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Abbas, Sani Witness Groundbreaking Ceremony For Reconstruction Of Historical Mosque In Zaria City
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By Gloria Ikibah
The Speaker, House of Representatives, Rep. Tajudeen Abbas, and Governor of Kaduna State, Senator Uba Sani, were among the key figures who witnessed the groundbreaking ceremony for the reconstruction of the Mallam AbdulKarim Historical Mosque in Zaria on Sunday.
The Mallam AbdulKarim Historical Mosque was originally constructed in 1836, but tragically collapsed during prayers on August 11, 2023, resulting in the loss of six lives and injuries to others.
In his address, Speaker Abbas, who also holds the title of Iyan Zazzau, emphasised the historical and cultural importance of the mosque, describing the event as a moment of great significance for the Zazzau Emirate and beyond.
“Today is a historic day. For the second time in 183 years, Zaria is witnessing the groundbreaking of a mosque meant to serve the Muslim Ummah of the Zazzau Emirate,” he said.
He highlighted the legacy of Zazzau’s leadership since 1804 under the Sokoto Caliphate and underscored the symbolic importance of the project to the region’s history and identity.
The Speaker noted that the reconstruction, expected to take 18 months, would result in a mosque that could potentially be one of the largest in Northern Nigeria and West Africa. However, he called for increased financial support, revealing that the funds raised so far could only cover about 50-60% of the project’s total cost.
“I appeal to well-meaning Nigerians, particularly the affluent among us, to donate generously so this project can be completed in record time,” he urged.
Governor Sani also commended the swift response from donors, singling out individuals like Abdulsamad Rabiu and Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal for their contributions.
He stressed the significance of the mosque as a monument of faith and culture, and called for more support from the public to complete the reconstruction.
“The overwhelming response is a testament to the value placed on this great landmark and the role of religion in our personal and national lives,” he said.
The Emir of Zazzau, Ambassador Ahmed Bamali, also expressing gratitude to key contributors such as former Vice President Namadi Sambo and former Governor Nasir El-Rufai, who led the technical and fundraising committees, respectively.
The Emir lauded Governor Sani’s efforts in supporting victims of the mosque collapse and ensuring progress on the reconstruction.
Reflecting on the decision to demolish the remnants of the ancient structure, the Emir acknowledged it was a painful but necessary step to prioritize safety. He affirmed that the new mosque would honor the emirate’s rich history while incorporating modern advancements.
“This mosque will once again become a sanctuary for prayer and reflection, embodying the enduring legacy of Zazzau and the progress of our time,” he stated.
The event drew a large gathering of dignitaries, including the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal, former Kaduna State Governor, Ramalan Yero; and serving members of the National Assembly, among others.
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SAD! Abductors k!ll soldier over delayed ransom payment
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By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
Kidnappers have killed a Nigerian Army non-commissioned officer, Abdulfatai Odutola, over a delay in ransom payment.
Recall that Odutola, a Senior Non-Commissioned Officer (SNCO), was abducted on February 15, 2025, along the Abuja-Jos highway.
He was reportedly travelling to Yola, the Adamawa State capital, at the time of the incident.
His kidnappers had demanded a ransom of N20 million for his release.
A military internal memo earlier obtained by SaharaReporters had read, “Pls information reaching me now from this sldr whisky that MWO Abdulfatai Odutola (CC 23 BDE Yola) was kidnapped yesterday along Abuja-Jos Road, while returning to Yola. He left Ilorin on Friday 14th of Feb 2025 and slept at Abuja. He continued his movement from Abuja yesterday b4 the incident happened to him.
“Currently they are demanding N20,000,0000 for his release. Pse appropriate authority should help the sldr.”
However, another internal memo revealed that the body of the senior personnel has been recovered.
“Information reaching us now from Yola is that the above MWO Abdulfatai Odutola’s body was discovered by police from Jos forest killed by his kidnappers after passing deadline for payment of 20 million naira ransom payment demanded by his kidnappers. Also his car was discovered. Kindly take action.”
SaharaReporters recently reported that Boko Haram/Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists killed three army personnel during an attack on a military base in Borno State.
The terrorists reportedly attacked the military facility in Isige town, Gwoza Local Government Area, for several hours.
According to a source, the terrorists destroyed several buildings and stole two gun trucks during the assault.
“There was an attack recently in Borno, one Staff Sergeant with two private soldiers were killed. However, the army authorities are silent over the attack which happened at a base in Isige Town, Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.
“They burnt one military vehicle while they went away with two gun trucks, later reinforcement came from nearby unit but then the Boko Haram fighters have left,” the source said. (SaharaReporters: Text, Excluding Headline)
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Canada gives new guidelines For Asylum Seekers Insists Evidence Of insecurity must be proven
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By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
Canada’s immigration authorities have clarified that seeking asylum does not provide an automatic exemption from immigration laws.
The Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) emphasised that individuals seeking asylum must demonstrate that returning to their home country would subject them to serious harm in order to avoid deportation.
The asylum system is designed to offer protection to those fleeing threats such as torture, persecution, and inhumane treatment.
IRCC has reiterated that the asylum process is not a shortcut to entering the country.
Applicants must provide verifiable evidence of persecution and undergo multiple checks, including medical examinations, biometric data collection, and security screenings.
The statement reads, “It is a rigorous process to determine whether you have a legitimate need for refugee protection according to Canadian and international laws. Our rules-based system will determine the validity of your claim. It’s important to understand that not all claims will be accepted. If you make an asylum claim in Canada, you will need to:
Have health, criminal, security and other background checks
Get a medical exam
Provide personal and biometric (photo and fingerprints) information
Provide concrete evidence of persecution and the risks of being in your home country
Declare on your application if you are working with a representative, even if you’re not paying them
“Providing false information on your refugee claim application is considered lying, and your application may be refused.
“You’ll be removed from Canada if you don’t have a legitimate claim or are not eligible to make a claim in Canada. It can take a long time to get a final decision on your asylum claim. There’s no guarantee that you will be allowed to stay in Canada.”
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OSUN LG POLLS: Gov Adeleke Orders Restriction Of Vehicular Movement
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By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
Governor Ademola Adeleke has ordered restriction of vehicular movement from 5am to 5pm on Saturday 22nd February 2022 across Osun state.
The directive of the State Governor was sequel to the statewide local government elections that are scheduled to be held tomorrow across the state.
Governor Adeleke who reiterated his commitment to peace and security said the movement restriction is necessary to prevent importation of hoodlums into the state amidst local elections.
He therefore directed security agencies to enforce the restriction and only allow voters and accredited media and civil society organizations for the continued peace and security of Osun state.
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