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Zaria Mosque Collapse: National Ear Care Centre’s CMD condoles victims’ families, Zazzau Emirate

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Zaria Mosque Collapse: National Ear Care Centre's CMD condoles victims' families, Zazzau Emirate

Zaria Mosque Collapse: National Ear Care Centre’s CMD condoles victims’ families, Zazzau Emirate

 

 

The management of the National Ear Care Centre, Kaduna, on Thursday, condoled with the Zazzau Emirate Council, following the collapsed of the 150-year-old Zaria Central Mosque which claimed no fewer than 12 lives and seven other Muslims faithful injured.

 

 

 

It will be recall that a section of the 150-year-old mosque collapsed around 4pm on Friday while worshippers were praying Since the incident on August 11, 2023, many had throoged to commiserate with the Zazzau Emirate Council as well as families of victims of the collapsed Mosque in the ancient city of Zaria.

 

 

 

Zaria Mosque Collapse: National Ear Care Centre's CMD condoles victims' families, Zazzau Emirate

 

 

Among the early callers were the state governor, Senator Uba Sani where in donated over N8m to families of the deceased as well as those that sustained injuries during the incident.

The Chief Medical Director of the National Ear Care Centre, Dr Mustapha Abubakar Yaro, leading other management team, paid a condolence visit to the Emir of Zazzau, Ambassador Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, on Thursday in the ancient city of Zaria, Kaduna State.

Also in the team that accompanied the CMD are: The Head of Clinical Services, Dr Shaheed B Nasir, Director Administration of the Center, Malam Aliyu Rani, the Public Relations officer, Malam Ahamed Tahir, Personal Assistant to the Medical Director, Muhktar S Nuhu, and Special Assistant to the Medical Director Malama Maryam Ibrahim.

The CMD expressed grief over the collapse mosque, describing the incident as tragic.
Yaro also prayed for the families that lost the lives as well as prayed for speedy recovery of those who sustained injuries during the unfortunate incident.
According to him, “It is with deep sorrow that we learned about the collapse of a part of the mosque, resulting in the loss of precious lives and leaving several others injured.

“In the same vein, the Management tender its condolence to his Highness on the passing away of Alhaji Tukur Yero and Sarkin Shanun Zazzau, Alhaji Salisu Muhammadu May Allah SWT grant them Jannatul Firdausi. Amen. “May He grant strength and patience to the families of the deceased, and may He grant complete healing to those who are recovering from their injuries.”

In his remarks, the Emir of Zazzau, who is also the Chairman of the Kaduna State Traditional Council, thanked the Chief Medical Director and his team for the visit and standing by the people of the Emirate, the state and the Muslim Ummah(community) during the triying periods. Bamalli also commended the National Ear Care Centre for its outstanding work and quest to save lives. ENDS…

Sahara weekly online is published by First Sahara weekly international. contact saharaweekly@yahoo.com

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Ondo Tension: Youths Burn Ifon Police Station Over Death of Man in Custody

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Ondo Tension: Youths Burn Ifon Police Station Over Death of Man in Custody

Ondo Tension: Youths Burn Ifon Police Station Over Death of Man in Custody

Violence erupted in Ifon Community, Ose Local Government Area of Ondo State, as enraged youths set fire to the Divisional Police Station on Saturday following the death of a man, identified only as Tobi, in police custody.

The chaos began on Friday, during a Valentine’s Day celebration, when two youth groups in the community clashed. Police arrested Tobi and another individual in connection with the fight. By Saturday morning, news broke that Tobi had died in custody, sparking outrage among his friends and community members.

In retaliation, a mob stormed the police station, chased out officers, and set the building ablaze. The group then moved to the residence of the individual who initially reported the case to the police and torched his house as well.

Ondo State Police Public Relations Officer, Mrs. Funmilayo Odunlami, confirmed the incident in a statement on Sunday. She disclosed that the state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Wilfred Afolabi, had visited the scene to assess the damage and ordered a full investigation into the events that led to Tobi’s death and the violent aftermath.

