Eid-ul-Maulid: NOA Task Nigerians On Peace, Development

Eid-ul-Maulid: NOA Urges Nigerians to Promote Peace, Unity, and National Development

ABUJA – As Muslims across the country celebrate Eid-ul-Maulid, the National Orientation Agency (NOA) has extended warm greetings to the Muslim Ummah and all Nigerians, urging citizens to embrace the values of peace, forgiveness, and national unity in line with the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him). In a statement released Friday and signed by the Director of Communication and Media, Bala Musa, the agency called on Nigerians to use the occasion to reflect on the Prophet’s life and commit to fostering a peaceful and progressive society. The Director General of NOA, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, emphasized the importance of upholding the rule of law and promoting values that unite the nation. “On the celebration of the birth of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), we urge Nigerians to embrace forgiveness and draw closer to the noble life and teachings of the Prophet, which remain a guide for peaceful and upright living,” the statement read. Issa-Onilu noted that unity among Nigerians is a critical tool in combating insecurity and achieving lasting peace. “When citizens stand together and support ongoing security efforts, the nation is better positioned to overcome violence and build a stable future,” he said. Describing the Prophet as an embodiment of peace, compassion, and tolerance, the NOA chief called on Muslims to reflect these virtues in their daily lives and interactions, while also contributing to national harmony and development. The statement included a prayer for peace, unity, and progress across Nigeria, as well as guidance and wisdom for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in his efforts to lead the country toward sustained growth. Earlier, the Federal Government had declared Friday, September 5, 2025, a public holiday in commemoration of the Eid-ul-Maulid celebration. In a related message, the Ministry of Interior, through a statement by Dr. Magdalene Ajani, Permanent Secretary, on behalf of the Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, congratulated the Muslim faithful and urged all Nigerians to reflect on the Prophet’s timeless virtues of love, humility, tolerance, and compassion. The ministry also encouraged Nigerians of all faiths to use the occasion to pray for national security, stability, and unity, and to support ongoing government efforts to strengthen peace and development across the country.

Read More
Israel kills 7 children as offensive reaches the ‘heart of Gaza City’

Seven Children Among Dozens Killed as Israeli Offensive Reaches Heart of Gaza City

GAZA CITY — At least 30 Palestinians, including seven children, were killed on Friday as Israeli forces intensified their assault on Gaza City, targeting densely populated residential areas and displacement camps, according to local reports. The latest attacks bring the death toll from the ongoing offensive to alarming levels, with eyewitnesses and Al Jazeera correspondents confirming that Israeli ground forces have now pushed into the heart of Gaza City, marking a significant escalation in the military campaign. Israel’s military announced it now controls approximately 40 percent of Gaza City, as operations continue in urban areas where thousands of civilians remain trapped amid the violence. According to Al Jazeera, at least 20 people, including children, were killed in airstrikes on residential neighborhoods on Friday alone. Tents housing displaced families have also been hit, raising fresh concerns about the safety of non-combatants seeking refuge from the fighting. The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) described the current situation as “unthinkable“, warning that the continued bombardment of civilian areas is having catastrophic consequences for Gaza’s already vulnerable population, particularly children. “These are not just numbers — these are lives lost, families shattered, and futures stolen,” a UNICEF spokesperson said. Israel has defended its operations as necessary to dismantle Hamas infrastructure, but international observers have repeatedly called for restraint and the protection of civilians, particularly in densely populated urban zones and shelters. As the humanitarian situation worsens, rights groups and aid organizations are calling for urgent international intervention, warning of a looming catastrophe as food, water, and medical supplies remain critically scarce.

Read More

IG Appoints Benjamin Hundeyin as Force PRO

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun has approved the appointment of CSP Benjamin Hundeyin as the new Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO). CSP Hundeyin holds a BA (Hons) in English Language from Lagos State University and an MSc in Legal Criminology & Security Psychology from the University of Ibadan. He also obtained a Certificate in Civil-Military Coordination from the Martin Luther Agwai International Leadership and Peacekeeping Training Centre, Jaji, Kaduna State. He is an Associate of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), a Member of the International Public Relations Association (IPRA), and an Associate of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria (CIPM). A seasoned communicator, CSP Hundeyin previously served as the Police Public Relations Officer at Zone 2 Command Headquarters, Onikan, Lagos, was part of the Nigerian contingent to the United Nations Peacekeeping Mission in Darfur, Sudan (UNAMID) in 2020, and served as the Administration Officer at the Force Public Relations Department, Force Headquarters, Abuja. Until his present appointment, he was the Police Public Relations Officer for the Lagos State Police Command. The Inspector-General of Police has charged him to leverage on his communications and security experience to bolster the Force Public Relations activities and ensure continuous positive relations with the public. He can be reached on 07062606717 or benjamin@hundeyin.com.

