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Fashola: Many Countries Begged Nigeria For Food During Lockdown

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The Federal Government has said many neighbouring countries asked Nigeria for food during the lockdown occasioned by coronavirus pandemic.

Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, made this known on Saturday during an Instagram Live Chat with City People Magazine.

The minister, who spoke on the COVID-19 Economic Sustainability Plan recently submitted by Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo to the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), said the plan contains diverse measures to fortify the Nigerian economy against any shock brought by the pandemic.

Fashola said, “We are looking at constructing roads with more stones, more cement, more iron rods so that more people will be employed. For example, it will take 14 people to build a kilometre of road. So, if you are doing more kilometres, it will demand more labour and materials, so, these are some of the bolts and nuts of that plan.

“Agriculture is another critical part of the Economic Sustainability Plan. We want to increase the cultivatable lands in the country. We are currently cultivating just about one-third and I stand to be corrected on that figure – the minister of agriculture knows the numbers than I do. But in his presentation, as I recollect it, we are not cultivating enough lands. We want to double cultivation, increase food output, not just for local use but for export.

“I must say to Nigerians that because of the success of the agriculture programme which is still evolving, during this COVID exercise, many countries were writing to us from near and far, asking us to please supply them food. This is not in the public space but President Buhari’s priority was, tell them to wait, we must feed our people first before we send out food, we don’t know when this is going to end.

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Police Restore Calm in Omu-Aran After Violence, Palace and Bank Attacks; Five Arrested

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The Kwara State Police Command has restored order in Omu-Aran, Irepodun Local Government Area, following a wave of violent disturbances on May 25 and 26, 2025, sparked by the actions of unruly youths.

According to a statement released by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, and made available to Just Event Online TV, the unrest was triggered by the arrest of a suspected drug dealer and arms trafficker known as Azeez, also called “A-Z,” by the Anti-Kidnapping Squad.

Azeez was reportedly freed by a mob while being transported to the police station. The group later attempted to storm the station but were successfully repelled by officers. The mob then moved to the Olomu’s Palace, where they set a motorcycle belonging to the monarch’s police orderly ablaze.

The situation escalated on the second day as the mob attacked the Olomu Aperan Microfinance Bank, vandalizing vehicles, the bank’s signboard, CCTV system, and other assets.

Police have arrested five suspects in connection with the attacks. Staff of the affected bank were safely evacuated and taken to the police station for protection.

In response, the Commissioner of Police, CP Adekimi Ojo, has directed enhanced patrols and surveillance across the community to maintain peace. The public has been urged to remain calm and refrain from spreading misinformation while investigations are ongoing.

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UPDATE: Real Reason for Sheikh Gumi’s Deportation from Saudi Arabia Uncovered

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Controversial Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has been deported from Saudi Arabia and barred from participating in the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage—an action that has sparked widespread public reaction. Now, sources have revealed the reason behind the unexpected move.

According to reliable reports, Saudi authorities refused Gumi entry into Medina due to concerns over his alleged associations with groups involved in regional unrest in Nigeria. During routine immigration procedures, the cleric was reportedly questioned about his previous public statements and affiliations, particularly his consistent calls for negotiations and leniency toward armed factions in Northern Nigeria.

Sources claim Gumi was unable to provide responses that satisfied authorities, resulting in his immediate deportation—even though he held a valid Hajj visa. The incident has ignited intense discussions in Nigeria, raising questions about the potential impact on his public standing and influence.

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JUST IN: Saudi Arabia Denies Sheikh Gumi Entry for Hajj, Deports Him to Nigeria

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Saudi authorities have barred prominent Kaduna-based Islamic scholar, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, from participating in the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage and have deported him back to Nigeria.

The cleric confirmed the development in a Facebook post on Monday, May 26, 2025, revealing that although he was granted a visa, he was denied entry into Medina where he intended to commence his Hajj rites.

“Despite being issued a visa, I was not permitted to enter Medina due to certain concerns linked to my political views,” Sheikh Gumi stated on his official Facebook page.

He also expressed appreciation to the Nigerian government, noting that officials have promised to engage Saudi authorities over the matter.

Sheikh Gumi was reportedly part of a group of religious scholars sponsored by the Nigerian Hajj Commission (NAHCON) for this year’s pilgrimage.

He arrived in Medina around 10:30 p.m. last Saturday aboard an Umza Air flight, accompanied by other clerics. However, immigration officials at the airport stopped him from proceeding into the country.

Following the deportation, Sheikh Gumi has since returned to Nigeria and resumed his daily activities, including teaching.

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