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Interfaith Groups Seek Stronger Unity as Experts Warn Against Divisive Narratives in Nigeria
Interfaith Groups Seek Stronger Unity as Experts Warn Against Divisive Narratives in Nigeria
By Auwal Ahmad, Gombe
Religious leaders, civil society organisations and peacebuilding experts on Friday called for stronger national unity and collective action to address rising insecurity and social divisions in Nigeria.
The call was made during an interfaith dialogue organised in Abuja by the Office for Strategic Preparedness and Resilience (OSPRE) in collaboration with CONCORD, a non-profit organisation focused on peacebuilding and human security.
The forum, themed “Safeguarding Nigeria’s Religious Pluralism: Faith, Dialogue and National Cohesion,” brought together stakeholders from faith-based organisations, civil society groups, policy institutions and community networks to discuss the growing concerns over religion, violence and national cohesion.
Participants at the meeting stressed the importance of dialogue, cooperation and inclusive governance in tackling insecurity and preventing further social fragmentation across the country.
Speaking at the event, the Director-General of OSPRE, Chris Ngwodo, said Nigeria must pay greater attention to vulnerable rural communities affected by violence and displacement.
Mr Ngwodo noted that sustainable peace could only be achieved through inclusive policies that address governance challenges, justice, development and community protection.
He added that insecurity in Nigeria remains complex, involving ethnic tensions, sectarian conflicts, organised crime and competition over resources.
According to him, responding effectively would require multidimensional solutions and stronger collaboration among government institutions, community leaders and civil society organisations.
Participants at the dialogue also advocated improved grassroots security, responsive governance and long-term investments in initiatives that promote peaceful coexistence and strengthen national integration.
Also speaking, Fatima Madaki warned against the spread of misinformation and divisive narratives capable of deepening mistrust among communities.
She said Nigeria’s diversity remains one of its greatest strengths and urged faith leaders and civic actors to continue promoting empathy, justice and national unity.
“Nigeria’s strength lies in its diversity and our ability to coexist despite our differences,” she said.
Organisations represented at the forum included the Islamic Education Trust, Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, Interfaith Dialogue Forum for Peace, Center for Civilians in Conflict, Kukah Centre, Neem Foundation, HumAngle Foundation and the Centre for Peace Studies and Conflict Management, among others.
The organisers reaffirmed their commitment to sustaining interfaith dialogue and strengthening partnerships aimed at promoting peace, resilience and inclusive national development in Nigeria.
News
FG, States, LGAs Share ₦2.55 tn June Revenue as FAAC Reports Higher Tax, Oil Receipts
FG, States, LGAs Share ₦2.55 tn June Revenue as FAAC Reports Higher Tax, Oil Receipts
By Jamila Muhammed
The federal government, along with the 36 states and the 774 local government councils, shared ₦2.55 trillion in revenue allocation for June 2026, which was made possible by an increase in statutory revenue and Value Added Tax (VAT) collections, according to the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC).
The allocation was approved at FAAC’s July meeting held on Wednesday in Abuja.
According to a communiqué issued after the meeting, the distributable revenue comprised ₦1.809 trillion from statutory revenue and ₦740.724 billion from VAT.
“A total sum of ₦2.550 trillion, being June 2026 Federation Account revenue, has been shared with the federal government, states and the local government councils,” the communiqué said.
The committee said ₦4.500 trillion accrued to the Federation Account during the month. Out of the amount, ₦160.744 billion was deducted as the cost of revenue collection, while ₦1.789 trillion was earmarked for transfers and refunds before the balance was distributed.
Under the approved sharing formula, the federal government received ₦923.438 billion, while state governments got ₦838.208 billion. The 774 local government councils received ₦591.390 billion, while ₦197.610 billion, representing the 13 per cent derivation fund, was allocated to oil-producing states.
