The Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi, has called on governors of northern states to convert mosques to primary schools, especially in the villages.
The emir made the call in his remarks at an event in the Kano Educational Week programme.
“I was in Morocco sometimes ago and I asked to see their universities. They took me to mosques where I saw each serving as classrooms teaching Computer Science and other subjects,” he said.
Mr. Sanusi said mosques were not initially meant for prayers alone.
He said historically, mosques were also used for other things like marriages, scholarly activities and leadership trainings.
He urged the northern state governors who have many mosques to return to the practice so as to save money for other needs.
The Emir said if the idea was adopted, funds allocated to building schools could be channeled to training of teachers and providing for their welfare and other teaching instruments.
At the event, Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje, said the state government spent over N30 billion last year on salaries of teaching and non-teaching staff of schools in the 44 local councils of the state.
He said the programme being conducted was for the graduation of 2,500 teaching staff with National Certificate of Education and postgraduate diploma in education.
The governor said the state hoped to produce over 25,000 qualified teachers in Kano through the new initiative by next year.

Over 1,000 southern Nigerian secessionists took to the streets on Friday to express the hope that newly inaugurated U.S. President Donald Trump might help counter Muslim influence in their country.

Shouting "Biafra for Trump", protesters held up U.S. flags and pictures of Trump in Port Harcourt, a major port city in the southeast, while also brandishing the Biafran flag and warning about Muslim influence in Nigeria.

Southern Nigeria is mostly Christian while Islam is the majority faith in the north.

Trump has hardly mentioned Africa during his election campaign. But his views about curbing Muslim immigration have scored well in southern Nigeria where many complain of neglect from President Muhammadu Buhari, a Muslim from the north.

Trump took office in Washington on Friday
"Arrests have been made - about 53 persons and counting," said Nnamdi Omoni, police spokesman for Rivers state, where the rally took place.

"They have been in processions, singing and dancing along the roads and we are doing our best to contain them because we do not want the situation to degenerate or snowball into something else," said Omoni, who denied claims by protest leaders that officers had opened fire on the rally.

George Ipob, one of the protest leaders, said that "unlike Obama, Trump is sensitive to people like us ... he being also leader of the greatest free Christian country.

"We believe in his policies and agenda against terrorism, unbridled killings of defenceless people, subjugation and suppression of people across the world by despots," said the deputy national coordiantor for the Indigenous People of Biafra, who only gave his name as George.

"Trump is sane and sensitive to people like us ... will listen to our cries and put in a word for us where it matters."

Secessionist feeling has simmered in the southeast since the Biafra separatist rebellion tipped the west African country into a 1967-1970 civil war that killed an estimated 1 million people.

In November, Amnesty International said security agencies had killed at least 150 peaceful "Biafra" advocates. Police and army have denied this.

One of MMM’s Promoter in Nigeria Chuddy Anayo Ugorji, yesterday wedded his boo, Chiamaka Goodness Okeoma.

The wedding which took place at Elshadai Covenant Church, 7 social clb road, Abul-egba Lagos, witnessed large turnout of well wishers and MMM guiders and participants.

According to reports, Chuddy is the man who brought MMM to Nigeria and he currently has lots of Participants registered under him.

Patience Jonathan, a former First Lady of Nigeria and the wife of former President Goodluck Jonathan, is one of those who can strongly disagree with President Muhammadu Buhari on his views about women’s place in the society. Recall that earlier today the president has laughed off his wife’s statement about his plans of re-election in 2019. During a joint press briefing with German Chancellor Angela Merkel he said: “I don’t know which party my wife belongs to, but she belongs to my kitchen and my living room and the other room.” However, Dame Jonathan, who is known for her work towards advancing the rights of women and children, called on Nigerian women and girls to stop limiting themselves, go out of the shadow and expand horizons.

In December, 2104 during the Presidential campaign Mrs Jonathan stated: “Nigerian women should no longer go back to the kitchen. It is not our portion to go back to the kitchen. We have women that are capable. We can contribute our quota to the development of Nigeria.”

