society
Edo Agog as 40th Day Fidau Prayer Holds for Hajia Maimuna Umoru
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.
society
Tinubu Seeks Nigerians Forgiveness During Ramadan, Calls for National Reconciliation
Tinubu Seeks Nigerians Forgiveness During Ramadan, Calls for National Reconciliation
By George Omagbemi Sylvester | Published by SaharaWeeklyNG
“At State House Tafsir in Abuja, President urges unity, tolerance, and prayers for stability as he reaffirms commitment to tackling Nigeria’s economic and security challenges.”
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appealed to Nigerians for forgiveness over any perceived wrongdoing, urging citizens to embrace reconciliation and unity during the holy month of Ramadan.
Speaking during a Ramadan Tafsir held at the State House in Abuja, the President said, “If I have sinned against you, forgive me as Nigerians,” stressing the importance of forgiveness, tolerance, and national cohesion.
Tinubu noted that Ramadan represents a period of spiritual reflection, self-discipline, and compassion, calling on Nigerians to use the season to promote peace and mutual understanding across religious and ethnic divides.
The President also encouraged citizens to pray for the nation’s stability and progress, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to addressing economic and security challenges facing the country.
The Ramadan Tafsir, an annual religious gathering attended by government officials, Islamic scholars, and dignitaries, forms part of activities marking the fasting period observed by Muslims worldwide.
society
You Against Crime Founder Tayo Folorunsho Praises Winners of Abuja Schools Festival.
You Against Crime Founder Tayo Folorunsho Praises Winners of Abuja Schools Festival.
Abuja, Nigeria – The maiden edition of the You Against Crime – Schools Festival 2026 Grand Finale has concluded, marking a significant milestone in youth engagement and crime prevention efforts across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The event, held at the University of Abuja, brought together 78 secondary schools from the six Area Councils of Abuja, with the top six schools competing in the Grand Finale.
*Winners Emerge*
Tudunwada School, Bwari took the top spot, followed closely by The Golden Crest Royal in second place, and Government Secondary School, Kuje in third.
*CULTURE, THE CURE FOR CRIME*
The festival’s theme, “Culture, The Cure for Crime,” highlighted the importance of values, identity, mentorship, and positive engagement in preventing crime and shaping responsible citizenship among young people.
*DISTINGUISHED GUEST SPEAKERS*
Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, Chairman, Amnesty International, praised the initiative, saying, “This festival is a beacon of hope for our young people, promoting values and principles that can shape a brighter future for Nigeria.”
Aisha Mohammed, Head of Enlightenment & Re-orientation, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, emphasized the importance of mentorship, stating, “Empowering young people with the right guidance and opportunities is key to preventing crime and building a stronger nation.”
*PARTNERSHIP AND SUPPORT*
The 2026 Grand Finale Edition was proudly sponsored by Civicx Technology Ltd Int’l, reinforcing a shared commitment to youth empowerment and crime prevention through cultural reorientation and innovation.
Tayo Folorunsho, Host & Founder, You Against Crime International, addressing the media and appealed to government agencies to support initiatives like this, targeting young minds early.
You Against Crime International is a movement advocating cultural change as a long-term solution to crime. The organization remains committed to advancing youth development, civic responsibility, and nation-building across Nigeria.
society
TICP Customs Launches Paperless Regime, Warns Against False Declarations
TICP Customs Launches Paperless Regime, Warns Against False Declarations
The Customs Area Controller of Tin Can Island Port Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Comptroller Frank Onyeka, has launched a roadmap for the full implementation of a paperless regime at the command.
Onyeka disclosed this during a press briefing in Lagos, stating that the command was fully prepared for seamless digital operations ahead of the nationwide rollout scheduled for the second quarter of the year.
He described the engagement as the first in a series of consultations aimed at sensitising stakeholders on the strategies, operational framework and expectations under the new regime.
The controller commended the media for its constructive reportage since his assumption of office and sought continued collaboration to ensure the success of the initiative.
Presenting the command’s performance report, Onyeka said the Tin Can Island Command generated ₦609 billion in revenue in 2025, describing it as the highest in the history of the command.
He added that revenue collection rose from ₦116 billion recorded in January of the previous year to ₦145 billion in the corresponding period last month, representing an increase of over ₦29.9 billion.
Onyeka stated that his vision was to make the command known for trade efficiency, explaining that under the paperless regime, containers would be released without physical contact between Customs officers and clearing agents, provided declarations were accurate.
He credited the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, for providing the leadership and strategic direction driving modernisation efforts across Customs formations nationwide.
The controller urged stakeholders to avoid false declarations and engage directly with the command to resolve concerns, emphasising that transparency and dialogue were essential to achieving efficient port operations.
He assured that consignments with clear scanning results and proper documentation would be released promptly, while those flagged by the risk management system would undergo physical examination, adding that the command would continue to collaborate with other agencies to reduce cargo dwell time and enhance port efficiency.
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