Crime

By Nafiu Busari

The Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria, MUSWEN has strongly condemned the recent kidnapping of schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area, describing the incident as a barbaric attack on the future of the region and the nation.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the MUSWEN President, Alhaji Rasaki Oladejo, and the Executive Secretary, Professor Wole Abbas, expressed deep sorrow over the abductions.

The organisation particularly condemned the reported killing of one of the abducted teachers, Mr Michael Oyedokun, whose death was confirmed by Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde following the circulation of a disturbing video.

The apex Muslim body in South West Nigeria called on security agencies to intensify efforts toward the immediate and unconditional release of all remaining hostages.

MUSWEN also urged the federal and state governments to adopt a more proactive and comprehensive approach to addressing insecurity, including improved intelligence gathering, community policing, and tackling the socio-economic factors fueling banditry.

The organisation appealed to residents of the affected communities and the general public to provide useful information to security operatives while remaining calm and avoiding actions that could jeopardise rescue operations.

MUSWEN further prayed for the repose of the slain teacher’s soul and for the safe return of all abducted pupils and staff.

Edited by Maxwell Oyekunle

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Religion

By Nafiu Busari

The Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria (MUSWEN) has called on Muslims to sustain the spirit of devotion and righteousness beyond the holy month of Ramadan.

In a statement jointly signed by its President, Alhaji Rasaki Oladejo, and Executive Secretary, Professor Wole Abbas, to mark the Eid-el-Fitr celebration, the group said the end of fasting should not signal the end of the spiritual and moral transformation attained during Ramadan.

MUSWEN stressed that the virtues of discipline, self-denial, generosity, and increased devotion observed during the fasting period should serve as a lifelong guide for every believer.

Reflecting on the state of the nation, the body urged Muslims to continue offering prayers for peace, security, and economic prosperity in Nigeria.

“As we celebrate this joyous occasion of Eid-el-Fitr, let us remember that the God we served during Ramadan remains ever ready to reward our deeds throughout the year,” the statement read.

The group also prayed that Almighty Allah accepts the fasting and supplications of the Ummah and grants the nation enduring peace and stability.

Edited by Maxwell Oyekunle

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Religion

By Nafiu Busari

President Bola Tinubu says his administration has rolled out several initiatives to support Nigerians as part of its broader economic recovery agenda.

The president delivered the message at the 10th General Assembly of the Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria (MUSWEN) in Gbongan, Osun State, through the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola.

President Tinubu outlined measures including financial support schemes, job creation programmes, palliatives, and policies designed to encourage innovation and creativity.

“…We have introduced the National Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), N-Power reforms and skill acquisition, NANO grants, Conditional Cash Transfer ranging from ₦50,000 to ₦1,000,000, the upward review of NYSC monthly allowance from ₦30,000 to ₦70,000, minimum wage from ₦30,000 to ₦70,000, food security measures, and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG),” he listed.

The president commended MUSWEN for creating a platform to discuss how Muslims can navigate and benefit from the administration’s reforms.

 “There is the need to open economic frontiers; we have decided to prioritize functional and qualitative education,” he said.

President Tinubu urged Nigerians to view security as a shared responsibility, noting that improved safety is essential for attracting foreign investment and delivering good governance.

Keynote speaker and Nasarawa State Governor, Engineer Abdullahi Sule, said the assembly’s theme, “Nigeria’s Economy: Any Hope for the Masses?” aligns with President Tinubu’s commitment to building a better country.

He stressed the need for Nigerians across ethnic, regional and religious divides to foster unity and contribute ideas toward national development.
“President Bola Tinubu is bold and courageous to formulate sound economic policies, fiscal ingenuity, bold reforms implementation, strategic long-term plan, private sector partnership,” Sule said.

Governor Sule urged other state governments to build on their comparative advantages to deliver infrastructure, complete major projects and improve living standards.

The host, Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke, represented by the Commissioner for Information, Alhaji Kolapo Alimi, encouraged Nigerians to promote peace and religious harmony.

He appealed to clerics to avoid preaching violence or extremism and instead pray for political leaders to succeed.

President of MUSWEN, Alhaji Rasaki Oladejo, announced plans to raise bursary awards for deserving female medical students from 120 to 600.

He also named Professor Wole Abass as the new Executive Secretary of MUSWEN, following the completion of Professor Muslih Yahya’s six-year tenure.

“The 11th General Assembly will be organized by MUSWEN headquarters and held in Ibadan next year,” Oladejo disclosed.

Chairman of the MUSWEN Board of Trustees, Dr. Wale Babalakin, urged Muslims to uphold integrity and invest in education so the country can meet 21st-century demands.

The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, called on the federal government to intensify efforts against banditry and terrorism.

He stressed the importance of dialogue between Christian and Islamic leaders on issues affecting their followers.

The event concluded with the presentation of awards to 12 outstanding female medical students from the six South-West states.

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News

By Nafiu Busari

The President of the Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria (MUSWEN), Alhaji Rasaki Oladejo, has described the United States’ designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern as unfortunate and misplaced, insisting the label comes at a time when the nation is regaining global credibility.

He made the remarks at a world news conference ahead of MUSWEN’s 10th General Assembly scheduled for Wale Babalakin Hall, Gbongan, Osun State.

Alhaji Oladejo announced that President Bola Tinubu will serve as the Father of the Day, while Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, will be the Chief Host while other South-West governors are expected to serve as co-hosts.

He added that the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, will attend the event as Special Guest of Honour.

The MUSWEN President disclosed that funds raised would support the construction of a modern headquarters building at Agodi GRA, Ibadan, and advance key projects outlined in MUSWEN’s 2019–2030 strategic plan.

“MUSWEN plans to provide health care facilities with state-of-the-art diagnostics and other infrastructure for the benefit of the Muslim Ummah across the South-West,” he said.

Alhaji Oladejo commended President Tinubu for implementing economic reforms that are attracting foreign investment, while acknowledging federal efforts to reduce poverty and strengthen primary healthcare.

He urged the government to promote inclusivity to ensure fair representation in national decision-making and called for a full overhaul of the country’s security architecture, including continuous training of security personnel to improve professionalism and responsiveness to diverse communities.

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