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Providing Succour To Disabled Persons, Kids Is My Priority –Halima Abubakar

Published

2 years ago

August 16, 2024

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Foremost thespian and United Nations Ambassador, Halima Abubakar has said that assisting disabled persons and kids in Nigeria and Africa is her priority.

Under the auspices of her Halima Abubakar Foundation (HAF), the actress recently reached out to over 2,000 disabled persons and kids in Abuja, the capital of Nigeria, donating food items, wheelchairs, crutches and other relief items to the beneficiaries.

She noted that for many years, HAF has been reaching out to hundreds of people in need, and it is her priority to focus on doing more, promising that the corporate social responsibility gestures will continue across Nigeria and Africa.

Abubakar noted that her foundation will partner with appropriate agencies and authorities to help in eradicating the scourge of discrimination facing people with disabilities, and empower them to fulfill their dreams.

“The stories of many of these people living with disabilities are quite touching. While some of them were born with disabilities, others are mere victims of circumstances that could have been avoided. I’m glad that most of them are not giving up on their dreams, and it is our responsibility to assist in making it a reality. Indeed, there’s an ability in disability.

“The Halima Abubakar Foundation outreach is prepared to extend its tentacles to every region in Nigeria, and some parts of the continent where we have more vulnerable people living with disabilities,” she said.

The Halima Abubakar Foundation Appreciation Outreach kicked-off on Saturday, 27 July, 2024 at PWD Emir Palace, Karonmajigi, FCT Abuja, with over 2,000 beneficiaries in attendance.

During the outreach, the veteran actress and philanthropist gave out wheelchairs, crutches, food stuffs, shoes for students, mats, kettles, kids’ clothes and other relief materials to the beneficiaries.

The charity outreach is Abubakar’s little way of giving back to the society, particularly at this difficult economic state of the country, and she promised that it will be a continuous exercise. It was coordinated by Ambassador Chris Odey.

The Emir of Karomajiji, Alhaji Suleiman Muhammad, who was present at the event, expressed his delight at the good gesture of Abubakar, describing her as a woman of substance loved by the people. He thereby urged more celebrities to emulate her.

Other dignitaries who graced the event include Muhammad Datani, Sagir Ibrahim, Naziru Muhammad, Adamu Dando, James Lalu and representatives of the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development.

Halima Abubakar, who is an Ambassador of Peace, said “I felt really loved by the turnout and the fact that I was able to put smiles on the faces of these people. But this wouldn’t have been possible without the support of Almighty Allah, my fans and people like Kingsley Mike Azonobi of Domak Group, Millicent Ugwueru of House of Mimie, Divinchy Collections, my Instagram fans and some anonymous donors.

Abubakar was born in Kano but from Kogi State. She attended Ideal primary school in Kano, then studied Sociology at Bayero University, Kano. She is also the CEO of Modehouse Films, a production company that produces movies and gives new faces a chance by putting them in a position to earn a living.

The multiple award-winning thespian has starred in many Nollywood films, some of which include Slip of Fate, Missing Child, Secret Shadows, Ladies Gang, Area Mama, Men in Love, Okafor’s Law and Love Castle.

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“Melody Hymns with Sean Polotee” Returns, Rekindling Sunday Mornings with Soulful Inspiration

Published

8 months ago

July 24, 2025

thecolumnng

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In a welcome return to the airwaves, “Melody Hymns with Sean Polotee” is back on Melody 107.7 FM, set to grace Sunday mornings once again from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM. The show, known for its soul-stirring hymns and uplifting content, is hosted by Sean Polotee, a seasoned broadcast journalist, poet, and media personality.

Renowned for his charismatic on-air presence and deep connection with listeners, Polotee brings nearly two decades of media experience to the program. He is also the recently appointed Special Adviser on Media and Communications to the National Coalition of Apostles, Bishops, Archbishops, and Cardinals (NCABAC) — a role that further highlights his commitment to using media as a force for positive change.

“Melody Hymns” blends carefully curated gospel music with personal reflections and conversations that spark hope, resilience, and faith. Polotee frequently engages guests from various walks of life, offering listeners stories that resonate far beyond the studio walls.

