The Dean, Faculty of Arts, University of Ibadan, Professor Afis Oladosu has said the most conflicts that are branded as religious conflicts in Nigeria are materially induced.
Oladosu who lectures in the Department of Arabic and Islamic Studies said the majority of struggles branded as religious are less about God, less about the creed or faith and much more about gaining power and material prosperity.
Oladosu made these assertions during the 489th Inaugural lecture of the University of Ibadan.
Dignitaries who attended the event included Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Engineer Rauf Olaniyan, his wife, Professor Amdalat Olaniyan, Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Edo and Delta, Alhaji Dawud Akinola, Executive Secretary, Muslim Ummah of Southwest Nigeria, MUSWEN, Professor Muslih Yahya, his predecessor, Professor Daud Noibi among other personalities.
Nigeria’s power sector pensioners have urged President Muhammadu Buhari to intervene in the N35 billion arrears owed them.
Benjamin Amako, President of Electricity Sector Retiree Welfare Association (ESREWA) addressed the media after a National Executive Council (NEC) meeting on Friday in Abuja.
Amako recalled that the President ordered payment of their pensions years ago but regretted that government officials were yet to comply.
“We have not been paid a dime even as I speak, for reasons that are totally and obviously human making”, NAN quoted him as saying
“Over five years since the President’s directive, the relevant authorities whose responsibility it is to ensure we get the arrears for our dying members, seem to be working contrarily.”
Pilgrims performing lesser hajjThe Chairman, National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Alhaji Zikrullah Hassan, has reiterated the commission’s commitment to making hajj exercise affordable to prospective pilgrims.
Hassan stated this on Sunday in Ibadan during a special prayer, organised in his honour by the Muslim Ummah of South-West Nigeria (MUSWEN) over his appointment as NAHCON chairman. x
He said that the introduction of Hajj Savings Scheme, Hajj Training Institute and the digitalisation of hajj operations were all aimed at making hajj operations affordable and shortening the time spent on hajj tours.
Hassan expressed concern over what he called the frequent increase in Hajj fares, saying that this could make it more difficult for people to go on pilgrimage.