“Preliminary reports indicate that the incident began on February 15, 2025, when a dispute between two families escalated into a public fight. One of the young men involved, Tobi Bobade, was brought to the station by Mr. Losilosi, appearing weak. He was rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment but was later pronounced dead,” Odunlami stated.

The commissioner condemned the arson attack on the station, emphasizing that such lawlessness would not be tolerated. “A mob, led by the deceased’s father, attacked the station, causing significant damage to the administrative office, DPO’s office, the station store, and two exhibit vehicles. Fortunately, no lives were lost as security personnel called for reinforcements to secure the area,” she added.

During his visit, CP Afolabi met with the Chairman of the Ose Local Government Area, community leaders, and stakeholders to express condolences to the family of the deceased. He also assured the public that all those responsible for the violent attack would face the full weight of the law.

The commissioner urged calm and warned residents against taking the law into their own hands. “Investigations are ongoing, and further updates will be provided as they progress,” Odunlami concluded.

The incident has thrown Ifon into turmoil, with heightened security measures now in place to prevent further violence.

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NLC vs Telecom Tariff Hike: NSCDC Deploys Troops, Warns of National Security Threat as Labour Vows to Fight On

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NLC vs Telecom Tariff Hike: NSCDC Deploys Troops, Warns of National Security Threat as Labour Vows to Fight On

NLC vs Telecom Tariff Hike: NSCDC Deploys Troops, Warns of National Security Threat as Labour Vows to Fight On

Tensions are running high as the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has warned the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) against its planned March 1 shutdown of telecommunications services over the recent 50% tariff hike. The NSCDC announced it has deployed operatives nationwide to protect telecom base stations and prevent any disruptions during the protest.

The NLC has vowed to press ahead with its plan to shut down the operations of major telecom providers like MTN, Airtel, and Glo unless the Nigerian Communications Commission reverses the price hike by February’s end. The union has also directed Nigerians to boycott telecom services from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily until further notice, citing a breach of public trust by the operators.

NSCDC spokesperson Babawale Afolabi, in a chat with The PUNCH on Sunday, stressed that any disruption to telecom services could expose the country to increased criminal activities and compromise national security. “The NSCDC will not allow any action that could jeopardize the nation’s security. We are on red alert, and any illegal activity during the protest will be dealt with according to the law,” Afolabi warned.

A nationwide deployment of NSCDC personnel, including undercover and intelligence officers, has been ordered to maintain round-the-clock surveillance at telecom facilities. The agency cited credible intelligence suggesting that hoodlums could hijack the protest, using it as an opportunity for vandalism and looting.

Meanwhile, the Private Telecommunications and Communications Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PTECSSAN) and the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) have criticized the NLC’s plan. PTECSSAN Secretary-General Abdullahi Okonu argued that the tariff hike is necessary due to rising operational costs, including the removal of fuel subsidies. “The NLC acted in error by not consulting our union before making decisions,” Okonu said.

ATCON President Tony Emoekpere echoed the sentiment, calling the planned shutdown “misguided.” “This is an industry-wide challenge, not just a labour issue. Resorting to such drastic actions will only harm the economy,” he explained.

However, NLC leaders remain defiant. Lagos State NLC Chairperson Funmi Sessi dismissed the NSCDC’s warnings as intimidation tactics. “No one can threaten us! This is about our commonwealth. If necessary, we will shut down electricity too. Let them do their worst,” she declared.

The NLC maintains that the tariff increase represents a betrayal of public trust, given the government’s earlier agreement to review the proposed hike before any implementation. The union also slammed the government for failing to protect citizens from corporate exploitation.

As the standoff intensifies, the NSCDC is calling for dialogue to avoid any potential disruption. “Dialogue remains the best solution, and we hope organized labour will listen to reason,” Afolabi added.

With both sides digging in, the nation braces for potential unrest in the coming days.

