
Lamenting that the state government has not done much for the grant-aided mission schools, resulting in dilapidated structures in the schools, Rev. Fr. Ajewole, therefore, called on the government to hands off any form of grant-aiding to the mission schools and return them back to their original owners.
Rev. Fr. Christopher Atoyebi, who is the Director, Diocesan Communication Commission, in a chat with journalists in Ilorin, reiterated that: “The Catholic Church, in line with other Churches, do not agree to the use of hijab in mission schools under any circumstances, hence our demand that government should return our schools back to us for effective management.”
The Catholic Laity Council of Nigeria urged Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq to hearken to the voice of reason and reverse the decision on the use of hijab in grant-aided Christian mission schools, adding that the state government should do the needful by returning the schools back to their original owners.
“We enjoin the government of Kwara State to toe the path of peace and promote mutual co-existence of the people of the State. We also want to clearly and pointedly reiterate our position that we the Catholic Laity Council of Nigeria Ilorin, strongly oppose and reject the use of hijab in our mission schools,” Pharm. Sola Akolade, Diocesan Catholic Laity President said.
Ends
Investigations by Nigerian Concord Newspaper reveal that the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council, Mr. Pius Akutah, has allegedly misappropriated public funds for a lavish lifestyle.
According to our findings, within months of assuming office, Akutah allegedly purchased a bulletproof SUV valued at approximately N850 million. In addition, he is reported to have acquired over twenty exotic SUVs for use as a convoy.
Akutah is also said to have acquired multiple high-value properties, including three in Abuja’s Maitama and Asokoro districts worth over N2 billion, and two in Lagos’ Banana Island valued at N1.8 billion. These acquisitions appear far beyond the scope of his official salary and allowances.
Further investigation suggests that Akutah may be using public funds to support political ambitions, including allegedly grooming militants across 23 local government areas in Benue State for a potential 2027 gubernatorial bid.
Staff of the Shippers Council reportedly claim that Akutah frequently accesses the council’s treasury without proper authorization. Some insiders have indicated that a petition will soon be filed with the EFCC, ICPC, and the Presidency to report his alleged misconduct.
*
Investigations by Nigerian Concord Newspaper reveal that the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council, Mr. Pius Akutah, has allegedly misappropriated public funds for a lavish lifestyle.
According to our findings, within months of assuming office, Akutah allegedly purchased a bulletproof SUV valued at approximately N850 million. In addition, he is reported to have acquired over twenty exotic SUVs for use as a convoy.
Akutah is also said to have acquired multiple high-value properties, including three in Abuja’s Maitama and Asokoro districts worth over N2 billion, and two in Lagos’ Banana Island valued at N1.8 billion. These acquisitions appear far beyond the scope of his official salary and allowances.
Further investigation suggests that Akutah may be using public funds to support political ambitions, including allegedly grooming militants across 23 local government areas in Benue State for a potential 2027 gubernatorial bid.
Staff of the Shippers Council reportedly claim that Akutah frequently accesses the council’s treasury without proper authorization. Some insiders have indicated that a petition will soon be filed with the EFCC, ICPC, and the Presidency to report his alleged misconduct.
*
I am writing to felicitate with Your Excellency, Atku Abubakar, GCON, former Vice-President of Nigeria (Zege Mule u Tiv & Wazirin Adamawa)
on the occasion of your 79th birthday anniversary.
I join your teeming admirers globally in celebrating you on this special day, an adorable Statesman and my Boss.
I recall with nostalgia, how countless generations have benefited from your generosity, wealth of experience and benevolence including being my key benefactor even as a young lawyer for my professional success.
Your Excellency, may your special day be filled with grandeur befitting your illustrious career.
I wish you continued success, prosperity, and an unending stream of accolades.
It takes a remarkable kind of fortitude to remain active in public life well into one’s golden years. Your dedication and patriotism remain truly exceptional.
May you enjoy a day of reflection on your many years of fruitful service to humanity. It is my prayer that God Almighty grants you many more healthy, fruitful, and fulfilling years ahead, and continues to endow you with wisdom, strength, and the grace to keep contributing to our nation-building.
Happy Birthday, Your Excellency.
Michael Kaase Aondoakaa SAN.
Former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice
TAU reaffirms commitment to globally competitive learning
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