James Wuye and Muhammad Ashafa, co-founders of the Interfaith Mediation Centre, have been named the winners of the inaugural Commonwealth Peace Prize.

The two Nigerians were honoured for their exceptional contributions to “peacebuilding and reconciliation” in Nigeria.

Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland announced the award on Wednesday in a congratulatory letter to Nigeria’s Deputy High Commissioner, Sani Suleiman. She commended the duo’s outstanding work, emphasising that their efforts have set a global standard for peacebuilding.

Scotland highlighted their dedication to bridging religious divides, fostering mutual understanding, and preventing violence, noting that their impact has been profound.

The letter further stated: “As distinguished practitioners, we are confident they will serve as role models for future generations of aspiring peacebuilders.”

It also mentioned the opportunity for objections to be raised by February 20, 2025. If no objections are received by this date, arrangements will be made to honour the awardees.

The Commonwealth Peace Prize, launched on September 21, 2024, recognises individuals who make significant contributions to global peace efforts.

The formal presentation of the award, along with a £50,000 financial reward, will take place on March 10 at a special ceremony marking Commonwealth Day at Marlborough House in London. The financial award will support Wuye and Ashafa in continuing their vital peacebuilding work. (Daybreak Nigeria)

The Sokoto State Government has launched palliative shops worth approximately N1 billion to support state and local government employees and retirees.

Speaking during the training of sales agents on Monday, the chairman of the Committee on the Sale of Rice and Essential Commodities, Alhaji Chiso Dattijo, explained that workers would be able to purchase food items on credit at subsidised rates.

He said the initiative is part of the state government’s ongoing efforts to alleviate economic hardships for its people.

Six local government areas-Sokoto South, Sokoto North, Bodinga, Wamakko, Dange-Shuni and Kware-have been selected for the pilot phase of the programme, as they have a high concentration of civil servants.

Dattijo assured that the programme is designed to be sustainable and will be expanded to all local government areas soon.

The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Ibrahim Dadi-Adare, warned that the state government would take decisive action against anyone attempting to sabotage the initiative, regardless of their position.

Dr Aminu Bizi, the programme’s consultant, stated that all civil servants would be registered and issued special cards for making purchases.

The Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Abuja has held an official ceremony to distribute 100 tons of dates to Nigeria as part of its annual humanitarian relief efforts. In a statement, it said the initiative, facilitated by the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief), aims to support vulnerable families across the country and strengthen the deep-rooted ties between the two nations.

During the ceremony, the Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to Nigeria, His Excellency Faisal bin Ibrahim Al-Ghamdi, conveyed the Kingdom’s dedication to humanitarian causes.

He expressed his profound gratitude to King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud for their unwavering support in providing aid to Muslims and underserved communities worldwide.

He emphasised that Saudi Arabia remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering Islamic solidarity and providing relief to those in need.

Ambassador Al-Ghamdi explained that this year’s distribution includes 50 tons of dates for Abuja and another 50 tons for Kano, continuing Saudi Arabia’s tradition of assisting Nigeria through humanitarian donations.

He noted that the initiative represents the Kingdom’s broader mission to uplift Muslim communities, alleviate suffering, and promote unity, particularly during significant religious periods such as Ramadan.

The Embassy, in collaboration with local authorities and humanitarian organisations, will ensure the proper distribution of the dates so that they reach the most vulnerable families in various regions of Nigeria.

Ambassador Al-Ghamdi reaffirmed the Kingdom’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with Nigeria across multiple sectors, particularly in humanitarian and Islamic affairs.

Saudi Arabia has been a longstanding partner in providing humanitarian aid to nations across the globe, including Nigeria. The Kingdom’s continued efforts in supporting food security and welfare initiatives exemplify its role as a global leader in charitable and humanitarian endeavours.

Troops of the Nigerian Military attached with Operation Fansan Yamma, in the Northwest zone of the country, have neutralised Aminu Kanawa, the next in rank to the notorious bandits’ kingpin, Bello Turji.

It was learnt that both the air and ground troops during the ongoing onslaught also inflicted terminal injuries on Turji’s younger brother identified as Dosso and one of his closest allies named Danbokolo.