Read More

Flamingos Resume Camping Ahead 2025 U17 Women’s World Cup

Head Coach Bankole Olowookere has invited a total of 30 players to the camp of Nigeria’s U17 girls, Flamingos, as the team kickstarts preparations for this year’s FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup finals, taking place in Morocco. Invited are four goalkeepers, nine defenders, nine midfielders and nine strikers. 2022 FIFA World Cup bronze medallists, Nigeria overpowered South Africa and Algeria in the qualifying series to pick a ticket to the first-ever 24-team FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup finals, which will be played across four venues in two cities in Morocco, 17th October – 8th November. Venues earmarked for the finals (the first of five straight final tournaments to be hosted by Morocco) are the Prince Héritier Moulay el-Hassan Sports Complex, Prince Moulay Abdellah Sport Complex, Al Barid Stadium and Mohamed VI Football Academy. The invited players are expected to arrive camp in Abuja on Sunday, 7th September. ALL THE INVITED PLAYERS Goalkeepers: Elizabeth Boniface (Abia Angels); Onyinyechi Opara (Imo Strikers); Abigail Nmecha (Team Abia); Sylva Echefu (Bayelsa Queens) Defenders: Hannah Ibrahim (Remo Stars Ladies); Jumai Adebayo (Naija Ratels); Azeezat Oduntan (FC Robo); Christiana Sunday (Imo Strikers); Ufuoma Lucky (Royal Queens, Warri); Choice Ovwighovwiroro (New Generation, Abuja); Maryjane Ikeche (Ahudiyannem Queens); Blessed Isigbo (Remo Stars Ladies); Grace Ufot (Fortress Ladies) Midfielders: Shakirat Moshood (Bayelsa Queens); Muinat Rotimi (Nakamura Football Academy); Fatimah Shuaib (Confluence Queens); Waliat Rotimi (Nakamura Football Academy); Taiwo Lukman (Confluence Queens); Esther Lasisi (N-Youth, Abuja); Precious Nkwocha (Imo Strikers); Gift Anekan (New Generation, Abuja); Ayomide Abubakar (Onimarg FC) Forwards: Kaosara Olanrewaju (Aisha Yusuf Academy, Lagos); Kindness Ifeanyi (Bayelsa Queens); Queen Joseph (Fosla Academy); Shavih Istifanus (Youth Arise Academy); Tabitha Terlumu (Braavos, Edo); Destiny Itodore (Delta Queens); Chisom Nwachukwu (Rivers Angels); Nofisat Tijani (Youthful Talent 99)

Read More

World Cup Qualifier: Eagles Insist Focus Is On Amavubi Before Bafana

The Super Eagles are not making the mistake of thinking too much about the showdown with South Africa’s Bafana Bafana in Bloemfontein on Tuesday, but are rather focused on their clash with Rwanda’s Amavubi in Uyo on Saturday, according to team captain William Ekong. “You take one step at a time. We have Rwanda to play on Saturday, and there are three points there. After that is concluded, then we begin to think of South Africa. There are three points also in there when we play in Bloemfontein, but that is a few days after Rwanda. Rwanda comes first,” Ekong said on Thursday. Nigeria has not had a campaign to shout about, especially in the first four matches of which she won none, but Ekong says the squad has committed to taking all points in the remaining games, believing that will be good enough to send Nigeria to the 48-nation finals in North America next summer. “We will do our very best to go all out and win the remaining four matches. Hopefully, that will be good enough to take us there.” The encounter with Rwanda, who lost the Matchday 5 that brought both teams at loggerheads in Kigali in March, is a Matchday 7 fixture, while the confrontation with South Africa is a Matchday 8 encounter. During the 1998 FIFA World Cup finals in France, the Super Eagles were focused on a potential Match-of-the-Tournament clash with Brazil in the quarter-finals, and failed to focus on their Round of 16 tie with Denmark. Following a 4-1 thumping of Nigeria in the game, Denmark’s ace winger Brian Laudrup said at the post-match conference: “Nigeria should learn to count one before four.” Nigeria’s camp attained full capacity on Wednesday evening, with the arrivals of midfielders Raphael Onyedika and Christantus Uche, and forwards Victor Osimhen, Samuel Chukwueze and Tolu Arokodare.

