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Benue Seeks Federal Approval to Rehabilitate 400 Repentant Bandits 

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Benue Seeks Federal Approval to Rehabilitate 400 Repentant Bandits

By George Omagbemi Sylvester 

The Benue State Government has requested the support and approval of the Federal Government of Nigeria to rehabilitate about 400 repentant bandits who have reportedly surrendered in parts of the state.

 

State officials disclosed that the proposal was formally communicated to federal authorities in Abuja this week, seeking collaboration on a structured programme covering disarmament, deradicalisation, vocational training and supervised reintegration into communities. According to government sources, Benue lacks the financial and institutional capacity to independently execute a comprehensive rehabilitation initiative of that scale.

 

The development follows intensified security engagements across several rural local government areas that have experienced repeated attacks linked to armed groups. Benue, located in Nigeria’s Middle Belt, has in recent years faced persistent violence associated with banditry and farmer-herder clashes, leading to significant displacement and humanitarian strain.

 

Authorities indicated that the identities of the 400 individuals are undergoing verification by security agencies before any formal reintegration begins. Federal officials are yet to publicly confirm approval of the request, as consultations between state and national security institutions continue.

Sahara weekly online is published by First Sahara weekly international. contact [email protected]

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Omo-Opeki Set to Make History With Groundbreaking 3-in-1 Fuji Album

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Omo-Opeki Set to Make History With Groundbreaking 3-in-1 Fuji Album

By Alhaji Arems (Baba Fuji)

Alhaja Queen Isimot Abake Abiola — widely known as Omo-Opeki — is preparing to enter a new chapter in Fuji music history. In the second quarter of the year, the respected Fuji act will release a bold 3-in-1 album project, a move poised to position her as the first female Fuji artist to accomplish such a feat.

 

In a genre long defined by male dominance and tradition, the moment is more than a release date on the calendar. It is a cultural statement.

 

*A Defining Moment for Female Voices in Fuji*

Fuji music, rooted in Yoruba Islamic and Apala traditions, has evolved into one of Nigeria’s most enduring indigenous genres. While women have contributed meaningfully to its growth, large-scale, high-volume album projects have historically been spearheaded by men.

 

Omo-Opeki’s upcoming 3-in-1 album challenges that narrative.

 

Releasing a multi-volume body of work at once requires more than studio time. It demands creative stamina, strategic planning, financial investment, and a loyal audience base strong enough to sustain it. For a female Fuji artist to undertake such an ambitious rollout speaks volumes about her confidence, catalog depth, and command within the scene.

 

Though full details of the album — including title and track list — will be unveiled in a subsequent announcement, industry watchers already view the project as a landmark moment.

 

*Beyond Music: Leadership and Representation*

Omo-Opeki’s influence extends beyond the stage. She serves as the President of the Elite Women Musician Association of Nigeria (EWMAN), a platform dedicated to supporting and amplifying female musicians across genres.

 

Her leadership role within EWMAN reflects a broader commitment to representation, mentorship, and structural support for women navigating Nigeria’s music ecosystem. In an industry where access, visibility, and executive opportunities often skew male, her dual position as both active recording artist and association president reinforces her credibility.

 

Balancing artistry with advocacy is no small task. Yet, it strengthens the symbolism of her forthcoming album. This is not just about breaking a record; it is about expanding possibilities for those coming behind her.

 

*The Significance of a 3-in-1 Album*

In the Nigerian music space, multi-disc or multi-volume releases are often used to:

• Showcase artistic range and versatility

• Celebrate career milestones

• Solidify legacy within a genre

• Deliver expansive storytelling in one cycle

 

For Fuji — a genre deeply rooted in live instrumentation, lyrical improvisation, praise-singing, and extended compositions — a 3-in-1 project represents creative endurance. It suggests a body of work substantial enough to justify breadth rather than brevity.

 

If executed with the depth and authenticity her audience expects, the release could redefine what scale looks like for female Fuji musicians.

 

*Timing and Industry Context*

The second quarter of the year is often a strategic window for major releases. It allows artists to build momentum ahead of peak festive seasons while giving projects enough runway to breathe.

 

For Omo-Opeki, the timing may also signal confidence. Announcing such a milestone release well ahead of full details creates anticipation — a calculated move that keeps industry conversations active.

 

More importantly, it places Fuji back into broader mainstream discussions at a time when Afrobeats continues to dominate global headlines. Indigenous genres thrive when artists take bold steps that demand attention, and this release does exactly that.

 

*A Cultural Statement in Motion*

At its core, this upcoming 3-in-1 album is about more than numbers. It is about presence.

 

It speaks to longevity in a genre that respects hierarchy and experience. It reflects resilience in an industry that tests consistency. And it underscores the evolving space women now occupy within traditional music circles.

 

Omo-Opeki’s journey has been one of steady growth, cultural pride, and unwavering dedication to Fuji’s roots. With this release, she is not only adding to her catalog — she is writing herself into a new chapter of the genre’s history.

 

As anticipation builds for the full album details in the coming weeks, one thing is already clear: the second quarter will not just mark a release. It will mark a moment.

 

And for female Fuji musicians across Nigeria, it may very well mark a turning point.