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Canada Owes an Apology: Visa Denial of Nigeria’s Defence Chief, Military Leaders Sparks Diplomatic Row By Olayemi Esan

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Canada Owes an Apology: Visa Denial of Nigeria’s Defence Chief, Military Leaders Sparks Diplomatic Row By Olayemi Esan

 

The Canadian government’s denial of visas to Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, and other senior military officials has sparked controversy, and such a decision would be a significant diplomatic misstep.

It would be a breach of diplomatic protocol and courtesy if the Canadian government denied visas to General Musa and other officials without valid reasons, As a representative of Nigeria’s military, General Musa who has met with international counterparts, such as the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr to discuss security cooperation and regional stability, it is disappointing to receive the news of the visa deny.

General Musa revealed this on Thursday during a maiden annual lecture of the National Association of the Institute for Security Studies (AANISS) in Abuja, describing the visa denial as both embarrassing and disappointing, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) emphasized the need for Nigeria to strengthen its self-reliance

In his words, “Every disappointment is a blessing. Yesterday, I was meant to be in Canada for an event honoring our veterans—those injured in battle. We were invited alongside our team, but while half of the delegation was granted visas, the other half was denied. It’s very disappointing,” Musa stated.

He further remarked that the incident serves as a reminder for Nigeria to “stand on its own, stand strong as a nation, and ensure it is no longer taken for granted.”No official reason for the visa denial has been provided by the Canadian government at this time.

Olayemi Esan, SpyeTV News Managing Director in her displeasure remarks noted that a visa denial without explanation or justification would undermine the trust and cooperation between Nigeria and Canada. The Canadian government needs to provide clear reasons for its decision and apologize if it was an error or an oversight.

She said the Canadian government should consider the potential consequences of their actions on bilateral relations and regional security cooperation. Apologizing for any mistakes made would be a step towards repairing the relationship and maintaining a positive diplomatic partnership.

Jamie Christoff the Canadian High Commissioner to Nigeria who recently visited Nigeria to promote trade and economic ties between the two countries as a matter of urgency wrote an apology letter to the office of the Chief of Defence Staff, Nigeria Armed Forces for this costly error by its embassy here in Nigeria.

It should be noted that, the Chief of Defence Staff. General Musa stressed that strengthening self-reliance in Nigeria requires a multi-faceted approach. By doing so, Nigeria will achieve the aim of diversifying the economy and reducing dependence on oil exports by developing other sectors like agriculture, manufacturing, and services. It would promote local production and encourage local industries to produce goods and services, reducing reliance on imports.

By strengthening self-reliance in Nigeria to invest in infrastructure, and develop roads, railways, airports, and seaports to facilitate trade and commerce. It will foster entrepreneurship and support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) through training, funding, and mentorship programs. It will develop human capital. Invest in education, healthcare, and skills development to build a competent and productive workforce. It would enhance food security*: Promote agricultural development, irrigation, and rural infrastructure to ensure food self-sufficiency.

It encourages innovation and supports research and development, science, and technology to drive innovation and competitiveness. Strengthen institutions and ensure good governance, transparency, and accountability in institutions to attract investment and promote economic growth. Foster regional cooperation and collaborate with neighbouring countries to promote trade, investment, and economic integration.

This will develop a national strategy and create a comprehensive plan to achieve self-reliance, with clear goals, objectives, and timelines. By implementing these measures, Nigeria can strengthen its self-reliance, reduce dependence on external factors, and achieve sustainable economic growth and development.

*OLAYEMI ESAN IS AN AWARD-WINNING BROADCAST JOURNALIST AND A PUBLIC RELATIONS PRACTITIONER. SHE IS A MEMBER OF NIPR AND THE MANAGING DIRECTOR OF SPYE TV [SPYE COMMUNICATIONS LIMITED]. SHE CAN BE REACHED VIA 08035132961 OR yemiesan04@gmail.com*

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