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Edo Agog as 40th Day Fidau Prayer Holds for Hajia Maimuna Umoru

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The 40thday Fidau Prayer for the late Hajia Maimuna Umoru comes up on Saturday, July 6, 2019 at the Afegbua Royal Palace, Awuyemi, Okpella.

A statement by the National President, Afegbua Royal Family Welfare Association (ARFWA), Alhaji Daudu Abdul Amin Afegbua said the event would attract political party leaders, top government functionaries and business moguls in Nigeria and abroad.

 ‘’Muslim clerics and scholars will use the occasion to pray for the repose of the soul of Hajia Umoru, the oldest in the Afegbua descendants.

Hajia Maimuna Umoru died on May 16, 2019. The greatest significant of her passage lies not merely in the fact that she was 102 years old but that she led a life of distinction, marked by commitment to the common good and humanistic values.

 Hajia Umoru was a devoted Muslim, a successful business woman and a highly respected community leader.

She was in addition a woman of integrity, a role model to generations of women, a source of inspiration to many in her immediate environment and a family woman that radiated the best of family values.

In the course of her life, she was duly recognized as a good advertisement for hard work and sincerity.

Hajia Maimuna Umoru (Nee Afegbua) was born on April 10, 1917 in Okpella to the Otaru and Ekhaifome 1 of Okpella, His Royal Majesty, Alhaji Abdulmalik Asekomhe Afegbua (O.B.E). Her mother too was of a royal family breed from Ilorin, Kwara State. She was popularly known and called ‘’IYAAGBA’’ by her beloved ones. A devoted wife and a caring mother, the marriage was a happy one and was blessed with three children – Princess Asimaru, Princess Jenebu and herself.

Hajia Umoru lived a life of generosity, humility and friendship. In terms of pedigree, Hajia Umoru had it all. But what distinguished her from others, perhaps, was her religious zeal and quiet determination to excel and therefore chart a path that was distinctly her own.

The story of Hajia Umoru’s vastness in Islamic Knowledge in her tender age is told in Okpella where she lived most of her life and how it prompted her to acquire Western education.

In the course of her growth, Hajia Umoru made perhaps the most profound decision. She married Late Pa Umoru Obinagbe, an officer of the Nigeria Army from Ogute-Okpella. They had most of their children in Kano. They then moved to Benin City and Iwo, Osun State as a result of military transfer, where they lived till her husband’s retirement in 1979. They later moved to Okpella.

By all accounts, Hajia Umoru was a remarkable woman. She was constantly interested in mentoring others.

In Okpella, Hajia Umoru was a pillar to many people. She was a very kind woman even to a fault.

Her love for the good people of Okpella knew no bounds. One thing that was dear to her was giving commodities to people, especially her relatives. This made her so popular on the street she lived in Okugbe, Okpella.

People who knew her in Kano and Benin City also attested to this fact that at no time would you visit her home and go hungry.

Hajia Umoru lived a life fully dedicated to Allah and that obviously impacted on the family in various ways. She did not joke with her five daily prayers. Infact, she adhered to the five pillars of Islam. In 1984, she embarked on a pilgrimage to Mecca and Medina in fulfillment of the teaching of Islam.

Widely admired and respected by all for her combination of personal warmth, humanity and attention to details, her sense of humour was extraordinary. She was a visionary leader, epitome of service and excellence, kind, peace loving and a role model to many.

The daughter of the first paramount Otaru of Okpella Kingdom was an altruistic member of the Afegbua Royal Welfare Association. She was made adviser in the women’s wing. She became the most senior and head of the females in the Afegbua family in 2015, a position she held until her death.

Mama was also a strong member of the Muslim Women Organization in Okpella. She guarded and promoted the cultural and rich heritage of her people.

 Hajia Umoru’s abiding legacy was that she was a humanist to the core, a perfectionist, a quintessential mother and a friendly person.

Indeed, she remained modest and humble all through her life.

She shall be dearly missed not only by her relatives and friends but by Okpella Muslim Community.

