Religious
From Charity to Self-Reliance: Ashraaf Islamic Foundation’s Fight Against Food Insecurity
By Abdulrahman Aliagan, Abuja
In a world where food insecurity remains a pressing challenge, organizations like the Ashraaf Islamic Foundation are making tangible efforts to address the issue through empowerment and strategic advocacy. adsbygoogle || []).push({}); js">
The event, a five-in-one gathering, combined a Ramadan lecture, national prayers, empowerment programs, training sessions, and an exhibition aimed at addressing food security while uplifting widows, persons with disabilities (PWDs), unemployed youth, and the Almajiri community.
The Founder and Chairman of the Foundation, Imam (Dr.) Sharafudeen Abdulsalam Aliagan, emphasized that empowerment is more than just financial aid; it is about providing people with the means to sustain themselves.
“We are going to empower four categories of people in this hall today,” Aliagan announced.
“The widows will be trained and empowered. When you train somebody, you are directly empowering them. So, we’re going to train and empower widows. We’ll empower Almajiris. We are going to train and empower as much as possible. We are going to train and empower people with disabilities and young unemployed Nigerians. We pray that Allah will make this happen more than the way we expected.”
Aliagan reiterated that self-reliance is key to reducing poverty and food insecurity, urging Nigerians to embrace modern agricultural practices, particularly smart agriculture, to ensure sustainable food production.
The Chairman of the occasion, Malam Lanre Issa-Onilu, the Director-General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), represented by Deputy Director Audu Ayuba Mayo, underscored the importance of food security in national development.
“Food security is not just an economic or agricultural concern; it is a fundamental aspect of national development and social stability. A well-nourished society is a productive one, and ensuring access to affordable, nutritious food is essential for national growth and peace,” he stated.
He called on government agencies, religious institutions, private organizations, and individuals to contribute toward ensuring food sufficiency by supporting local farmers, reducing food waste, and adopting responsible consumption habits.
The NOA, according to Issa-Onilu, remains committed to mobilizing Nigerians towards behavioral change and policies that protect the most vulnerable.
“As we reflect during this holy month, let us renew our commitment to building a nation where no one is left behind,” he concluded.
Representing the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, CSP Faruk U. Dange called for youth engagement in agriculture to prevent crime and idleness.
“An idle mind is the devil’s workshop. If the youth are engaged in productive activities like agriculture, they will have no time for crime. We must involve them in food production while also ensuring their safety,” he said.
Dange encouraged Nigerians to collaborate with security agencies by providing timely information to combat crime, adding that prayers and moral support for officers working to maintain law and order were also necessary.
A retired director of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Oyeleke Rasaq, emphasized the need for Nigerians to grow their own food, citing small-scale agricultural initiatives such as snail farming as viable ways to enhance food security without significant financial investment.
Aliagan reinforced this sentiment, noting that even small agricultural efforts can collectively have a significant impact on food security:
“The solution is for each and every one of us to learn how to farm on our own without serious capital. You can do farming in your respective homes. You can do what we call snail farming and others,” he advised.
He further appealed to non-governmental organizations (NGOs), private individuals, and the government to invest in agricultural empowerment programs that promote self-reliance and reduce dependency.
Speaking at the event, Senator Saliu Mustapha, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Food Security, represented by Mr. Salman Salman, commended the Foundation for selecting a timely and crucial topic. He stressed the importance of food security, not only during Ramadan but throughout the year.
“Now that food security has become an issue the world over, it is essential that we put our acts together to ensure that we provide for those who are less privileged,” Mustapha stated.
He echoed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s stance on producing what we eat and eating what we produce, advocating for increased investment in local food production.
As the event progressed, attendees had the opportunity to participate in an ongoing exhibition showcasing agricultural products and innovations. Vendors and farmers engaged in buying and selling activities, reinforcing the importance of practical agricultural engagement in achieving food security.
Dr. Aliagan made an impassioned appeal to wealthy individuals and corporate organizations to contribute to empowering more Nigerians in sustainable agriculture, emphasizing that “the more they give, the more they are expected to give.”
With prayers for national peace, economic prosperity, and food sufficiency, the event ended on a hopeful note, inspiring attendees to take practical steps toward self-reliance and community support.
The Ashraaf Islamic Foundation’s 8th Annual Ramadan Lecture exemplified the essence of Ramadan—compassion, sacrifice, and communal responsibility. However, beyond charity, the Foundation’s approach underscores the importance of empowerment, education, and strategic policy engagement in addressing food insecurity and economic challenges in Nigeria.
As the country grapples with rising food prices, unemployment, and security concerns, initiatives like these serve as a blueprint for a self-sufficient and economically stable Nigeria—one where every individual has the means to feed themselves and contribute meaningfully to society.
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Religious
Faith and Freedom Africa Holds Town Hall Meeting in Makurdi, Calls for Deeper Understanding of Constitutional Rights to Freedom of Religion
By AbdulRahman Obaje
Makurdi, Benue State — Concerned about the religious undertones of Nigeria’s security challenges, Faith and Freedom Africa (FFA) has renewed calls for respect and protection of every citizen’s right to freedom of religion, as enshrined in Section 38 of the Nigerian Constitution. adsbygoogle || []).push({});
Speaking at a one-day colloquium held on Wednesday at Batoha Hotel, Makurdi, FFA Country Coordinator Felix Samari questioned the Nigerian government’s recognition of only Christianity and Islam, lamenting that adherents of African Traditional Religion (ATR) are often treated as “second-class citizens.”
