In the heart of Rome, at the Nigerian Embassy, one name stands out for its unwavering dedication and commitment to Nigerian citizens in Italy—Zakari Larai Mohammed, affectionately known as Hajia. Her story is one of resilience, dedication, and a relentless pursuit of excellence, earning her a reputation that resonates far beyond the walls of the embassy.
A Beacon of Hope
Before her appointment at the Nigerian Embassy in Rome, Hajia was already a figure of admiration and respect, receiving various awards annually for her service to the Nigerian community in Italy. Her journey with the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) began in challenging circumstances. The department was likened to a battlefield, overwhelmed with the struggles of Nigerians trying to obtain their passports. The situation was dire, with frustration and confusion prevailing among the expatriate community.
A New Chapter Begins
Hajia’s appointment marked a turning point. Known for her availability and willingness to address any passport-related issues, she brought a sense of calm and efficiency to the embattled department. Her presence transformed the narrative from one of chaos to one of orderly progress. This significant change did not go unnoticed. Nigerian citizens across Italy began to express their gratitude and appreciation, culminating in numerous awards and accolades for Hajia’s outstanding work.
Recognition and Awards
Since taking on her role, Hajia has been the recipient of an impressive array of awards, a testament to her impact and dedication. In 2022 alone, she received several prestigious honors:
Award of Excellence from Gombi Progress Union: Recognizing her exceptional service and dedication.
Merit Award from Nigeria Union of Udine, Rome: Celebrating her contributions to the Nigerian community in Udine.
Meritorious Award from the Muslim Student Society of Nigeria: Highlighting her commitment to the welfare of Nigerian students.
Certificate of Excellence from Nigeria Noble Women Association Italy: Acknowledging her support and advocacy for Nigerian women in Italy.
Merit Award of Punctuality and Honesty from Obaland Magazine: Commending her integrity and reliability in service.
Award for Best Immigration Officer of the Year 2022 from the International Advocate for Human Rights and Anti-Corruption: Honoring her outstanding performance and dedication to human rights and anti-corruption efforts.
Additionally, she was aculeate for her hard work in helping Nigerians in Italy approach the Immigration Service as if they were dealing with a close relative, reflecting her approachable and supportive nature.
An Unstoppable Force
Hajia’s accolades are not merely ceremonial. They reflect the genuine appreciation and recognition from diverse organizations both in Nigeria and Italy. Her efforts have created a more streamlined, efficient, and responsive Nigerian Immigration Service in Rome, ensuring that citizens receive the assistance they need with dignity and respect.
Her story is a powerful reminder of the impact one dedicated individual can have on an entire community. Zakari Larai Mohammed, through her exemplary service, has set a new standard for excellence in public service, inspiring others to follow in her footsteps.
The Journey Continues
As Hajia continues her mission, the Nigerian community in Italy can rest assured that they have a steadfast advocate in their corner. Her work not only enhances the operations of the Nigerian Embassy but also strengthens the bond between Nigeria and its citizens abroad. Hajia’s legacy of dedication, sacrifice, and excellence will undoubtedly continue to inspire and uplift the Nigerian community for years to come.
In a world where exemplary public service can sometimes seem scarce, Zakari Larai Mohammed stands as a shining example of what true dedication and commitment look like. Her numerous awards and recognitions are well-deserved, reflecting the positive changes she has brought about through her tireless efforts. For the Nigerian citizens in Italy, Hajia is more than a public servant; she is a beacon of hope and a catalyst for positive chang
Dr. Abigail Adesina Olagbaye, CEO Desigo Tourism Development and Facility Management Company Ltd and founder, Sayari Dunia Sustainable Tourism Foundation, a seasoned tourism practitioner with 23 years of experience (out of which 21 years have been in Tourism), has announced her candidacy for President of the Association of Tourism Practitioners of Nigeria (ATPN), the oldest and premier tourism trade Association in Nigeria.
With a proven track record of driving innovation and sustainable growth, Dr. Olagbaye is poised to transform Nigeria’s tourism landscape.
” Her vision is to re-position ATPN as the leading voice for Nigeria’s tourism development,” Dr. Olagbaye stated. “I’m committed to empowering our members with the training, resources, and networking opportunities they need to excel in their careers and elevate industry standards.”
Dr. Olagbaye’s campaign focuses on five key objectives:
– Strengthening Industry Partnerships: Fostering collaborations and alliances that drive growth and development.
– Capacity Building: Providing training, resources and opportunities to enhance professionalism.
– Advocacy: Amplifying the voice of tourism practitioners in Nigeria and beyond.
– Tourism Promotion: Showcasing Nigeria’s hidden gems both domestically and internationally.
– Improved Member Benefits: Enhancing the overall experience for ATPN members.
Additional initiatives to consider include:
– Faith-based International Conference Tourism: Tapping into the MICE potential of faith-based tourism.
– Medical Tourism: Promoting Nigeria as a hub for medical excellence.
– Sports Tourism: Leveraging sports to drive tourism growth.
– Language Training: Enhancing language skills to improve tourist experiences.
– Youth Tourism: creating opportunities for youths to be actively engaged in Tourism leveraging their potentials, talents and energies and enabling them to benefit from the socio-economic opportunities that tourism offers.
