National News
Don’t be Muslim than Arabs, ActionAid Nigeria Warns Bauchi, Katsina, Kano, Kebbi Governments Against Closure of Closed Schools During Ramadan

Don’t be Muslim than Arabs, ActionAid Nigeria Warns Bauchi, Katsina, Kano, Kebbi Governments Against Closure of Closed Schools During Ramadan
By: Michael Mike
ActionAid Nigeria (AAN) has asked the governments of the four northern states of Bauchi, Katsina, Kano, and Kebbi that have declared schools closed for up to five weeks during the holy month of Ramadan, to desist from being holier (Muslim) that originator of Islam, the Arabs.
A statement signed by the Country Director, ActionAid Nigeria, Andrew Mamedu said the abrupt closure of schools not only hampers the educational advancement of students but also adversely affects teachers and staff who rely on their salaries for sustenance.
Mamedu while expressing deep concern over the recent directives by the governments of Bauchi, Katsina, Kano, and Kebbi states to close all educational institutions for up to five weeks during the holy month of Ramadan, noting that this decision affects millions of students and educators, disrupting academic progress and livelihoods, said: “In a region already grappling with high rates of out-of-school children averaging 44%, significantly above the national average, such prolonged closures exacerbate existing educational challenges.
“Additionally, Nigerian schools are currently in the second term, and all schools across the states follow a unified curriculum. If schools in these four states remain non-functional for five whole weeks in March out of the 12-week academic calendar for the second term, it will disrupt their schedule, making it impossible for them to catch up with their peers.
“It is noteworthy that many predominantly Muslim countries like United Emirates, Qatar, Saudi Arabia etc. maintain educational activities during Ramadan, adjusting schedules to accommodate fasting without halting academic pursuits. In Saudi Arabia, schools remain open during Ramadan, with adjustments to school hours to accommodate fasting students and staff.
“In 2022, the Saudi Ministry of Education implemented flexible timing, allowing schools to start between 9 and 10 in the morning, with class durations reduced to 35 minutes. This approach ensures the continuation of education while respecting the holy month’s practices.”
He insisted that “Nigeria’s Constitution upholds the right to education and freedom of religion, ensuring that no religious practice impedes the rights of others. While Ramadan is a sacred period for Muslims, it is essential to balance religious observance with the fundamental right to education. The practices of predominantly Muslim countries, which adjust school schedules rather than enforce prolonged closures, serve as exemplary models for harmonizing religious observance with educational
He called on the governors of Bauchi, Katsina, Kano, and Kebbi states to: Reopen Schools Immediately resuming academic activities without delay to prevent further disruption to students’ education and teachers’ livelihoods; Engage in Inclusive Dialogue with religious leaders, educators, parents, and civil society organizations to develop strategies that respect religious practices while safeguarding educational rights; Implement Adaptive Measures like adjusting school hours during Ramadan rather than full closures, ensuring that religious observance and education coexist harmoniously.
He stated that: “Education is a fundamental right and a cornerstone for national development. ActionAid Nigeria stands ready to support initiatives that promote inclusive and equitable education for all, irrespective of religious affiliations. We call on all stakeholders to prioritize the educational needs of our children and work collaboratively towards solutions that uphold both religious values and the right to continuous learning.”
Don’t be Muslim than Arabs, ActionAid Nigeria Warns Bauchi, Katsina, Kano, Kebbi Governments Against Closure of Closed Schools During Ramadan
National News
We were sexually abused by our Chinese employers in CAR, rescued Nigerian workers alleged

