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Isese: Stop Provoking Our Members, Traditionalists Warn Kwara ‘Islamic extremists’
The Ancient Religion Societies of African Descendants International Council, the umbrella body for all indigenous African religions, has warned those it described as “Islamic extremists” in Ilorin, Kwara State over the harassment and provocation of its members in the state.
The PUNCH reports on July 1 that a Muslim group, Majlisu Shabab li Ulamahu Society, in Ilorin, Kwara state stormed the residence of a traditional religion priestess, Yeye Omolara Ajesekemi, to impose a ban on any form of Isese festival in five local governments in the state.
Isese, the Yoruba word for tradition, is used to denote different kinds of festivals held by adherents of the Yoruba traditional religion in Nigeria and Cuba, Brazil, the United States, Benin, and other countries.
The group listed four local governments in the state where any form of traditional religion is prohibited. The local governments are Ilorin West, Ilorin East, Ilorin South, and Asa.
The group warned a young woman who attended to them at the priestess’ residence that the Emir of Ilorin, Dr. Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, sent them to convey the warning.
However, in a statement released by the president of ARSADIC, Aare (Dr) Ifagbenusola Atanda, on Monday, stressed the need to discourage religious fundamentalism in any part of the country.
Atanda condemned the actions of the Majlisu Shabab li Ulamahu Society and the spokesperson for the Emir of Ilorin, Abdulazeez Arowona, for threatening the priestess and stopping her from organising the Isese festival in the town.
The statement firmly asserted the rights of traditional religion adherents to freedom of religion and association, as enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution.
Atanda reaffirmed the commitment of the indigenous religious community to non-offensive interactions with other faiths while warning against any encroachment on their religious rights.
The ARSADIC president stressed that Ilorin, as part of Kwara State, is an integral component of Nigeria, and they are prepared to defend their faith.
“We will never fold our arms and allow extremists in any guise to deny us our God-given rights, supported by the laws of Nigeria as a secular state,” declared Atanda. “We are quite aware that Ilorin, Kwara State is an integral part of Nigeria, and we are ready to defend our faith.
“Yeye Omolara Ajesekemi has our support at all times to practice her faith, the traditional religion, which bonds all of us together. And as the tenets of our faith have taught us to be pious, law-abiding, accommodating of other religions, and value humanity, we will refuse to be intimidated and humiliated by any group or anybody.”
Atanda called upon the state government, led by Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, and all security agencies to intervene and fulfil their constitutional duty of safeguarding lives and property.
News
COAS Shaibu Hits Jos To Restore Peace, Public Confidence
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, visited Jos, Plateau State, on Thursday, April 2, 2026, to lead a high-powered security assessment following recent security breaches.
The visit was aimed at strengthening public confidence and reinforcing ongoing efforts to stabilize affected communities.
Colonel Appolonia Anele, acting Director, Army Public Relations, said in a statement that the visit forms part of ongoing efforts to restore calm and entrench lasting peace across the state.
According to the statement, upon arrival, the COAS was received by the Executive Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Mutfwang, in a clear demonstration of strong civil-military cooperation and a shared commitment to addressing emerging security challenges.
The statement said the COAS received a comprehensive operational briefing from the General Officer Commanding 3 Division and Commander, Joint Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE, Major General Folusho Oyinlola, who highlighted ongoing operations and proactive measures being implemented in synergy with other security agencies to contain threats, protect lives and property, and stabilise affected communities.
“As part of his engagements, Lieutenant General Shaibu also interacted with community leaders and residents, reassuring them of the unwavering commitment of the Nigerian Army to safeguarding all law-abiding citizens.
He urged residents to remain calm, vigilant and supportive of security agencies by complying with the curfew and cooperating fully with ongoing operations and investigations, while going about their lawful activities.
The chairman of Jos North Local Government Area, Hon. Dachung Bagos, commended the COAS for the timely visit, noting that the presence of the nation’s top military leadership would boost public confidence and reinforce trust in ongoing security efforts.
