metro
LKJ Gardens Muslim Community launches N25m mosque fund, holds Iftar for 400
LKJ Gardens Muslim Community launches N25m mosque fund, holds Iftar for 400
Lateef Kayode Jakande (LKJ) Gardens Muslim Community in Lagos has launched a N25 million appeal fund for the construction of its mosque.
The launch held at the Igando Lagos estate featured a number of activities including a special iftar (breaking of fast) for over 400 fasting Muslims where they were given special treats such as sumptuous meal, dates, drinks, yoghurt, among other edibles.
Guest lecturer at the event, Dr Jibril Salaudeen, commended the commitment of the Muslim community, noting that they had made tangible contributions to the development of Islam.
Salaudeen, who is Director of Executive Education and Consulting at Nungu Business School, said, “It is a middle-income Muslim community. Quite a number of people around here are educated, and they came out in their numbers. The response from them is very good.
“They are willing to contribute to the development of the community. We were able to bring in a total of 68 families and they came around. Most of them have made tangible contributions to the development of the ummah.”
Salaudeen also said the first school and learning centre established by Prophet Muhammad (SAW) in Madinah was the mosque.
“It is a place of convergence, a place where we meet, not just to pray, but also to learn. Thus, it is a school. The first school of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) was the masjid. It was also his court, a place where disputes are settled, where counselling takes place,” he said.
According to him, it is the duty of Muslims to establish and maintain the mosque in their various communities.
Chairman of the LKJ Gardens Muslim Community, Dr Mushafau Adewale Akinsanya, said the plan to build a mosque in the estate was mulled about three years ago.
“It was, however, in January 2025 that we sat down and concluded that we have to set aside a day for launching, so that people will know that this is what we want to do. We cannot do it alone; we need support from members outside of the estate,” he said.
He expressed optimism that the project would be ready before next Ramadan (2026).
“I want to appeal to our members in the estate that they should not be tired. I understand the country is a bit difficult financially now.
“But Allah has been meeting our needs. So, I’m sure Allah will meet our needs with regard to the mosque construction. Please, let’s be steadfast and committed,” he stated.
Akinsanya thanked Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, for approving the request of a piece of land in the estate for the construction.
He said professionals including architects and structural engineers had been commissioned to draw up the plan for the mosque.
“The plan will be submitted to the relevant offices of the Lagos State Government to vet before we move on. We are also looking for a builder to commence the foundation once the plan has been approved by the government. This is how far we have gone,” Akinsanya said.
Imam LKJ Gardens, Mallam AbdulLateef AbdulGaniy, said contributing to the construction of the mosque is sadaqatul jariyah (perpetual charity).
“If I donate my N100, N1,000 to a masjid project, as long as the mosque is standing and they are performing salat there, I will be getting my reward, once I do it with ikhlas,” he said.
The Imam said the mosque would serve multiple functions, including as a madrasah and a platform to resolve marital and family disputes.
“We have a close community here, but it’s also a big community. We will be able to bring our children together and ensure that they are nurtured on the path of Islam,” he added.
Imam AbdulGaniy appealed to Muslims everywhere to support them in achieving the project.
“Kindly pay into Lateef Kayode Jakande Gardens Igando Muslim Jaiz Bank Acct: 0009565481,” he stated.
A resident of the estate and member of the project planning team, Dr. Abdullahi Shuaib, said the mosque would serve as a legacy for the generations to come.
Dr. Shuaib, who is Principal Partner at AS & Associates and member of the community believes the mosque project is achievable within 12 lunar months.
“When we leave this dunya, it will be there for those coming after us to enjoy, and our efforts today will also be used as good deeds for us,” he said.
“The most popular hadith of the Prophet is that if you build a house for Allah, He will build a house for you in jannah.
“That alone is enough for whoever has a concern to meet their Lord after this day. Whatever contribution we make today, even if it is a humble contribution, will go a long way when we pull the resources together to accomplish this mission.”
Another member of the Muslim community in the estate, Dr. Ruqayat Bakare, commended the initiative of the lecture and special iftar, noting it offered a platform for the faithful to bond better.
metro
Rivers: Presidency reveals security intelligence leading to emergency rule
Rivers: Presidency reveals security intelligence leading to emergency rule
The Presidency has revealed that security intelligence reports led to the suspension of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and elected members of the State House of Assembly.
According to the government, militants were already targeting oil pipelines, posing a serious threat to national security and the economy.
Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, disclosed this in an article titled “Imagine Rivers State Without a State of Emergency”, published on Sunday.
