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Association Restates Commitment To Muslim Women’s Wellbeing
Association of Muslim Women in Business and Professions, on Saturday, pledged to continue to prioritise the wellbeing of Muslim women and children.
The association, popular known as The Criterion, gave the pledge at the end of its 2nd International and 11th Biennial Conference, held in Ibadan.
The newsmen reports that the theme of the five-day conference is: ‘The New Reality: Roles and Challenges of Muslim Women.’
Newsmen also reports that the grand finale of the conference, held at the event’s hall of the University of Ibadan Central Mosque, had its key lecture delivered by Prof. Hafiz Oladosu of the Department of Arabic and Islamic Studies.
Oladosu, in the lecture, urged Muslim women not to allow the societal challenges to mislead them into doing things that negate the Islamic practices.
He said that Nigerians should recognise that they were in trying times, with numerous challenges, ranging from poverty to insecurity.
“So people’s ability to respond to issues is different; some respond in violent ways, while others do so harshly.
“A Muslim woman, who finds herself in such a situation, should try to forgive and forget. Give others benefit of the doubt, try and empathise, and see beyond the ordinary.
“Through that, we begin to cut down on the tempo and diffuse the situation,” he said.
The don advised those in position of authority to stop benchmarking their prosperity against the adversity of the citizens.
Rather, he said that they should keep in mind the reasons they were put in office and do the needful in order to confront the numerous challenges facing the country.
President (Ameerah) of the association, Hajia Fatimah Oyefeso, said that the criterion was established about 35 years ago as a faith-based, non-governmental organisation.
Oyefeso added that membership of the association cut across Muslim women involved in virtually all lawful businesses and the professions.
According to her, the association is passionate about the wellbeing of women, children and family issues, adding that its programmes and activities are organised towards achieving this mission.
She disclosed that the association “currently has a total of six districts; five of which are national and one is international.
“Our goal ultimately is to widen our scope to spring up more districts nationally and internationally.”
Oyefeso said that the organisation was also committed to the education of women in order to be intimated with the new realities in the world and the roles they should play.
She said that the conference, tagged: Oluyole 2021, would expose the participants on how to tackle assault, abuse and financial stress.
Newsmen reports that the keynote discussant, Prof. Teslim Ayobami of the Department of Guidance and Counseling, also delivered a paper, entitled: ‘Tackling Assault, Abuse in Women and Children’ at the event.
In addition, Dr Muritala Kareem of the Department of Arabic and Islamic Studies also delivered paper on how women could cope with family finances under the new reality.
The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress Christian Leaders Forum has expressed strong confidence in the capacity of All Progressives Congress (All Progressives Congress) candidates in the state to deliver effective governance if elected into office in the coming elections.
The State Coordinator of the forum, Archbishop Lucky Aroh, made this known during a breakfast and thanksgiving meeting held in Port Harcourt, where leaders gathered to pray for the stability of the party and the safety of its candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.According to him, the meeting was convened to seek divine intervention for peace, unity, and security among APC candidates across Rivers State.
“Today we are praying for APC stability in Rivers State and the security of our candidates that have been elected to contest the 2027 elections. It is a breakfast meeting,” Aroh said.
He further expressed optimism that the party’s candidates would not disappoint the people if entrusted with leadership responsibilities.
“They will not fail when elected into office. We are here as fathers of the land to let them know, and I must tell you the truth that these are the authentic people that will do well in Rivers State,” he added.
Speaking earlier, the National Chairman of the forum, Professor Olanrewaju Abraham, commended the Rivers State chapter for organizing the programme, noting that the national body of the forum believes strongly in the power of prayer.
He stated that political leadership provides an opportunity to influence society positively, including advancing moral and spiritual values, while expressing confidence that APC candidates at all levels would emerge victorious in the upcoming elections.
Also speaking, the Rivers State Women Leader of the APC, Hon. Darling Amadi, praised the forum for its commitment to prayers for peace, stability, and the protection of party candidates.
