Hijab. This five-letter word has refused to take leave of our public discourse for long. Many female Muslims all over the world love to don the garb because they are fulfilling a part of the injunctions of their religion. But some Christians will have none of it. No one can say why. It may, perhaps, be out of misunderstanding, fear, envy, mischief or a mix of the above. What is hijab, one may ask, that its love or hate has seen protagonists and antagonists grappling with one another around the world? Hijab, an Arabic word, means a partition, screen, barrier.…
Author: Abdallah el-Kurebe
By Abdul-Azeez Suleiman Splendour is, of course, an eternally subjective concept. But there is an enduring archetype of fairy-tale regality associated with royalty everywhere. Conceptually, glamour has an unusual inclination to go hand-in-hand with royalty and aristocracy as the world sees many classic princes and princesses born into, or married into the noble class, it is also made to embrace a unique and rare breed royals and aristocrats on account of their air of distinction, grace and of course natural gait. Alhaji Muhammad Munir Jaafaru, the Zazzau aristocrat and prince, one of northern Nigeria’s most fascinating royal personalities, falls among…
President Muhammadu Buhari made it a remarkable week for Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo when he acknowledged the humility of the number two citizen, who turned 64 on March 8. “I’m proud to have selected Yemi Osinbajo as my running mate. He has given a good account of himself since our journey began in 2015,” Buhari announced as he joined other citizens to celebrate Osinbajo’s birthday. Malam Garba Shehu, the president’s spokesman in a statement quoted Buhari as describing Osinbajo as “a reliable and dedicated deputy’’. Buhari stated that “Osinbajo is not only admirably competent but also exudes confidence and passion in…
By Justina Auta The Minister of Women Affairs, Mrs Pauline Tallen, has said that the abduction of school children, especially young girls, is not good for the safety and sanctity of womanhood. Tallen made the assertion in a statement on Saturday in Abuja while reacting to the abduction of students of the Federal College of Forestry Mechanisation Afaka, in Igabi local government area of Kaduna state. The minister, while condemning the act, pleaded with the abductors to return the students unharmed and safe to their parents. “The abduction of school children especially young girls, is one too many and is…
French actress Corinne Masiero stripped naked on stage during a scaled-back Cesar Awards ceremony in Paris to protest the government’s months-long closure of theatres and cinemas during the coronavirus pandemic. She had “no culture no future” written on her chest and “give us art back Jean” on her back, in a message to Prime Minister Jean Castex. Masiero, 57, was on stage to present the award for best costume, wearing a donkey outfit and a blood-stained dress before she stripped before the audience. France’s answer to the Oscars, the ceremony is in normal times the biggest night on the French…
Dr Yinka Adekunle, a Virologist, says the COVID-19 vaccine, just like any other vaccine, works by teaching the immune system how to defend itself against attack from the virus. Adekunle said on Saturday in Abuja that the Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine was safe and effective, adding that it gives the best protection against coronavirus. According to her, the vaccine is given as an injection into the upper arm. She said that it is given as two doses, with the second dose due 12 weeks after having the first dose. She assured Nigerians that the vaccines approved for use in the country…
Troops of Operation Thunder Strike killed two bandits during a night ambush operation along the Gwagwada-Chikun Road in Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State. Mr Samuel Aruwan, Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, confirmed this in a statement issued on Saturday. “According to operational feedback, the troops set an opportunity ambush along the route in anticipation of bandits’ movement. “The bandits approached on two motorcycles, and on springing the ambush, returned fire in an attempt to charge through. “They were however overwhelmed, and two bandits were neutralized by the troops, while the others retreated with gunshot wounds. He…
The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), has urged Nigerian citizens to take the COVID-19 vaccine without reservation. MURIC Director Ishaq Akintola said this in a statement in Lagos on Saturday. “The whole country is aware of the arrival of about 4 million doses of the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines since Tuesday, March 2. “It is our candid opinion that Nigerians cannot afford to sit on the fence in the face of daunting COVID-19 statistics around the world. “COVID-19 vaccine is designed to give protection to those who take it by making their bodies produce substances known as antibodies whose function is to…
The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), says the vaccine procured by Nigeria from AstraZeneca company is safe, advising people to get vaccinated against COVID-19. Prof. Baba Issa, Kwara NMA Chairman, gave the advise while speaking with newsmen in Ilorin on Saturday, in response to question raised about the safety of Oxford, AstraZeneca vaccine. Ten European countries had suspended the vaccine’s use, following claims of blood clot associated with its usage. ”It depends on the vaccine that they are taking, but the one we have in Nigeria made by AstraZeneca company is known to be safe and efficacious. “That is why Nigeria…
Mr Tukur Buratai, former Chief of Army Staff has reacted to the allegations by Babagana Monguno, the National Security Adviser to President Muhammadu Buhari, that funds funds meant for the purchase of weapons to fight insurgency had been diverted. Monguno had told the BBC that the funds were missing because the newly appointed Service Chiefs did not meet the arms supposed to have been procured with the funds. Following viral media attention to his BBC interview, he retracted the report, saying he was misquoted. However, reacting to the reports, Buratai has directed all questions regarding arms purchase to be channelled…