The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has called on Muslims across Nigeria to use the Ramadan fasting period as a time for fervent prayers for the nation’s peace and unity.

He also encouraged them to embrace the teachings of Islamic scholars during this sacred period.

In a statement released by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, Wike emphasized the importance of prayer, particularly among Muslims in the FCT, for the well-being of the country.

“Fasting, as one of the five pillars of Islam, should not only be about abstaining from food and drink but also a time for deep reflection and intense prayers for the nation,” he said.

He urged Muslims to open their hearts and minds to the Tafsir (interpretation) of the Holy Month of Ramadan, allowing themselves to be guided by its teachings.

The Minister congratulated the Muslim faithful on witnessing the beginning of the 30-day fast and prayed for their strength to complete the sacred period.

“I wish all Muslim faithful a Ramadan filled with joy, unity, and spiritual fulfillment. May your ibadah be accepted by Allah (SWT), and may this holy month bring peace, prosperity, and abundant blessings to us all. Ramadan Mubarak,” Wike added.

Justice Aisha Kumaliya of the Borno State High Court, Maiduguri on Monday, January 27, 2025, convicted and sentenced one Babagana Kansulum to six months imprisonment for criminal misappropriation.

Kansulum was arraigned by the Maiduguri Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC, on a one-count charge for the offence of criminal misappropriation to the tune of N2,650,000.00 (Two Million, Six Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira).

The count reads: “That you Babagana Kamsulum, with national identification number 5763879198 sometime in 2020, in Maiduguri, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable court dishonestly converted to your own use the sum of N2,650,000.00 monies purportedly meant to finance contract for the renovation of office at Government House Damaturu which you knew to be false and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 308 and punishable under Section 309 of the Penal Code Laws of Borno State Cap.102 Vol.3 of 1994 respectively.”

The defendant pleaded guilty to the charge when it was read to him

Counsel for the prosecution, Faruk Muhammad prayed the court to convict and sentence the defendant accordingly, while defence counsel A. A Yaro urged the court to temper justice with mercy.

Justice Kumaliya thereafter convicted and sentenced Kamsulum to six months imprisonment with an option of N200, 000.00 (Two Hundred Thousand Naira) fine

The convict’s road to the Correctional Centre began when he collected the sum of N2, 650,000.00 from Nafiu Mohammed Ibrahim for a purported contract to renovate an office in Damaturu Government House. He neither returned the money to the victim nor carried out the renovation.

EFCC

The Ministry of Women Affairs has inaugurated a national committee to review the National Child Policy, 18 years after its introduction in 2007.

Speaking at the inauguration in Abuja, the Minister, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, said the review aims to improve the lives of Nigerian children by ensuring access to education, healthcare, and a safe environment.

She urged the committee to adopt an inclusive approach, involving all stakeholders, including children, and addressing the needs of marginalized and disabled communities.

According to her, “It is imperative to draw your attention, as members of this committee, that the tasks before you are both vital and challenging. You are entrusted with the responsibility of reviewing a policy that will guide our nation in protecting and promoting the rights of children. Hence your expertise, insights, and commitment will be crucial in ensuring that our policy reflects the realities faced by our children today and anticipates the challenges of tomorrow,” she said.

She urged them to leverage on technology and innovation in their approach.
” As you are aware, the world is changing rapidly; there is no gain in saying that our policies must adapt to ensure that our children are equipped with the skills and knowledge to thrive in a dynamic global landscape.”

The committee, chaired by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr. Maryam Keshinro, expressed gratitude for the opportunity and pledged to deliver a policy that will positively impact children nationwide.

“I want to assure you that the committee will give a national child policy that will stand the test of time; if you look at the policy, its 18 years old. Congratulations to every member of the committee; you have been carefully nominated to serve, and you will display the confidence reposed in you by your respective ministries, departments and agencies.”

Members of the committee include representatives from the ministry, civil society, and international organizations such as UNICEF.

In 2003, Nigeria adopted the Child Rights Act to domesticate the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

The Committee will act in line with the following Terms of Reference:

To develop a repository for desk review and conduct a comprehensive review of other existing policies to identify gaps and areas for improvement.
To determine and co-opt relevant members of staff into the Committee;
To determine the scope of the review of the National Child Policy (2007);
To develop the Terms of Reference (ToR) for the recruitment of the Lead Consultant;
To complete the task by 31st November 2025.