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Category: Cityscope

  • Ondo Police probe fire that killed two children in Ode-Aye

    Ondo Police probe fire that killed two children in Ode-Aye

    AKURE, NIGERIA (NPA) — March 21, 2026 — The Ondo State Police Command has launched an investigation into a fire that killed two children in Ode-Aye on March 18. The blaze occurred at No. 1 Olaribigbe Street, Zion Area, claiming the lives of Queen Ohwo, 6, and Everlyne Ohwo, 4, daughters of Mr and Mrs Ohwo Peter.

    Police spokesperson DSP Abayomi Jimoh said officers promptly visited the scene, documented evidence, and evacuated the victims’ remains to the Ode-Aye Health Centre. The grieving parents were found in deep shock.

    According to the police, preliminary findings suggest the fire may have been caused by negligence during cooking. Commissioner of Police Adebowale Lawal has ordered a thorough probe, directing the Divisional Police Officer to secure the site, take witness statements, and work with the Federal Fire Service to determine the cause.

    The Command expressed condolences to the family and urged residents to adopt fire safety measures: never leave cooking unattended, keep flammable materials away from open flames, supervise children around heat sources, and keep extinguishers or sand/water nearby. It also stressed the importance of educating children on fire hazards.

    “The Command remains committed to protecting lives and property and encourages residents to stay safety-conscious,” the statement concluded.

  • Ozoro festival outrage: Peter Obi urges investment in women for national development, not their degradation

    Ozoro festival outrage: Peter Obi urges investment in women for national development, not their degradation

    ABUJA, NIGERIA (NPA) — March 21, 2026 — A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress and prominent opposition leader, Mr Peter Obi, has condemned the recent incident in Ozoro, Delta State, where women were reportedly molested under the guise of a traditional festival. He described the practice as retrogressive and called for Nigeria to redirect its priorities toward empowering women as a critical driver of national development.

    Obi stressed that while many nations are investing in human capital, Nigeria continues to lag. He argued that women—who make up more than half of the population—should be educated, integrated into leadership, and supported in entrepreneurship, where they have consistently proven to contribute significantly to economic growth.

    He cited global examples: in Indonesia, women own over 50% of small and medium enterprises (SMEs), which provide about 98% of jobs. In Bangladesh, women constitute about 60% of the workforce in the garment industry, the country’s largest export sector, generating nearly $50 billion annually—far exceeding Nigeria’s crude oil earnings.

    In a statement on Saturday, Obi said, “Rather than emulating these nations by investing in our women and harnessing their productivity, our focus drifts toward trivialities such as the Ozoro festival. This reflects a profound misplacement of values. Greater effort should be directed toward meaningful development, including policies and initiatives that empower women and integrate them into the economic mainstream.”

    He urged a redirection of national priorities, emphasising that investing in women and harnessing their potential in critical sectors would help rebuild Nigeria on a foundation of productivity and inclusion, transforming it from “a disgraced country into one of pride.”

  • Otti felicitates Muslims on Eid, calls for security and unity

    Otti felicitates Muslims on Eid, calls for security and unity

    UMUAHIA, NIGERIA (NPA) — March 20, 2026 — Abia State Governor Dr Alex Otti has extended warm greetings to millions of Muslim faithful across Nigeria on the occasion of Eid al‑Fitr, marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan.

    In a statement on Friday, Otti described the season as a time of joy, thanksgiving, and reflection on the values of faith, sacrifice, and compassion. He urged Nigerians to embrace the true essence of the celebration by renewing their relationship with God and promoting virtues that foster peace, unity, and security in the nation.

    The governor emphasized that under his administration, Abia State, Nigeria’s southeast, remains committed to religious freedom, fairness, and respect for all faiths — values he said form the foundation of peaceful coexistence and progress.

    “On behalf of my wife, Mrs. Priscilla Chidinma Otti, the government, and the good people of Abia State, I wish the Muslim community a joyous Eid al‑Fitr. May this season bring brighter days ahead for Nigeria,” the statement concluded.