Represented by the Deputy Women Leader of the party in the state, she described the initiative as commendable and urged other political and support groups within the party to emulate the gesture in promoting unity and stability.
By: John Bibor, Menebe Emmanuel & Fortune Paibi
Prominent businessman and philanthropist, Elder Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, was celebrated in grand style as he marked his 70th birthday anniversary, with distinguished Nigerians, business leaders, and golf enthusiasts gathering to honour his remarkable contributions to society.
The colourful celebration took place at the Port Harcourt Golf Club, where friends, associates, and well-wishers converged to pay tribute to the revered elder statesman.
Chairman of the occasion, High Chief (Dr.) Ikenna Okafor, described the celebrant as a detribalised Nigerian whose generosity, humility, and commitment to humanity have earned him admiration across different communities and backgrounds.
According to Dr. Okafor, Pa Osagwe-Ogo’s impact on society and the development of his community remains unparalleled. He noted that members of the golfing community are proud to be associated with a father figure who consistently promotes the welfare and well-being of those around him.
He further stated that the history and growth of the Port Harcourt Golf Club cannot be told without acknowledging the significant role played by the celebrant, whose wisdom, encouragement, and leadership have helped sustain the club over the years.
“We are here to celebrate a man who has impacted humanity positively, a peace-loving individual and an epitome of hope for the younger generation. We pray to emulate his virtues. Today, we celebrate a bridge-builder, a trailblazer, and an iconic leader whose life continues to inspire many,” Dr. Okafor said.
He expressed delight at the large turnout of guests from various walks of life, describing it as a testament to the respect and affection Pa Osagwe-Ogo commands within and beyond Rivers State.
In his response, the celebrant, Pa Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, expressed profound gratitude to God for preserving his life and granting him the privilege of attaining the milestone age of 70.
He also thanked members of the Port Harcourt Golf Club, family members, friends, and associates for identifying with him during the celebration and for their unwavering support over the years.
The event featured the cutting of the birthday cake, presentation of awards to deserving members of the club, goodwill messages, and moments of celebration among guests.
The ceremony was attended by notable personalities from the business community, the golfing fraternity, and other sectors, all of whom joined in celebrating the life and legacy of the respected elder statesman.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and the Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Information and Communications, Dr. Honour Kuru Sirawoo, have been honoured with awards of recognition in connection with the 2026 Democracy Day celebrations held in Port Harcourt.
The awards, which formed part of activities marking Nigeria’s Democracy Day on June 12, were formally presented on Tuesday at the Ministry of Information and Communications in Port Harcourt.
Presenting the awards was Hon. Abdul Hameed Oladipupo Alli, popularly known as “Mr. Nigeria,” Publisher of Asiwaju Trumpet Magazine and Achievers World International Magazine.
Governor Fubara was recognised for his efforts in sustaining peace, stability, and a conducive political atmospherJohn Bibor / Menebe Emmanuel / Fortune Paibie in Rivers State. The organisers noted that his administration has fostered harmony and strengthened civic participation across the state.
Dr. Sirawoo, on the other hand, was honoured for his exemplary administrative leadership and significant contributions to effective information management within the Ministry of Information and Communications.
Representing Dr. Sirawoo at the presentation ceremony, Dr. Christian Davies received the award on his behalf and expressed gratitude for the recognition. He described the honour as a reflection of Dr. Sirawoo’s unwavering commitment to professionalism, excellence, and dedicated public service.
Dr. Davies assured the organisers that the award would be formally conveyed to the Permanent Secretary.
The event also featured the presentation of commemorative publications highlighting major governance and civic milestones in Rivers State, including Easter celebrations, Workers’ Day activities, the Governor’s third anniversary in office, and Democracy Day programmes.
Organisers of the awards commended the Rivers State administration for what they described as sustained peace, political stability, and improved civic engagement, noting that these achievements have contributed significantly to the state’s continued development.
By: Jessica Sambol