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Niger State government calls for Peace and Dialogue.

Published

4 years ago

February 20, 2021

James Samuel

Niger state government has appealed to the bandits across the state to embrace and dialogue by laying down their arms in the interest of reconciliation for security.

The secretary to the state government, Ibrahim Matane, made the plead in Dutsen Magaji, in Mariga local government area of the state while address, the bandits and their commanders.

Ibrahim Matane who was accompanied by a Kaduna-based Islamic renowned scholar, Sheik Ahmed Gumi, further called on other criminal elements like the kidnappers and cattle rustlers to join in the peace process in order to put an end to all challenges of insecurities in the state.

He also enjoined their commanders to support the government to secure the release of the abducted NSTA passenger and the students of Government Science College, Kagara, which he described as an unfortunate incident.

The SSG however reaffirmed that the state government will continue to ensure the security of lives and property in the state by strengthening the security apparatus, hence the need for people to support government efforts to rid the state of all criminal activities.

He further stressed the need for religious leaders and other stakeholders to embark on efforts to get bandits and other criminal elements key into government peace initiatives.

In his remarks, the renowned Islamic scholar, Sheik Ahmed Gumi expressed optimism that dialogue with bandits will put an end to the current insecurity situations in the state and country at large.

He reminded the bandits that Islam is against taking of innocent people’s lives and therefore appealed to them to embrace the peace process and lay down their arms.

The Islamic cleric told the bandits that he will continue to discuss with state government to explore all necessary assistance and support for them and to achieve the set objective.

In their separate remarks, the commanders applauded the state government is seeking peace with them as they described the action as what would go a long way in restoring lasting peace across the state.

The bandits also appealed to the state government to assist the release of their members arrested by security agencies and detained across the state in order for this peace process to thrive.

The dialogue meeting also witnesses of distribution of Islamic books to the bandits by the sheik Ahmed Gumi.

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Featured

Kudos to Nigeria’s First Lady, Customs, Others – CAVB Officials

Published

3 days ago

April 16, 2025

The Gleamer

…Says Nigeria is safe for international tournaments

By Joel Ajayi
In defiance of longstanding international perceptions suggesting Nigeria is unsafe, the recently concluded African Women’s Volleyball Club Championship in Abuja has rewritten the narrative. Officials from across the continent have hailed Nigeria as one of the safest places to host international tournaments.

The curtain has officially fallen on the competition, and once again, Egyptian giants Zamalek SC have made history—clinching their third consecutive title with a thrilling 3-1 victory over fierce rivals Al-Ahly. The final, held at the MKO Abiola National Stadium’s Indoor Arena on Sunday, April 13, 2025, was an electrifying encounter with set scores of 29-27, 22-25, 25-20, and 25-22.

In interviews conducted in Abuja, officials from the Confederation of African Volleyball (CAVB) expressed immense satisfaction with the event and extended heartfelt appreciation to the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu; the Nigeria Customs Service; the Nigeria Volleyball Federation (NVBF); and all Nigerians whose efforts ensured the success of the tournament.

They praised Senator Oluremi Tinubu for championing women’s causes and for her role as the grand patron of the competition. Commendation also went to the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, and NVBF President, Musa Nimrod, for organizing what was widely described as a world-class event.

CAVB President, Bouchra Hajij, who also serves as the first Vice President of the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB), was full of praise for the hosts. She lauded the organization and the facilities provided, particularly by the Nigeria Customs Service, noting that Nigeria—and Africa at large—is more than capable of hosting high-level international competitions.

“We had hundreds of countries from all continents following this event online. Nigeria has proven itself as a safe country, equipped with top-class infrastructure and facilities,” Hajij stated. “With 16 teams from across Africa, everything went smoothly. I hope in the coming years, Nigeria will host more African championships—whether indoor or beach volleyball.”

She also extended gratitude to the Nigeria Olympic Committee and the media for their vital roles in the success of the championship, emphasizing the importance of media coverage in growing the sport.

Bai Dodou Jallow, President of the Gambia Volleyball Federation and Deputy President of the Kenya Volleyball Federation, also lauded the organizers. “With what we’ve seen from the NVBF and the Customs, this competition was held at the highest standard for women’s volleyball in Africa. The environment and organization were excellent,” he said. “Africa, especially black African countries, can now confidently compete at the global level.”

He called on the private sector to support volleyball in Nigeria and across Africa to ensure continued progress.

Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) Volleyball Club Technical Director, Paul Bitok, revealed his club plans to host the competition in 2026 after drawing inspiration from Nigeria’s hosting. “This is the best tournament I’ve witnessed in over 20 years of attending. Customs have proven they can host major competitions beyond Africa,” Bitok said.

Medical delegate from Benin Republic, Boni Nadege, described the tournament as “a celebration of women,” thanking the First Lady and Nigeria Customs for a well-organized event. “This proves that black African countries can also host major competitions to promote volleyball. We may not have reached the finals, but we’ve learned a lot.”

A delegate from Malawi, Japier Mhango, expressed deep appreciation to the Nigerian government and its people. “Our stay has been exceptional. We’ve been well taken care of, and this has been a well-organized tournament. The level of competition was impressive.”

As the final whistle sounded, Nigeria didn’t just host a volleyball championship—it hosted the continent, redefined perceptions, and reminded the world of its capability and hospitality.

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