Read More
Italian Fashion Icon Giorgio Armani Dies at 91

Italian Fashion Icon Giorgio Armani Dies at 91

Milan, Italy — Legendary fashion designer Giorgio Armani, the visionary behind one of the world’s most iconic luxury brands, has died at the age of 91, the Armani Group announced on Thursday. “With infinite sorrow, the Armani Group announces the passing of its creator, founder, and tireless driving force, Giorgio Armani,” the company said in a statement. Armani, renowned for redefining modern elegance and setting the global standard for Italian style, passed away peacefully, though the company has not yet disclosed the cause of death. Born in 1934 in Piacenza, northern Italy, Armani began his fashion career in the 1960s before launching his eponymous label in 1975. Over the decades, he became a pioneer in minimalist, yet sophisticated design — transforming the way the world viewed tailoring and luxury wear. His influence extended far beyond the runway. Armani revolutionized Hollywood fashion, dressing stars for red carpets and film sets, and became synonymous with understated power dressing. A Fashion Empire and Legacy With an estimated net worth of $11.1 billion as of September 2025 (according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index via Newsweek), Armani built a global fashion empire that spanned haute couture, ready-to-wear, beauty, home décor, and hospitality. The Armani Group, known for its sleek aesthetics and commercial success, reported annual revenues of approximately €2.3 billion. Armani famously retained full control of his company — a rarity in the fashion world — ensuring that his creative vision remained uncompromised. Tributes from across the fashion, business, and political worlds are already pouring in for the man widely regarded as the architect of modern Italian style. His passing marks the end of an era in luxury fashion — but his legacy of timeless elegance, innovation, and independence will endure.

Read More
PRESIDENT-TINUBU-DEPARTS-ABUJA-TO-BEGIN-2025-ANNUAL-LEAVE.jpg

President Tinubu Departs Abuja for 10-Day Working Vacation in Europe

Abuja, Nigeria — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu departed Abuja on Wednesday, September 4, to begin a 10-day working vacation in Europe, as part of his 2025 annual leave, according to an official statement from the presidency. The President is expected to spend the duration of his leave between France and the United Kingdom, before returning to Nigeria. The announcement was made by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy. President Tinubu’s trip marks his annual break from official duties, though it was noted that the vacation will also include time for official engagements, classifying it as a working vacation.

Read More

Deadly Crash as Lisbon’s Historic Gloria Funicular Derails at Tourist Hotspot

Lisbon, Portugal — A tragic accident involving Lisbon’s iconic Gloria funicular has left at least 17 people dead and 21 others injured after one of its carriages derailed and crashed into a building on Wednesday evening. The incident occurred just before rush hour along the steep, cobbled incline that connects Restauradores Square to the Bairro Alto district — one of Lisbon’s most popular tourist routes. The Gloria funicular, a historic cable railway in operation since 1885, is widely recognized for its yellow streetcars and panoramic views of the capital. Local authorities report that one of the two interconnected carriages lost control and sped downhill before violently crashing into a nearby building. A detached cable is believed to have caused the derailment, according to early findings by the Lisbon Firefighters Regiment. Footage from the aftermath showed chaotic rescue scenes, with firefighters and emergency personnel pulling injured passengers from twisted metal and shattered glass. Smoke billowed from the wreckage as bystanders attempted to help. One of the most harrowing images was of a three-year-old German boy being pulled from the debris by a police officer. According to CNN Portugal, the child’s father was killed in the crash and his mother remains in critical condition. Eyewitnesses described the moment of impact as “brutal.” “It hit a building with such force, it fell apart like a cardboard box,” said one woman who saw the streetcar speeding downhill. “There were no brakes.” Another bystander reported seeing the carriage veer around a bend and collide with a man on the sidewalk. Emergency teams worked for over two hours to rescue all victims. SITRA, a transport workers’ union, confirmed that one of its members was among the deceased. As the country grapples with the scale of the tragedy, Portugal has declared three days of national mourning. President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa extended his condolences to victims’ families, while Lisbon Mayor Carlos Moedas described the event as “a tragedy of the like we’ve never seen.” A number of public events, including a book festival at Belém Palace, have been suspended. Leaders across Europe, including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, expressed their sorrow and solidarity with Portugal. Authorities say it is too early to determine the exact cause of the accident. However, initial reports suggest the derailment may have resulted from a cable detachment, raising questions about maintenance and safety protocols. Lisbon City Council has suspended operations of other streetcars across the city and ordered immediate inspections of similar systems. The prosecutor general’s office has announced the launch of a formal investigation into the incident, standard procedure in public transportation accidents. This is not the first time the Gloria line has experienced mechanical failure. In May 2018, a derailment attributed to poor wheel maintenance occurred, though no injuries were reported at the time. The Gloria funicular is more than a mode of transport — it’s a designated national monument and a major draw for visitors. Lisbon’s tourism authority reports around three million passengers ride the line annually. Last year alone, the city welcomed approximately 8.5 million tourists. Now, with its historic carriages lying in ruins and lives lost, the future of the beloved landmark hangs in the balance.

Read More