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Visually impaired persons should be included in the society – ANWAB

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Visually impaired persons should be included in the society - ANWAB

Visually impaired persons should be included in the society – ANWAB

By Ifeoma Ikem

Visually impaired persons should be included in the society - ANWAB

 

 

 

The Director of the Anglo-Nigerian Welfare Association For The Blind (ANWAB), Danlami Umaru Basharu and a member of the United Nations Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, say that visually impaired persons should be included in the society in terms of social inclusiveness.

Danlami stated this at the fundraising dinner, and graduation ceremony of the Resource Center for The Blind held at Eko Hotels yesterday.

 

 

 

 

 

He noted that for the visually impaired persons, there’s still a lot to be achieved.

“The only important thing is that government should make sure that there are laws put in place which will be implementable in a way that persons with disabilities can cope with in the society.

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Visually impaired persons should emulate other genius and not being disappointed because of their state.

“We should learn to appreciate the ways and manners which they function and see them as part of the society and not as separate segment of the society, he added.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Danlami stated that the fate of many persons with disabilities is characterized by discrimination, stigmatization, exploitation, and marginalization.

“The society must learn to support parents with persons with disabilities, to love, cherish and care for them, providing whatever they desired.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“The key to independence is to break down the attitudes and environmental barriers that prevent people with disabilities from achieving their full potential,” he added.

Dare Diaro, the General Manager, Lagos state office for disabilities affairs said that visually impaired is a challenge but its not a death sentence or the end of the road adding that to be visually impaired like other disabilities is to discover other abilities of life.

 

 

 

 

 

Diaro explained that ability is available to every human being using himself as an example.

“I could not move around or run like every others it means I had more time on my hand to discover other abilities it really sharpened my skill of becoming a good writer.

 

 

 

 

 

 

“In disabilities there is great potential, we need everyone to assist them in this new journey of life, there are so many impaired persons in the world and Nigeria who are fulfilled in life.

“Many of them went through the training given to them in the resource center and were able to face life challenges.

 

 

 

 

 

 

He said that INEC has been receptive in making the electoral process more inclusive for people with disabilities.

“For example the venue of elections is accessible by physically challenged persons through the awareness programs which is getting better .

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Executive Director of the Resource Center for The Blind, Temitayo Ayinla-Omotola, while giving her remarks said that the event was organized to educate the citizens on how to care for visually-impaired persons.

“We found out that many of this impaired persons find it difficult to associate with people formerly.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“What actually brought about this resource center is that we discovered that a lot of these impaired persons are on the streets begging and some are out of schools.

“Many of the schools that were available for them are of Christian based and those of the Muslim religion would not let their children go into this Christian schools no matter what we do.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“So we came up with resource center to include both faith and also the teaching of Arabic and Quran knowledge with those of Christian faith so that everybody could be rehabilitated, trained and become useful to themselves in the future.

“I wish the graduating students today the best in their future endeavors . Some of them participated in the currently concluded Jamb, some are going up to the universities and some are going back into inclusive schools.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

” The training they got from us will help them, the sky is their limit and like what we always tell them don’t let anyone intimidate you that you can’t be who you want to be”.

She said that in the resource center they can study any area of science and mathematics.

 

 

 

 

 

 

“The reason they are not able to study science’s is because the resources are not accessible and available with the support of you all we hope that we will achieve our goals.

Also it is not a question of generosity it’s a question of including them and creating an enabling environment both in government, politics and society. Alone we can do nothing but together we can make a difference .

 

 

 

 

 

 

However, she stated that the Centre, has a capacity for 16 residential visually impaired students and 40 day students, provides flexible and customized programs suited for the need of each student.

One of the graduands, a 21years old Ahmad Olashide said he gives God the glory for making him to be a part of today’s graduation.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

He also stated that before he came to resources center he once found it hard to identify some things and could not make use of his hand for signs.

“I chose to study mass communication in school because I love the way they speak and sound, the course is interesting and i pray that God Almighty will continue to bless and support the center.

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Tinubu Takes Quick Steps To Help Niger Flood Victims, Assures Unwavering Support

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“More Will Jump Ship”: Tinubu Predicts Mass Defections to APC Ahead of 2027

Tinubu Takes Quick Steps To Help Niger Flood Victims, Assures Unwavering Support

 

 

 

Sahara Weekly Reports That In a heartfelt message released on Saturday, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu conveyed his deep concern and unwavering support for the people of Mokwa Local Government Area in Niger State, who have been severely impacted by recent floods that claimed lives and displaced families.

 

Tinubu Takes Quick Steps To Help Niger Flood Victims, Assures Unwavering Support

 

The President, in a personally signed statement, expressed his condolences to the affected families and the entire people of Niger State. “I have received with deep concern the distressing reports of severe flooding in Mokwa Local Government Area of Niger State, which has resulted in the tragic loss of lives and the displacement of families,” the statement read. “I extend my heartfelt condolences to the affected families and the good people of Niger State at this difficult time.”

