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I Represent Women Who Aspire for Leadership and Power -Female Islamic Scholar, Alhaja Kafilat Kaola

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I Represent Women Who Aspire for Leadership and Power

Female Islamic Scholar, Alhaja Kafilat Kaola

 

Despite the challenges she faces regularly as a female custodian of Islamic knowledge, empowering voices of women in Islamic and social activities, Alhaja Kafilat Rufai a.k.a. Kaola has continued to play vital roles in advancing the Muslim community in Nigeria. The Ibadan, Oyo State born religious leader, who encourages women to take up their assigned roles in the male-dominated society, is not only a great scholar, but is also a charitable woman. This strong, resilient and intelligent woman who had authority in a number of areas, speaks in this interview about her mission and vision for Islam, as well as secrets around her life. Enjoy…

 

Tell us the secret behind the popularity of your name, Kaola.

Our elders say, the bigger the head the bigger the challenge. In meaning, the more the wealth the more the responsibilities. On that note, I would give glory to God almighty for standing by me always. He has never for once disappointed me because I have always walked in His path.

 

How do you feel when people talk about you or mention you in controversial issues?

It does not move me. My system has been immune to controversies since I was a teenager. My father had warned me of the challenges I would encounter in the future because I was destined to be a great person in life. He said I would face challenges but no matter how demanding the challenges are, he said I would be undefeated. So, I naturally am not bothered by the noise about me because they have been predicted.

 

How do you deal with controversy when they happen?

I take the noises with calmness. And I have noticed that when the noises are happening, Allah blesses me the most. I begin to attract more wealth, it brings me more honour, and peace of the mind. You can call it a blessing in disguise.

 

Many people see Alhaja Kaola in different lights. Tell us about yourself.

I give all thanks to Allah. I am Alhaja Kafilat Kaola, a young woman who was born at Imodapomola compound in Oke Are, Ibadan, Oyo State.  I am from a core Muslim family, Illiyasu Bodija. I was born of past generations of Muslim scholars who practiced Islam and adhered to its fundamental beliefs and practices. Never at a time did my forebears practiced any other faith than Islam. My ancestral origin was Senegal. My ancestors were Muslims who migrated from Senegal to the old Oyo. From Oyo, they moved to Iseyin. From Iseyin, the Ibadan natives specifically invited them to settle down with Islam. My biological father was the late Chief Imam of Ibadanland, Sheikh Abdulkareem Ahmad Rufai. So, I was born a Muslim. I did not jump into it. I take pride in my noble background.

 

Will it be right to say that your ancestors introduced Islam to Ibadan or Yorubaland?

When talking about great Muslim scholars in Nigeria, my family would be mentioned. My grandfather, Sheikh Ahmad Rufai, was the first Mufty in Nigeria, who was authorized to interpret Islamic laws. He was honoured with the title in Egypt based on the endorsement by top Islamic scholars from northern Nigeria.

 

How should you be addressed? Are you  also an Alfa, just as male scholars are known?

Yes, I should be addressed as Alfa because I am an Alfa. There’s nothing a man can do that a woman cannot do. If you have been following me, you would have realized that I do almost everything that a man does. And men give me recognition for it. Alhamdulillah.

 

 

In Islam, women are not supposed to do certain things like men…

Cuts in… In Islam, women are not considered inferior to men. Islam treats women equally. The holy book, Al-Qur’an, says men and women have similar rights. Although, men are placed in a vantage point. Besides, in the field I’m in, many of my fellow women do not have the opportunity to be there.  Women are just coming up actively to advocate for their rights in a society where men hold greater power and influence. I want to appreciate Allah for the opportunity given me to represent fellow women who are aspiring to take their rightful place in the society and enjoy the same privilege I’m enjoying.

 

Would you like to share  with us a personal challenge that bothers you, if any?

The only challenge that I nurse which is personal is my marital life. It has not been without issues.   As a believer of Allah, I am overly trusting in people and I consider this as my greatest weakness. The men I trusted with love often became a curse to my life. Loving men has always led to disappointment and even harm for me. But I take solace in the fact that God does not grant man everything in life. He does as He wishes.

 

Tell us about the preparations for this year’s Hajj travel.