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Gov. Dauda Lawal Signs Bill Establishing Zamfara Institute of Information Technology

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Gov. Dauda Lawal Signs Bill Establishing Zamfara Institute of Information Technology

 

In a landmark move aimed at accelerating the digital economy, Zamfara State Governor, Dr Dauda Lawal, has officially signed into law the bill establishing the Zamfara Institute of Information Technology, Gusau (ZIIT) today in his office.

The signing ceremony, which took place in the state capital, formally creates the legal and operational framework for what the government describes as a “breeding ground” for the next generation of technology professionals.

According to Dr Habib Gajam, the Executive Secretary of Zamfara Information Technology Development Agency ZITDA, the establishment of ZIIT represents a strategic shift towards a knowledge-driven economy. The institute is expected to empower young people with cutting-edge digital skills, positioning Zamfara as a emerging technology and innovation hub in Northern Nigeria.

Gajam highlighted that ZIIT will focus on developing highly skilled professionals in critical and emerging fields, including software development, cybersecurity, data science, and artificial intelligence.

While the institute will be headquartered in Gusau, the Zamfara State capital, its mandate is expected to extend beyond state borders, serving the entire Northwest region and Northern Nigeria at large.

Stakeholders and government officials present at the signing commended Governor Lawal for the initiative, describing it as a “bold statement of intent” that leverages technology to drive economic growth and inclusive development.

The move has been widely welcomed by youth groups and tech enthusiasts in the state, who see it as a pivotal step towards addressing unemployment and fostering innovation in the region.

 

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When Ramadan And Lent Meet : Prophet Genesis Calls For Peace Beyond Religion

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When Ramadan And Lent Meet : Prophet Genesis Calls For Peace Beyond Religion

 

Prophet Genesis has described the rare convergence of Ramadan and Lent as “a divine reminder that humanity must choose peace over prejudice,” urging believers across faiths to see the sacred alignment as an opportunity for unity rather than division.

“There are moments in history that feel bigger than calendars, doctrines, or denominations,” he said. “When Ramadan and Lent align in the same season, it is not coincidence — it is a reminder that God’s sovereignty transcends religion, borders, and human systems.”

Ramadan, a sacred month in Islam, is marked by fasting, prayer, charity, and deep reflection. Lent, the Christian season leading to Easter, is devoted to fasting, repentance, sacrifice, and spiritual renewal.

Though observed in different faith traditions, both seasons call believers into humility, self-discipline, generosity, repentance, and closeness to God.

“Is it not powerful,” Prophet Genesis added, “that two major faiths — followed by billions around the world — enter a period of fasting and reflection at the same time? What seems separate to us is not separate to God.”

*What Is God Showing Us?*
According to the cleric, the alignment carries a spiritual message beyond ritual observance.

“When Ramadan and Lent come together, it feels like a divine whisper,” he said. “‘Slow down. Purify your heart. Love your neighbour. Seek Me sincerely.’”

Both seasons strip away excess — food, distractions, pride — and expose the condition of the heart. And in that stripping away, he noted, humanity discovers something profound: we are more alike than different.

Muslims fast from dawn to sunset.
Christians fast in various ways, giving up comforts.
Both give in charity.
Both pray more intentionally.
Both seek forgiveness.

“This convergence reveals that the core values God desires — mercy, discipline, compassion, humility — are universal,” he stated.

*Beyond Religion: Embracing Peace and Love*
In a time marked by global tension, economic hardship, displacement, and social division, Prophet Genesis stressed that religious hostility only deepens existing wounds.

“If sacred seasons themselves can align,” he asked, “why can’t we?”

Religion, he said, was never meant to divide humanity into hatred but to guide it toward righteousness. Yet history shows that faith is often used as a boundary instead of a bridge.

“When we choose peace over prejudice, love over labels, and understanding over suspicion, we reflect the very heart of God.”

He emphasised that discrimination weakens communities, division delays progress, and hatred blinds wisdom. By contrast, love strengthens society, peace builds nations, and unity multiplies impact.

For communities working closely with women and children across diverse nations and religious backgrounds, he added, peace is not optional — it is necessary for healing and empowerment.

*The Greater Lesson*
Perhaps, he suggested, the meeting of Ramadan and Lent carries a deeper reminder:

“You are one human family.
You were created by the same Creator.
Your shared humanity matters more than your differences.”

Faith, according to Prophet Genesis, should elevate character rather than inflate ego. True spirituality produces compassion, not condemnation.

“The power of this moment is not in theological debate,” he said. “It is in the opportunity for unity.”

When Muslims and Christians fast in the same season, neighbourhoods can pray for one another. Communities can share meals at sunset. Friends can check on each other’s well-being.

“This is how peace begins,” he concluded. “Not in global conferences, but in hearts.”

*A Call to Embrace Peace*
Prophet Genesis called on religious leaders, youth organisations, and families to use the sacred overlap as a practical platform for dialogue, mutual respect, and visible acts of kindness.

“Let us embrace one another beyond religion. Let us protect each other’s dignity. Let us teach our children love instead of suspicion.”

Because at the end of every fast — whether Ramadan or Lent — the true goal is transformation of the heart.

“And a transformed heart,” he said, “does not discriminate. It loves.”

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