Garba Shehu, the official spokesperson to President Muhammadu Buhari, has hastened to explain the controversial statement of the president. Reacting to the development Garba Shehu: “My friends, can’t a leader get a sense humour anymore? Mr. President laughed before that statement was made.” He also stressed that President Buhari respects the place of women in our society and believes in their abilities. Mr Shehu mentioned that one of Nigeria’s most sensitive office today is headed by a woman, Mrs Adeosun.

the wife of former President Goodluck Jonathan, is one of those who can strongly disagree with President Muhammadu Buhari on his views about women’s place in the society. Recall that earlier today the president has laughed off his wife’s statement about his plans of re-election in 2019. During a joint press briefing with German Chancellor Angela Merkel he said: “I don’t know which party my wife belongs to, but she belongs to my kitchen and my living room and the other room.” However, Dame Jonathan, who is known for her work towards advancing the rights of women and children, called on Nigerian women and girls to stop limiting themselves, go out of the shadow and expand horizons.
In December, 2104 during the Presidential campaign Mrs Jonathan stated: “Nigerian women should no longer go back to the kitchen. It is not our portion to go back to the kitchen. We have women that are capable. We can contribute our quota to the development of Nigeria.” Garba Shehu, the official spokesperson to President Muhammadu Buhari, has hastened to explain the controversial statement of the president. Reacting to the development Garba Shehu: “My friends, can’t a leader get a sense humour anymore? Mr. President laughed before that statement was made.” He also stressed that President Buhari respects the place of women in our society and believes in their abilities. Mr Shehu mentioned that one of Nigeria’s most sensitive office today is headed by a woman, Mrs Adeosun. READ ALSO: German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Nigerians mock Buhari over response to Aisha’s Interview Sexism or gender discrimination is prejudice or discrimination based on a person’s sex or gender. Sexism can affect any gender, but it is particularly documented as affecting women and girls. It has been linked to stereotypes and gender roles, and may include the belief that one sex or gender is intrinsically superior to another. Extreme sexism may foster sexual harassment, rape, and other forms ofsexual violence.

emeka20091:
this ifeanyi uba dey try o....I love his interest in sports, especially football... its d future...

Poised to further consolidate its partnership deal with top
Nigerian Professional Football League, NPFL side, FC
Ifeanyi Ubah as well as show its commitment to the
partnership, English Premiership club, West Ham United
donated the sum of £35,000 to the Anambra State Football
Association and Okongwu Memorial Grammar School,
Nnewi, the alma mater of President of FC Ifeanyi Ubah. Dr.
Ifeanyi Ubah.
In line with its full support for the Football Made in Anambra
'1 Family - 1 Footballer' project billed to kick-off in
December 2016, West Ham United donated £30,000 to
ANSFA, even as it feted Okongwu Memorial Grammar
School with £5,000, all geared towards the development of
youths and sports in Anambra State and Nigeria in general.
The Ifeanyi Ubah Foundation also threw the school children
into a heightened frenzy, complementing the benevolent
gesture of West Ham United, by making a donation of
N1million to Okongwu Memorial Grammar School.
Recall that the Hammers' delegation led by Managing
Director, Angus Kinnear had earlier been in Lagos, where an
interactive session bordering on the essence of the
partnership was held with journalists.
The contingent led by Dr. Ifeanyi Ubah made their first stop
at the Igwe's Palace, where they paid homage to Igwe
K.O.N Orizu III (Igwe Nnewi), who was delighted to receive
them. They made another stop at Dr. Ifeanyi Ubah's alma
mater, Okongwu Memorial Grammar School where they met
with ecstatic school children before heading to Ifeanyi Ubah
Games Village for the epoch-making launch of 'Football
Made in Anambra' and talent hunt programme.
Speaking at the event, Kinnear described Dr. Ubah as a man
of vision and full of ideas. He said "we found FC Ifeanyi
Ubah worthy of our partnership as we share the same vision
and bright ideas. We are extremely delighted to seal our first
partnership in Africa and we could not have made a better
choice. Football is not just a game because it has the
capacity to turn lives around for the best". He added that his
club, West Ham United has a long history of youth football
and as such would collaborate with FC Ifeanyi Ubah to
develop the budding talents in Nigeria.
A clearly elated Dr. Ubah thanked Mr. Kinnear and
WestHam for the confidence reposed on his capacity to
boost the WestHam brand in Africa. He noted that he had no
doubt that West Ham, who are renowned for having one of
the best football academies having produced the likes of
Lampard and Rio Ferdinand would add so much value to the
club, adding that Anambra state has so much to benefit
from the partnership, particularly the 'Made in Anambra
Football' project which is expected to engage 50, 000
families in the state.
The event was graced by the supportive presence of the
H.E. The Executive Governor of Anambra State, Chief Dr.
Willie Obiano, ably represented by the Secretary to the State
Government, Chief Solochukwu Lobelu, HRH Igwe K.O.N III
(Igwe of Nnewi), who was presented with a West Ham
jersey, accompanied by some members of his cabinet,
Crown Prince, Obi Orizu, Senator Alphonsus Igbeke, two
time African footballer of the year and Olympic Gold
Medalist, Kanu Nwankwo, Managing Director of My Radio
FM, Ambassador Uche Ogbuagu, Nollywood actor and
comedian, Mr Ibu amongst a host of others from the
entertainment industry.
Highlight of the Nnewi visit was the unveiling of the Football
Made in Anambra Project, which saw over 1,000 school
children from across the 21 local government areas in
Anambra State, fully kitted in their Football Made in
Anambra jerseys. It became a day to remember for the
school kids when Dr. Ifeanyi Ubah announced that the
jerseys, soccer boots and footballs that were given to them
for the event were gifts from the Anambra Football
Association, stating that it was the first step toward
actualizing the 1 Family - 1 Footballer initiative.