Of the ₦1.809 trillion distributable statutory revenue, the federal government received ₦849.366 billion, the states ₦430.810 billion, and local governments ₦332.136 billion. Oil-producing states also received ₦197.610 billion as derivation revenue.
From the ₦740.724 billion shared from VAT, the federal government received ₦74.072 billion, states received ₦407.398 billion, and local governments received ₦259.253 billion.
FAAC attributed the higher allocation to improved revenue inflows during the month.
It said gross statutory revenue increased to ₦3.700 trillion in June from ₦2.651 trillion recorded in May, representing an increase of ₦1.049 trillion.
Gross VAT revenue also rose to ₦799.746 billion in June, up from ₦743.688 billion in the preceding month.
“Gross statutory revenue of ₦3.700 trillion was received for the month of June 2026. “This amount was ₦1.049 trillion higher than the ₦2.651 trillion received in the preceding month,” the communiqué stated.
The committee also reported increases in receipts from Companies Income Tax (CIT), Capital Gains Tax (CGT), Stamp Duties, Petroleum Royalties, Gas Flared, Rental and Miscellaneous Oil Revenue (MOR), VAT, Import Duty and Common External Tariff (CET) levies.
However, it noted that collections from Petroleum Profit Tax (PPT), Hydrocarbon Tax (HT), mineral royalties and related fees declined during the period, while excise duty recorded only a marginal increase.
The latest allocation comes as governments at all levels continue to rely on FAAC disbursements to finance recurrent expenditure and capital projects amid efforts to improve non-oil revenue generation.
News
Al-Ansar Foundation Deepens Global Partnerships with China, Egypt, Saudi Arabia
Al-Ansar Foundation Deepens Global Partnerships with China, Egypt, Saudi Arabia
By Auwal Ahmad Umar
The Al-Ansar Foundation has strengthened its international partnerships following a series of high-level engagements with delegations from China, Egypt and Saudi Arabia aimed at expanding cooperation in education, innovation, humanitarian services, and sustainable development.
The meetings, held in Abuja during the weekend, were led by the Foundation’s Founder and President Dr Mohammed Kyari Dikwa, mni, as part of efforts to create more opportunities for Nigerian students, educational institutions, and communities through strategic international collaborations.
According to the Foundation the engagements underscore its growing global profile and commitment to fostering partnerships that support academic excellence, institutional development, and youth empowerment.
A major highlight of the week’s activities was the TranESS Commercial and Industrial (C&I) Education Summit, where Dr Dikwa chaired discussions involving education stakeholders, school proprietors, development partners, regulatory agencies, university administrators and industry leaders.
Speaking at the summit, Dr Dikwa stressed the importance of closer collaboration between the education and energy sectors, noting that reliable infrastructure is essential for delivering quality education.
He described the partnership between the Al-Ansar Foundation and TranESS as a long-term investment in human capital development, innovation and educational advancement.
The Foundation also unveiled plans to facilitate employment opportunities, structured internship programmes and international exchange initiatives for outstanding Nigerian students and graduates, particularly in engineering, technology, renewable energy and business-related fields.
Dr Dikwa urged tertiary institutions and other educational organisations across the country to work with the Foundation in identifying and preparing talented students to compete in the global labour market.
As part of its international engagements, the Foundation also hosted a delegation from the Arab Republic of Egypt to explore opportunities for collaboration in education, institutional development, cultural exchange and humanitarian programmes.
Discussions focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation through knowledge sharing and partnerships designed to promote quality education and sustainable development.
The Foundation also welcomed a delegation from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, where talks centred on expanding cooperation in education, humanitarian services, Islamic development, youth empowerment and institutional partnerships.
During the visit, the Saudi delegation honoured Dr Dikwa with a traditional ceremonial Bisht (Arab robe), a copy of the Holy Qur’an and Zamzam water in recognition of his contributions to education, humanitarian service and international cooperation.
The Foundation said the gesture symbolised the enduring relationship between both parties and their shared commitment to strengthening collaboration.