He maintained that intelligence reports showed an escalating crisis in the oil-rich state.
President Tinubu, in a nationwide broadcast on Tuesday, explained that his efforts to mediate the political conflict in Rivers had been ignored. He stated that worsening security threats necessitated the declaration of a state of emergency.
“The latest security reports made available to me show that between yesterday and today, there have been disturbing incidents of vandalization of pipelines by some militants, without the governor taking any action to curtail them. I have, of course, given stern orders to the security agencies to ensure the safety of the good people of Rivers State and the oil pipelines,” Tinubu said while announcing the emergency rule.
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The decision has drawn criticism from various quarters, with many questioning its necessity. However, the Presidency has defended the move, insisting it was based on credible security intelligence.
Onanuga explained that Section 305 of the Constitution empowers the President to act when there is a threat to law, order, or economic security.
“Impeachment threats might have spurred attacks on lawmakers by the governor’s supporters, while militants in the creeks—primed to sabotage critical oil infrastructure—could have plunged Nigeria’s oil production back to pre-2023 lows,” he stated.
He further alleged that militants were awaiting instructions from Fubara before launching attacks on pipelines.
“Intelligence confirmed that militants, told by Fubara to await signals, were already targeting pipelines, risking a collapse in output and a Niger-Delta domino effect,” Onanuga added.
According to him, Tinubu’s intervention was crucial, as Rivers State is a key player in Nigeria’s oil sector. He warned that any disruption in the region could have dire economic consequences.
He dismissed claims that the emergency rule undermines democracy, arguing that it is a “temporary, surgical” measure aimed at restoring order rather than replacing democratic institutions.
Rivers: Presidency reveals security intelligence leading to emergency rule
metro
Shehu Sani faults senators taking voice vote objection to media
Shehu Sani faults senators taking voice vote objection to media
A former senator who represented Kaduna Central Senatorial District has slammed lawmakers for going to the media to raise objections against the adoption of voice voting for the confirmation of a State of Emergency in Rivers State.
Shehu Sani said that any lawmaker who wished to raise such an objection ought to have done so in the chambers of the National Assembly and not the media.
Recall that members of the National Assembly had voted on the proclamation of a State of Emergency in Rivers by President Bola Tinubu.
However, rather than adhere to the provisions of the law by taking a head count to determine that the Assembly had formed a quorum, the leadership of both chambers adopted voice voting.
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Shortly after the voting process which was condemned by many including Peter Obi, Atiku Abubakar, and the Peoples Democratic Party among others, Ireti Kingibe, a serving lawmaker condemned the process.
In his reaction, to this Sani said all objections should be done within the chambers, not outside or in the media.
He wrote on X, “If any lawmaker had issues with voice votes or quorum, he or she is supposed to raise a point of order on the floor and insist on being heard; and not be silent in the chamber then come to the media to raise objections.
“If there is no quorum, it’s because some lawmakers deliberately chose to abstain,” Sani noted.
Shehu Sani faults senators taking voice vote objection to media
metro
Abducted Anambra Rev Fr released after police, gunmen fierce battle
Abducted Anambra Rev Fr released after police, gunmen fierce battle
The Anambra State Police command has secured the release of a Catholic priest, Rev Fr Stephen Echezona, who was abducted in Ichida, Anaocha Local Government Area of the state.
The state Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Tochukwu Ikenga said the priest was released unhurt after an encounter with his abductors in Ihiala.
In a statement in Awka, the PPRO said: “In the early hours of March 23, 2025, a joint security team comprising the Police, Military, Civil Defence, AVG Ichida, and Ihiala respectively, secured the release of Rev. Father Echezona at Ihiala. The priest was returned unharmed.
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“The victim was abducted at a fuel station in Ichida. A joint security force, in an ensuing gun duel with the armed criminals operating in a white Lexus SUV without plate number, overpowered the kidnappers.
“The assailants abandoned the white Lexus and in a bid to flee the scene due to the superior fire power of the joint security team, fled the scene and held the Rev. Father hostage. The operatives also recovered the white Lexus vehicle.”
“In a coordinated hot chase by the operatives, different security checkpoints and security operatives in the state were alerted, which resulted in the criminals abandoning the Priest at Ihiala and escaping through a nearby bush.”
According to the PPRO, the joint security team has taken over the scene in Ihiala for possible arrest of the armed men and recovery of the Toyota Highlander belonging to the Rev. Father.
Abducted Anambra Rev Fr released after police, gunmen fierce battle
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