Ohammadike:
Nda boys should respect themselves

An on-the-ground investigation by Amnesty International has confirmed that the Nigerian army gunned down unarmed people ahead of last month’s planned pro-Biafran commemoration events in Onitsha, Anambra state.

Evidence gathered from eyewitnesses, morgues and hospitals confirms that between 29-30 May 2016, the Nigerian military opened fire on members of the Indigenous people of Biafra (IPOB), supporters and bystanders at three locations in the town.

“Opening fire on peaceful IPOB supporters and bystanders who clearly posed no threat to anyone is an outrageous use of unnecessary and excessive force and resulted in multiple deaths and injuries. In one incident one person was shot dead after the authorities burst in on them while they slept,” said M.K. Ibrahim, Country Director of Amnesty International Nigeria.

“These shootings, some of which may amount to extrajudicial executions, must be urgently and independently investigated and anyone suspected of criminal responsibility must be brought to justice.”

The exact number of deaths is unknown, partly due to the fact that the Nigerian army took away corpses and the injured.

Amnesty International has received reports from various sources on the ground alleging that at least 40 people were killed and more than 50 injured.

After visits to hospitals and morgues, the organization has confirmed - based on this initial investigation - that at least 17 people were killed and nearly 50 injured. The real number is likely to be higher.

Some of the dead and injured IPOB supporters seen by an Amnesty International researcher were shot in the back, an indication that they were fleeing the scene when they were shot.

The leadership of IPOB claim more than 50 of their members were killed. The Nigerian army has said in a statement that they acted in self-defence, and five IPOB members were killed. However, Amnesty International has seen no evidence that the killings were necessary to protect life. Although the police also claim that IPOB supporters killed two policemen the next day in neighbouring Asaba, Delta state, Amnesty International cannot confirm this claim. However, such killings would not substantiate the army’s argument they acted in self-defence.

A joint security operation was carried out by the Nigerian army, police and navy between the night of 29 May and throughout 30May, apparently intended to prevent a march by IPOB members from the Nkpor motor park to a nearby field for a rally. Before the march began the military raided homes and a church where IPOB members were sleeping.

IPOB supporters told Amnesty International that hundreds of people who had come from neighbouring states, were asleep in the St Edmunds Catholic church when soldiers stormed the compound on 29 May.

Another witness told Amnesty International that on the morning of 30 Mayhe saw soldiers open fire on a group of around 20 men and boys aged between 15 and 45 at the Nkpor Motor Park on the morning of 30 May. He says that five of them were killed.“I stood about two poles [approximately 100 metres] away from where the men were being shot and killed. I couldn’t quite hear what they were asking the boys, but I saw one boy trying to answer a question. He immediately raised his hands, but the soldiers opened fire…He lay down, lifeless. I saw this myself.”

The witness described how military officers loaded men with gunshot wounds into one van, and what appeared to be corpses into another.

Later that morning, another witness described how police shot a child bystander as a group of young men protested the shootings, blocking a road and burning tyres along the Eke-Nkpor junction.