 

 

Demonstrating proactive leadership, President Tinubu disclosed that he had immediately directed the activation of the National Emergency Response Centre and engaged the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) for a detailed briefing on the disaster’s scale and the urgent humanitarian needs. “Search-and-rescue operations are ongoing, and all relevant federal agencies have been mobilized to support the state government’s efforts,” he assured.

 

 

In a show of solidarity and compassion, President Tinubu emphasized that relief materials and temporary shelter assistance were already being deployed, ensuring that no Nigerian affected by the disaster would be left behind or neglected. “I assure all those impacted that your government stands with you,” he declared. “We will continue to coordinate with the Niger State Government to ensure a swift, coordinated, and compassionate response, one that prioritizes lives, restores dignity and accelerates recovery.”

 

 

The President also called on all Nigerians to stand united in prayer and support for their fellow citizens in Mokwa, highlighting the nation’s collective resilience and humanity during such trying times. “In times of adversity, we draw strength from our unity, resilience, and shared humanity,” he reminded.

 

 

Furthermore, President Tinubu directed security agencies to assist in emergency efforts, while tasking NEMA and the National Emergency Response Centre with ongoing coordination and timely updates to the nation.

 

 

Through this compassionate message and prompt action, President Tinubu reaffirmed his commitment to the safety and well-being of all Nigerians, especially in moments of tragedy. His words and actions underscore a government determined to leave no one behind, standing by its people when they need it most.

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THE AFRICOM COMMANDER – By Chief Femi Fani-Kayode

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THE AFRICOM COMMANDER - By Chief Femi Fani-Kayode

THE AFRICOM COMMANDER – By Chief Femi Fani-Kayode

 

The man in the picture is General Michael E. Langley. He is an American—a four-star General in the United States Marine Corps and the current Commander of the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM).

 

THE AFRICOM COMMANDER - By Chief Femi Fani-Kayode

 

To Pan-Africanists and true African nationalists, this man is not a friend. He is not an ally. He is an agent of Western imperialism—a willing instrument in the hands of those who seek to dominate, suppress, and exploit Africa. He represents a force that is determined to bleed us dry, discredit our leaders, and crush any progressive movement that emerges on this continent.

 

 

Recently, he called for the removal and elimination of Captain Ibrahim Traoré, the Head of State of Burkina Faso, accusing him of misappropriating the gold meant for his people. This is not the first time he has interfered in African affairs. He has repeatedly criticized African leaders and tried to discredit their efforts—unless, of course, they serve the interests of the CIA or bow to Western demands.

 

 

Langley only seems comfortable with African leaders who serve as puppets—those who tremble before Washington and parrot Western scripts. He has no regard for those who speak truth to power or strive for genuine African autonomy.

 

 

When the story of Africa’s journey is written, General Langley’s name will be remembered with shame and contempt. His legacy will be one of betrayal—a modern-day Quisling. He will be grouped with characters like Vidkun Quisling, the Norwegian traitor who collaborated with the Nazis; Kemi Badenoch, the British Conservative politician who denies her African roots; and “Uncle Tom,” the infamous fictional symbol of servility.

 

 

Despite his previous distasteful comments, Langley continues to spew provocative nonsense. During a television interview on Kenya’s Citizen TV on May 27th, he arrogantly declared:

 

“I have talked to a number of Ministers of Defence and Presidents and told them we were assessing. If we are that important to you, you need to communicate that and we will see.”

 

This statement reeks of arrogance and entitlement. After facing backlash from millions of Africans for meddling in our affairs, he still has the audacity to lecture us—talking down to sovereign nations as though we are schoolchildren begging for approval.

 

 

Who exactly does he think he is? Who gave him the right to assess us? Who invited him to Africa? What purpose has AFRICOM served in Africa other than spreading destabilization and discord?

 

 

In Nigeria, we have battled terrorism for over 15 years—fighting deadly insurgent groups like Boko Haram, Al Qaeda, and ISWAP. We reached out, time and again, for assistance and cooperation. But the U.S., under Langley’s command, turned its back on us. No meaningful military support. No satellite intelligence. No access to advanced weapons. Only empty words, lectures, and interference.

 

 

Instead of helping us, they have tried to weaken, undermine, and shame us. AFRICOM, under Langley’s leadership, has done nothing but feed chaos and exploit the resulting instability to justify its own presence.

 

 

They apply a familiar tactic—the Hegelian Dialectic: create the problem, observe the reaction, and then offer themselves as the solution. It’s a well-worn imperialist script. As British author David Icke aptly put it, it’s the “Problem-Reaction-Solution” formula used by Western powers to manipulate and subdue the Global South.

 

 

Let’s be clear: the West—and men like Langley—are the root of Africa’s suffering. We do not need their presence. We do not need their conditional aid, veiled threats, or false promises. We do not need their hypocrisy.

 

 

We need General Langley like we need poison. Like we need Ebola. Like we need AIDS, COVID, and cancer rolled into one. We need AFRICOM in Africa like we need cockroaches and rats in our homes.

