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Saudi Authority Hosts 84 Journalists Round Makkah

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By Andrew Oota,Abuja

The Saudi Authorities have conducted 84 journalists round Makkah’s most groundbreaking museums to enhance global understanding of Islamic heritage and scientific achievements.The Saudi Authority of Media Regulation and the Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites conducted the international journalists round various sessions of the museums in Makkah.

The two organizations hosted the journalists on a curated visit to the three museums: International Museum of the Prophet’s Biography, the Clock Tower Museum and the Museum of the Holy Kaaba.
Mohammed Qamerein, a tour guide at the International Museum of the Prophet’s Biography, said that the initiative was to provide journalists with firsthand insight into the spiritual, historical and scientific legacy of Islam.
According to Qamerein, it is very good to be able to provide all this information for all pilgrims to benefit and learn more about Prophet Muhammad.He said that it was one of the core of Islam to know about the Prophet.Speaking on the importance of the visit to the museum sites, Zakia Koya, a journalist from Malaysia, described the visit as informative.“I find that this kind of tour is very informative because most of the journalists that come with the media normally do not have time to do this.“They do not have time to visit and see these places, and you have to pay a lot to enter these places.“So, this is very informative, especially because most of the journalists are busy covering only the pilgrims and then we are going back with the stories of the pilgrims of our countries,” he said.Another journalist from Turkey, Esra Esrahacioglu, said that the visit was impressive and helped journalists to see Makkah’s environment as it was.According to Esrahacioglu, it is a perfect chance to see this kind of old stories in a new technological way.“We see a lot of development in the city right now, but years ago, it was all different. And this museum helped us to see the environment as it was.“So, it was enjoyable for me. I would recommend people to come and see this museum,” he said.The International Museum of the Prophet’s Biography was inaugurated in 2021 and became operational in 2024 to focus on the life, character, and teachings of Prophet Muhammad.The Clock Tower Museum focuses on the timekeeping, astronomy and science, especially in relation to Islamic practices like prayer timing and moon sighting.The Clock Tower Museum in Makkah, located within the iconic Abraj Al Bait complex, offers a unique blend of scientific exploration, historical insight, and panoramic view of the holy city.

NEWS

Unique Secondary School Expands Outreach, Honors Ogbodo, Launches Scholarships

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By David Torough, Abuja

Unique Secondary School Makurdi (USSM), a leading private educational institution in Benue State, continues to make significant strides in academic excellence and community impact.

In a bold move to increase accessibility and reward excellence, the school has unveiled a new examination centre in Oju Local Government Area, launched a scholarship scheme for families with multiple children in the school, and honoured a distinguished alumnus, Dr.

Mark Ogbodo, by naming a recreational facility after him.

The newly inaugurated Dr. Mark Ogbodo Park was officially commissioned on July 24, during a colourful ceremony held at the school’s New GRA campus in Makurdi.

The event drew an impressive turnout of students, staff, parents, alumni, and dignitaries.

Chairman of Unique Schools and co-founder of USSM, Engr. Felix Atume led the commissioning, describing it as a tribute to dedication and impact.

Dr. Ogbodo, an author and founder of Lydia Memorial Hospital, Ugbokolo, was visibly moved by the honour.

In a social media post after the event, he wrote: “Who am I to deserve this great honour? What impact have I made on USSM? These thoughts flooded my mind as I stood speechless in awe.”

He praised the school leadership, particularly Principal Mr. Samuel Ortsega, and the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) for the recognition.

Also unveiled at the event was a scholarship programme aimed at easing the financial burden on families with more than one child enrolled at USSM.

The initiative was met with excitement and gratitude from parents in attendance. Furthermore, the newly established Oju exam centre was widely applauded for eliminating the long travel often required for external examinations, especially for students living in remote areas.

Founded on September 1, 1998, by Engr. Atume and Mrs. Juliana Atume, a noted philanthropist, USSM has built a strong reputation for nurturing students through academic rigor and character development.

Originally a day school, it added a boarding facility in 2007 to cater to growing demand. Situated in a serene environment, the school provides a secure and conducive atmosphere for learning.

USSM is part of the larger Unique Schools family, which began with Unique Nursery and Primary School in 1995.

The secondary arm offers a comprehensive curriculum infused with entrepreneurial and vocational training in areas such as catering, fashion, cosmetology, and design—preparing students with practical skills for life beyond the classroom.