The week’s engagements, according to the Foundation, reflect its growing reputation as a trusted platform for international development partnerships and its determination to expand opportunities for Nigerians through global cooperation.
It added that under Dr Dikwa’s leadership, the organisation will continue to pursue partnerships that promote academic excellence, strengthen institutional capacity and contribute to Nigeria’s long-term development and global competitiveness.
News
Family Trust, Beautiful Gate Empower 100 persons with disabilities with wheelchairs
Family Trust, Beautiful Gate Empower 100 persons with disabilities with wheelchairs
By Auwal Ahmad Umar
The Family Trust and Care Foundation, in partnership with the Beautiful Gate Handicapped People’s Centre, has donated 100 wheelchairs to persons with disabilities, describing the initiative as part of a broader effort to promote inclusion, restore dignity and expand opportunities for vulnerable Nigerians.
The donation was unveiled during a ceremony attended by government officials, community leaders, development partners and beneficiaries.
Speaking at the event, the Chief Executive Officer of the Family Trust and Care Foundation and wife of the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Gombe State, Hajiya Zainab Jamilu Gwamna, said the intervention was aimed at empowering persons with disabilities to live independently and participate fully in society.
She said the wheelchairs represented more than mobility aids, noting that they would improve access to education, healthcare, employment and other opportunities often denied to people living with disabilities.
“For many beneficiaries, a wheelchair means freedom and renewed hope. It restores independence and enables them to contribute meaningfully to their communities,” she said.
Mrs Gwamna said the foundation remained committed to inclusive development through interventions in healthcare, education, humanitarian services and community empowerment.
According to her, the organisation has over the years supported vulnerable groups through medical outreach programmes, educational assistance, food distribution and empowerment initiatives targeting women, youths and persons with disabilities.
She described the collaboration with the Beautiful Gate Handicapped People’s Centre as a partnership built on shared values and a long-standing commitment to improving the lives of persons with disabilities.
“The partnership is a continuation of our efforts to support rehabilitation programmes, improve access to healthcare, provide assistive devices and promote the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities,” she said.
Mrs Gwamna added that the initiative aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those promoting reduced inequalities, quality education, good health and inclusive communities.
She assured beneficiaries that the foundation would continue working with government agencies, development organisations and other stakeholders to ensure that no one is left behind.
Addressing the beneficiaries, she urged them not to allow physical challenges to define their future.
“You are valued, respected and capable of achieving your dreams. Let your strength, determination and resilience guide you as you take advantage of the opportunities before you,” she said.
Also speaking, the Director of Media and Communications at the Beautiful Gate Handicapped People’s Centre in Jos, Sandra Nanbam Yilgwan, commended the Family Trust and Care Foundation for the partnership and reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to advancing the welfare and inclusion of persons with disabilities.
She said the Jos-based organisation, established more than two decades ago, has expanded its activities to all 36 states of Nigeria and three other African countries.
According to her, the centre has produced and distributed over 42,000 tricycles, providing thousands of persons with disabilities with greater mobility and improved livelihoods.
She noted that the organisation works closely with religious bodies, political leaders and traditional institutions to promote disability inclusion and social integration.
Mrs Yilgwan explained that Beautiful Gate, a Christian organisation inspired by the biblical account in Acts Chapter 3, seeks to transform lives by providing assistive devices that enable persons with disabilities to attend school, acquire vocational skills, engage in farming and participate actively in society.
She cited the example of a woman with a disability in Lassa, Borno State, who became one of the community’s most successful farmers despite using a wheelchair.
According to her, the woman’s achievements demonstrate that disability does not determine a person’s potential.
She encouraged persons with disabilities to remain focused on their aspirations, stressing that with determination, opportunity and adequate support, they could excel in every sphere of life.
The organisers said the partnership would continue to deliver programmes that improve access to mobility, rehabilitation, healthcare and economic opportunities for persons with disabilities across Nigeria.
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