Nation

Tackle Break-Up Calls With Improved Security, Economy, JNI Tasks FG

Published

5 years ago

May 12, 2021

The apex Islamic body in Northern Nigeria, Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), under the leadership of the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, has asked the Federal Government to address calls for break-up of Nigeria by improving security, tackling the economic hardship and addressing the massive unemployment in the country.

The Islamic body, in its end of Ramadan fasting message, said addressing those challenges will reinvent the spirit of patriotism among the citizens for an indivisible Nigeria.

The statement signed JNI Secretary-General, Sheikh Khalid Abubakar Aliyu, also urged Muslims to give out Zakatul-Fitr (Ordained Alms Giving at the end of Ramadan Fasting) despite the economic and intractable security challenges bedevilling the country.

According to JNI, “Bearing in mind that by Allah’s will, tomorrow (Wednesday), May 12 or Thursday, May 13, 2021, shall mark the end of Ramadan fasting, to witness Eid-el-Fitr celebration in-shaa’Allah. In the light of which Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) under the leadership of His Eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto and the President-General, uses this medium to, once again show gratitude to Almighty Allah, the Exceedingly Merciful for sparing our lives to have observed the 2021 Ramadan Fasting – Alhamdulillah.

“This, however, shows the mortal nature of man and that time is transient. The valuable lessons learned in this year’s Ramadan fasting is that despite the seeming economic hardship and pervasive insecurity, the fasting was observed well and almost all mosques observed the Tahajjud (night) prayers.

“Muslims are therefore enjoined to sustain the virtuous acts learnt in Ramadan and remain self-disciplined, dedicated and ever God fearing in all their undertakings.

Once again, Muslims are reminded on the importance of giving Zakatul-Fitr (Ordained Alms Giving at the end of Ramadan Fasting) despite the economic and intractable security challenges bedevilling the country. The Zakatul-Fitr should be given from today to the needy before the commencement of the ‘Eid prayer. This if promptly done, will assist those who do not have the means for a meal during the forthcoming Sallah festivity within the Muslim Ummah.

“JNI wishes all Muslim faithful accepted Ramadan fasting and successful Eid-el-Fitr celebrations.

“In the same vein, Muslims are urged not to forget the Sitta-Shawwal fasting, i.e. the six days recommended fasting, that follows Ramadan Fasting as recommended by the Prophet Muhammad (SAW).

“We will also like to remind all travelling for Sallah festivity to drive with caution and a lot of prayers, as kidnappings and other criminal acts on the highways seem not to have been overturned. May Allah, the Most High, continue to protect us all. Aamin.

“By and large, Nigerian Muslims are implored to reflect their minds on the good virtues of the month of Ramadan and keep to its teachings all through their respective lives, as the Lord of Ramadan, is still and shall remain The Lord of other months. We must all be reminded to keep to the ordinances of the Glorious Qur’an, for the prestige of the Muslim Ummah.

“Likewise, we call on the government in respect to the perceived calls for the fragmentation of Nigeria from different quotas, to take the trend as a wake-up call to improve and/or rejig the security network, tackle economic hardship and transparently address the seeming unemployment bog in order to reinvent the spirit of patriotism for an indivisible Nigeria.

“Lastly, while wishing us all Allah’s pardon in these sacred days and after, we pray fervently for an accepted Ramadan Fasting as well as the Eid-el-Fitr, we also pray to Allah, the Ever Hearing and Exceedingly Merciful to ease for our leaders the difficult terrain and burden of governance.

“May He as well keep the Nigerian nation intact and restore back peace and security in our dear country. Aamin,” JNI prayed.

Nation

World Health Day: Rivers Govt Urges Regular Medical Check-Ups, Healthy Living

Published

4 days ago

April 10, 2026

The Tide

The Rivers State Government has called on residents to prioritize regular medical check-ups as part of efforts to promote healthier living and prevent disease.

This message was contained in a statement issued by the Rivers State Ministry of Health in Port Harcourt to commemorate the 2026 World Health Day.

The statement, signed by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Prof. Justina Jumbo, urged citizens to rely on credible health information from institutions such as the World Health Organization and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, as well as other verified media outlets.

Jumbo emphasized the importance of adopting scientifically proven health practices, including regular handwashing with soap and clean water for at least 20 seconds, the use of hand sanitizers where necessary, and proper respiratory hygiene such as covering the mouth and nose while coughing or sneezing.

She further advised residents to ensure that children receive routine vaccinations, maintain a balanced diet, reduce the intake of salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats, and consume safe, clean water.

The Permanent Secretary also encouraged regular physical activity, recommending at least 30 minutes of exercise most days, while discouraging prolonged periods of inactivity. She stressed the need for adherence to prescribed treatments, avoidance of tobacco use and harmful drugs, and moderation in alcohol consumption.

In addition, Jumbo highlighted the importance of sleeping under insecticide-treated mosquito nets to prevent malaria, maintaining proper sanitation and waste disposal, and managing stress through adequate rest, relaxation, and social support.