Mama had seven children, 28 grandchildren and 26 great grandchildren. Mrs. Ayisatu Obafemi (Late), National Bank of Nigeria, Lagos, Mrs. Abosede Awosika, American Embassy, Abuja (Retired), Mr. Abu Umoru, National Bank of Nigeria (Retired), Mrs. Rabiatu Usman, Retired Nursing Matron, Agenegbode, Edo State, Mr. Saliu Umoru, Sinoma Company Limited, Okpella , Edo State, Mrs. Adiza Odusina (UK) Waltham Forest (Crest) and Mr. Musa Umoru, American Embassy, Lagos.

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Liberian Leaders, Citizens Bear Witness as Apostle Suleman Hosts Two-Day Power-Packed Crusade

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Liberian Leaders, Citizens Bear Witness as Apostle Suleman Hosts Two-Day Power-Packed Crusade

 

It was testimonies galore on Tuesday, March 31, the first day of the famous servant of God and founder of the Omega Fire Ministries (OFM) worldwide, Apostle Johnson Suleman’s power-packed two-day crusade. The event documented impactful moments with the Gospel and miracles, emphasizing the power of faith and the tangible confirmation of God’s Word through signs and wonders. It was equally an atmosphere of miraculous healing, restoration of lives, and the strengthening of faith.

 

At the crusade, which was held at the SKD Sports Stadium in Paynesville City, and themed, “Liberia Outpouring Crusade” witnessed testimonies of impact and miracles with participants experiencing instant healing of various kinds of challenges.

 

Apostle Suleman’s first port of call was Paynesville, the office of Liberian government’s president, Mr. Joseph Nyuma Boakai, who received him in an audience with his junior ministers. Apostle Suleman, who also met with the vice-president, Mr. Jeremiah Kpan Koung, was welcomed by the Liberian leader’s office as part of the president’s ongoing engagements with religious leaders aimed at fostering spiritual support for national development.

 

The president expressed profound appreciation to Apostle Suleman for the visit and continued prayers and intercessions by men and women of God on behalf of Liberia, emphasizing his firm belief that sustained spiritual guidance and prayer remain vital to the transformation and progress of the nation.

 

During the visit, Apostle Suleman offered prayers for President Boakai, his cabinet and the Liberian nation, invoking divine alignment, wisdom, and insight in Liberia’s path toward growth and stability. He prayed that the Almighty God would position Liberia for relevance and fulfillment of its national destiny.

 

Apostle Johnson Suleman, an evangelist who knows no bounds of where preaching the gospel comes to a stop, visited Liberia prepared with the message, compelling power of the Gospel and the work of the Holy Spirit, and bringing people to a point of decision where they surrendered their lives to Christ.

 

Aside from being prophetic and timely, OFM sources disclosed that the servant of God’s visit underscores the importance of faith-based partnerships in supporting governance and national renewal efforts.

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Middle Belt Forum Hails Tinubu’s Jos Visit, Calls for United Civil-Military Effort to Restore Lasting Peace

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*Middle Belt Forum Hails Tinubu’s Jos Visit, Calls for United Civil-Military Effort to Restore Lasting Peace

 

The Middle Belt Peace Forum (MBPF) has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his profound demonstration of empathy and responsive leadership following his decision to postpone an official engagement in Iperu in order to visit victims of the recent attacks in Jos.

In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Pastor Bulus Garba, in Jos on Friday, the Forum said the President’s decision to personally identify with grieving communities sends a powerful message of solidarity and reinforces public confidence in the commitment of the Federal Government to the protection of lives and property.

“The Middle Belt Peace Forum warmly commends President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for prioritising compassion over ceremony. At a time of deep sorrow for the people of Plateau State, his decision to visit Jos stands as a mark of true leadership—one that listens, responds, and stands with the people in their moment of pain,” the statement read.

The Forum described the perpetrators of the recent attacks as “cowards who prey on innocent and defenceless citizens,” stressing that such acts of violence are not only inhumane but also a direct assault on the unity and peace of the nation.

