The Federal Government of Nigeria has officially approved Tazkiyah University, the country's first female-only university. This groundbreaking institution, founded by Professor Ibrahim Maqari, Chief Imam of the National Mosque, Abuja, is set to provide a safe and empowering environment for women seeking higher education.

Tazkiyah University is located in Zaria, Kaduna State, and is designed exclusively for women. It may also operate with an all-female academic staff, making it the first of its kind in Nigeria. The move has been widely welcomed by many who believe it will open doors for women to pursue their academic goals without barriers.

Professor Maqari explained that all profits generated from the university will not be for personal gain but will instead be directed into a special fund. This fund is dedicated to supporting orphans and vulnerable children, thereby ensuring that the institution benefits society beyond academics.

The establishment of Tazkiyah University also aligns with Nigeria's growing focus on expanding access to quality education. It is one of nine newly accredited private universities recently approved by the National Universities Commission (NUC). This highlights the government's commitment to strengthening private sector participation in higher learning.

Plans are already underway to relocate the university's permanent campus to Kaduna city in the near future. This development is expected to boost academic opportunities and infrastructure within the state while encouraging more families to support female education.

Tazkiyah University represents a bold step toward gender-inclusive development in Nigeria. By providing women with dedicated learning spaces and reinvesting in social welfare, the institution sets a strong example of how education can serve as both empowerment and community support.

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Palestinian international runner Allam Al Amour, a young athlete who once carried hopes for his nation on the track, was tragically killed in Gaza. The promising runner lost his life after Israeli gunfire struck him while he was attempting to secure humanitarian aid in Khan Younis. His death adds to the growing list of Palestinians who have been killed during the ongoing war in Gaza.

Al Amour was not just an ordinary runner. In 2023, he proudly represented Palestine at the West Asia Clubs Athletics Championship in Doha, Qatar. Competing among more than 250 athletes from 12 West Asian federations, he won a bronze medal in the 3,000-metre race in the youth category. His achievement brought pride and hope to Palestinians everywhere, showcasing the talent and resilience of athletes under difficult circumstances.

Family members confirmed that Al Amour was killed near distribution points known locally as American aid centres. He was seeking relief like thousands of others who struggle daily with shortages of food, medicine, and clean water in the besieged enclave. His death is a stark reminder of how the conflict affects even those whose lives were once far from politics.

The tragedy of Al Amour follows the recent killing of Palestinian football star Suleiman Al Obaid, also targeted during a desperate wait for humanitarian aid. Both men were athletes celebrated by their people, but their lives ended not on the field, but amid war and suffering.

For many Palestinians, these deaths symbolize both the loss of national pride and the cruelty of the conflict. Athletes who once inspired youth with sporting achievements are now remembered as victims of violence.

Al Amour's story underlines the deep human cost of the war on Gaza. Beyond numbers and statistics, every life lost is a personal tragedy, cutting short dreams and ambitions that once carried hope for a brighter tomorrow.

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Seven protesters were arrested in Washington after staging a sit-in at the office of Microsoft President Brad Smith. The action was organized by the campaign group "No Azure for Apartheid," which includes both current and former employees. The group accuses Microsoft of supporting Israeli war crimes through its Azure cloud services.

The demonstrators entered Building 34, occupied Smith's office, and displayed signs accusing him of crimes against humanity. They also chanted slogans such as "Brad Smith, you can't hide, you're supporting genocide" and hung a banner honoring a Palestinian engineer killed in Gaza. Police later confirmed seven arrests for trespassing, resisting arrest, and obstruction.

Outside the building, around 30 supporters held a one-hour rally. Microsoft confirmed that two of the arrested individuals were employees who now face disciplinary action. The company stressed that while it respects freedom of expression, protests must remain lawful and not threaten workplace safety.

Smith accused protesters of storming the office, locking people out, and planting hidden devices such as cell phones behind furniture. He stated that such actions crossed the line and promised tighter security to avoid future disruptions.

This protest came days after another demonstration in which activists poured red paint on a Microsoft sign and blocked a pedestrian bridge. The Guardian recently revealed that Israel's military allegedly uses Microsoft's Azure system to store millions of Palestinian phone call recordings. Microsoft has launched an internal investigation into these claims.

Reports also suggest Microsoft has asked the FBI for help in tracking pro-Palestinian protests that disrupt events. Despite rising tensions, Smith said the company will not retaliate against employees who raise concerns through official channels.

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Turkiye has strongly condemned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for his recent comments on the Armenian killings of 1915. Ankara's foreign ministry said Netanyahu's words were not genuine recognition but rather a political attempt to shift attention away from Israel's deadly campaign in Gaza.

According to Turkiye, Netanyahu is using historical tragedies for his own agenda. The ministry stressed that the Armenian events of World War I should not be misused to cover up present-day crimes against humanity. For decades, Turkiye has rejected the label of "genocide" for those events, maintaining that it was a result of war conditions, not an organized massacre.

In its response, Turkiye directly linked Netanyahu's statement to what it described as Israel's atrocities in Gaza. Officials accused him of attempting to hide behind history while ignoring the suffering of Palestinians, who continue to face widespread destruction and death during the ongoing conflict.