– Agro Tourism: Develop agro-tourism as a sub-sector of Tourism through partnerships and collaboration with the ministry of agriculture to ensure regulatory support, international organisations for cross pollination of ideas and knowledge transfer and capacity building, encourage our members to organise more farm stays, rural tours, food tourism events for more authentic experiences. Advocate for infrastructural development for rural roads and other amenities. Collaborate with locals for sustainability and inclusion.
To further enhance Nigeria’s tourism industry, Dr. Olagbaye plans to create robust social media platforms for the association. This will enable people at home and abroad to access tourism companies in Nigeria with international standard websites and social media focusing on major sites.Social media being an essential tool for promoting tourism.
As the pioneer of initiatives like Africa Tourism Climate Action Forum ATCAF and Africa Tourism Day, a nouveaux initiative in Africa which she started in 2020 in collaboration with the African Tourism Board, now in its 5th edition, Dr. Olagbaye has demonstrated her passion for sustainable tourism practices and her ability to drive meaningful change. “I invite fellow tourism practitioners to join me in transforming Nigeria’s tourism landscape,” she concluded.
In a move that underscores her commitment to excellence, Sade Balogun, the mastermind behind Redbrick Homes International Limited and Amen City Ltd, has introduced TIARA Estates and Amen Estate Phase 3, expanding the renowned Amen City in a big way!
Situated in the picturesque Ibeju-Lekki area, Amen City has become synonymous with luxury and elegance. The launch of TIARA and TIARA 2.0 by Amen City Ltd soon after Amen Estate Phase 3 is set to elevate this community to new heights.
With its refined homes and superior amenities, the TIARA series embodies royalty and opulence. Amen Phase 3 enhances the living experience with modern architecture and top-tier facilities.
A nearby hospital at Amen Estate Phase 2 offers swift healthcare access, contributing to residents’ peace of mind. This proximity to medical facilities is especially important in emergencies, ensuring that help is always close by.
A large supermarket within the estate provides convenience for everyday shopping, eliminating the need for long trips to distant markets. The presence of excellent schools nearby ensures quality education for children, making it an ideal location for families. The coastal road that reduces travel time to Victoria Island to under 40 minutes makes Amen City a practical choice for professionals who need to commute to the city.
The estate 24-hour light supply from a dedicated turbine engine ensures uninterrupted power, which is a significant benefit for those seeking reliable energy solutions.
Sade Balogun’s innovative vision has transformed Amen City into a model of luxury living and community development. This expansion marks another milestone in her illustrious career, reinforcing Amen City’s status as a premier investment destination. With her ability to foresee market trends and deliver projects that exceed expectations, Sade Balogun continues to set new standards in Nigerian real estate.
In a world where the bonds of love and faith should transcend earthly judgments, Alhaja Enitanwa Muibat Lanre Shittu finds herself battling not only for justice but for the affirmation of her dignity and place within her late husband’s legacy.
Alhaja Enitanwa, the widow of renowned business mogul Lanre Shittu, faces an overwhelming injustice as she appeals a ruling by the Ifako Ijaiye Customary Court. This court dismissed her case by claiming it lacked the jurisdiction to do so.
This judgment, for Alhaja Enitanwa, represents a painful contradiction. The Ifako Ijaiye Customary Court had been specially designated to hear cases rooted in Islamic law—a foundation of faith and tradition that defined her marriage to her beloved husband. How, then, can this same court deny its duty to preside over the case she brings forward, a case so deeply tied to her faith and rightful place within her family?
At the heart of her appeal is a plea for recognition, not only for herself but for every Muslim woman whose rights are meant to be upheld by the legal protections guaranteed under the 1999 Constitution. Her counsel, Barrister Kayode Ademiluyi, stresses that this Constitution embraces Sharia law as a personal and protected path for Muslims, enshrining the rights of individuals like Alhaja Enitanwa to have their marital bonds honored by the law.
The Customary Court Law of Lagos State further cements these rights. By law, designated courts are empowered to adjudicate in matters of Islamic law—marriage, divorce, and family bonds. Yet, for reasons unknown, the Ifako Ijaiye Customary Court has chosen to ignore this mandate, casting aside the deeply personal matter Alhaja Enitanwa brought to its doors.
She seeks more than validation; she seeks justice. For Alhaja Enitanwa, this appeal is an urgent call for the court to correct a decision that, in its oversight, has left her in limbo, questioning the very foundations of her marriage and her place within a family she holds dear.
Her appeal will journey through the Customary Court of Appeal, a court of immense authority, with the power to oversee customary law matters. Here, the court will have the solemn duty to interpret her case in the spirit of fairness, upholding the principles of religious and personal freedoms granted under Nigerian law. Alhaja Enitanwa’s case is not just about her suffering but about restoring the dignity of every Muslim woman who looks to the law to honour her faith and protect her rights.
Let us remember that at the heart of this case lies a woman—a mother, a widow—whose only desire is to protect the bond she shared with her late husband and to honour the life they built together under Islamic law. Alhaja Enitanwa’s struggle resonates far beyond her plight; it is a struggle for justice, for the rights of Muslim women, and for the values enshrined in the law.