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Catholic Media Practitioners, Muslim Journalists, Others Breakfast In Kaduna
The Catholic Media Practitioners of Nigeria,( CAMPAN) Kaduna and Muslim Muslim Journalists on Friday observed the breaking of the Lenten and Ramadan fasts in Kaduna.
The event attracted the Archbishop of Kaduna, Most Rev. Matthew Man- Oso Ndagoso, Chief Imam Of Uduwa who is also the Morshi of Jamatu Nasir Islam,Pastor Yohanna Buru, NUJ Kaduna Chairman, among others.
Speaking at the event, Archbishop Ndagoso, commended the initiative, the assemblage of media practitioners from the major faiths for break fast of the Ramadan and lent and prayed it should be nurtured.
He said there’s a coincidence in the two religious fasts this year, as the two began days apart, maintaining that it is only when we meet, share and interact as journalists that we properly carry our role of putting the country together, as key stakeholders in the state and country.
Ndagoso further hinted on the Pope’s message as so special that ” it offers us the privilege to draw closer to God, for solidarity, it offers us opportunity to work side by side, adding that our World is in need of fraternity and dialogue ” he said.
Speaking further he said God has a message for both faiths, via our fasts as our world surely is in need of fraternity and dialogue, as that’s what we are doing here as Muslim and Christian journalists and urged others to emulate.
He also prayed that God will give Journalists and media practitioners the power of the pen to bring the country together instead of division ” he stressed.
Similarly, the Chief Imam of Udawa mosque, Iman Ilyasu Hussain, applauded the initiative of bringing Christians and Muslims journalists in Kaduna annually to break fast, and prayed it’s sustained for the the wellbeing of our state and country.
According to him, he has benefited and enjoyed very closed relationships with Christian leaders and colleagues more in the past which had helped him be where he is now in life today, while emphasizing and advocating greater ties among Christian and Muslim faithful to achieve true peace .
In the same vein, Pastor.Yohanna Buru, thanked the Archbishop for the initiative, put together for the Muslim and Christian Media practitioners, describing him as a unifier, one he has known for over a decade in the service of peace in the state and prayed that God will continue to use him to keep the Archdiocese, state and country together.
On his part, Kaduna NUJ Chairman, Mr Abdulgafar Allelebe lauded the event and thanked the Archbishop for giving his media colleagues the platform to have this kind of gathering, and emphasized the need for its sustenance.
He however lamented our past history of religious conflicts in the state, caused by enemies of peace, but assured that, all that is now in the past as many have now learned from the past.
Also, the Chairman of Muslim Journalists League, Mallam Jafaru Yakubu appreciated the invitation by CAMPAN to Muslim Journalists to break fast together, adding that as journalists we have different faiths or beliefs, but work together for peace and stability in our state and country, through professionalism in our reportage.
He called for synergy amongst. Journalists and media practitioners, while emphasizing the need for respect for both religions, and prayed the program is enhanced annually.
Earlier, the Chairman CAMPAN, Kaduna Archdiocese, Mr Nicholas Dekera, said the program of breaking of fast annually was conceptualized to strengthen the bond of cooperation and unity between media practitioners of the two major religions.
Leaning his voice, veteran journalist, elder Tajuddeen Ajibade Tijjani, noted that by this initiative, we have now found a way out of our challenges to peace, if sustained, adding that, if we are peaceful as people of faith, our state and country will also be peaceful.
By Tambaya Julius, Abuja
In a powerful display of compassion and community spirit, Honourable Larai Sylvia Ishaku, Executive Chairperson of Jaba Local Government Area (LGA) in Kaduna State, spearheaded the distribution of rice to residents across all 10 electoral wards for Easter Celebration.
The well-organised event took place at the H.R.H Danladi Gyet Maude Secretariat in Kwoi, where crowds of grateful beneficiaries gathered to receive vital support from Hon. Laria Sylvia Ishaku.
Also in attendance were Hon. Mustapha Danladi Babaladi, the Executive Vice Chairman of Jaba LGA, and Comrade Abashiya Sahjury, Chief of Staff to Hon. Laria and other key political Leaders, which demonstrate strong leadership presence and a united front in delivering relief to the people.
The rice distribution reached a broad section of society, including former unit executives, recent political decampers, market women and traders, healthcare personnel, Okada riders (commercial motorcyclists), people living with disabilities, security personnel, and representatives from religious and community-based organisations such as the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and others.
During her speech, Hon. Larai Sylvia Ishaku reaffirmed that the initiative was part of the broader support structure provided by Governor Uba Sani and All Progressives Congress (APC) for the people of Jaba LGA in Kaduna State.
She emphasised that her administration’s intention is to continue delivering practical benefits and genuine support to the masses (grassroots). “We are committed to ensuring every resident of Jaba LGA experiences the dividends of good governance. By the end of 2026 and beyond, no one will be left out,” she assured.
