Bishop Obátẹ́yẹ in a goodwill message, described the celebration as a reminder of the enduring values of sacrifice, obedience, compassion, and faith exemplified by Prophet Ibrahim.

According to the cleric, Eid El Kabir represents more than a religious observance, stressing that it also serves as a call for generosity, solidarity, and support for the less privileged in society.

Bishop Obátẹ́yẹ noted that the moral values associated with the festival, humility before God, care for widows and orphans, and the pursuit of righteousness, are universal principles shared across religious divides and essential for building a peaceful and just society.

He said “Eid El Kabir is more than a ritual of sacrifice. It is a call to compassion, generosity, and solidarity with those in need. The sharing of goodies with family, neighbors, and the less privileged embodies the spirit of community that holds societies together.

“Nigeria requires those virtues now more than ever, I am urging Nigerians to embrace dialogue, unity, and collective responsibility rather than division and hatred.

“I pray for Allah’s blessings upon Muslims,may their sacrifices and prayers be accepted. I wish them peace, prosperity, good health, joy, and barakah in their homes.”

Speaking on the nation’s political future, Bishop Obátẹ́yẹ called on Nigerians to use the Eid season as an opportunity to renew their commitment to national unity and peaceful coexistence ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He emphasised that faith should inspire service, integrity, and progress, adding that religious diversity, when approached with mutual respect and love, remains a strength for national development.

The bishop also reaffirmed the commitment of LEIC and the PLD Institute to promoting transformational leadership rooted in empathy, integrity, quality service, and social responsibility.

In a letter to the Chairman of Orogun Ward 2, Ughelli North LGA, Delta State, Senator Omo-Agege stated that after reviewing recent developments within the APC in Delta State and consulting with his associates and supporters, it is clear that his political objectives and those of his constituents are better served outside the party.

“I will not remain a sitting duck in a party where I cannot advance the interests of Delta Central, Delta State and Nigeria, he said.

“I thank the APC for the opportunity to serve as Deputy President of the 9th Senate. I wish the party well and have requested that my name be removed from all membership records, registers, and communication lists,” he said.

Senator Omo-Agege affirmed that his focus remains on delivering development and effective representation for Delta Central, Delta State, and Nigeria. He added that he will seek to pursue these goals outside the APC.

Speaking in Ibadan on Wednesday, the hospital’s Public Relations Officer, Mrs Funmi Adetuyibi, said reports suggesting that UCH was battling a power crisis were false and misleading.

Her clarification followed the circulation of a viral video alleging that diesel meant for critical units in the hospital was being diverted at a time of power failure.

While confirming that a diesel theft incident occurred, Adetuyibi stressed that the situation did not translate into a breakdown in electricity supply or hospital services.

According to her, the hospital continues to receive power from IBEDC, while alternative sources, including generators, are available to support operations whenever needed.

She said the current situation reflects the determination of the hospital management to look inward, strengthen internal oversight and ensure that essential services are protected from disruption.

“There is no power outage in the hospital; everything is fine and calm,” she said.

She added that with electricity supply available and backup arrangements in place, patients and staff have continued to enjoy a stable environment for healthcare delivery.

The UCH spokesperson also urged members of the public to refrain from spreading rumours capable of creating unnecessary panic, maintaining that services in the hospital remain fully functional.

The development underscores the hospital management’s commitment to sustaining stable power and uninterrupted care through internal efforts aimed at safeguarding critical operations.

The organisations, in a statement signed by its Convener, Dr. Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, warned that the worsening insecurity has left many families living in fear and uncertainty.

The coalition expressed concern that many victims remain in captivity without rescue, justice or accountability, despite growing cases of abductions in several parts of the country, pointing out that the continued attacks on schools, communities and travellers reflect a deepening national security crisis disproportionately affecting women and children.

“Across the country, families continue to live in fear and uncertainty while countless women and girls remain missing, kidnapped or trapped in the hands of armed groups, bandits and criminal networks’, the statement said.

The coalition cited recent reports of attacks in Borno State and Oyo State where dozens of children were reportedly abducted during attacks on schools, and equally raised concerns over incidents in parts of South-West Nigeria where women travelling, farming or residing in rural communities were allegedly kidnapped and held for ransom by armed groups.

“Particularly disturbing are reports from communities in the South-West where women travelling, farming or living in rural communities have allegedly been kidnapped and held for ransom amid growing insecurity’, the statement added.

The group specifically referenced reports from Ekiti State indicating that several women, including a pregnant woman and a nursing mother, were abducted by gunmen earlier in the year.

