HITFM’s THURSDAY NEWS ROUND UP.

GOVERNOR AYADE CHARGES MUSLIM FAITHFUL PARTICULARLY TO PUT ASIDE DIFFERENCES AND PUSH FOR THE UNITY OF THE COUNTRY.

Cross River State governor, Sir Ben Ayade, has urged Muslims in Nigeria, particularly those living in the state to put aside differences and push for the unity of the country.

In a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media, Christian Ita, to mark Sallah, Ayade enjoined Muslims to imbibe attitude that portrays tolerance, sacrifice and togetherness as they mark the celebration of this year’s Eid-El-Kabir.

While calling for prayers especially at the trying time of COVID-19, the governor also urged Muslim faithful to emulate Prophet Ibrahim who despite his predicaments, sacrificed to fulfil the commandment of Allah as well as constituted authority.

Meanwhile, the Chief Imam Calabar Central Mosque, Imam Kabir Olowolayemo says the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations should be a symbol of unity for every believer.

Speaking in an interview with our correspondent in Calabar on Thursday, Imam Olowolayemo also said with discrimination, COVID-19 which he described as an invisible enemy would not be defeated.

The Chief Imam, who is also a Missionary to Equatorial Guinea further called on everyone celebrating the Big-Sallah to observe all NCDC guidelines in other to curb the spread of coronavirus.

Also speaking, the Missioner for Nigerian Muslim Prayer Group, NASFAT Calabar branch, Sheikh Abdulqadir Bature debunked notions that the crisis in the North is caused by Muslims.

GOVERNOR AYADE ASSURES CROSS RIVERIANS OF THE SAFETY OF TEACHERS AND STUDENTS.

Following the decision of the federal government to reopen school from August 4th for students in exit classes in Secondary School, the Special Adviser to the Cross River state governor on Education, Castro Ezama, says preparations have been made for the safety of both teachers and students.

The SA to the governor on Education who spoke on the Hit Breakfast Show on Wednesday, debunked claims that the state government was yet to make preparation for the reopening of schools across to the state.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Parents Teachers Association in the state, Prof Boniface Odey, had noted that measures as regards the reopening of schools in the state were yet to be put in place.

ACADEMIC STAFF UNION OF UNIVERSITIES ASSURES OF READINESS TO RESUME WORK IF ALL SAFETY CONDITIONS FOR THE REOPENING OF SCHOOL ARE FULLY MET

The Academic Staff Union of Universities ASUU declared on Wednesday that they are ready to resume work if all the safety conditions outlined for the reopening of schools by the government are fully met.

They also insisted that government must address the pending issues contained in the memorandum of agreement between the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and the Federal Government.

The Union’s President Biodun Ogunyemi who assured of ASUU’s readiness to resume academic activities, said resumption will however be based on the government’s readiness to meet all reopening guidelines.

TRUMP ADMINISTRATION TO WITHDRAW SOME FEDERAL SECURITY FORCES FROM PORTLAND AFTER WEEKS OF CLASHES WITH PROTESTERS.

The Trump administration is planning to withdraw some federal security forces from Portland, Oregon, after weeks of clashes with protesters.

US Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf said the pullout was conditional on local police protecting federal buildings, the focal point of unrest.

Oregon Governor Kate Brown said federal agents would start leaving the state’s biggest city from Thursday.

Portland has been rocked by 62 consecutive days of demonstrations.

FOUNDER OF BAOBAB ORCHESTRA, BALLA SIDIBE IS DEAD.

Senegalese singer Balla Sidibe, a founding member of the legendary Orchestra Baobab which ruled the airwaves during the 1970s died on Wednesday in Dakar.

Orchestra Baobab’s unique blend of Cuban rhythms, soul and jazz, along with traditional sounds drawn from across the African continent, made them one of the most successful groups to emerge from the time.

The country’s musical association said Sidibe who was in his sixties, died in his sleep “after a very full day of rehearsals with his musical comrades”.

DJ NECTERR DISHES NEW MIXTAPE DUBBED “HOME RUSH”

Hitfm Disc Jockey, and record producer, Ibrahim Yusuf popularly known as DJ Necterr is set to release a mixtape titled “Home Rush”.

Dj Necterr, who began his professional career in 2003, in Lagos is one of the most popular and highly rated DJs in South-South region of Nigeria.

Speaking in a chat with our correspondent, the Lagos-born Dj said the “Home Rush Mixtape” will be available on music websites and music streaming platforms from Thursday, 30th July.

The mixtape features “Karishika” by Fawazzy and “Long Story” by Jayme among others.

PAIR OF MICHAEL JORDAN’S SNEAKERS TO BREAK RECORD AT AUCTION.

Another pair of NBA megastar, Michael Jordan’s sneakers that he wore during a 1985 exhibition match in Italy, are expected to set a new record at an auction beginning today, Thursday.

Reports say, eleven pairs of Nike sneakers worn by Jordan are up for auction, including the Air Jordan 1 High he was wearing when he dunked the ball so hard it smashed the glass backboard into thousands of pieces.

The pair could smash the record for a sports shoe after a pair of autographed Air Jordan trainers worn by the NBA legend sold for $560 thousand dollars in May.

CAF PRESIDENT STILL UNDECIDED ON RUNNING FOR SECOND TERM.

Confederation of African Football (CAF) president Ahmad says he is undecided about running for a second term in office next year.

Caf’s next presidential elections are scheduled to take place in March 2021 in Ethiopia, where the Malagasy stunningly dethroned long-standing ruler Issa Hayatou in 2017.

Speaking in an interview with BBC, Ahmad who is the subject of an ongoing Fifa Ethics case, said he is likely to decide late on, after seeking guidance from colleagues.

EDITOR(s) – Onyekachi Nwosu, Abenmire Adi-Williams.

REPORTER(s) – Happiness Ifiok, Mary Adie.