Photo: Sultan of Sokoto Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III

The umbrella body of Muslims community in Nigeria (Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has warned the Federal Government and security agencies to act before Muslims ‘run out of patience’.

According to the NSCIA,the community’s continued restraint amid what it described as persistent attacks, profiling and marginalisation should not be mistaken for weakness.

The warning was contained in a statement by the NSCIA’s Public Affairs Officer, Abbas Jimoh, on behalf of the council led by its President-General and Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar.

The NSCIA also called on the government to ensure that those responsible for what it described as heinous crimes in Kaduna and Benue states were brought to justice without delay.

“While the NSCIA continues to appeal to Muslims for continuous restraint, it is imperative that government and security agencies should act decisively before the Muslims run out of patience in the light of persistent attacks and unbridled marginalization,” the council said.

The council urged the authorities to rein in what it described as persistent attacks on Islam and Muslims in public spaces, saying that was essential to preserving peace and national cohesion.

“The barrage of open assaults on the integrity of Islam and the Muslims in public spaces should be checked in the interest of peace and order. Enough is enough,” the statement added.

The Federal Government has approved sweeping reforms to the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, announcing that the scheme will now be headed by a civilian instead of a military officer.

The approval was announced to State House correspondents after the FEC meeting presided over by President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

To give legal backing to the reforms, the Federal Executive Council directed the Attorney-General of the Federation, in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth Development, to amend the NYSC Act and its regulations to facilitate the immediate implementation of the approved changes.

The Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, said that the reforms would also introduce professional training programmes for corps members to enhance their employability and entrepreneurial skills.

He explained that the NYSC would retain its one-year service duration while incorporating flexible, skills-based training programmes into the service year.

Under the new framework, he said, the scheme would remain civilian-led, while the Nigerian military would continue to be responsible for the security of corps members nationwide.

In a remarkable feat that has captured national attention, 16-year-old student Osasere Okundaye has emerged as Nigeria’s youngest chartered accountant, shattering the previous record set in 2022.

Okundaye successfully completed the professional examinations of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), earning widespread acclaim as a shining example of youthful excellence and determination. Her achievement comes at an age when many peers are still navigating secondary education or early university studies.

Minister of Youth Development Ayodele Olawande congratulated the young prodigy, describing her accomplishment as an inspiring milestone. “I heartily congratulate Miss Osasere Okundaye on her outstanding achievement of becoming Nigeria’s youngest Chartered Accountant at just 16 years of age,” the minister said, highlighting her hard work and resilience as a symbol of the potential within Nigerian youth.

Okundaye’s success surpasses the record previously held by Jonathan Adewale (also known as Ojo Jonathan Adewale), who qualified as a chartered accountant at age 17 in 2022. Her qualification has sparked pride across the country and renewed focus on empowering young Nigerians in professional fields.

While full ICAN membership typically requires additional practical experience (usually three years), Okundaye’s completion of the rigorous exams marks a historic breakthrough. Details about her educational background and the journey to this achievement are still emerging, but her story is already motivating aspiring accountants and students nationwide.

This milestone underscores the growing narrative of exceptional young talent driving Nigeria forward in various sectors. Congratulations poured in from across social media and media outlets, celebrating Okundaye as a beacon of hope for the nation’s future.