 

 

Africa is no longer your playground. No longer your slave girl to be raped, plundered, and tossed aside. We are rising. We are finding our voice. We will choose our own leaders, solve our own problems, and forge our own path.

 

 

So take your occupying forces and leave. Pack your arrogance and imperialist agenda—and never come back.

 

 

We remember what you did to Patrice Lumumba, Thomas Sankara, Sylvanus Olympio, Kwame Nkrumah, Muammar Gaddafi, Gamal Abdel Nasser, Laurent Gbagbo, Murtala Mohammed, Jerry Rawlings, Ahmed Ben Bella, Robert Mugabe, Nelson Mandela, and countless others.

 

 

We remember how you undermined ECOMOG, destroyed North Africa and the Sahel, fueled terrorism in East Africa, and empowered the Boers in Southern Africa. We remember it all.

 

 

The blood of our heroes cries out for justice, and our continent now stands ready. We are done with foreign domination. We are done with puppets. We are done with silence.

 

 

In the name of God, go—and let Africa become the continent of greatness and dignity that it was always destined to be.

 

About the Author:

THE AFRICOM COMMANDER - By Chief Femi Fani-Kayode

Chief Femi Fani-Kayode is the Sadaukin Shinkafi and Wakilin Doka Potiskum. He is a lawyer, a former Minister of Culture and Tourism, and a former Minister of Aviation in Nigeria.

(https://femifanikayode.org/the-africom-commander-by-chief-femi-fani-kayode/)

 

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Islamic Group Slams Display of Alcohol, Indecent Dressing at Zamfara Governor’s Second-Term Anniversary Celebration

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Hadejia: Gov Lawal Given 48 Hours to Apologise, Resign for Deceiving Nigerians

 

A prominent Islamic organisation in Zamfara has strongly condemned the events that characterised the celebration of Governor Dauda Lawal’s second year in office.

In a statement released to journalists in Gusau on Friday, the Zamfara Ulama Defence Forum (ZUDF) expressed deep concern over what it termed “an orchestrated reintroduction of vices” into a state widely known for its commitment to Islamic law and traditional values.

According to the group, the anniversary event held in the state capital, featured musical performances accompanied by skimpily dressed female dancers, and the open consumption of alcoholic beverages — acts considered unacceptable under Islamic law and cultural norms in Zamfara.

The president of the group, Sheikh Bashir Mu’azu Marafa, said the scenes that unfolded at the celebration were “unthinkable” in a state that pioneered the implementation of Sharia law in Nigeria.

“It is both unfortunate and shameful that on the second-term anniversary of a sitting governor in a core Islamic state like Zamfara, alcohol was served, and women of questionable character were paraded on public stages in revealing clothes,” the statement reads.

“This is a clear departure from the values we hold dear as a people. Zamfara has long stood as a model for Islamic governance in Nigeria. What happened during that event is nothing short of a betrayal of the trust of the people who expected better from their leaders.”

Sheikh Marafa, a respected Islamic scholar in the state, noted that the presence of entertainers on stage with female dancers dressed in body-fitted attire and short skirts would have been enough to spark outrage in any conservative society, let alone in a state like Zamfara where modesty is a fundamental value.

“Zamfara is not Las Vegas. It is a land of honour, a land of religious discipline. For these kinds of immoral scenes to be playing out in broad daylight under the watch of our leaders is a disgrace,” the Islamic cleric said.

The group warned that the incident could signal a dangerous shift that undermines the efforts of Islamic clerics, scholars, and moral reformers who have worked tirelessly to preserve the values of modesty, morality, and spiritual uprightness in the state.

“What message are we sending to our children and the next generation when those at the top are encouraging moral decay in the name of celebration. If this is what the next four years hold, then Zamfara is on a fast path to losing its identity,” he added.

ZUDF also called on Islamic clerics across the state to speak out against what it described as “the creeping secularisation of Zamfara under Governor Lawal’s administration,” adding that silence from religious leaders at this time would amount to complicity.

“We cannot remain silent and watch Zamfara turn into a hub of entertainment and sin. This is a time for the righteous to raise their voices. We are calling on the governor to offer a public apology for this embarrassment and make a clear commitment to restoring the moral sanctity of public events in the state,” the group added.

The forum urged the state house of assembly, traditional institutions, and community-based organisations to demand accountability from the governor and his team over the coordination and content of the celebration.

“Leadership must be guided by wisdom and humility. The optics of that event were poor and have sparked dismay across the Muslim community not just in Zamfara, but across the north,” the statement added.

The group expressed appreciation to members of the public who raised concerns on social media, especially young people in the state who, it said, were “more conscious of what is right and wrong than the officials entrusted with setting the moral tone”.

“The Zamfara Ulama Defence Forum remains committed to protecting the moral integrity of our communities. We will continue to hold those in authority to account, and we will not stop speaking out against actions that threaten our values and identity as a people.”

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