We are 100 percent ready for the 2025 hajj. All the necessary travel documents of our pilgrims are ready. We are using three airlines for the trip this year. We have Turkish Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines and Kenyan Airlines. My pilgrims, including me, are flying from the Murtala Muhammed International Airport on the same day, by the special grace of God. And with all the packages, which include flight ticket, accommodation, transportation, and even additional services like meals or guidance, I, Alhaja Kafilat, collected N8.8 million, which is the same price collected by the state government for this year’s hajj. For a private company like ours, this year’s pilgrims are supposed to pay N14 million.

 

What are the unusual challenges that you encounter coordinating a hajj trip every year?

Since close to two decades that the Almighty Allah has set up Kaolat Al-Imam Travels and Tours Limited, we have not had any challenges too overwhelming to overcome. We have passed a stage where people who patronize us would have complaints over travel documents. People come to us from all over Nigeria, France and other places. Sometimes, we would beg people who sent us money to identify themselves. I’m happy to tell you that some people have even deposited money for the 2026 year’s hajj because we have had our complete numbers of pilgrims for this year. Although, it has not been all smooth; my personality and businesses have been attacked on several occasions but Allah has been faithful to us. I do not take that for granted.

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Police Officers Detained as Family Property Dispute Sparks Demolition Controversy in Lagos

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Police Officers Detained as Family Property Dispute Sparks Demolition Controversy in Lagos By Ifeoma Ikem

Police Officers Detained as Family Property Dispute Sparks Demolition Controversy in Lagos

By Ifeoma Ikem

 

A property dispute within the Omotayo-Ojo family has taken a dramatic turn following a controversial demolition exercise at a residential building in Ikosi-Ketu, Lagos State, which reportedly left tenants displaced and led to the detention of some police officers allegedly involved in the operation.

 

 

The property, located at 23B Loveall Street, Ikosi-Ketu, has been the subject of a prolonged ownership tussle since the death of its owner, Chief Oludola Omotayo Ojo, the Babaalaje of Imesi-Ile, Osun State, in 2019.
Residents said tension erupted when a group of individuals, accompanied by security operatives, stormed the premises and commenced demolition activities.

 

 

According to eyewitnesses, portions of the building were pulled down while tenants rushed to salvage their belongings from affected apartments.

 

 

The residents alleged that windows, doors and roofing sheets were damaged during the exercise, exposing parts of the building to the elements and causing significant losses to occupants.

 

 

At the centre of the dispute is Mrs Mojisola Omotayo Ojo Alolagbe, who claimed that the property was allocated to her by her late father during his lifetime as a source of financial support.

 

She alleged that some family members had persistently challenged her ownership claim despite ongoing legal proceedings relating to the administration of the deceased’s estate.
Alolagbe further claimed that the latest incident was part of a series of attempts to wrest control of the property, citing previous cases of alleged vandalism and partial demolition in November 2025, January 2026 and February 2026.

 

 

The situation escalated further when reports emerged that police officers allegedly involved in the demolition were later apprehended and conveyed in a Black Maria vehicle over questions surrounding the legality of their participation in the operation.

 

Sources familiar with the matter said those behind the demolition had initially claimed to be acting on approval from the Lagos State Ministry of Lands. However, the authenticity and extent of such approval could not be independently verified as of the time of filing this report.

 

 

The development has generated concern among residents and community members, who questioned the involvement of security personnel in what they described as a civil matter.

 

 

Some tenants, who said they had recently renewed their tenancy agreements, lamented the destruction of their property and appealed to the authorities for protection and possible compensation.

 

They also called for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the demolition, insisting that the rights of all parties involved should be protected.
Stakeholders have urged the Lagos State Government, security agencies and the judiciary to intervene and ensure that the dispute is resolved through lawful means to prevent further escalation.

 

 

The controversy has continued to draw public attention, raising concerns over property rights, estate administration and the role of law enforcement agencies in civil disputes.

 

Police Officers Detained as Family Property Dispute Sparks Demolition Controversy in Lagos

By Ifeoma Ikem

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UKA Gears Up for Final ATC Exchangeability Test Run as June Preparations Begin

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UKA Gears Up for Final ATC Exchangeability Test Run as June Preparations Begin.

May 30, 2026 – As the month of June gathers momentum, the *United Kingdom of Atlantis, UKA*, a sovereign nation has unveiled a series of vital guidelines and preparatory packages to ensure citizens and stakeholders run the *ATC Exchangeability* process effectively.

