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Maolidu Nnabiy: Ashraf Islamic Foundation Highlights the Importance of Parenting and Child Education in Nigeria
By Abdulrahman Obaje
A thorough research by Ashraaf Islamic Foundation revealed an alarming statistics that there are currently 10.2 million out of school children at the primary school level, 8. adsbygoogle || []).push({});
The reason the theme for the 7th Annual Maolidu Nnabiy lecture series 2024 (1446AH) of Ashraaf Islamic Foundation; a provoking theme that affect every household is, “Parenting and Child Education in Nigeria: Appraising the Plights of Orphans and Vulnerable Children”,
The theme was arrived at; according to Dr. Abdullahi Adam, the Director of programs, Ashraaf Islamic Foundation and a member of the organising committee of this year event, after an extensive research and efforts.
Dr. Abdullahi said, “It is our philosophy at Ashraaf Islamic Foundation to inquire into societal problem and see how we can bring solution to it .we concern ourselves to serving humanity because the mandate of Rosulu Lahi is universal. It is not to a single man, Rasul was sent to the entire universe.
“While we were deliberating on the topic about three months ago at the executive level, we actually did a thorough research to actually know how alarming this situation is in Nigeria.
“Believe you me, as of now we have 10.2 million out of school children at the primary school level, then we have 8.1 million out of junior secondary school level, we have 17.5 million of them that have already an orphan, we have 19million of them displaced in the North-east and; lastly we have 3,500 of them serving as child-soldiers in the north-east and other troubled areas we have in Nigeria.”
The event started-off with a keynote speech by Dr. Idris Muhammad Sanni saying that, “If we want to talk about good parenting, it all start with the way we select our wife. The issue of marriage is the beginning of parenting. Contrary to the happenings today. One would just see a lady, he will approach her, and the marriage will be contracted. Unknown to him that this institution is such an important institution that requires preliminary researches before contracting the marriage.
That you are going into a project that will give you children; a project that can either make or mar you”, Dr. Sanni continued.
Also, Imam (Dr) Sharafudeen Abdulsalam Aliagan, the Chairman/Founder, Ashraaf Islamic Foundation said the theme of this year edition of the maolidu nnabiy is an important one, “It is a theme that no family can do away with, it is a theme that no country can do away, and it is a discussion that no community can do away with. Of course, Islam cannot do away with this theme. That is one of the pillar of Islam monotheism, reason why we have put together our heads to come up with this beautiful topic”, while stressing the importance of this year event theme.
Dr. Aliagan said, “Boko Haram insurgency, pocket picking in the society, abduction, homo-sexuality and other vices that we have that is giving us barbaric and a kind of imbalance condition of environment are as a result of poor parenting. When you take care of your children very well, you have good result”
He continued that all the components that make up the theme
In a broad categorisation, Aliagan, further quickly enumerates religious education, western education and traditional education as the three types of education that every parent must instils into a child.
“Parenting can make you or mar you, it can build you or destroy you. It can make you the friend of Allah or enemy of Allah if you fails in your responsibility as a parent.”
“Child education is very important. It is the parent’s responsibility to give his or her children three categories of education.”
“You will all agree with me that as a Muslim, you will give them Islamic education, secondly western education and thirdly, traditional education.”
“These three category of education are important for child education.”, he said.
The panel discussants were Barrister Haliru Adamu representing Human Rights Commission, Deaconess Elizabeth Ekaette representing Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Alhaji Muhammed Wasse, National Orientaion Agency, NOA; Director of Women Affairs, Ashraaf Islamic Foundation, Dr. Olajumoke Alake and Mr F. Akande.
Alhaji Muhammed wasse cautions that minors and domestic worker should be treated with compassion; revealing that a legislation that would penalised offender of domestic worker or minor is underway.
Deaconess Elizabeth Ekaette said that whatever we are going through in Nigeria right now is summarized in the theme of the Maolidu Nnabiy she said gathering skills in parenting is necessary in order to raise future leaders that would better the society. She wonders how we have arrived at this messy situation as parents now a days are over-protecting their children.
