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Obasanjo leads campaign to renovate 100-year-old Ogun mosque

Published

12 months ago

April 18, 2025

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo

Obasanjo leads campaign to renovate 100-year-old Ogun mosque

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has spearheaded the initiative to remodel the Egba Central Mosque, Kobiti, Abeokuta, Ogun State.

Daily Trust reports the mosque, an architectural masterpiece, was said to have been built in 1925 on the site of the first Mosque erected in the 1830s, on a piece of land donated by Oba Sodeke shortly after the Egbas had settled there.

However, the Egba Muslim Council has begun moves to remodel the 100-year-old mosque.

The project, as outlined by the council, includes the renovation of the mosque, as well as the addition of various structures such as an administrative block, a library, a Quranic Academy, a multipurpose social hall, an Imam’s residence, a shopping complex, a medical center, and a guest house.

Prominent Nigerians donated to the project at the public presentation and unveiling of the project’s designs held at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

Obasanjo spearheaded the initiative, with several dignitaries in attendance, including Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, Sultan of Sokoto Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, and the Alake and Paramount ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo.

Other notable figures include former Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, former Sokoto State Governor, Aliyu Wamakko, former Nigerian Ambassador to the UK, Sarafa Tunji Ishola, Sir Kessington Adebutu, Chief Rasaq Okoya, the Secretary-General of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Prof Ishaq Oloyede, Iya Suna of Egbaland Alhaja, Yemi Kolapo, and Senator Shuaib Salisu.

Islamic leaders at the event include Grand Chief Imam of Egbaland Alhaji Mohammad Sa’ad Bamgbola, Wakeel Muslumeen of Yoruba Land, Edo, and Delta States, Sheik Iskeel Lawal and the Grand Mufti of Ilorin Emirate, Sheikh Sulaimon Farouq Onikijipa.

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Leading the campaign, Obasanjo urged guests and believers to support the mosque’s remodelling, emphasizing that such charitable acts attract divine reward.

He called on all Nigerians, regardless of religion or status, to consider the project as a collective effort and contribute to its success.

The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, while unveiling the project’s prototype, commended the Egba Muslim Council’s efforts and encouraged continued support from Nigerians.

He also pledged to personally engage other influential Nigerians to mobilize resources for the mosque’s completion.

Abiodun, represented by his deputy Noimot Salako-Oyedele, appreciated the project, describing it as a significant step by the Egba people, particularly the Egba Muslims.

He acknowledged Obasanjo’s role in promoting religious tolerance and harmony.

The Governor also promised to construct the mosque’s administrative block and library.

The Alake of Egbaland, reflected on the long-overdue renovation of the mosque, emphasizing the historical significance of the project and the role of stakeholders in preserving religious and cultural heritage for future generations.

Amosun promised to construct the mosque’s multipurpose hall and donated additional N100 million toward the project.

The business tycoon, Sir Kessington Adebutu, represented by his son Ladi Adebutu, also donated N100 million.

Sheikh Sulaimon-Faruq Onikijipa, the Grand Mufti of Ilorin Emirate and guest lecturer, highlighted the importance of mosques in Islam, explaining that they serve as vital centers for peace, unity, and community development. He encouraged contributions to the mosque project as a means to gain divine reward.

The committee overseeing the mosque’s remodelling, led by Alhaji Abdulhakeem Tunji-Kalejaiye, confirmed that 78 houses around the central mosque at Kobiti would be demolished to make way for the new project.

The displaced occupants will be compensated with new homes to be built on 22 acres of land in the Sodeke-Titun Sabo area of Abeokuta.

Obasanjo leads campaign to renovate 100-year-old Ogun mosque

Related Topics:campaign Featured mosque Obasanjo Ogun

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Arise News Yet to Confirm Reported Suspension of Rufai Oseni

Published

4 hours ago

April 14, 2026

Trends Admin

Rufai Oseni

Arise News Yet to Confirm Reported Suspension of Rufai Oseni

Reports circulating online suggest that Rufai Oseni, a prominent anchor with Arise News, has been suspended by the station, but the development remains unverified as of press time.

The claim, which began trending on social media platforms and was later amplified by various online posts, has not been officially confirmed by Arise News management or by Oseni himself.

As of now, there is no statement from Arise News, no internal memo made public, and no confirmation from credible mainstream media outlets regarding the alleged suspension.

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The lack of official confirmation means the story remains at the level of a developing report, with details still unclear, including the reason for the alleged suspension, its duration, or whether any disciplinary action has indeed been taken.

Rufai Oseni is one of Arise News’ most recognisable broadcasters, known for his hard-hitting interviews and political analysis programmes, which has contributed to the wide attention the report is currently generating online.

Media observers note that in situations like this, verification from official sources is necessary before the claim can be treated as confirmed news.

For now, the alleged suspension remains unconfirmed, and further updates are expected once Arise News or the broadcaster issues an official statement.