In an official update, the *President of Atlantic Crown Limited, Empress of Attica Empire UKA*, confirmed that the *Final Test Run of ATC Exchangeability* is scheduled for the month of June 2026. The exercise marks a key phase ahead of the *Official Exchangeability Window, set to run from July 2026 to February 2027*.

### Key Highlights from the Presidential Briefing
1. *Final Test Run – June 2026*
The test run is designed to validate systems, procedures, and user readiness before full activation. Citizens, partners, and designated participants are urged to follow all official advisories released by UKA authorities during this period.

2. *Official Exchangeability Period*
Following the successful completion of the June test run, the Official Exchangeability will commence in july 2026 and we are Expecting Full Exchange ability between July Ending, 2026 to February 2026.

UKA stated that detailed schedules, eligibility requirements, and step-by-step instructions will be communicated progressively through verified UKA channels.

3. *Benefiting Packages for June*
In line with UKA’s commitment to citizen empowerment, the month of June will feature “benefiting packages” aimed at education, preparation, and seamless onboarding. These packages are intended to equip the people of UKA with the knowledge and tools needed for effective participation.

4. *Commitment to Transparency*
Addressing the nation, the Empress of Attica Empire UKA emphasized:
_“Final Test Run of ATC Comes up in The Month of June, As We Prepare For The Official Exchangeability, Between July 2026 To Feb 2027. All Information Will Be Communicated.”_
UKA reaffirmed that only information released through official UKA platforms should be regarded as authoritative.

The United Kingdom of Atlantis is encouraging all citizens, representatives, and interested parties to remain alert to official communications, attend designated orientation sessions, and avoid unofficial sources. UKA’s dedication to order, clarity, and the collective benefit of its people as the nation moves into this significant phase.

For updates, advisories, and participation guidelines, citizens are advised to monitor official UKA communication channels.

United Kingdom of Atlantis, UKA, is a sovereign nation, committed to national development, citizen welfare, and structured economic participation through initiatives such as ATC Exchangeability.

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Three Years On, General Buratai Hails Tinubu’s Economic, Security Achievements

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Three Years On, General Buratai Hails Tinubu’s Economic, Security Achievements

 

 

Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (retd.), has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as bold economic reforms and improved security efforts as the President marks three years in office.

 

 

 

 

In a goodwill message on Thursday to commemorate Tinubu’s third anniversary as President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Buratai said the administration had taken courageous decisions that would leave a lasting impact on Nigeria’s development.

 

 

 

According to him, President Tinubu broke a long-standing cycle that had hindered national growth by removing fuel subsidy and implementing foreign exchange reforms aimed at stabilising the naira and strengthening the economy.

 

 

 

 

He noted that the reforms were beginning to yield positive results, citing the global acceptance of Nigerian debit cards, the gradual revival of local refineries, access to student loans, and ongoing road and infrastructure projects across the country.

 

 

 

“The FCT Administration has also recorded remarkable progress, completing major road projects that remained unfinished for over 16 years,” Buratai stated.

 

 

 

The former army chief also praised the administration’s security efforts, saying renewed military offensives against insurgents, terrorists and bandits had led to notable successes across various parts of the country.

 

 

 

He specifically lauded recent joint operations involving Nigerian and United States forces against Boko Haram and ISWAP in the North-East, as well as intensified counter-banditry operations in the North-West.

 

 

 

 

“We have seen notorious ISWAP commanders being neutralised. I congratulate the Commander-in-Chief, the Minister of Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff, the Service Chiefs, the Inspector-General of Police and heads of intelligence agencies for their efforts,” he said.

 

 

 

 

Buratai, however, acknowledged that challenges remained, stressing the need for more aggressive military operations and intelligence-driven strategies in the coming year.

 

 

 

 

While urging Nigerians to remain hopeful, he said celebrating the President’s achievements did not amount to ignoring the difficulties facing the nation.

 

 

 

 

“Because you truly care, you have shown the courage to trade short-term comfort for long-term hope. Nigerians need your reassurances, and that is why we remain optimistic and full of confidence,” he added.

The retired military officer reaffirmed his support for the Tinubu administration and expressed confidence that the foundation being laid by the government would deliver a brighter future for the country.

 

He also prayed for God’s guidance, wisdom, strength and good health for the President as he continues to lead Nigeria.

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