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Soludo’s Economic Blockade of Onitsha Is ‘Declaration of War’ Against Igbo People
A U.S.-based organization, The Rising Sun Foundation, alongside the global coalition for Biafra restoration, has warned Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra State, condemning his blockade of Onitsha’s business district and accusing him of betraying the Igbo people. adsbygoogle || []).push({}); com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js">
In a statement released on Tuesday and signed by Dr. Maxwell Dede, representing The Rising Sun Foundation in the United States, the foundation described Soludo’s actions as “tyrannical” and a “flagrant betrayal” of promises he made four years ago to support a grand dialogue on the Igbo people’s future within or outside Nigeria.
“Governor Soludo stands accused of a profound and treacherous betrayal. Four years ago, he courted the support of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and the aspirations of millions, publicly pledging to facilitate a grand dialogue for the Igbo people. Today, he actively persecutes the very people and principles that propelled him to power,” the statement said.
The group criticized the governor for deploying predominantly non-Igbo military and police personnel to blockade economic arteries, describing the move as “the act of a tin-pot dictator, not a democratic leader.”
It further claimed that the Onitsha crisis is “not a result of merchant disobedience but of gubernatorial failure and dictatorial impulse”.
“The governor is strangling the economic lifeblood of the people he swore to serve, shattering the fragile peace he claims to protect,” the foundation said.
It also condemned Soludo’s perceived comfort with the continued detention of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu by the federal government, calling it evidence that Soludo is “a politician of convenience, not conviction.”
The Rising Sun Foundation warned that any harm inflicted on peaceful protesters or merchants exercising their rights would be interpreted as “an open declaration of war against the Igbo people and their fundamental human rights. The blood will be on Soludo’s hands.”
The group added that the world should hold the Government House in Awka responsible for any breakdown of law and order, insisting that “Governor Soludo fired the first shot with this unjust and provocative blockade”.
“We are a peaceful people, but we say no more killings. The era of Igbo governors colluding to spill the blood of Igbo youths is over. We will not stand idly by and watch history repeat itself,” the statement said.
The foundation also announced it was initiating steps to have Soludo declared persona non grata internationally for what it described as gross violations of democratic norms and economic rights, asserting that “his welcome on the international stage will be rightfully rescinded.”
Calling on international observers, human rights organizations, and the Nigerian federal government to take action, the foundation said, “The siege on Onitsha must be lifted. The path to peace in the South-East is through justice, dialogue, and the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu—not through military barricades and economic suffocation.”
The group warned the governor, “Governor Soludo, you are at the brink. Pull back. Respect the people. Honor your forgotten promises. The world is watching.”
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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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New Year: Gov Ododo Calls for Unity, Commitment to Security of Lives, Properties
From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi state has called for Unity of the people in complementing government’s efforts to tackle rising insecurity in the state.
The Governor also solicited people’s support through hard work, and sustained patriotism as his administration intensifies efforts to deliver people-oriented governance. googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js">
Ododo who made the call in his New Year message to the people of the state, thanked Almighty God for protection and guidance throughout the past year, noting that the period tested the resilience of the people but also strengthened their collective resolve.
The Governor said that despite challenges, the state recorded modest but significant gains across key sectors, including security, infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture, and youth and women empowerment, attributing the progress to discipline, unity of purpose, and the cooperation of citizens.
According to him, the New Year presents renewed hope and a stronger resolve by his administration to do more through prudent resource management, inclusive governance, and policies aimed at improving the quality of life of the people, expanding opportunities for youths, empowering women, and strengthening the state’s economy.
Governor Ododo reaffirmed that security remains a top priority of his government, assuring residents of deeper collaboration with security agencies and community stakeholders to sustain peace across the state, stressing that meaningful development can only thrive in a secure environment.
He called on all Kogites to continue to reject division and embrace cooperation, describing the state’s diversity as a strength that must be harnessed to build a Kogi that works for everyone, both in urban and rural communities.
Reiterating his pledge to serve with integrity, transparency, and compassion, the Governor expressed optimism that the New Year would usher in shared prosperity and greater accomplishments for the state.
Governor Ododo also urged continued support for the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that the President’s reforms have strengthened the economy and expanded resources available to sub-national governments for development.
He wished the people of Kogi State a peaceful, prosperous, and fulfilling New Year, while praying for continued progress for the state and the nation.