“With Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB) advocacy, we are not only speaking for Christians and Muslims but also for practitioners of African traditional religions and even atheists,” Samari said. “Every citizen deserves equal respect and the freedom to worship — or not worship — without discrimination.”
Themed Freedom of Religious Beliefs (FoRB), the event brought together religious leaders, activists, and community members to discuss religious tolerance and inclusion.
A participant and atheist, Mr. Terna Sam-Kange, decried discrimination against non-adherents of Christianity and Islam, calling for “a more open-minded Nigeria where religious belief or lack of it does not determine one’s access to opportunities.”
Similarly, Ms. Doosuur Sue, a practitioner of African Traditional Religion, lamented the exclusion of ATR adherents from government recognition and benefits. “We are Nigerians too and should have equal opportunities and privileges like every other citizen,” she said.
FoRB trainer Dr. Longji Dambok criticized the government’s practice of funding only Christian and Muslim pilgrims’ boards, describing it as “discriminatory and unhealthy for national unity.” He called for reorientation and enlightenment campaigns to foster mutual respect and understanding in Nigeria’s culturally diverse society.
The FFA Town Hall Meeting is part of ongoing efforts to promote peace, religious tolerance, and the recognition of constitutional rights in communities across Nigeria.
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News
Eid-el-Maulud: Ododo Prays for Peace, Prosperity in Nigeria
From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has prayed for actions that would promote peace, unity and prosperity in the country.
In his goodwill message, Governor Ododo noted that the birth of Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) reminds humanity of timeless virtues, humility, patience, and compassion which remain the foundation of a just and peaceful society.
“Eid-el-Maulud is not just a celebration of the birth of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH); it is a call to live by the values that bind us as one people. If we embrace the Prophet’s teachings of kindness, fairness, and justice, we can overcome divisions and build a society rooted in peace and progress,” he said.
Governor Ododo urged Muslims to extend acts of love, kindness and generosity to their neighbours, especially the less privileged, stressing that such small but deliberate efforts help to strengthen bond in communities and foster unity.
He reaffirmed the commitment of his administration to building a safer, more inclusive, and economically vibrant Kogi State through policies that place the welfare of the people at the centre of governance
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- Prince Abdulrahman Obaje is a Media, Information and Computer Technology Consultant. A quintessential Journalist, online marketer, social media strategist, Mathematician and Computer Scientist is based in Abuja, Nigeria. He is the Founder and the Publisher of The Informavores!. You can reach me on +234 805 939 5252 or send i-witness report directly to me on news@informavores.com.ng.
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Crime
Kogi CP Begs For Intelligent Information, Prayers To tackle Insecurity
From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
The Kogi State Commissioner of Police, CP Miller Dantawaye has appealed to the people of the state not to relent in the supply of intelligent information and consistent prayers to curb criminal activities in the state. adsbygoogle || []).push({}); com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js">
He made the appeal at First Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) Lokoja during a Thanksgiving service of Mrs Salami Aderin Eunice, mother of Mr. Segun Salami of Channels TV correspondent in Kogi state who celebrated her 75th years birthday on Sunday June 29th, 2025.
He noted that Kogi state is a difficult state because it is surrounded by 9 states as some of the hoodlums will always like to enter the state and carry out their evil work, but thank God that they have been able to bring the situation under control.
He appeal to the congregation to always offer prayers for them and the state at large and also provide them useful information that can help them curb criminal activities in the state.
His words, “I beg for any kind of intelligence report from you, any information that you get. It could be in your school, your children’s school, it could be even in the church here. It can be in your place of work,’ he said.
Kogi is a very difficult terrain to oversee because of its border to about 10 States including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja
“So, we need your prayer as individual and as a church to us as the security agencies especially the police in policing the state. It is only by God’s divine backing and enablement.
“I want to beg you to always give us reliable information at your disposal that will enable us to expose the criminal among us
“We will continue to do the needful with the available resources and power to ensure that Kogi remained save and secure,”” Dantawaye said
He commended Kogi state government in its effort to fight crime in the state adding that government need the cooperation of the society and individual to fight crime in the state.
He congratulated Mrs. Salami who clocked 75th years.
In his sermon, titled: “Gratitude to God”, Rev Paul Frank, stressed the need for everyone to be grateful to God for his kindness and benevolent towards us as a people.
“For every benefit we received gratitude is demanded of us. An ingrates will never appreciate anything describing an ingrate as a murderer, selfish.
“Your miracle is attached to your worshipped and testimonies. We must deliberately thank God for His grace that has kept you safe in the midst of the rising insecurity in the country especially in Kogi,” Frank said.
Frank urged the people never to take the grace of God for granted.
Frank congratulated the Salami’s family for walking into the Sanctuary to give gratitude to God, describing the gesture as a necessity to honour Jesus in the life of the celebrant
In his remarks, Segun Salami, described his Mom as a wonderful mother and eulogised her kindness, support and for raising her children in the fear of God.
Author Profile
- Prince Abdulrahman Obaje is a Media, Information and Computer Technology Consultant. A quintessential Journalist, online marketer, social media strategist, Mathematician and Computer Scientist is based in Abuja, Nigeria. He is the Founder and the Publisher of The Informavores!. You can reach me on +234 805 939 5252 or send i-witness report directly to me on news@informavores.com.ng.
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