The coalition in same vein, highlighted recent incidents in Kwara State where women and children were abducted during attacks on communities by suspected bandits and armed groups, stressing that reports indicated that over 170 residents, mostly women and children, were kidnapped from communities in Kaiama Local Government Area, while other attacks across the state targeted families, rural residents and traditional institutions.

t Womanifesto, lamented that the repeated incidents reveal systemic failures in security response and protection mechanisms across the country.

‘These incidents are not isolated. They reflect a dangerous national crisis where women and girls increasingly bear the devastating consequences of insecurity, weak law enforcement and institutional

the coalition expressed concern over what it described as delayed rescue efforts for victims still being held captive, warning that prolonged captivity exposes women and girls to severe risks including sexual violence, physical abuse, trauma and exploitation.

“Every day spent in captivity exposes women and girls to grave dangers, including sexual violence, physical abuse, trauma and exploitation. It is unacceptable that families are repeatedly left to negotiate ransoms, search forests and plead publicly for help while the state fails to guarantee their safety and freedom’, the statement said.

Womanifesto warned against what it described as the gradual normalisation of abductions across the country, noting that communities are increasingly adjusting to fear rather than receiving protection from authorities.

“Parents are withdrawing children from schools. Women are increasingly unsafe in public spaces, farms,highways and even within their own communities,” the coalition lamented.

the group called on the Nigerian Government and security agencies to intensify rescue operations for kidnapped women, girls and children still in captivity, while demanding transparent investigations into recent abductions and prosecution of perpetrators and sponsors.

The body in the statement urged authorities to strengthen security around schools, highways and rural communities where women and children remain highly vulnerable, and demanded accountability for security lapses and called for psychosocial support, medical care and reintegration assistance for survivors of abduction and violence.

Womanifesto equally advocated gender-responsive security strategies that recognise the specific risks faced by women and girls during conflict and insecurity.

“Nigeria cannot continue to lose women and children to violence while authorities offer repeated assurances without sustainable action. Every kidnapped woman or child represents a family living in anguish and a nation failing in its responsibility to protect its citizens.”

In a statement jointly signed by its President, Alhaji Rasaki Oladejo, and Executive Secretary, Professor Wole Abbas, the apex Muslim body in the South West congratulated the Ummah on the successful completion of this year’s Hajj rites in Saudi Arabia and the joyous celebration of Eid-el-Kabir.

Reflecting on the spiritual essence of the festival, MUSWEN stated that
“Eid-el-Kabir represents a period of deep reflection, obedience, and ultimate sacrifice, inspired by the profound devotion of Prophet Ibrahim (AS). We urge all Muslims to embody the core values of selflessness, patience, and charity, especially by sharing meals and extending kindness to the less privileged during this sacred season.”

While celebrating the auspicious occasion, MUSWEN expressed concern over the persistent security challenges confronting various parts of the country.

The organisation stressed that peace and security remain the bedrock of meaningful economic growth and social development. It therefore called on the Federal Government, state governments, and all security agencies to intensify efforts towards safeguarding the lives and property of citizens.

MUSWEN urged a more proactive, intelligence-driven approach to tackling banditry, kidnapping, and insurgency, so that Nigerians can travel freely and engage in their normal activities without fear.

The body also appealed to citizens to remain law-abiding, vigilant, and supportive of security agencies by promptly reporting suspicious activities in their communities. It reminded Nigerians that securing the nation is a collective responsibility that demands both spiritual prayers and active civic engagement.

Furthermore, MUSWEN emphasised the need for good governance, equitable distribution of resources, and people-oriented policies that address security, economic empowerment, and access to basic infrastructure.

“MUSWEN urges those in authority to prioritise the welfare of the masses and ensure that the promises of democracy translate into tangible benefits for all Nigerians, irrespective of religion, ethnicity, or political affiliation,” the statement read.

The organisation further called on Muslims in the South West to remain law-abiding, contribute to national development, and continue to pray for the country’s leaders as they navigate the challenges of governance.

By now, Mike Arnold should understand that global politics has evolved beyond the simplistic narratives he continues to push about certain Muslim-majority nations. Recent geopolitical developments, including the openly inconsistent foreign policy posture of United States President Donald Trump, have exposed the double standards behind branding countries such as Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia as inherently linked to terrorism.

The same United States political establishment that once justified interventions in the Middle East has also supported armed groups and political actors whose activities destabilized sovereign nations, including Syria. Against this backdrop, Mike Arnold’s repeated attempt to associate the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, with extremism appears not only reckless but deeply dishonest.

