News
Islamic Singer Rukayat Gawat Passes Away
Renowned Nigerian Islamic singer, Rukayat Gawat Oyefeso, has passed away. Known for her soulful voice and spiritually uplifting songs, Gawat had a strong following within the Muslim community. The news of her death was first announced by Islamic cleric Alfa Aribidesi At-Tawdeeh on his Facebook page on Tuesday morning.
Her brother, Jubril Gawat, who serves as the Senior Special Assistant on New Media to the Lagos State Governor, confirmed the tragic news on X (formerly Twitter) with a Quranic verse: “Indeed we belong to Allah, and indeed to Him we will return” (Q 2:156). This has led to an outpouring of condolences from her followers and associates.
Gawat was the daughter of Alhaji Rasaq Aremu Gawat, a well-known Islamic broadcaster who mysteriously disappeared in 2012, a loss that she said motivated her throughout her career. Married to Alhaji Shakiri Oyefeso, Rukayat hailed from Igbaja, Kwara State, though she was born in Lagos Island.
Her passing has deeply impacted the Islamic music scene, with fans and colleagues, including Alhaja Misturah Aderounmu (TeminiSuccess1), expressing their grief. Further details regarding her death and burial have not yet been confirmed.
News
TCN Acknowledges 7th Grid Collapse in 2024
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has reported its seventh partial grid collapse in 2024. Despite the recurring issue, TCN’s General Manager of Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah, reassured the public that efforts to restore power are well underway, with about 90% of substations receiving bulk power.
Mbah noted that the Azura Power Station initiated the grid recovery, although a minor setback occurred. However, power supply has been restored to the Abuja region and other key distribution centers. The Ibom Gas Generating Station remained unaffected, continuing to supply power to the South-South region.
An investigation into the cause of the collapse will commence once full grid restoration is achieved.
News
Jigawa Tanker Tragedy: Shettima, First Lady Mourn Victims, Pledge Federal Support
Vice President Kashim Shettima has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic tanker explosion in Jigawa State, which claimed over 100 lives. In a statement issued by his media aide, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima, on behalf of President Bola Tinubu, extended condolences to the affected families, praying for strength and comfort in their time of grief.
Shettima assured the public that the federal government is mobilizing resources to support the injured and assist those affected. He has directed the immediate deployment of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to provide aid. The Vice President also stressed the need for a review of fuel transportation safety protocols to prevent future incidents.
In a separate statement, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu offered her condolences to Jigawa Governor Umar Namadi and the people of Jigawa, praying for peace and comfort for the families affected. She called the incident “unfortunate” and extended prayers for the recovery of the injured and the repose of the souls lost in the tragedy.
News
Nigeria Customs Intercepts Arms, Ammunition Worth N9.5bn Over Six Years
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has revealed that it intercepted a total of 10,598 pieces of arms and 114,929 rounds of ammunition valued at N9.58 billion over the past six years. Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, made this disclosure during a press conference on enforcement activities in Zone A.
Adeniyi highlighted that 60% of these seizures occurred in 2023, reflecting the Customs’ increased efforts to curb arms smuggling. He also mentioned that recent operations such as Operation Whirlwind and Operation Swift Sting are part of a strategic response to tackle evolving smuggling tactics.
In addition to arms seizures, the Customs CG announced the largest pangolin scale seizure since 2020, with 9,493 kg of scales confiscated in collaboration with the Wildlife Justice Commission. The joint operation led to four arrests across Kano, Kaduna, and Lagos. The NCS continues to intensify efforts against wildlife trafficking, targeting supply routes in northern Nigeria and border areas.
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