In a powerful display of interfaith unity, Pastor (Dr.) Yohanna Buru, a prominent Christian leader from Kaduna, delivered a peace message amids thousands of Muslims gathered at the Eid-praying ground in Murtala Mohammed Square on Sunday, March 30th, 2025.

This event, which aimed to foster unity, love, and religious tolerance, was a significant step in promoting peaceful coexistence in Nigeria.

Pastor Buru, the General Overseer of Christ Evangelical and Life Intervention Ministry, led a group of Christians to stand alongside the Muslim community in their prayers, reinforcing the importance of Christian-Muslim cooperation.

This marked the fourth consecutive year Pastor Buru and his team have participated in the Eid celebrations at the central mosque, demonstrating their ongoing commitment to peace and harmony.

Notable figures, including former Governor Alhaji (Dr.) Ramalan Yero, respected Islamic scholars, and traditional leaders, women and children also attended the event, which highlighted the significance of interfaith dialogue.

Pastor Buru, known for his dedication to peace, emphasized that events like these offer an opportunity for mutual understanding.

“We must remember that we are one family under God, worshipping the same God. Both the Qur’an and the Bible are holy books sent from one God,” he said, urging Nigerians to put aside differences and work together for a united, prosperous nation.

He also expressed his congratulations to the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, and other prominent Islamic leaders, while noting that Muslims regularly join Christians during Christmas celebrations, further solidifying ties between the two communities.

In his message after the prayers, Pastor Buru called for peace, unity, and love to guide the nation’s future. “Nigeria can achieve its full potential when we work together and embrace peace,” he said, wishing Muslims a joyful Eid and praying for continued peace and prosperity.

Other Christian leaders, including Reverend George John and Elder Sanda, were present, stressing the importance of promoting peace and understanding.

The Chief Imam of the central mosque,Sheikh Habib Umar Mahmood, expressed gratitude for Pastor Buru’s ongoing support and for the opportunity to deliver his peace message at the Eid praying ground.

” He said, you are very unique and may God bless you abundantly”

Similarly,Mallam Sunusi Surajo, a member of the Eid-praying ground committee, commended Kaduna State for its role in promoting religious tolerance and peace, praying for similar unity across all 36 states of Nigeria

The Sultan of Sokoto and President General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has called on Muslims across the country to look out for the new moon of Shawwal 1446AH on Saturday, March 29, 2025.

In a statement signed and made available to newsmen on Friday by the Waziri of Sokoto, Prof. Sambo Wali Junaidu, who also serves as the Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs at the Sultanate Council, the sighting of the new moon will determine the end of Ramadan and the celebration of Eid el-Fitr.

According to the statement, “March 29 marks the 29th day of Ramadan 1446AH, making it the first possible day for moon sighting.

“The Sultan has urged anyone who sights the moon to report their observations through the designated phone numbers provided in the release.

The numbers listed for reporting moon sightings are: 08037157100, 08066303077, 08035965322, 08035945903 amd 07067146900.

Muslims are encouraged to participate in the moon sighting exercise as it plays a crucial role in determining the official date for Eid celebrations. If the new moon is confirmed, it will signal the beginning of Shawwal and mark the end of the month-long Ramadan fast.

The statement said the Sultanate Council would announce the final decision on Eid based on verified moon sightings.

The Emnamu Foundation, a leading humanitarian organization in Northern Nigeria, has commended the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mr. Adeola Ajayi, for his exemplary leadership and commitment to security reforms.

In a statement issued to Journalists in Kaduna, on Friday President of the Foundation, Dr. Emmanuel N. Musa, praised the intelligence chief for his strategic restructuring efforts, which he said have significantly enhanced national security and stability.

He lauded Mr. Ajayi’s emphasis on professionalism and staff welfare, describing it as a game-changer in intelligence operations.

Dr. Musa also extended appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as a “well-placed appointment” of Mr. Ajayi, noting that his leadership has yielded tangible results in intelligence gathering, counterterrorism efforts, and internal security.

“The DG SSS has demonstrated exceptional leadership in ensuring the safety of Nigerians. His emphasis on professionalism and welfare has boosted morale within the agency, leading to better service delivery,” Dr. Musa stated.

Since assuming office as the DSS boss, Mr. Adeola Ajayi has initiated several reforms to bolster intelligence gathering, strengthen inter-agency collaboration, and modernize the agency’s operational framework.

Musa particularly emphasized that Ajayi’s leadership has been instrumental in addressing emerging security challenges such as terrorism, banditry, cybercrime, and economic sabotage.