Arnold’s fixation on the Sultan raises questions about motive. The Sultan, a former Nigerian military attaché who served his country with distinction, has consistently advocated peace, religious harmony, and national unity. The Nigeria’s singularly most multifaceted leader is also the Co-President World’s Religions for Peace headquartered in New York. Yet Arnold persistently attempts to paint him in negative colours, relying on sensationalism rather than verifiable facts. Who takes such a man seriously?

It is also important to state clearly that groups such as the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), which Arnold and others indirectly romanticize in foreign lobbying circles, still keeps its status intact as a terrorist organization under Nigerian law as pronounced by competent court in world’s most important black nation. No amount of propaganda can erase that legal reality.

Many Nigerians are now beginning to recognize that the age of Western media monopoly is over. During previous decades, global narratives were largely shaped by Western outlets such as CNN, BBC, and The Washington Post among others, which heavily influenced media consumption in countries like Nigeria. Today, however, alternative international platforms such as Al Jazeera, RT, CGTN, TRT World, Arab News, Press TV, and TASS have created a more multipolar media environment where competing perspectives are available.

This shift has enabled many people around the world to critically re-assess long-standing global conflicts, especially the situation in Gaza and the broader Middle East. Increasingly, many observers now question the role of the United States and Israel in the prolonged suffering of Palestinians and criticize what they see as selective outrage from Western political and media institutions.

Mike Arnold, however, appears determined to sustain narratives that demonize Muslim societies while ignoring actions by Western powers where he belongs and their allies that have also contributed to instability and violence globally. That is aiding and abetting terrorism and still claiming moral capacity to lead a Christian cause like “Christian genocide” in Nigeria. His writings and social media broadcasts target Islam, Muslim leaders, and especially the Sultan of Sokoto, whom he appears eager to portray negatively at every opportunity.

Yet the Sultan’s public record stands in sharp contrast to Arnold’s claims.

His Eminence Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, CFR, mni, is not merely a traditional ruler. He is a retired Brigadier General of the Nigerian Army, a descendant of the revered Islamic reformer Sheikh Usman Dan Fodio, and one of the most respected Muslim leaders globally. He has dedicated his life to promoting peace, interfaith dialogue, and national cohesion. He has delivered lectures nationally and internationally that leaders of the world have considered vital to global conflict resolution.

Mike Arnold, if he is a real intellectual as mayor of a small United States City of Texas, should come out and tell the world those global conflicts Sultan of Sokoto Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar has been praised as contributor to providing solutions to, who are responsible for them? He should be bold – as a true Christian that he calls himself – to tell us. If he dies not get it right we shall correct him.

The Sultan has received numerous honors and recognitions from reputable institutions in Nigeria and abroad, including honorary doctorates and fellowships. He has also consistently appeared among the world’s most influential Muslim leaders due to his contributions to peacebuilding and Islamic leadership.

Importantly, his impact transcends religion and ethnicity, much as he does not shy away from being proud to be the Muslim and Fulani man that he is. Many Nigerians across regional and religious divides acknowledge his efforts toward unity and peaceful coexistence. Even critics of Northern political structures have often recognized his moderating influence in national affairs.

Despite being a Fulani Muslim leader, the Sultan has quietly supported educational advancement, including opportunities for women and girls from different parts of Nigeria. These are contributions rarely acknowledged by those who prefer divisive narratives.

Now, as political activities ahead of Nigeria’s future elections intensify, Arnold’s real agenda appears increasingly obvious. His public comments suggest a preference for religious polarization over national unity. Statements attributed to him about the “inevitable splitting of Nigeria,” as well as his selective political endorsements based on religious identity, reinforce concerns that he views Nigeria primarily through a sectarian lens.

Most disturbing is his attempt to link political figures such as Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso to the Sultan in ways designed to provoke religious suspicion and hostility. Such rhetoric is dangerous, irresponsible, and harmful to national stability. Thus American must not be allowed by any right thinking Nigerian to carry through with such mischievous narrative.

Disagreement in politics is normal. Criticism of public figures is legitimate. But deliberate distortion, religious hostility, and sensational falsehoods should have no place in responsible public discourse.

The Sultan of Sokoto remains a respected symbol of peace, moderation, and national unity. Attempts to drag his reputation into divisive propaganda will continue to fail because millions of Nigerians already know his character and contributions.

Mike Arnold is entitled to his opinions. He is not entitled to manufacture falsehoods in pursuit of division.

*Bashir Adefaka, a Nigerian media proprietor, is publisher of The DEFENDER Newspaper. Can be reached via: omope72@gmail.com

His nomination was confirmed on Tuesday during the party’s presidential primary held in Abuja, where delegates and party executives gave Sowore an unanimous endorsement.

Following the voting process, party officials formally presented him with the AAC flag, symbolising his emergence as the party’s standard bearer for the upcoming election.

