News
Muslim Group Empowers 48 In PH
A Muslim organisation under the aegis of Zakat and Sadaqat Foundation, Lagos, in conjunction with Rivers State Council of Islamic Affairs (RSCIA), last Wednesday, empowered 48 less-privileged men and women in Port Harcourt with items worth millions of naira.
The empowerment programme took place at Rachael’s Hotel in Port Harcourt. Sewing machines, refrigerators, laptops, barbing clippers and power generators were given to both Muslims and Christians.
Speaking at the occasion, the Vice President General , RSCIA, Alhaji Nasir Awhelebe Uhor said giving out to the less privileged is in line with the Holy Qur’an.
He explained that Zakat is the fulfilment of the Qur’an, saying that it is to assist our sisters and brothers to be self-sufficient, so that the beneficiaries can in turn assist others.
Zakat is an annual event in which every Muslim is expected to give 2.5 percent of his or her annual income to the less privileged. As a Muslim, Zakat is a compulsory task to be fulfilled for the growth of humanity.
“We are not saying this will solve all problems of the persons but it is a starting point and to ensure that the beneficiaries are self-sufficient and that means the foundation has succeeded”, Alhaji Uhor said.
The chairman of the occasion, Kabir J. Musa said the principle of giving to the less- privileged is to increase your health.
He prayed God to give more to all those that have given.
Director General of Zakat and Sadaqat Foundation, Alhaji Suleiman Olagunju noted that the failure to pay Zakat by some Muslims is principal causes of all the problems in Islam.
“Zakat is expected to be an annual event by all Muslims and benefitting from it does not make you a beggar.
Zakat is to bring growth to the beneficiaries, payers and the country at large “ Olagunju said.
However, the Deputy Imam of Mile One, Diobu, Port Harcourt Central Mosque, Muratala Mohammed expressed disappointment over the manner the distribution was made, saying that some of the workers, RSCIA’s wives and brothers benefitted.
Tonye Orabere
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has tasked troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD to dominate the battlespace and intensify offensive operations against kidnappers, bandits and other criminal elements in the North Central region.
Shaibu gave the directive yesterday during his maiden operational visit to the Headquarters, Joint Task Force North Central (JTF-NC), at Sobi Barracks, Ilorin.
This is contained in a statement by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, in Abuja, yesterday.
Shaibu said the Nigerian Army would remain resolute in its constitutional responsibility of safeguarding lives and property, stressing that troops must sustain pressure to decisively deny criminal elements freedom of action.
He assured personnel of continued deployment of combat enablers and operational resources to enhance clearance operations and dismantle criminal hideouts across Kwara and Niger states.
The COAS reaffirmed his commitment to troop welfare, noting that improved welfare remained critical to sustaining morale, operational effectiveness and combat readiness.
He urged the troops to remain disciplined, professional and loyal to the Constitution and the democratically elected government.
Earlier, the Theatre Commander, JTF-NC Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD, Maj.-Gen. Yakubu Yahaya, commended the COAS for his strategic leadership and support.
Yahaya assured that troops would remain committed and steadfast in restoring peace and stability in the region.
The Nigerian Navy says it is expanding training and infrastructure to address emerging security threats and strengthen operational efficiency across formations and units nationwide.
The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Idi Abbas, spoke during the inauguration of projects at the Nigerian Navy Basic Training School (NNBTS) in Onne, Rivers as part of activities marking the Nigerian Navy’s 70th anniversary.
Abbas, represented by the Flag Officer Commanding, Naval Training Command (NAVTRAC), Rear Adm. Ebiobowei Zipele, said the projects reflected significant progress made by the navy since its establishment in 1956 from the British Royal Navy.
“Training and infrastructure have improved significantly to meet contemporary security challenges and fulfil the navy’s constitutional responsibilities.”
According to him, the anniversary provides the navy an opportunity to reflect on its achievements and contributions over the past seven decades.
Projects inaugurated included a remodelled female trainees’ hostel accommodating more than 500 occupants and an expanded golf course upgraded from one to nine holes.
Others were the NNBTS fuel dump, Chief Boatswain’s Mate House, renovated pharmacy department and a new theatre block at the Naval Medical Centre, Onne.
Abbas described the new theatre as a major milestone for the navy’s medical services.
“Previously, injured personnel requiring surgeries were referred outside the facility.
“With this theatre, surgeries can now be conducted within the base.’’
He added that a 30KVA inverter had also been installed to guarantee uninterrupted electricity supply at the training school.
The naval chief assured officers, ratings and trainees that the navy leadership remained committed to their welfare and wellbeing.
“These infrastructure upgrades show the commitment of the Chief of Naval Staff to addressing operational and welfare challenges promptly,” he said.
In addition, NAVTRAC distributed educational materials to pupils of Community Primary Schools One and Two, Ogale, in Ebubu-Eleme area of Rivers.
Items distributed included exercise books, school bags and other writing materials as part of the navy’s civil-military engagement initiative.
Zipele said the outreach was designed to strengthen relations between the navy and host communities while supporting children’s education.
“Education remains critical to national growth and youth empowerment. Some of these pupils may eventually serve in the Nigerian Navy,” he said.
He noted that the initiative demonstrated the navy’s commitment to educational development, peace, security and sustainable community relations.
Zipele urged the pupils to remain disciplined, focused and committed to their studies while embracing patriotism, integrity and hard work.
He thanked the Ebubu community for its continued support for the naval training command headquarters and the navy.
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