“Easter symbolises love, sacrifice and the joy of giving, such effort is a way of saying thank to you people while fostering peace and unity within our communities in Jaba LGA.”
Addressing the political atmosphere, Hon. Ishaku urged residents to stay vigilant and not fall prey to deceptive political tactics. “Be cautious of those who seek to mislead you for selfish political gain. Where were they when they held power? They forgot you,” she declared boldly.
In an appreciation for the gesture, One of the beneficiary, Mr. Dennis Iliya, expressed deep thanks on behalf of the beneficiaries. “We thank the APC government for standing by the people of Jaba. May the Lord Almighty reward kindness shown by Governor Sani and Hon. Larai Sylvia Ishaku. Their kindness has brought relief during these difficult times. May God continue to bless them and the APC leadership,” he stated joyfully.
Joseph Tegbe, director-general (DG) of the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership (NCSP), says Nigeria will soon sign a deal on ‘Digital RMB’ with China to enable a direct conversion of naira to Chinese Yuan.
The digital renminbi (RMB) is a central bank digital currency issued by China’s central bank, the People’s Bank of China.
Speaking at the digital asset markets strategy masterclass series held recently in Lagos, Tegbe said the agreement is expected to reduce Nigeria’s dependence on the United States dollar.
He described the pact as a major step in Nigeria’s transition from a trade relationship with China to a mutually-beneficial development partnership.
The NCSP DG also said Nigeria has secured over $30 billion in investment commitments and 300 expressions of interest from Chinese companies within the last five months.
Tegbe also noted the importance of leveraging Chinese technology, particularly in the digital asset market and knowledge transfer, adding that the NCSP remains committed to supporting the globalisation of Nigeria’s capital market.
The director-general outlined the objectives of the partnership, which include driving infrastructure development, scaling up Chinese investments, strengthening trade and economic ties, promoting transparency, and advancing cultural exchange between both countries.
Also speaking at the event, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, governor of Lagos, said the state is developing a securitisation policy to monetise idle assets and raise green bonds to fund infrastructure needs.
Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by Abayomi Oluyomi, the commissioner for finance, said Lagos will become the first sub-national in the country to implement such a policy.
In his remarks, Nicholas Okoye, convener of the masterclass and a global investment advisor, said the digital transformation ushered in by the fourth industrial revolution has impacted all sectors and will open new frontiers of wealth for investors, institutions, nations, and sub-nationals.
“The most strategic ecosystem of this digital transformation has got to be ‘Digital Asset Markets’, which includes investment in cryptocurrencies as well as the tokenisation (digitisation) of traditional asset classes,” Okoye said.
“The proposed full adoption of ‘Digital Asset Markets’ in Nigeria’s capital markets and subsequently across Africa is going to be a game changer for wealth creation and economic growth sustainability.
“In addition, it will completely redefine the future of African finance, investment and capital market industries.”
Okoye said the digital assets present a unique opportunity for Africans to build wealth regardless of location or profession, providing for the first time, an accurate reflection of Nigeria and Africa’s true wealth position.
By Nahum Sule, Jalingo
Making the event that marked the Nigeria Union of Journalists at 70, the Taraba State chapter of the NUJ Honour chief David Sabo Kente as the philanthropist man of the year
The award presentation was held in Jalingo, the state capital, at the grand finale of the NUJ Press Week celebration.
Speaking at the ceremony, the state chairman of NUJ, Mr Eliud Jen, noted that the awards were carefully chosen base on concrete evidence of performance in various categories and meant to spur the awardees to do more.
Chief Kente, who was the governorship aspirants of the All Progressives Congress APC, in 2023, has used his foundation, The DSK foundation, to help thousands of Taraban through scholarship, Small Medium Enterprises and lot more.
While congratulating the union for attaining 70 years, Kente called on government investors and everyone to give the union a support hand to enable its members to continue discharging their duties effectively.
Others who were awarded for outstanding performance are His Excellency Dr, Agbu Kefas the governor of Taraba State, Alhaji Yakubu Jafaru Chiroma, member representing Bali/Gassol Federal constituency, Dr Aisha Adamu, the CMD of Federal Medical Centre Jalingo, Hon. Aminu Hassan, ALGON chairman in the State, Professor Joseph Albasu Kunini, former Speaker of Taraba State and Professor Sunday Bako, Vice Chancellor Taraba State University Jalingo, the state Commissioner of Women Affairs and Child Development Mrs Mary Sinjen, Commandant 6 Brigade Jalingo Gen. Kinsley Uwa and several others were also given recognition as friends of the press.
Kente further appreciated journalists for finding him worthy to be honour, emphasizing that the award will spur him to do more.