“We condemn in the strongest terms the actions of these cowardly attackers whose only aim is to instil fear and destabilise peaceful communities. Their actions must be met with firm and decisive resistance from all arms of the state,” Pastor Garba said.

The MBPF further used the opportunity to salute the courage, gallantry, and sacrifices of the Armed Forces of Nigeria under the leadership of the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, noting that their continued efforts remain central to restoring stability across troubled parts of the country.

According to the Forum, the Armed Forces have demonstrated resilience and professionalism in the face of complex security challenges, often operating under difficult conditions to safeguard communities and defend Nigeria’s territorial integrity.

“We salute the Armed Forces of Nigeria for their unwavering commitment and sacrifices. Their gallantry in confronting criminal elements and reclaiming territories is a testament to their dedication to national service. We recognise that the path to peace is demanding, and we honour those who stand daily in defence of our nation,” the statement added.

The Forum pledged its full support to ongoing military operations and called for strengthened collaboration between security agencies and local communities as a critical factor in achieving lasting peace.

It also urged citizens across the Middle Belt to cooperate with security forces by providing timely information and fostering unity within their communities.

The MBPF, however, expressed concern over the need for greater synergy among security agencies, particularly the role of the Nigeria Police in consolidating gains made by the military.

“We call on the Nigeria Police Force to rise fully to its constitutional responsibility by effectively supporting the Armed Forces in stabilising and securing areas that have been cleared of criminal elements. Holding and policing such territories is essential to preventing a resurgence of violence,” Pastor Garba stated.

The Forum emphasised that sustainable peace requires a coordinated approach in which the military clears and secures areas, while the police maintain law and order to enable displaced communities to return and rebuild their lives.

The MBPF concluded by reiterating its commitment to peacebuilding efforts across the Middle Belt and expressed optimism that with sustained leadership, coordinated security efforts, and active citizen participation, lasting peace can be achieved.

“Together, through unity, vigilance, and collective resolve, we can overcome these challenges and build a safer and more peaceful Middle Belt,” the statement added.

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Governor Dauda Lawal Wins Face of Africa Governor of the Year Award in London

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Governor Dauda Lawal Wins Face of Africa Governor of the Year Award in London

 

Governor Dauda Lawal has been honored with the Outstanding Governor of the Year award by Triangle Media International Magazine.

 

The award was presented during the magazine’s 10th annual lecture and award ceremony, held on Thursday at the Grand Hall of King’s College, London, United Kingdom.

 

According to a statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, the awards recognize public and private sector leaders whose leadership positively impacts governance and service delivery.

 

He added that the lecture, themed “Harnessing the Roles of Nigerians in Diaspora for National Development,” brought together stakeholders from both the public and private sectors.

 

The statement read in part: “Yesterday, in London, Governor Dauda Lawal received the 2026 Face of Africa Leadership Award for Outstanding Governor of the Year.

 

“The 2026 edition coincides with the 10th anniversary of Triangle International Magazine, which has over the years celebrated notable Africans across diverse fields.

 

“The award recognizes the Zamfara State Government under Governor Lawal’s leadership for achieving remarkable milestones in service delivery since his inauguration on 29 May 2023.

 

“The board of Triangle International noted that, despite inheriting an empty treasury, Governor Dauda Lawal has remained true to the Rescue Agenda’s campaign promise: to rescue and rebuild Zamfara.

 

“The award also reflects the state government’s innovative approach to indirectly curbing insecurity through educational advancement, demonstrated by the declaration of a state of emergency in the education sector.

 

“This includes the state government’s swift payment of the outstanding N3.4 billion for WAEC and NECO examinations, as well as the reconstruction and rehabilitation of schools across all 14 Local Government Areas of Zamfara State.

 

“The international magazine finds these initiatives to be strategic interventions toward long-term efforts to make Zamfara State better.”

 

The colourful event was attended by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, and Sahara Group’s Group Managing Director, Kola Adesina, among others.

 

Governor Dauda Lawal Wins Face of Africa Governor of the Year Award in London

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