News
President Tinubu Appoints New PTDF Executive, Reappoints TCN Head
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Professor Shu’aibu Shehu Aliyu as the new Executive Secretary of the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) and renewed the tenure of Engineer Sule Ahmed Abdulaziz as the Managing Director/CEO of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN).
Announced by Special Adviser Bayo Onanuga, these appointments are effective immediately.
Aliyu is said to replace Ahmed Galadima Aminu, who recently resigned to participate in the 2027 governorship election in Adamawa State.
In a statement by one of the President’s Spokespersons, Bayo Onanuga, on Thursday, April 02, Tinubu also renewed Engineer Sule Ahmed Abdulaziz’s appointment as the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) for a second and final term.
These appointments are said to take effect immediately.
The statement reads: “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has appointed Professor Shu’aibu Shehu Aliyu as the Executive Secretary of the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF). He replaces Ahmed Galadima Aminu, who recently resigned to participate in the 2027 governorship election in Adamawa State.
“President Tinubu has also renewed Engineer Sule Ahmed Abdulaziz’s appointment as the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) for a second and final term.
“Both appointments take immediate effect.
“Professor Aliyu, the new PTDF helmsman, is a distinguished academic and seasoned administrator with extensive experience in research, education, and institutional leadership. His appointment underscores the President’s commitment to strengthening key institutions in the petroleum sector and advancing capacity development for Nigeria’s energy industry.
“The President expects him to leverage his wealth of experience to reposition the PTDF for greater impact in human capital development, innovation, and strategic support for the oil and gas sector in line with national priorities.
“President Tinubu renewed Engineer Abdulaziz’s appointment following a comprehensive assessment of his performance and leadership of the nation’s transmission network.
“Under his stewardship, TCN has recorded notable improvements in grid stability, transmission capacity expansion, and system modernisation, reinforcing its critical role in Nigeria’s electricity value chain.
“Engr. Abdulaziz brings over three decades of experience in the power sector and has also strengthened regional electricity integration through his leadership in the West African Power Pool (WAPP).
“President Tinubu urges both appointees to discharge their responsibilities with diligence, integrity, and a strong sense of national service, in alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda.”
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United Nigeria Airlines Staff Suspended After Viral Amputee Abuse Video
The Management of United Nigeria Airline on Wednesday says it has suspended a female staff member for alleged unprofessional treatment of Ms. Doris Akonanya, an amputee passenger.
The airline, in a statement signed by Chibuike Uloka, its Public Relations Officer, on Wednesday, also said it had commenced investigation into the incident which happened on March 30.
Akonanya, an amputee, had lamented through a viral video that she received subhuman treatment while trying to catch a flight from Abuja to Yenegoa, Bayelsa State.
She said she arrived at the airport early and bought her ticket but was denied the assurance that she needed by a particular staff member who was supposed to process her boarding.
The passenger exonerated the Airline for the dehumanising treatment but demanded that the female staff member involved should be called to order.
The airline, however, condemned the incident and expressed unreserved apology to the lady and members of her family for the ugly incident.
The company said the action did not reflect the ethics, values and vision of the company, noting that the safety, dignity, and well-being of all passengers remained their priority.
“United Nigeria Airlines wishes to confirm receipt of an incident report involving a passenger with reduced mobility, Ms. Doris Akonanya, during the check-in process for Flight UN0526 from Abuja to Yenagoa on March 30.
“The report includes allegations of unprofessional conduct by a particular staff regarding her condition.
“The staff member involved has been suspended and a full investigation commenced,
“We are engaging all relevant parties to establish the facts and will take appropriate action in line with our policies of zero tolerance to any form of misconduct.
“We are particular about passengers with reduced mobility who require additional care and support,” he said.
The airline said it had been in direct contact with the passenger and her family, to whom it had extended apologies, and assured them that their concerns would be addressed.
It said it operated a zero-tolerance policy for any form of misconduct, discrimination, or abuse, and is firmly committed to providing safe, respectful, and accessible travel for all.
“We will continue to strengthen our training, processes, and oversight to prevent a recurrence,” he said.
(NAN)
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