  • Sokoto Governor pays sallah homage to Sultan, prays for lasting peace

    Sokoto Governor pays sallah homage to Sultan, prays for lasting peace

    SOKOTO, NIGERIA (NPA) — March 20, 2026 — Governor Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto of Sokoto State has paid Sallah homage to His Eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar III, at his palace as part of the Eid‑el‑Fitr celebrations marking the end of Ramadan.

    In a statement on Friday, the governor expressed deep appreciation to Islamic scholars for their dedication to Tafsir, Taraweeh, and Tahajjud throughout the holy month, noting that their efforts had greatly enriched the spiritual consciousness of the people.

    Governor Sokoto urged the faithful to sustain the virtues of Ramadan — discipline, compassion, and devotion — while continuing prayers for lasting peace, unity, and the eradication of banditry across the state. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to delivering meaningful dividends of democracy to all citizens.

    He further prayed that Allah (SWT) accept the worship of the faithful and guide them to uphold values of justice, discipline, and compassion beyond the holy month.

  • Delta Police condemn Ozoro sexual assaults, arrest key suspects

    Delta Police condemn Ozoro sexual assaults, arrest key suspects

    ASABA, NIGERIA (NPA) — March 20, 2026 — The Delta State Police Command has strongly condemned alleged sexual assaults committed under the guise of enforcing local festival practices in Ozoro Town, Isoko North Local Government Area.

    In a statement issued Friday, Police Public Relations Officer SP Bright Edafe described the circulating videos of young women being assaulted as “disturbing” and stressed that such acts are “criminal, inhumane, and a grave violation of fundamental rights and dignity.”

    According to the statement, the Commissioner of Police, CP Aina Adesola, immediately ordered an investigation after receiving the videos, which led to the arrest of the chief organiser, Chief Omorede Sunday, along with four other suspects. The case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further inquiry.

    Police said tactical and investigative teams have been deployed to identify and prosecute all individuals involved. The Command urged victims and witnesses to come forward with information, assuring that all reports will be treated with strict confidentiality.

    “The Delta State Police Command condemns this development in totality and assures that all those involved in these reprehensible acts will be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law,” the statement read.

    The Commissioner appealed to residents to remain calm, vigilant, and law‑abiding, while reaffirming the Command’s commitment to protecting lives, safeguarding rights, and maintaining public order.

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  • Peter Obi rejoices with Muslims on Eid, calls for unity and compassion

    Peter Obi rejoices with Muslims on Eid, calls for unity and compassion

    ABUJA, NIGERIA (NPA) — March 20, 2026 — Mr. Peter Obi, chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has extended warm Eid-el-Fitr greetings to Nigerian Muslims, urging them to carry forward the spirit of Ramadan beyond the 30-day fast.

    In a statement on Friday, Obi congratulated the faithful on the successful completion of Ramadan — a month defined by faith, sacrifice, discipline, and compassion. He rejoiced with them on the blessed occasion of Eid, emphasizing that the lessons of love, humility, generosity, and unity should continue to guide the nation.

    The former Governor of Anambra State and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate called on citizens to embody kindness, support the vulnerable, and work collectively for peace, justice, and progress, especially “in these trying times for Nigeria.”

    Obi prayed that Almighty Allah accepts the worship of the faithful, forgives shortcomings, and grants Nigeria abundant blessings, security, and prosperity.

  • Governor Mbah sends Eid greetings, calls for nationwide unity 

    Governor Mbah sends Eid greetings, calls for nationwide unity 

    ENUGU, NIGERIA (NPA) — March 20, 2026 — Enugu State Governor, Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, has extended heartfelt Eid-el-Fitr greetings to the Muslim Ummah in Enugu and across Nigeria, celebrating the successful completion of Ramadan. He prayed for joy in every home and renewed hope in every heart, urging collective resolve to build the Nigeria of our dreams.

