IMO BREAKING NEWS BLOG

The Sultan of Sokoto and President General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has called on Muslims nationwide to observe the new moon of Shawwal 1446AH on Saturday, March 29, 2025.

In a statement issued on Friday by the Waziri of Sokoto, Prof. Sambo Wali Junaidu, Chairman of the Sultanate Council’s Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, the moon sighting will determine the end of Ramadan and the date for Eid el-Fitr celebrations.

March 29 marks the 29th day of Ramadan 1446AH, making it the earliest possible date for sighting the new moon. The Sultan urged anyone who sights the moon to report their observations using the designated phone numbers provided.

Muslims are encouraged to participate in the moon sighting, as it plays a crucial role in determining the official date for Eid. The Sultanate Council will announce the final decision based on verified reports. 

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has urged the Nigerian government to fast-track the completion of its cash transfer programme to support vulnerable households amid ongoing economic reforms. IMF Communications Director, Julie Kozack, emphasized that while Nigeria's efforts to stabilize its economy are commendable, policies must also protect the country’s poorest citizens.

IMF’s First Deputy Managing Director, Gita Gopinath, recently visited Nigeria and met with key officials, including Finance Minister Wale Edun and CBN Governor Yemi Cardoso. She also engaged with civil society groups and private sector stakeholders.

IMF representatives will return next week for the 2025 Article IV Consultation, an assessment of Nigeria’s economic policies. The Fund has consistently urged Nigeria to expand its cash transfer programme, particularly in rural areas, to alleviate rising poverty and food insecurity. Similarly, the World Bank has stressed that cash transfers are crucial in helping Nigerians escape poverty amid inflation and weak economic growth. 

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, has reaffirmed his commitment to gender inclusivity in governance, calling for widespread support for the Seat Reservation for Women Bill (HB1349). He emphasized that the bill is a strategic intervention to empower women and ensure their rightful place in political decision-making.

Kalu made this statement during a dinner banquet in his honor, organized by The Osasu Show Foundation (TOS Foundation), United Nations (UN) Women, and the Policy Innovation Center (PIC) in Abuja. The event, which also featured an award presentation, recognized Kalu’s legislative efforts in championing women's rights.

A Legislative Push for Equality

Speaking at the event, Kalu highlighted the bill’s alignment with the principles of the Beijing Declaration, which advocates for gender equality globally. He described the proposed legislation as a necessary tool to break systemic barriers and correct the historical underrepresentation of women in Nigerian politics.

"This is not about charity it is about justice, strategy, and national prosperity," Kalu stated. "A truly representative government must reflect the people it serves. Women have been historically marginalized in our political process, and this bill seeks to change that by ensuring they have a rightful place in legislative chambers at both national and state levels."

According to the Deputy Speaker, the bill will reserve seats for women in the National and State Assemblies, fostering a more diverse and inclusive legislative process. He argued that the participation of women in governance contributes to more equitable and holistic policymaking, ultimately benefiting national development.

A Call to Action Despite Challenges

While acknowledging the obstacles that remain in the fight for gender equality, Kalu reiterated his determination to push forward.

"The path toward gender equality is fraught with challenges, but it is also rich with opportunities. We must continue to dismantle systemic barriers, foster environments where everyone can thrive, and build institutions that are truly inclusive," he affirmed.

Drawing inspiration from the Beijing Declaration, Kalu stressed the importance of legal protections and affirmative action in achieving sustainable change. He urged stakeholders to support the Seat Reservation for Women Bill, describing it as an essential step toward a future where justice and equal representation prevail.

As discussions around gender equality continue, Kalu’s advocacy signals a renewed push for policies that ensure women's voices are not only heard but also actively shape the nation's political landscape. 

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has recorded 807 suspected cases of cerebrospinal meningitis and 74 deaths across 22 states as of March 26, 2025, with a case fatality rate of 9.2%.