“A seasoned intelligence officer with over three decades of experience, Mr. Ajayi has served in various capacities within the DSS, including State Director of Security in multiple states. He has undergone extensive security and intelligence training both locally and internationally, equipping him with the expertise to reposition the nation’s secret service.

“Under his leadership, the DSS has intensified its proactive security measures, leading to the disruption of several criminal networks and foiled terror plots. His commitment to staff welfare and capacity development has also strengthened the agency’s efficiency.“ He said.

Dr. Musa reaffirmed the Emnamu Foundation’s commitment to recognizing and supporting excellence in governance, particularly in the areas of security, peace, and development.

The foundation, known for its interventions in education, healthcare, and economic empowerment, continues to advocate policies that promote national stability.

Dr. Musa, a respected philanthropist, emphasized that effective leadership in security agencies remains critical to Nigeria’s progress.

He urged the DSS DG to sustain the momentum in tackling emerging threats and enhancing national intelligence capabilities, while reiterating the Foundation’s readiness to support initiatives that foster peace, security, and sustainable development in the country.

BY ABDULLAHI ALHASSAN, Kaduna

The secretary of All Progressive Congress APC, Zamfara State Jajiwa movement Mansur Aminu Khalifa has slammed what he described fabricated Media report by a non existent elders committee of APC North west.

In a Press statement signed and made available to newsmen said “The attention of the Jajiya Political Movement has been drawn to a fabricated media report by a non-existent elders committee of the APC, North West.

“This report attempts to link the distinguished Honorable member representing Kaura/Birnin Magaji Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon Dr. Aminu Sani Jaji, with allegations of anti-party activities and romance with the opposition PDP.

“We are not bothered by these allegations, as it is well-known that Bello Matawalle, the current Minister of State for Defence, has a history of hiding behind non-existent structures to damage the reputation of people of integrity.

“He employed the same tactics during his time in the PDP, damaging the names of his opponents and leaders like Abdulaziz Yari and others. Even after he joined the APC, he continued this behavior, which significantly contributed to his defeat in the 2023 governorship elections.

“The evidence of Matawalle’s campaign of calumny and character assassination against former Governor Yari is still fresh in the minds of his followers. This behavior was one of the primary reasons many refused to work towards his victory in 2023, as they could not overlook what he had done to their political principal.

The current Governor of Zamfara State, Dauda Lawal, is also a victim of Matawalle’s alleged character assassination campaigns. Matawalle sponsored numerous fake groups and associations to damage Dauda Lawal’s reputation. However, this tactic ultimately earned Dauda more sympathy from voters, contributing to his victory in the 2023 governorship race.

“Now, Matawalle has seen Hon. Aminu Sani Jaji as a potential threat to his ambitions and has resorted to using the same tactics to damage his reputation.
However, Matawalle underestimates the national leadership of the APC, led by Former Governor of Kano State Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje. They are well aware of the strength and political capacity of every politician in Zamfara State.

The statement maintained that “Matawalle’s allegations against Jaji, including romance with the PDP, are baseless and lack credibility. He has raised similar allegations against Yarima, Senator. Yari, and others using fake media links and accounts.

“We challenge the Hon.Minister of State for Defence to provide evidence of the non-existent elders committee meeting in Kaduna. “We urge him to release video footage of the meeting where they conducted the media briefing, calling for the National body of the APC to caution Aminu Jaji over anti-party matters.

The statement added that “Our mentor and political leader, Aminu Sani Jaji, remains a die-hard supporter of the APC and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Matawalle, who chooses division over unity, should continue his evil actions. Only time will be his judge, just as it was in 2023.

“Dr. Aminu Sani Jaji is and will remain in a clear state of understanding with other well-meaning APC leaders in Zamfara State, including Senator Ahmed Sani Yarima, Senator Abdulaziz Yari, Former Governor Mahmud Aliyu Shinkafi, Senator Kabiru Garba Marafa, Ambassador Bashir Yuguda, Sani Abdullahi Wamban Shinkafi, and other leaders. He is and will always be ready to work with them towards the overall success of the APC in Zamfara State and Nigeria.

“We urge the APC National Headquarters to conduct a survey regarding the 20,000 bags of rice donated to Zamfara State by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“The party will discover its real enemies. While people like Aminu Jaji and Sen. Abdulaziz Yari used their hard-earned money to purchase hundreds of metric tons of assorted food items and shared them with party members, Minister Matawalle was busy diverting the rice donated by President Tinubu to elsewhere.

