NGO empowers 2,000, vows to change misconception about Islam
News & Trends •
by salisu sani-idris4 the sisters of jannah soj a muslim humanitarian non-governmental organisation ngo says it has concluded arrangements to empower no fewer than 2000 women in small scale businesses across the country1 the national coordinator of the ngo mrs ramatu aliyu made the disclosure at a news conference in abuja to highlight the achievements of the organisation1 she said that the empowerment was part of efforts of the organisation to assist widows and other disadvantage group in the society in order to complement efforts of the government1 aliyu restated the determination of the organisation to bring succour to the needy in the society especially in the area of medical care education and skills acquisition1 i am most delighted to inform you that come december 8 2018 soj will be celebrating three years of constant humanitarian work and will also empower 2000 women in small scale businesses to mark the celebration1 she said within three years of its existence the organisation had recorded some achievements in all facets of human endeavours including facilitating the released of some inmates1 the national coordinator also said that the organisation was committed toward elimination of public misconceptions about islam and muslims as well as promote authentic islamic spirit belief values and culture1 she advised corporate bodies and agencies to channel their organisations social responsibility to the care of the needy and less privileged in the society1 aliyu noted that assisting the vulnerable group in the society would go a long way in enhancing the ecowas vision 2020 adopted by head of states and governments1

Benue: Forum advocates coexistence among Christians, Muslims
News & Trends •
by salisu sani-idris4 ahmed welcomed the idfp team to benue and expressed hope that the visit will put an end to the crisis in the state1 alhaji ibrahim yahaya head of idfp in a statement issued on friday in abuja gave the advice when he visited the benue chapters of the christian association nigeria can and the jamaatu nasril islam jni1 yahaya said that the idfp visited the state to interact with muslims and christians leaders as well as other stakeholders on how to end the security challenges bedevilling the state1 according to him idfp activities of promoting peace and dialogue in resolving crisis were being supported by the vienna-based kaiciid dialogue centre1 responding rev. augustine leva the benue state can chairman noted that adherents of both faiths benefit from living in peace and harmony1 according to leva there is mutual respect and peaceful coexistence among muslims and christians in benue while the security challenge in the state has nothing to do with religion1 we have no problem amongst us because we have in time past collaborated and work together for peace1 the interfaith dialogue forum for peace idfp a forum of religious leaders has stressed the need for peaceful coexistence among muslims and christians in benue1 we have always received invitations from our muslim brothers during ramadan to breakfast with them we have an excellent relationship with our muslim brothers he said1 the chairman however advised the herders to embrace the reaching policy saying that its the best solution to ending the herdersfarmers clashes in the state1 on his part alhaji garba baba jni chairman in the state said there was no conflict between adherents of both religions in the state1 i have three wives two of them are idoma and one is tiv. we all are living in peace and we have no problem whatsoever1 sometime the media misinform the people and that is why we do have some misconception the chairman said1 also speaking alhaji baba ahmed the state secretary of jni handed over a written submission to the team on ways toward ending the security challenges in the state1 when we staged a protest in support of the anti-grazing bill assented by gov. samuel ortom we worked as a united force1

Al-Makura vs Adamu feud: Foundation appeals for peace
News & Trends •
by salisu sani-idris4 there had been arguments over who should succeed gov. al-makura in 2019 as sen. adamus choice differed from that of the incumbent governor1 the vice president of kdf alhaji lawal maizabo made the appeal in a statement on tuesday in keffi nasarawa state1 maizabo who said that the political disparity between the two most important political leaders in the state was needless and appealed for amicable resolution of the issue1 he said that until now the two leaders had a robust relationship exchanged visits shared similar ideology and worked closely to bring development and dividends of democracy to the people of state1 he noted that difference of opinions among politicians was normal in democracy and it was in line with the tenets of democracy1 according to maizabo kdf as a strategic partner and stakeholder with desire for peace progress and passion for the state is duty-bound to intervene to soften the situation1 he said we consider our intervention imperative as stakeholders with quest for a greater nasarawa state as the current political distinction is capable of polarising the people1 the keffi development foundation kdf a community-based organisation has called for peaceful resolution of political differences between gov. umaru al-makura of nasarawa state and sen. abdullahi adamu representing nasarawa west senatorial district1 he added that keffi development foundation kdf hereby calls for amicable resolution of the impasse to move our state forward and have a hitch-free general elections in 20191 maizabo advised gov. al-makura to employ the political sagacity with which he used to resolve the political crisis that engulfed the state in the past1 he also called on traditional rulers stakeholders and well-meaning citizens of the state to mediate between the two most respected leaders of the state1 this according to him will help to resolve their differences and ensure lasting peace and harmony in the state1 similarly maizabo urged the national and state leadership of the all progressives congress apc to settle the lingering political differences between the duo to enhance sanity in the party in nasarawa1 he said that both leaders had contributed immensely to the progress and development of the state saying kdf cherishes the contributions of gov. al-makura and sen. adamu abdullahi to the state and looks up to them as role models and leaders1 he therefore called for immediate peaceful resolution of issues at stake stressing that the differences must be brought to a halt to ensure that the state continued to enjoy peace and tranquillity1

2019: Don urges media to expose underage voting
News & Trends •
by salisu sani-idris4 the news agency of nigeria nan reports that no fewer than 70 persons are presently attending the workshop most of them were drawn from the print broadcast and online platforms across five states in the south east region. nan2 iheanacho made the call at a two-day workshop on responsible media coverage of elections organised by the nigerian press council npc and facilitated by hammersmith training consult l.t.d on thursday in owerri2 he stressed the need for the media to ensure thorough coverage of process of election at the polling units to guide against electoral fraud adding that media must play the role of watchdog to salvage the nations democracy2 iheanacho who said that the role of the media in ensuring credible elections could not be overemphasised urged journalists to change the face of the political terrain in the country2 speaking on the paper titled media core roles in the context of elections the lecturer said that no nation could function effectively without the media adding that the media was crucial for nation building2 dr cajetan iheanacho department of mass communication imo state university owerri has urged media practitioners to expose incidence of underage voting to enhance the integrity of electoral process in the country2 iheanacho also admonished media professionals to give equal coverage to all political parties and candidates during campaigns2 he stressed the need for newsmen to always verify allegations against political actors before going to press2 similarly he advised journalists to avoid publishing inaccurate or misleading information saying ensure to scrutinise any information you have before publication2 in her remark mrs stella jubrin director research and documentation npc stressed the need for media practitioners to adhere strictly to the code of ethics of journalism to counter hate speech2 she noted that media professionals had a responsibility to build and nurtured the nations democracy by providing platforms for citizens to make informed decisions2 he therefore enjoined journalists to help in making ways for things to change for the general improvement of the nigerian citizens by ensuring neutrality fairness objectivity and impartiality in their daily reportage2