We were sexually abused by our Chinese employers in CAR, rescued Nigerian workers alleged
By: Michael Mike
Rescued 12 Nigerian trapped workers in Central African Republic (CAR) on Friday narrated their ordeal on breathing air of freedom in Nigeria, alleging that they were sexually harassed by their Chinese employers while workers at mining site.
The 12 stranded Nigerian men whose video went viral some three weeks ago finally arrived Nigeria and paid an appreciation visit to the NIDCOM office, where they were received by Chairman/ CEO Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, and other management staff.
The leader of the rescued workers, Igorigo Freeborn said it is important for the world to know that despite owing them 11 months salaries, “we were homosexually abused by our Chinese employers in CAR.
“I am not ashamed to say it. I want other people to learn from it. We were treated badly there but thank God for sparing our lives to tell the stories today.
“I am one of those people who usually abuse Nigeria and I don’t think anything good can come out of the country but we were all so happy to receive help and succour from Nigeria.
“Let me use this opportunity to thank President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the CAR Ambassador in Bangui, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) ,NEMA, Immigration Service and other government agencies for coming to our rescue almost immediately”, he said.
Freeborn said they had suffered a lot in the past 20 months that they left Nigeria and pleaded with the government to help them redress the injustices meted out to them by their employers.
He recalled how they were left stranded in the forest after work without payment leaving them starving in a harsh and unsafe living conditions. With support from the Presidency Ministry of Foreign Affairs ,NIDCOM, and the Nigerian mission, they were relocated to Bangui, provided with medical care, and eventually brought safely back home.
Welcoming back the returnees to Nigeria, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, assured them that justice will be served as the Commission in conjunction with relevant government agencies would take up the matter on their behalf.
The NIDCOM boss condemned the acts as inhumane and assured that the matter would be pursued to ensure justice is served in line with the citizen diplomacy of President Ahmed Bola Tinubu.
She counselled them to be of good behaviour and partner with the Commission in its advocacy on irregular migration and its consequences.
NIDCOM through Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa gave some cash support to all the returnees to enable them settle down while expecting their unpaid salaries.
She also called on well meaning Nigerians and corporate organisations to assist the Nigerians to settle down back in the country.
A cash donation from Perchstone and Greys, presented by Mr. Toyin Adenugba on behalf of Dr. Tolu Aderemi, Secretary to the Board of Trustees of the JAALS Foundation, were given to all the 12 returnees.
Adenugba explained that the support was a demonstration of belief in the evacuees’ potential, meant to serve as a seed for rebuilding their lives, supporting their families, and creating new opportunities at home.
Other rescued workers are Rotimi Kupoluyi, Ajosi Julius, Odeh Collins, Anifowoshe Yekini, Akubo Oluwaseun and Olayemi Peter Adewale.
Others were Stephen Abel Otkli, Samuel Ojochenemi, Alih Joel Muhammed, Unekwu Bala and Yusuf Bameyi.
End
National News
Police arrest MOPOL, security guards over warehouse burglary in Ogun

Police arrest MOPOL, security guards over warehouse burglary in Ogun
By: Zagazola Makama
The Police in Ogun have arrested a mobile policeman and several security guards for alleged conspiracy, burglary and theft from a warehouse belonging to H.K Printing & Packaging Limited, Agbara.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred on Aug. 9 at about 11:00 p.m., when a truck drove into the company premises and proceeded to the warehouse, allegedly aided by security operatives on duty.
According to the sources, Insp. Ibrahim James, attached to PMF 16 Abeokuta, was captured on CCTV moving around and allegedly leading the operation.
Another officer, Insp. Olabamipe Olaiya, posted to the same beat, was said to be absent from duty at the time.
The company’s security guards and the implicated police personnel allegedly conspired with others still at large to break into the warehouse and cart away goods whose total value is yet to be ascertained.
Police detectives led by CSP Phillips Abayomi, Acting ACP, Agbara Division, visited the scene and arrested the mobile policeman along with the private security guards on duty during the incident.
The suspects are being interrogated, while efforts are ongoing to track down fleeing accomplices and recover the stolen items.
Police arrest MOPOL, security guards over warehouse burglary in Ogun
National News
Police launch manhunt for herbalist over alleged ritual killing in Nasarawa

Police launch manhunt for herbalist over alleged ritual killing in Nasarawa
By: Zagazola Makama
The Nasarawa State Police Command says it is searching for a herbalist, simply identified as Alfa, over alleged involvement in a ritual killing and attempted murder in Mararaba.
It was gathered that the case was reported by one Jamilu Abubakar, a vigilante member.
Abubakar allegedly accompanied two young men to Alfa’s residence on Aug. 12 to seek spiritual assistance purportedly to make more money through internet fraud.
“It was gathered that Alfa prepared a concoction and meat for the victims to eat. Shortly after consuming the meal, both developed severe stomach pain and were rushed to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Mararaba.
“Sadly, one of the victims, Ani Sunday, aged 21, was confirmed dead by the doctor on duty, while the second, Tosin Akurunor, is responding to treatment,” said the sources.
He said Abubakar had been arrested for his role in taking the victims to the herbalist, while the main suspect, Alfa, was at large.
Efforts are ongoing to apprehend Alfa and conclude investigations, he added.
Police launch manhunt for herbalist over alleged ritual killing in Nasarawa
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