He told Amnesty International: “I heard a police siren and everybody started running helter-skelter. I ran away with other people, but before we left, the police fired tear gas at us and shot a boy in my presence. He was just hawking in the street. He wasn’t even there to protest,” he said.

An Amnesty International researcher visited three hospitals in Onitsha and surrounding towns and saw 41 men being treated for gunshot wounds in the stomach, shoulder, leg, back and ankle. The researcher also visited mortuaries in Onitsha and saw five corpses with bullet wounds, all brought in by IPOB members on 30 May.

Amnesty International has been informed that many of those killed or injured are still held by the military and police. Several witnesses said that the military loaded corpses in their vehicles and took them to Onitsha military barracks. Amnesty International was not able to confirm this.

One witness told Amnesty International that around 30 people were held in the military barracks, while another witness said 23 people who were held in State Criminal Investigation Department were brought to court.

Following the shootings, the military told media sources that the soldiers only opened fire after being shot at first, but Amnesty International’s research has found no evidence to support this. All the people the organization interviewed said that the protesters were not armed; one young man said that he threw stones at the police and military after they shot teargas at the IPOB members. He said the military then fired live ammunition in return.

Information gathered by Amnesty International indicates that the deaths of supporters and members of IPOB was the consequence of excessive, and unnecessary use of force.

International law requires the government to promptly investigate unlawful killings with a view to bringing the perpetrators to justice. Amnesty International is also calling for those IPOB supporters still held in detention without charge to be either immediately charged or released.

“This is not the first time that IPOB supporters have died at the hands of the military. It is becoming a worrying pattern and this incident and others must be immediately investigated,” said M. K. Ibrahim.

“In addition there must be an end to the pattern of increased militarization of crowd control operations as soldiers are frequently deployed to undertake routine policing functions.”

Amnesty International interviewed 32 witnesses between 1-3 June in Onitsha and an additional five people on the phone.

The IPOB members had informed the Anambra State Police Commissioner of their plans for Biafra Remembrance day and requested for security to be provided for the procession.

Amnesty International has been conducting research into violence and killings of IPOB members and supporters in south east Nigeria since January 2016. A comprehensive report will be published in the near future.

The organization’s research shows that since August 2015, there have been at least five similar incidents in Onitsha alone where the police and military shot unarmed IPOB members and supporters. Amnesty International has documented cases of alleged unlawful killings by the Nigerian army between August 2015 and May 2016.

In August 2015, military officers opened fire on peaceful supporters of IPOB calling for an independent Biafran state. The killings and mass arrests of members and supporters of IPOB by a joint military and police operations continued in October, November and December 2015.

On 17 December 2015 for example, the military killed five people when they opened fire on members of the IPOB who were demonstrating in Onitsha in a celebration of a court order for the release of their purported leader, Nnamdi Kanu.

In February 2016, the Nigerian military used excessive force to disperse a peaceful gathering in a school compound in Aba. At least nine people were killed and many more injured.

The Nigerian government has not conducted any independent investigation into any of these incidents.

The right to peaceful assembly and association, as well as the right of freedom of expression, is protected by the Nigerian constitution. International human rights standards also require that law enforcement officials must, as far as possible, apply nonviolent means. The intentional lethal use of firearms is only permissible when strictly unavoidable in order to protect life.

ugoogift:
am loving this man more and more

uupgrade:
a

Former President, Goodluck Jonathan, yesterday denied reports in the media that he returned to Nigeria from Cote d’Ivoire last Wednesday, stressing that he returned from the United Kingdom last week and not Cote d’Ivoire as reported.
In a statement signed by his media aide, Ikechukwu Eze, Jonathan emphatically denied embarking on exile in his recent trip outside the country, disclosing that he has no intention of turning his back on Nigeria that he diligently served to the best of his abilities as President.

The statement reads, “We maintain, as Jonathan has himself stated, that he has no intention of turning his back on Nigeria; a homeland he served diligently as president to the best of his abilities.

“It is instructive to note that while the publication continues to insist that Jonathan did not come to Nigeria from Cote d’Ivoire.

“The former president actually returned to the country, last Wednesday evening, from London, after visiting many countries, including the United States of America, the United Kingdom, Senegal and Cote d’Ivoire on a six-week long international engagements and speaking tour.