Speaking on this year’s theme, “Together for Health: Stand with Science,” she called on individuals, families, communities, and governments to collaborate and rely on scientific knowledge to improve overall health and well-being.

“Science has helped us achieve remarkable progress in healthcare—from vaccines that protect our children to medicines that treat diseases and public health practices that prevent outbreaks,” she said.

She, however, noted that the benefits of science can only be fully realized when people trust accurate information and make informed health decisions.

“Standing with science means listening to trained health professionals, following proven health guidelines, rejecting misinformation and harmful myths, and supporting vaccination, hygiene, and preventive care,” Jumbo added.

The Permanent Secretary further disclosed that the Ministry of Health, under the leadership of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, has recently employed trained health professionals into the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital and the Hospital Management Board to strengthen healthcare delivery.

She urged residents to make health facilities their first point of call whenever they experience any health challenges and called for greater support for healthcare workers who continue to dedicate their lives to saving others.

By John Bibor

Nation

Rumuji Youth Leader Condemns Protest, Disowns Alleged Government Empowerment Claim

Published

4 days ago

April 10, 2026

The Tide

The Youth President of Rumuji Community in Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers State, Hon. Emeka S. Igwe, has condemned the recent protest to the Government House and Greenville NLNG Limited, allegedly instigated by one Anele Ogbu.

In a press statement signed by him and made available to journalists in Port Harcourt, Igwe dissociated the Rumuji community from the protest, describing it as counterproductive and not sanctioned by his office.

He also dismissed claims that the Rivers State Government is planning to empower over 100 youths in Odegu Kingdom and other communities in Emohua Local Government Area, stating that he has no knowledge of such an initiative.

Igwe warned Anele Ogbu to desist from actions capable of inciting unrest in the area, alleging that misleading information has been consistently circulated to deceive unsuspecting members of the public.

He expressed concern over what he described as a growing trend of misinformation, noting that if the purported government empowerment programme were genuine, it would have been officially communicated through appropriate government channels.

According to him, as the youth president of Rumuji, he would have been duly informed and mobilised youths from the community to participate in such a programme if it truly existed.

Igwe further questioned the credibility of the claims, arguing that an initiative of such magnitude targeting at least 100 youths per community across Emohua would not be disseminated informally by a single individual.

He reiterated that the protest did not emanate from his office and maintained that Anele Ogbu lacked the authority to mobilise youths on behalf of the Rumuji community.

The youth leader also alleged that an ongoing arson case involving Ogbu has contributed to tension and unrest in the community, further deepening divisions among residents.

He explained that the purpose of the statement was to clarify the situation, correct what he described as false narratives, and calm rising tensions in the area.

Igwe urged parents and guardians to caution their wards against being misled into participating in activities that could lead to unnecessary conflicts.

He also advised the general public to verify information from credible sources before acting on it, stressing the need for vigilance in the face of increasing misinformation.

“It is important for people to ask critical questions and avoid being drawn into actions that may have serious consequences,” he said.

The Rumuji youth president reaffirmed his commitment to promoting peace and constructive engagement within the community.

John Bibor

Nation

Haniel Jack Foundation Awards Five Rivers Indigenes Scholarship

Published

4 days ago

April 10, 2026

The Tide

The Ibanibo Haniel Jack Foundation has awarded scholarships to five Rivers State indigenes in different tertiary institutions.

The scholarship programme was announced on Easter Sunday by Rev. Dr. Samuel Wachukwu, who is also the presiding pastor of Redeemer Baptist Church, at No. 44/46 Lumumba Street, Mile Two Diobu, in Port Harcourt.

Speaking, the chairman of the occasion, Barrister Karibi George, advised the recipients to justify the scholarship by ensuring that they put in their best and finish at the expected time.

George reminded them that opportunity comes but once and they should take advantage of the opportunity that comes their way judiciously.

“Those of you who are beneficiaries of this scholarship should also remember to help others and the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.

“I advise you to justify the opportunity given to you and make the man who gave you the scholarship, yourself, and your family proud,” Barrister George said.

He explained that the scholarship spans undergraduate and postgraduate levels in various high institutions in Nigeria. He thanks Sir Jack for the gesture.

The scholarship is to promote education in our society, most especially for Rivers indigenes, and equally assist those who cannot immediately afford tuition fees.

It will interest you to know that
The scholarship was borne out of God’s blessings, and this is a way to give back to the society. Besides, two of the beneficiaries are direct employees of the chairman of the foundation, sir.
Ibanibo Haniel Jack, who is also the chief executive officer (CEO) of White House Hotel, in Port Harcourt.

Chief Prezi Diffa, while presenting the awards, commended Sir Ibanibo Haniel Jack, who has deemed it necessary to give back to society.

Chief Diffa equally advised the beneficiaries to take their academics seriously and count themselves lucky.

“The man who has given you this scholarship wants to better your lives, so please put in every effort to ensure you finish the school with flying colors,” Chief Diffa said.

The beneficiaries are Isoboye Haniel Douglas, Naomi Douglas, Charles Batubo, Ajé Sokari, and
Dakoru Owen Amachree.

Tonye Orabere