Drawing on his background as a poet and storyteller, Polotee’s style is warm, engaging, and deeply human. His previous hosting credits include popular radio shows like “Maagbon” on Miliki 101.3 FM and the award-winning “Deflower Your Mind” on Jordan 105.5 FM — programs that showcased his ability to connect meaningfully with audiences.

Listeners can expect more than just music — “Melody Hymns” is a celebration of community, faith, and shared experience. It invites audiences to participate by sharing personal testimonies, song requests, and reflections, reinforcing the show’s mission to uplift and unite.

Whether you’re seeking peace, encouragement, or simply a beautiful start to your Sunday, “Melody Hymns with Sean Polotee” offers a refreshing hour of inspiration.

Tune in to Melody 107.7 FM every Sunday at 9:00 AM.

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Singapore Hangs Third Drug Trafficker In A Week

Published

1 year ago

November 22, 2024

thecolumnng

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Singapore on Friday hanged a 55-year-old man for drug trafficking, its narcotics enforcement agency said, the city-state’s third execution in a week as the United Nations called for a halt.

The UN and rights groups say capital punishment has no proven deterrent effect and have called for it to be abolished, but Singaporean officials insist it has helped make the country one of Asia’s safest.

Singapore’s Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) said the death sentence was carried out for Rosman Abdullah, convicted of trafficking 57.43 grams (2.03 ounces) of heroin.

Under the country’s tough drug laws, the death penalty kicks in for any amount above a 15-gram threshold.

The hanging at Changi prison followed the November 15 execution of two men — a 39-year-old Malaysian and a 53-year-old Singaporean — also for drug trafficking.

“Rosman was accorded full due process under the law, and was represented by legal counsel throughout the process,” CNB said in a statement.

The Singaporean, first sentenced in July 2010, had exhausted his appeals, including one for clemency from the president.

His execution was the eighth this year in the city-state, seven for drug trafficking and one for murder.

According to an AFP tally, Singapore has hanged 24 people since it resumed carrying out the death penalty in March 2022 after a two-year halt during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The UN on Thursday reiterated its call on Singapore to review its position on capital punishment.

“The use of the death penalty for drug-related offences is incompatible with international human rights law. There is increasing evidence showing the ineffectiveness of capital punishment as a deterrent,” UN Human Rights spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani said in a statement.

The CNB, however, said capital punishment was “imposed only for the most serious crimes, such as the trafficking of significant quantities of drugs which cause very serious harm” to users and society at large.

AFP

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South Africa Central Bank Cuts Interest Rate to 7.75%

Published

1 year ago

November 22, 2024

thecolumnng

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Cyril Ramaphosa waves as he prepares to take the oath of office for his second term as South African President during Ramaphosa’s inauguration ceremony at the Union Buildings in Pretoria on June 19, 2024. (Photo by Kim LUDBROOK / POOL / AFP)

South Africa’s central bank on Thursday cut its benchmark interest rate by 25 basis points to 7.75 percent, adopting caution amid mixed data and global uncertainty.

It follows a fall in inflation in October to 2.8 percent, its lowest level since June 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Inflation appears well contained in the near term, South Africa’s Reserve Bank governor Lesetja Kganyago told reporters.

However it was “highly uncertain” in the medium term given the possibility of higher costs of food, electricity and water, as well as insurance premiums and wage settlements.

While recent manufacturing data was subdued, mining was strong and unemployment had shifted lower to 32.1 percent in the third quarter from 33.5 percent in the previous quarter, Kganyago said.

South Africa’s economic growth could be higher from next year, given ongoing structural reforms including in the electricity and transport networks, he said.

“I think 25 basis points is cautious, and the environment is uncertain, and it calls for caution,” he said.

“Global interest rates could well shift higher again and the recent rand depreciation demonstrate how rapidly changes in the global environment can affect South Africa.”

Kganyago cited higher than expected inflation in the United States and Britain.

Another contributing factor was uncertainty about the policies that the incoming government of Donald Trump would adopt.

Generally there is “a rise about protectionism around the globe, and there is a concern that the protectionism that we are seeing could impact global trade, and global trade is the life blood of the global economy”,” Kganyago said.