    Mbah described Ramadan as a sacred season of sacrifice, discipline, and deep spiritual reflection, noting that its lessons embody the rebirth Nigerians fervently desire. He called on citizens to sustain the virtues of patience, charity, and self-denial, stressing that these values can inspire unity, progress, and resilience in the face of national challenges.

    The governor further emphasized the importance of brotherhood, compassion, and shared humanity, urging that the spirit of Ramadan should usher in a new era of peace and prosperity. In a statement on Friday, he reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to building an inclusive society where every citizen, regardless of religious or ethnic background, can thrive and contribute meaningfully to a shared future.

  • Soludo extends Eid greetings, calls for unity and progress in Anambra

    Soludo extends Eid greetings, calls for unity and progress in Anambra

    AWKA, NIGERIA (NPA) — March 20, 2026 — Anambra State Governor, Professor Charles Soludo, has extended warm Eid-el-Fitr greetings to Muslim brothers and sisters in Anambra State and across Nigeria.

    Recently inaugurated for a second term, Soludo rejoiced with the faithful as they marked the successful completion of Ramadan, a period of reflection, sacrifice, and devotion. He praised their resilience and spiritual discipline, urging the sustenance of virtues such as patience, charity, and self-denial, while continuing to pray for peace, progress, and unity in Anambra and the nation at large.

    In a statement on Friday, the governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to promoting religious harmony, tolerance, and mutual respect, and called on citizens of all faiths to join hands with his government in building a society where everyone can coexist peacefully and contribute to collective growth.

    Soludo’s first tenure recorded landmark milestones, including Nigeria’s largest state budget, urban renewal in Okpoko, infrastructure expansion, improved security, healthcare and education reforms, economic diversification, and environmental management. The Professor of Economics and former Central Bank of Nigeria Governor described these achievements as Anambra’s “return to winning ways.”

  • Tinubu felicitates Muslims on Eid, urges renewed commitment to nation

    Tinubu felicitates Muslims on Eid, urges renewed commitment to nation

    ABUJA, NIGERIA (NPA) — March 20, 2026 — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has extended warm felicitations to Muslims across Nigeria on the occasion of Eid-el-Fitr, calling for renewed dedication to the nation and humanity.

    The President urged Nigerian Muslims to uphold the noble teachings of Ramadan, which emphasize piety, empathy, and unity, and to carry these virtues beyond the holy month.

    “We have a lot to draw from the noble lessons of Ramadan, especially at a time like this. We must continue to abide by the virtues of piety, selflessness, perseverance, kindness, and compassion beyond this period,” Tinubu said.

    In a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Tinubu further encouraged Muslim faithful to extend kindness to the needy of all faiths, as a demonstration of unity and camaraderie.

    The President also tasked Muslim leaders to use the occasion to offer prayers for peace, prosperity, and stability to prevail across the country.

  • Gbajabiamila visits Tinubu for Eid, reviews UK state visit highlights

    Gbajabiamila visits Tinubu for Eid, reviews UK state visit highlights

    ABUJA, NIGERIA (NPA) — March 20, 2026 — Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, has paid homege to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to celebrate the Eid festivities, following the end of the holy month of Ramadan.

    In a post on X on Friday, Gbajabiamila revealed that he also used the occasion to review video clips from President Tinubu’s recent state visit to the United Kingdom, alongside discussions on other state matters after Eid prayers.

    Gbajabiamila noted that President Tinubu expressed appreciation to Nigerians who turned out in large numbers to honour their country during the historic visit. The former Speaker of the House of Representatives thanked God for the successful completion of Ramadan and prayed for peace in all households and across the nation.

    Tinubu’s UK visit secured a £747 million agreement for the refurbishment of two major ports in Lagos State, a landmark deal aimed at boosting trade, strengthening economic relations, and expanding cooperation between both countries. 

    The agreement followed Tinubu’s meeting with UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer at Downing Street, marking the first official visit by a Nigerian leader to Britain in nearly four decades. Tinubu described the visit as “very thrilling and significant,” noting Nigeria’s ongoing economic reforms and the importance of deepening bilateral collaboration.