In his acceptance speech, Sowore said the AAC was founded on the vision of building a reformed and more accountable Nigeria. He also expressed appreciation to party members nationwide for their support and commitment to the party’s ideology.

He reaffirmed the party’s focus on issues such as corruption, insecurity, economic hardship, and what he described as poor governance affecting citizens across the country as preparations intensify for the 2027 polls.

Sowore is expected to face a crowded field in the 2027 presidential election, including incumbent President Bola Tinubu, who has secured the presidential ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC), as well as other candidates from major and minor political parties across the country.

Pantami secured the ticket through a voice affirmation during the party’s primary election held in Gombe, where he emerged as the sole aspirant.

He was subsequently declared winner by Hon. Gregory Yenlong, Chairman of the PDP Electoral Panel, who supervised the exercise.

Speaking shortly after his emergence, Pantami said his decision to contest was driven by a desire to serve the people of Gombe State.

He pledged that if elected governor in 2027, he would run an administration anchored on fairness and justice.

Pantami is now set to face Jamilu Gwamna, the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), in what is expected to be a closely watched contest.

Prior to his emergence in the PDP, Pantami had opposed the process that produced Gwamna as the APC consensus candidate.

He had initially opted for primaries but withdrew on the eve of the exercise, citing concerns over lack of transparency in the process.

Governor Abiodun, who emerged as the APC candidate for the Ogun East Senatorial District election, expressed profound gratitude to Almighty God, President Tinubu, party leaders, stakeholders, and the people of Ogun East for the confidence and trust reposed in him throughout the primary process.

The Governor commended the President and leader of the party for his inclusive democratic policies, particularly his insistence on direct primaries, which he said have enabled members of the APC to freely exercise their franchise, while also fostering a stronger sense of belonging and ownership within the party.

He described the successful conduct of the primary election as a reflection of the unity, strength, maturity, and democratic spirit within the All Progressives Congress in Ogun State.

Prince Abiodun reaffirmed his commitment to continued service, noting that his aspiration to represent Ogun East Senatorial District in the Senate is driven by the desire to further advance development, peace, inclusiveness, and economic prosperity in Ogun State and Nigeria as a whole.

The Governor also appreciated party members, leaders, supporters, and stakeholders for their unwavering encouragement, solidarity, and commitment to the collective vision of building a greater Ogun State.

Speaking ahead of the annual Children’s Day celebration on Wednesday, May 27, the Founder/Chief Executive Officer of the foundation, Mrs Grace Omoye Adeyemi, noted with concern that over 100 students had been kidnapped in this month alone, questioning why governments at all levels have yet to secure their release.

She highlighted recent tragic incidents, including the May 15 abduction of 47 students and teachers from nursery, primary, and secondary schools in the Oriire Local Council of Oyo State, a similar mass abduction of roughly 50 students in Borno State around the same period, and separate school attacks in Katsina and Zamfara states that resulted in the capture of numerous students and educators.

In a statement titled “Nigeria’s Future in Captivity,” Mrs. Adeyemi emphasized that the implications of this ugly trend extend far beyond the immediate trauma inflicted on the abducted children, their families, and teachers. She warned that the recurring violence is already instilling deep fear in Nigerian children and educators, stripping them of the peace of mind required to attend school.

She said, “The government should not wait until the children of elites and notable public figures are kidnapped before providing adequate security in all schools and aggressively pursuing the release of those in captivity. As a mother, I am particularly pained to think of what these innocent children are passing through at the hands of these mindless beasts.”

However, the AGCRF is calling on the government to use the occasion of this year’s Children’s Day to decisively address the crisis, secure the immediate release of the captive children, and reassure the nation that it has not been overwhelmed by the insecurity threatening the country’s corporate existence.

Mrs. Adeyemi also urged corporate organizations, Parents/Teachers Associations (PTAs), and civil society to join hands in protecting Nigerian schools to safeguard the nation’s future.

Reflecting on the foundation’s annual “Be Bold” programme held every May 27 to commemorate Children’s Day, Mrs Adeyemi confirmed that the event will still go ahead in Lagos this Wednesday. This year, the platform will be dedicated to praying for the kidnapped children, empowering young people to speak out against all forms of abuse, and reassuring them of a better tomorrow despite their current challenges.

“There are many children out there who feel hopeless because of the economic status of their parents; we step in to assist them and give them hope,” she added. “We mentor them, provide a shoulder to lean on, and empower them to speak out against molestation and harassment. The positive impact we see in their lives has been our major motivation on this journey.”

She disclosed that internationally renowned coach, Precious Ifeanyichukwu, will serve as the keynote speaker for this year’s event.