By Our Correspondent

A faith-based civil society organization, CSO, the Independent Hajj Reporters, IHR, has appointed Jigawa State Governor, Mallam Umar Namadi, as its National Patron.

Announcing the appointment during the IHR’s Post-Hajj Lecture at the National Mosque, Abuja, the National Coordinator, Ibrahim Muhammed, said it was in recognition of Namadi’s contributions to the Hajj industry and his efforts to protect Jigawa State’s Hajj slots.

“We align ourselves with His Excellency because of his trademark commitment to providing assistance to Jigawa pilgrims since his assumption of office and his extraordinary interest in catering to the welfare of Nigerian Hajj pilgrims,” Muhammed said.

He added that the appointment aligns with IHR’s mandate of advocating for Nigerian Hajj and Umrah pilgrims, and educating intending pilgrims.

Receiving the plaque on behalf of the governor, the Director General, Jigawa State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Ahmed Labo, said Namadi accepted the role “with a full sense of responsibility.”

“His Excellency feels elated with the appointment given to him to serve as patron of the Independent Hajj Reporters of Nigeria. He has accepted the appointment with a full sense of responsibility and promised to assist you in meeting the stipulated goals set by the association,” Labo stated.

The DG noted that since the Namadi administration began, the governor has provided financial support to the board to safeguard Jigawa’s Hajj allocation, adding that the state also sponsors Islamic scholars, medical personnel and support staff to assist pilgrims.

He listed other initiatives to include provision of lunch for pilgrims and Sallah gifts to cushion the impact of the Basic Travel Allowance, BTA.

“What we are witnessing today will energise all those involved and stimulate others to follow suit,” Labo added.

IHR said the appointment is aimed at strengthening collaboration with stakeholders committed to improving the welfare and experience of Nigerian pilgrims.

By David Owei,Bayelsa

The Youth Leader of Amarata in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State Capital, Comrade Ogbara Izibeya has commended Hon. Gifted Natus for committing resources to restore peace in the community.

Comrade Ogbara Izibeya in a commendation Press Release he personally signed and made available to newsmen in Amarata expressed deep appreciation to Hon.Gifted Natus, a notable producer, showbiz impressario and social media influencer for his outstanding contributions, dedication and selfless service to the people of Amarata.

He described the unwavering commitment of Hon.Gifted Natus to peace building and security as truly inspiring, stressing that his massive support has led to significant decrease in crime rate and led to remarkable progress and collaboration between residents and security agents

The Amarata Youth Leader said the actions of Hon.Gifted Natus demonstrate the true spirit of leadership and genuine passion for grassroots development.

Comrade Izibeya on behalf of the entire Amarata community extended heartfelt gratitude to Hon.Gifted Natus and prayed God to continue to grant him wisdom, strength and opportunities needed to serve the people, describing him as a shining example of responsive and people centered representation.

He said the good people of Amarata will remain forever grateful to God for bringing Hon. Gifted Natus to rescue them and pray God to bless him abundantly.

In a related development Amarata Youth Leader, Ogbara Izibeya has added his voice to the long chorus of call on the Bayelsa State Government to restore light in Amarata which has been in darkness for years

He said Amarata host the Bayelsa Medical University, Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Banks, Filling Stations, Supermarkets and other businesses and appealed to the state government to station patrol van and conduct regular patrols to beef up security in the area to maintain, and sustain the prevailing peace.

He said Amarata was a hotbed of crime and criminality and expressed gratitude to God for intervention to allow peace to reign in the community with the people sleeping with their two eyes closed.

The Youth Leader enjoined the Bayelsa State Government to clear the Epie Creek as the flood season approaches, construct link roads, consider Amarata indigenes for appointment in the ASSURED Prosperity Administration.

He warned cult groups that hitherto terrorized the area to relocate or face the wrath of the law.

By George Mgbeleke

President of the 9th Senate, Senator Ahmad Ibrahim Lawan, has announced a personal donation of Fifty Million Naira (N50,000,000) to victims of the recent windstorms that devastated communities across three Local Government Areas in his Senatorial District.

Senator Lawan made the announcement in a personally signed statement issued on Saturday.

He expressed deep sadness over the scale of destruction witnessed in Bade, Nguru and Karasuwa local government areas.

According to the breakdown provided, Bade Local Government is to receive N20,000,000, Nguru Local Government N20,000,000, and Karasuwa Local Government N10,000,000.

The lawmaker, who represents Yobe North in the National Assembly, stated that the funds are meant to provide immediate, direct relief to cushion the effects of the disaster.

He added that his team has been directed to work closely with the respective Local Government councils, traditional institutions, and emergency management committees to ensure the resources reach those who need them most without delay.

Lawan further disclosed that he is engaging with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the Yobe State Government to ensure wider relief materials and reconstruction support are mobilised to complement his personal efforts.

“To the bereaved and the displaced, I assure you that you remain in our constant prayers. I am also engaging with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the State Government to ensure that wider relief materials and reconstruction support are mobilized to complement these personal efforts,” Lawan said