Daily Trust reports that the son of the terrorist kingpin and many of his fighters were killed a few days ago during clearance operations that were conducted along Shinkafai, Kagara, Fakai, Moriki, Maiwa and Chindo axis.

A primary school in the axis located in Zamfara State serving as a logistics base for the terrorists was also bombed by the air component of the operation, weakening their capabilities to fight.

Confirming Turji’s allies’ killing on Wednesday, the outgoing Director, Defence Media Operations, Edward Buba, a Major-General, told journalists that the terrorists were in disarray in their camp due to intense operations.

Buba listed Turji’s key commanders that were killed between Monday and Tuesday as Abu Dan Shehu, Jabbi Dogo, Dan Kane, Basiru Yellow, Kabiru Gebe, Bello Buba, Dan Inna Kahon-Saniya-Yafi-Bahaushe, among others.

“Sequel to ongoing military onslaught on terrorist in the NW of the country, between the 20-21 Jan 2025, troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA neutralised the second-in-command of notorious terrorist leader Bello Turji’s namely, Aminu Kanawa.

“Furthermore, troops neutralised over 24 fleeing terrorist from Bello Turji’s Camp around Gebe and Isa LGA of Sokoto State, as well as around Gidan Rijiya in Shinkafi LGA of Zamfara State,” the senior military officer said.

Buba also disclosed that troops also neutralised one Suleiman, another notable terrorist and a loyalist of late notorious terrorist leader, Halilu Sububu, during the onslaught on Turji’s enclave around Fakai high ground.

According to him, the late Suleiman was leading a reinforcement team to rescue Turji’s camp which was in disarray, when he was eliminated during the fire fight.

He added, “The death of Turji’s second-in-command, close allies, commanders and combatants is a significant blow to the terrorist network in the North West of the country, as well as their military and fighting capabilities.

“These groups of terrorists were notorious for numerous kidnappings and terrorist attacks across the region, particularly in Zurmi, Shinkafi, Isa, and Sabon Birni Local Government Areas in Zamfara and Sokoto states.

“Overall, troops are not relenting until these terrorists are completely destroyed. Troops operations are aimed at creating an atmosphere of safety and security for all citizens.”

The Sokoto State Hisbah Commission has arrested eight persons for allegedly organising an election to determine the “best sex performers” in the state.

The event reportedly took place at the Plus Centre along Maiduguri Road in the state capital on Monday evening.

While the identities of the organisers remain unknown, some soldiers allegedly claimed that the arrested individuals were affiliated with them.

Dr Abubakar Usman Rabah, the commission’s Deputy Commander of Operations, stated in a Facebook video that the arrests followed intelligence reports about the event.

“Upon receiving the information, we deployed plain-clothed personnel to the venue, who confirmed the occurrence of the election. The participants had already conducted two rounds of voting when we intervened,” Rabah said.

He added that during the operation, two Hisbah operatives were attacked and injured, and their vehicle was stoned by participants. However, eight suspects were successfully detained.

Rabah also warned event centres against hosting activities that promote immorality, stating that the government would not hesitate to shut down any venue found culpable.

A senior Hisbah officer confirmed the arrests, adding that soldiers had claimed the suspects were their associates.

“This is a recurring challenge. Even in previous cases, when we seized alcohol, soldiers came forward claiming ownership, though investigations later proved otherwise,” the source said.

GOFRONT:
I dont trust Suya Roaster and sellers anymore.......ever since a lady was butchered and her meat seperated from her bone and kept seperately in a Nylon bag for delivery to a suya roaster in Orozo, I have stopped to eat even a grilled Fish......Even a grilled Chicken like this one is a NO NO for me...

I hope all these will not affect our very own Manna d gillerman, the only Son of his darling daddy Buhari

OkCornel:


How market?

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved free train rides across the country from December 20, 2024, to January 5, 2025.

The move is part of measures put together by the federal government to ease transportation costs during the Christmas and New Year celebrations.

This was disclosed by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, while briefing State House correspondents after Federal Executive Council meeting preceded over by President Bola Tinubu.

Idris said the initiative is aimed at cushioning the impact of transportation costs, particularly for vulnerable Nigerians.

Shadomaan7:
Israeli people should be prepared for the consequences of their actions