“It is on record that not up to 7,000 out of 20,000 bags of rice donated to Zamfara APC supporters by President Tinubu were brought to Zamfara, and the rest were reserved in Abuja for sales. The party can verify this independently.

“We call on our supporters to remain focused on promoting the APC and not be swayed by divisionists like Matawalle, who seek to destroy the APC in Zamfara at all costs.

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Nocaco Nigeria Limited, Dr. Tunde Orija, says that Nigeria’s development cannot be achieved without prioritizing industrialization.

Dr. Orija stated this in Kaduna when he was honoured with an Award of Excellence by the Kaduna Chapter of the National Association of Technology of Engineering (NATE).

According to him, industries remain the backbone of any economy and Nigeria risks economic collapse if the industrial sector is neglected.

“Industries are the mainstream that drive the economy of every country. Without industries, the economy will crumble because they drive the workforce and employ hundreds of thousands of people, both directly and indirectly,” he said.

Dr. Orija noted that industrialization is also essential for infrastructural development, including housing and other sectors of the economy.

“You need industries to galvanize development. They are the real production arm of the economy and add value in whatever we do. Industries are a critical part of the value chain in creating the wealth of any country,” he added.

He emphasized that most developed countries achieved economic prosperity through industrialization, stressing that Nigeria must follow the same path to attain sustainable growth.

Speaking on the survival and resilience of Nocaco Nigeria Limited despite Nigeria’s challenging business environment, Dr. Orija attributed the success of the company to a solid team, committed workers, loyal customers, and a strong leadership structure.

“We have dedicated stakeholders both locally and internationally, as well as a vibrant board that drives the company’s vision. Despite the microeconomic challenges and declining purchasing power, we continue to work around the circumstances to remain relevant in the market,” he said.

Earlier in his remarks, the Chairman of the National Association of Technology for Engineers (NATE), Engineer John Audu, emphasized the association’s commitment to practical skills and value addition rather than mere possession of certificates.

Speaking at the award ceremony in Kaduna, Engineer Audu stressed that NATE was established to promote professionalism and technical excellence in the engineering field, in line with the vision of its founding fathers.

He appealed to the Managing Director of Nocaco Nigeria Limited, Dr. Tunde Orija, to recognize and give priority to NATE-certified engineers and technologists in the company’s employment structure.

According to him, it is crucial for all engineering professionals to be duly registered and certified, warning that failure to do so could pose challenges in the industry.

Audu further explained that NATE’s primary objective is to certify and validate the skills and competence of Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) technicians and engineers.

He noted that the association is committed to promoting industry excellence through training, education, and the provision of resources to its members and the engineering sector at large.

“NATE certification is recognized across the industry as a mark of excellence for HVAC technicians and engineers. Our goal is to ensure that the workforce meets the required standards in the installation, maintenance, and repair of HVAC systems,” Audu stated.

A Nigerian scientist has condemned the increasing attacks on migratory bats around the Kaduna State House of Assembly Garden

Dr. Piman Hoffman, the head of scientific research and wildlife protection in Africa, has urged all stakeholders in wildlife conservation to join efforts to protect these bats, which migrate from various places to give birth in the historical garden.

Dr. Hoffman explained that millions of migratory bats come to the garden due to its cool climate and the presence of tall trees, making it an ideal place for them to give birth. However,

he noted that local hunters’ attacks on the bats are now threatening their survival. These bats, he stated, return in large numbers after their babies are born, which is vital for their population.

In a statement addressing the ongoing attacks, Dr. Hoffman emphasized the need for a united effort from wildlife conservationists, the state government, and local communities to end these killings.

He pointed out that the bats rely on the natural environment of the garden to give birth and that the hunting is negatively impacting their population and behavior.

Dr. Hoffman also reported that local hunters are using catapults to kill the bats, with up to 50 to 60 bats being killed daily. This, he warned, poses a serious threat to the species’ existence and the broader ecological balance.

He called on the Kaduna State government to urgently deploy security forces to arrest the hunters responsible for the killings.

Additionally, Dr. Hoffman urged the local population to take a stand against the hunting of migratory bats and called for an awareness campaign, both online and offline, to protect the bats from further harm.

He also criticized the practice of hunting the bats for meat, with one hunter justifying the action by claiming that bat meat is considered a delicacy due to its sweetness.

The situation in Kaduna highlights a global issue. In 2022, the United Nations warned that globally nearly one million plant and animal species are at risk of extinction due to factors such as climate change, pollution, and human activities, underscoring the importance of immediate and collective action to protect vulnerable species like these migratory bats.