In response, NCDC has deployed Rapid Response Teams to Kebbi, Sokoto, and Katsina—the most affected states—to contain the outbreak. The teams, including health specialists, will focus on case management, infection control, surveillance, and community engagement.

NCDC Director General Dr. Jide Idris emphasized the importance of infection prevention and pledged continued support to state governments in combating public health threats. 

BY GOC Nwadike, Owerri

The Torch Lighting Ceremony for the Niger Delta Sports Festival Took place Thursday in Owerri, the Imo State Capital following the arrival of the Torch Light to the state capital of Owerri, Imo state.

Leading the Torch Lighting Ceremony in the State's Government House at Owerri, the Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma thanked the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC for making efforts through the festival to curb youths' unemployment in the region as well as harnessing developmental opportunities through Sports.

Speaking through his Deputy, Lady Chinyere Ihuoma Ekomaru, Ph.D, the governor assured the commission of his continued supports, while urging the Imo contingents to the festival to come home with many laurels.

The festival Torch Light which commenced its tours the past one week of the Nine mandate states of the NDDC, left Asaba, the Delta State Capital Wednesday, for Imo, and was received Thursday by the Imo's Brand Ambassador to the festival, Mr. Emmanuel Amunike, mfr, who was represented by "Mr. Universe".

The Torch left the stadium with a Procession to the Imo Government House, where it was handed over to the Honourable Commissioner For Sports, Hon. Obinna Evaristus Onyeocha. Onyeocha and Hon. Willie Okolieogwo serve as the chairman and Secretary respectively, of the State Liaison Committee of the Niger Delta Sports Festival in Imo State.

The Commissioner proceeded to handing over the Torch Light to the Executive Governor Of Imo State, His Excellency, Distinguished Sen. Hope Uzodinma as ably represented.

The Deputy Governor was accompanied by the Chief of Staff to the Imo Governor, Chief Sir Barr. Nnamdi Anyaehie, the Deputy Chief of Staff (Operations), Barr. Emeka Agbor, the Principal Secretary To The Governor, Dr. Irene Chima, the Commissioner for Niger Delta Affairs, Dr. Henry Okafor, the SA to the Governor on Youths Development, Mr. Eric Uwakwe, SA Monitoring And Compliance, Nze Chinasa Nwaneri, SA Public Enlightenment, Nze Eze Ugochukwu among other top government functionaries. 

The Torch Light has since departed Imo for Abia state after it was handed back to the MOC by the Deputy Governor.

From Abia on Friday, the Torch shall leave for Cross Rivers State next week Monday.

The Niger Delta Sports Festival scheduled to hold in Uyo, Akwa Ibom state between the 1st and 8th of April, 2025 is a flagship program of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, aimed at harnessing talents from the sporting sector and developing the region beyond oil. It is strictly for athletes Under 25 years of age, and Imo is attending with a total of 400 athletes drawn from a total of 17 Sports recommended by the Commission.

The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has intensified efforts to ensure locally manufactured products, including Made-in-Aba brands, meet quality standards for both local and international markets.

Speaking in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Abuja, SON’s Director of Region (South East), Aharanwa Chuks, emphasized the agency’s commitment to product standardization through the Mandatory Conformity Assessment Programme (MANCAP).

Chuks explained that MANCAP involves direct engagement with manufacturers to certify that their products comply with Nigerian Industrial Standards (NIS). This process includes factory inspections, product sampling, and rigorous testing. Products that meet the required benchmarks receive MANCAP certification, signifying quality assurance.

"In Aba, we have been proactive in educating manufacturers on standardization," Chuks said, adding that SON regularly holds stakeholder engagements to guide businesses on producing goods that meet both local and global standards.

He noted that leather manufacturers in Aba have been sensitized on best practices to enhance their products' competitiveness in the international market.

SON encourages manufacturers to collaborate with the agency to obtain MANCAP certification, ensuring their products are not only accepted in Nigeria but also competitive globally.

“This initiative is designed to boost consumer confidence and enhance the global acceptance of Made-in-Aba products,” Chuks stated.