The school boasts modern infrastructure, including science laboratories, an ICT centre, a digital library, spacious classrooms, quality boarding facilities, a healthcare unit, and the expansive Engr. Felix Atume Hall. Recreational amenities include courts for basketball, volleyball, tennis, a football pitch, and indoor games like chess and scrabble.

In keeping with global trends, USSM has embraced digital innovations such as an online result-checking system and is planning an enhanced presence on social media.

The school runs a three-term calendar and prepares students for key national examinations including BECE, WAEC, and NECO.

Ambitious plans are underway to launch Unique Technical College, which will focus on technical and vocational education.

As the evening of July 24 transitioned into a celebratory dinner in honour of the 2025 graduating class, guests—including PTA members, parents, alumni, and staff—shared heartfelt goodwill messages. The PTA Chairman described the event as “unparalleled in the school’s history.”

Through initiatives like the Oju centre, new scholarships, and the celebration of alumni impact, Unique Secondary School Makurdi continues to set the benchmark for holistic and community-rooted education in Benue State.

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Foreign News

Zelensky Announces New Draft Law on Anti-corruption Bodies after Protests

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he has approved the text of a draft law guaranteeing the freedom of two anti-corruption bodies in Ukraine – days after nationwide protests broke out over changes curbing their independence.

Kyiv’s Western partners had also expressed serious concerns over the legislation.

On Thursday, Zelensky seemed to backtrack, saying the new bill was intended to safeguard the independence of Ukraine’s National Anti-Corruption Bureau (Nabu) and Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (Sap), and to protect them from Russian influence.

He said the text of the bill was “balanced”, but did not provide any details.

The law passed earlier this week brought Nabu and Sap under the control of the prosecutor general, who is appointed by the president.

At the time Zelensky justified his decision to curtail the bodies’ powers by citing Russian influence. The day before, Ukraine’s security services had carried out searches and arrests targeting alleged Russian spies at the agency.

The passing of the legislation instantly sparked the largest protests since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022 in several cities across Ukraine, with many worrying the law would severely undermine the Nabu and Sap’s authority and effectiveness.

Thousands of people gathered in streets and squares across Ukraine, holding placards calling for the legislation to be vetoed.

Several commentators accused Zelensky of democratic backsliding. Their concerns were further exacerbated when Ukraine’s Western partners signalled their displeasure with the bill.

Ukraine has official EU candidate status and a spokesman for European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen previously warned Kyiv that the rule of law and the fight against corruption were “core elements” of membership to the bloc.

On Thursday, the Commission said it “welcomed” the Ukrainian government’s decision to take action against the bill.

“We are working [with the Ukrainian government] to make sure that our concerns… are indeed taken into account,” the spokesman said.

Nabu and Sap were created in 2014-15 as one of the requirements set by the European Commission and International Monetary Fund to move towards a relaxation of visa restrictions between Ukraine and the EU.

Writing on Facebook, opposition MP Oleksiy Goncharenko noted Zelensky said that “the independence of anti-corruption institutions must be guaranteed.”

“First we take it away, and then we say that it must be guaranteed. So why was all this necessary?”

In his message on social media on Thursday, Zelensky did not acknowledge the protests or the backlash but said it was “important that we respect the position of all Ukrainians and are grateful to everyone who stands with Ukraine.”

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NEWS

Why I Quit Banking for Music – CDQ

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Nigerian rapper CDQ has revealed that he left a stable banking job to pursue his true passion, music.

In an interview, the hip-hop star shared that becoming a banker was a move to honor his late father’s wishes, but it wasn’t where his heart truly belonged.

“I quit my bank job.

I couldn’t tell my mother or any family member then.
I left the house and went to stay with Masterkraft in the studio,” he said.

CDQ admitted that while at the bank, he often found himself scribbling lyrics during work hours instead of focusing on his official duties.

The internal conflict eventually led him to a bold decision, quitting his job to chase a career in music.

According to him, even his close friend and producer, Masterkraft, was shocked when he learned about the decision. Interestingly, Masterkraft used to lend CDQ suits to wear to the bank.

“I told him banking isn’t my passion. I will probably just do it to make ends meet. But music is something that, whether it gives me a return or not, I’m still happy doing it,” CDQ added.

CDQ’s gamble paid off. He shot to fame in 2016 with his hit single “Indomie” featuring Masterkraft and Olamide.

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