Arise News Yet to Confirm Reported Suspension of Rufai Oseni

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Court Grants Bail to El-Rufai in ICPC Corruption Case

Published

5 hours ago

April 14, 2026

Trends Admin

Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai

Court Grants Bail to El-Rufai in ICPC Corruption Case

The Federal High Court has granted bail to former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, who is facing multiple corruption-related charges filed by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

The ruling marks a major development in the high-profile trial, although full details of the bail conditions were not immediately disclosed at the time of filing this report. The court’s decision comes amid intensified legal proceedings involving several corruption allegations linked to his time in office.

El-Rufai’s bail was granted shortly after he appeared before a Kaduna State High Court under heavy security for a related proceeding concerning a separate bail application in another ICPC-linked case. The back-to-back court appearances reflect the complexity and multi-layered nature of the cases against the former governor.

Court proceedings were reportedly conducted under tight security, with journalists initially restricted from accessing the courtroom, further heightening public interest in the matter.

During earlier sittings, the prosecution was said to have amended the charge sheet, restructuring the case from an initial joint trial involving El-Rufai and a co-defendant, Amadu Sule, to a sole-defendant arrangement after Sule was dropped from the case.

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The defence counsel, Senior Advocate of Nigeria Ubong Akpan, reportedly expressed surprise over the amended charges, stating that the new documents were served in court without prior notice, which contributed to delays in the proceedings.

The case was subsequently adjourned to April 14, 2026, for hearing of the bail application, which has now resulted in the Federal High Court granting bail.

The ICPC alleges that the former governor was involved in several financial infractions during his tenure, including the alleged release of about ₦11 billion to an unregistered entity for a light rail project that was never executed.

He is also accused of approving and receiving approximately ₦289.8 million as severance allowance beyond legally permitted limits, alongside allegations of financial misconduct involving a World Bank-linked loan reportedly valued at over $1.08 million.

Other allegations include the controversial award of a ₦4.6 billion CCTV surveillance contract in Kaduna State allegedly in violation of procurement laws, as well as claims of conspiracy to obstruct or influence federal investigators.

In a separate case before the Federal High Court, El-Rufai is also facing additional charges bordering on money laundering, conversion, and alleged unlawful possession of public assets.

He has consistently denied all allegations, insisting that his administration followed due process in all financial and contractual decisions.

The ICPC has not yet issued an updated statement following the bail ruling, while further proceedings are expected to continue in the coming weeks as the court determines the substantive issues in the case.

The development adds to growing national attention on anti-corruption enforcement and the prosecution of high-profile political figures in Nigeria, particularly amid renewed debates over governance accountability and public financial management.

Court Grants Bail to El-Rufai in ICPC Corruption Case

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Bauchi Governor Presents Over 114 Vehicles to Emirs, District Heads

Published

5 hours ago

April 14, 2026

Trends Admin

Bauchi Governor Presents Over 114 Vehicles to Emirs, District Heads

Governor Bala Mohammed has presented more than 114 official vehicles to newly appointed emirs and district heads across Bauchi State, in a move aimed at strengthening traditional institutions in Nigeria and improving grassroots governance.

The presentation took place on Monday, April 13, 2026, and was officially announced by the governor via his verified X (formerly Twitter) handle. He described the initiative as part of a broader strategy to deepen community engagement, enhance local administration, and promote closer collaboration between government and traditional rulers.

According to the governor, the distribution of vehicles is designed to support traditional leaders in performing their duties more effectively, particularly in areas of peacebuilding, conflict resolution, and community mobilisation.

He stated that his administration remains committed to ensuring that both existing and newly created emirates, chiefdoms, and districts are adequately supported to make governance more inclusive and responsive at the grassroots level.

Bauchi Governor Presents Over 114 Vehicles to Emirs, District Heads

The governor also emphasized the importance of peace and stability in Bauchi State, urging traditional rulers to remain non-partisan and uphold the highest standards of integrity in the discharge of their responsibilities.

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He noted that traditional institutions remain critical partners in maintaining security and promoting development across communities, adding that their role in mobilising citizens cannot be overstated.

The Bauchi State Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, led by Commissioner Isa Babayo Tilde, also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to working closely with traditional rulers, describing them as essential stakeholders in maintaining order and ensuring effective governance.

The Emir of Bauchi, Rilwanu Adamu, who spoke on behalf of other traditional leaders, expressed appreciation to the state government and assured that the vehicles would be used responsibly for official duties and the benefit of the people.

The fleet of vehicles reportedly includes 14 GMC saloon cars, Toyota buses, Toyota Hilux vans, and over 100 Toyota Camry cars allocated to district heads across the state.

Governor Mohammed, who was first elected in 2019 under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and re-elected in 2023, has continued to pursue reforms aimed at strengthening local governance structures. His tenure is expected to end in 2027.

This is not the first time the administration has supported traditional institutions. In April 2022, the Bauchi State Government also distributed vehicles to district heads and local government chairpersons as part of similar empowerment initiatives.

While supporters describe the latest gesture as a boost to governance efficiency, critics often raise concerns about public spending priorities amid economic challenges in the country.