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One Community, One Honour: Item Okpi Kingdom Celebrates Prof. Arunma Oteh’s Global Legacy
By Abdulrahman Aliagan,
The ancient town of Item in Bende Local Government Area of Abia State was agog on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, as the Item Development Association (IDA) Incorporated trustees hosted the 2025 Item Day Celebration, a historic edition specially designed to honour a single, outstanding personality — Chief, Prof. js">
The celebration, held at the playground of Akanu Item Primary School, Akanu Item, was attended by top government officials, traditional rulers, community leaders, clergy, captains of industry and sons and daughters of Item from across Nigeria and the diaspora.
Themed “Building a Greater Item Through Collective Action: The Work Continues,” the 2025 Item Day marked a significant departure from previous editions that featured multiple awardees. This year’s event was deliberately structured around a single award and traditional honour, in recognition of Prof. Oteh’s exceptional contributions to the growth and development of Abia State, Nigeria, Africa and the global community.
A major highlight of the event was a Grand Civic Reception in honour of the Executive Governor of Abia State, His Excellency, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, whose presence further underscored the importance of the occasion.
At the ceremony, the Item Development Association formally presented the Item Grand Merit Award to Chief Arunma Oteh, OON, describing her as a worthy daughter of the soil whose global achievements have brought immense honour to Item Okpi Ancient Kingdom, Abia State and Nigeria at large.
The award plaque cited her “distinguished leadership and transformative contributions to global development and in appreciation of the great honour this has brought to our community.”
Prof. Oteh was also specially celebrated for her consistent role as a global ambassador of the Amaba-Ukwu Item community, projecting its image positively across international platforms. This singular contribution, the organisers noted, was a key reason she was singled out for the prestigious award.
The event was chaired by Chief Ojay Obasi Eke (Udoka), with Chief Chukwuemeka Ogwo, MBA (Ugwuchukwuemere I of Item) serving as Co-Chairman.
Other dignitaries present were Hon. Dr. Ibekwe Nnamdi Chimdi, Member representing Bende North Constituency in the Abia State House of Assembly; Hon. Okwu Ukoha, Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly; and Hon. Uwabunike Bassey, Executive Chairman (Mayor) of Bende LGA.
Traditional blessings were led by the Royal Father of the Day, HRH Eze Jerry Akpala Igwe (JP), Chairman of the Item Traditional Rulers Council, alongside HRM Eze Silas Okafor Igwe (JP), the Okpi of Item, and other royal fathers.
Religious leaders, including His Grace, Dr. Sunday Ndukwo Onuoha, Archbishop of Umuahia, also offered prayers for the community and the awardee.
The newly conferred Nwanne Ukwu Di Na Mba of Amaba-Ukwu Item, Abia State, Alhaji Chief Dr Ibrahim Mohammed Ajia, congratulated Prof. Arunma Oteh on the well-deserved honour.
He described her as a pride of Item and a shining example of what dedication, integrity and excellence can achieve, noting that her global impact has placed Amaba-Ukwu Item firmly on the world map.
He prayed for greater strength and wisdom for her to continue serving humanity and inspiring future generations.
In her acceptance speech, an emotional Prof. Arunma Oteh expressed profound gratitude to the Item Development Association, the people of Amaba-Ukwu Item, the traditional institution, the Abia State Government and all stakeholders who contributed to the success of the programme.
She pledged to continue projecting the image of her community globally, describing the honour as a renewed call to service.
Prof. Oteh urged sons and daughters of Amaba-Ukwu Item, Abia State and Nigeria at large to embrace courage, resilience and hard work, stressing that “the sky is only the beginning of success for those who dare to dream and work relentlessly.”
She thanked Governor Alex Otti for his support for community development initiatives and commended the leadership of IDA for sustaining the vision of unity, selfless service and progress captured in the association’s motto: “Faith in God and Selfless Service to Our People.”
A Historic Item Day led by Dr. Cyril Onyekachi O. Kalu, President of IDA, and Ambassador Dr. Anthony Chukwudum Okorie, Chairman, Board of Trustees, the 2025 Item Day Celebration has been widely described as historic — not only for honouring one of Item’s most illustrious daughters, but also for reaffirming the community’s commitment to collective development and global relevance.
For many attendees, the celebration was more than an award ceremony; it was a statement of identity, pride and a renewed resolve to build a greater Item for generations yet unborn.
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