“As a former president, Dr. Jonathan should be obliged the freedom to visit President Muhammadu Buhari anytime he likes, to brief him on his international engagements and other commitments.”

The Movement for the Actualization of Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) has secured the release of 88 of its members who were arrested by the Ebonyi state police command in Abakaliki during this year’s Biafra day celebration.

The Nation reports that the MASSOB members were released on bail after their counsel, Jerry Ezenyi made application for their bail on the grounds that their offence was bailable. The 88 members of the group were arrested by the police at Nkaliki primary School, Abakaliki local government area of the state, where they were holding an inter-denominational service to commemorate the 2016 Biafra day.
They were then arraigned before an Abakaliki magistrate court on a four count charge of conspiracy, belonging to an unlawful society, membership of unlawful group and possession of items calling for the declaration of Biafra. They however pleaded not guilty to the charges after the charges were read to them, and were then granted bail after the their counsel made the request application Though the prosecution counsel, Adeola Elumaru opposed the bail application on the grounds that that the accused persons had been arrested in the past for same offence.

The trial Magistrate, Stella Ogoke granted the accused persons bail with N500, 000 and seven sureties who must be within the magisterial jurisdiction. Meanwhile, President Muhammadu Buhari has received South East Group for Change led by Senator Ken Nnamani in Statehouse on May 31, 2016. This came a day after the pro-Biafran activists commemorating the anniversary of the defunct Biafra Republic clashed with the Nigerian army in Onitsha. Late General Ojukwu had led the secession of the old Eastern Region and declared the region the Republic of Biafra on May 30, 1967. His attempt to break away from Nigeria led to the three-year Nigerian Civil War and Biafra’s defeat. But in recent times, pro Biafra groupd, MASSOB and IPOB have been attempting to revive the struggle for Biafra.

MrPeterson:
What blasphemy message did he write about Mohammed ? Can we see the content ?

ugoogift:
One Nigeria my foot

cktheluckyman:
People are looting shops because of one arabian prophet that dies centuries ago and the army and police that shot unarmed IPOB protesters sat and watched idly!! One naijeria indeed

ckmayoca:
No shooting by police, no arrest made because........ esa ma se bo se wu yin.

A blasphemous statement about Prophet Muhammad on the social media has sparked violence in Rafi LGA of Niger state

– One church, one house and a shop were burnt, three people killed and 25 shops were looted following the unrest – Nigeria police and NSCDC assure innocent and law-abiding Nigerians of ensuring peace and order in the area According to a statement issued by the assistant director of army public relations, Major NC Agwu, on Monday May 30:

“At about 6pm yesterday,  May 29, one Mr Methodus Chimaije Emmanuel, a 24-year-old trader based in Pandogari, Rafi LGA of Niger state was attacked and killed by a mob in the town on allegation of posting a blasphemous statement about Prophet Muhammad on the social media. Troops of 31 Artillery Brigade of 1 Division, Nigerian army on operation MESA quickly intervened and restored law and order while a dusk to down curfew was imposed in the town.

Early this morning however, the rioters embarked on further violence, looting shops and blocking the Lagos – Kaduna Road, a major artery connecting the northern and southern parts of the country. Again, troops in conjunction with the personnel of Nigeria Police and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) took control of the situation to forestall escalation of violence and any threat to the peace in the town. READ ALSO: Tragic! What armed robbers did to lecturer is totally shocking Regrettably, one church, one house and a shop were burnt while 25 other shops were looted following the violence.

Three other persons including a personnel of the NSCDC also lost their lives. Some arrests have been made in connection with the violence and the suspects handed over to the the police. The military and other security agencies are currently embarking on confidence building patrols in all nooks and crannies of the town. As part of the measures to de-escalate tensions and ensure a lasting peace in the town, the military is working with the Local Government Council authorities and community leaders, including the Kagara Emirate Council to pacify all aggrieved parties and build on the peace so far established.

However, while the military will continue with its current non-violent approach to maintaining peace in Pandogari town, it will not take kindly to any unscrupulous element who would attempt to visit violence on innocent and law abiding Nigerians. The general public is therefore warned to abide by the conditions of the curfew so far emplaced. All law abiding citizens are enjoined to go about their legitimate businesses without any fear of intimidation. They are to be rest assured that the security forces will remain fully present to guarantee their safety and security across the length and breadth of the town, within their rules of engagement.”