Israel, on the other hand, has dismissed all genocide accusations as false and politically motivated. Yet international pressure continues to mount. The International Criminal Court (ICC) has already issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and his former defense minister, Yoav Gallant, over alleged war crimes, including the use of starvation as a weapon.

Netanyahu made his controversial remark during an interview on the PBD Podcast. When asked why he had not recognized the Armenian genocide before, he simply replied: "I just did," sparking immediate outrage in Turkiye.

The case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) also continues. South Africa has accused Israel of breaching the UN Genocide Convention during its Gaza offensive. Judges are still examining the evidence as global attention remains fixed on both Gaza and Netanyahu's leadership.

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Saudi Arabia is taking a bold step to showcase its growing $30 billion franchise sector at the upcoming BuyBrand International Franchise Expo in Moscow this October. The event will run from Oct. 1 to 3 and will highlight Saudi brands to a global audience of investors and entrepreneurs. This effort is part of the Kingdom's strategy to expand its business footprint worldwide and strengthen its economic partnerships.

The National Committee for Franchising, under the Saudi Chambers of Commerce, is leading the initiative. The Saudi Commercial Attache in Moscow and the Ministry of Investment's office in Russia are also playing major roles in organizing the pavilion. Together, they aim to position Saudi Arabia as the largest franchising hub in the Middle East.

Saudi Arabia's franchise sector includes more than 1,000 local and international brands. It is growing at an impressive annual rate of 15 percent. The industry supports hundreds of thousands of jobs, making it a central pillar of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 plan to diversify beyond oil and strengthen its non-oil economy.

Khalid Al-Ghamdi, chairman of the National Committee for Franchising, stressed that Saudi participation demonstrates the strength and global potential of the franchise market. He said this growth reflects confidence in the Kingdom's business environment and its ambitious economic reforms.

The expo will connect Saudi firms with investors from Russia, Kazakhstan, Belarus, Turkiye, the UAE, and Azerbaijan. It will feature B2B meetings, cooperation agreements, and new partnerships in food, hospitality, education, and services.

To support the effort, the National Committee is providing media, travel, and logistics support for participants. It is also developing the National Franchising Co., an investment platform designed to help Saudi brands expand into international markets more efficiently and effectively.

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The holy city of Makkah has launched an inspiring cultural and educational event that highlights the life of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). The International Fair and Museum of the Prophet's Biography and Islamic Civilization was officially inaugurated at the city's iconic Clock Towers by Makkah Deputy Governor Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz.

This historic exhibition was organized by the Muslim World League in partnership with the Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites. The aim is to give visitors a deeper understanding of the Prophet's blessed life and the contributions of Islamic civilization throughout history.

Prince Saud toured the beautifully designed pavilions, each offering an interactive experience that combines education with advanced visual and digital technology. These exhibits bring the biography of the Prophet to life in a way that is accessible and engaging for people of all ages.

One of the highlights of the fair is the pavilion titled "The Prophet as if You Were with Him." This section allows visitors to experience detailed depictions of Makkah, Madinah, and the migration route, offering a powerful connection to the Prophet's journey.

Other features include a panoramic display of the Prophet's chamber, a pavilion dedicated to prophetic medicine, and presentations about his daily life and noble character. A special digital platform also provides a vast library and encyclopedias translated into major world languages.

The exhibition also hosts a permanent section showcasing the Kingdom's efforts to serve the Two Holy Mosques, the Qur'an, and the Sunnah. This international event reflects Saudi Arabia's ongoing commitment to preserving Islamic heritage and educating future generations.

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Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has received a written message from Russian President Vladimir Putin. The message reflects the strong interest of both nations in strengthening their bilateral relations. It was delivered on Wednesday in Riyadh during a diplomatic meeting.

The message was handed over to Dr. Abdulrahman bin Ibrahim Al-Rassi, the Undersecretary of the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs for International Multilateral Affairs. Russian Ambassador Sergei Kozlov personally presented the letter on behalf of President Putin. This shows the importance Russia attaches to building deeper relations with Saudi Arabia.

During the meeting, the Saudi and Russian officials discussed current cooperation and ways to expand it further. They reviewed the progress of bilateral ties and emphasized the value of continued dialogue at all levels.

Both sides also highlighted the importance of working together in global and regional matters. They noted that stronger coordination between Riyadh and Moscow can create positive outcomes for both countries, as well as contribute to international stability.

The talks focused not only on political relations but also on opportunities for economic, cultural, and energy cooperation. Saudi Arabia and Russia already share close ties in the oil and energy sector, and both countries are looking to diversify their partnerships.

This diplomatic exchange reflects the commitment of Saudi Arabia and Russia to deepen understanding, build trust, and enhance cooperation in different fields. The meeting in Riyadh was another step toward stronger collaboration between the two nations.

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Syria has strongly condemned an Israeli drone strike that killed six of its soldiers near the capital Damascus. Officials described the attack as a serious violation of the country's sovereignty and international law. The strike, which occurred on Tuesday, hit a military facility outside the town of Kisweh.

According to Syria's state television, the victims were members of the national army stationed in the area. Reports confirmed that the strikes were carried out by Israeli drones, causing both deaths and destruction at the targeted military site. This latest attack adds to the growing list of Israeli operations inside Syria.

In a statement, the Syrian foreign ministry accused Israel of disregarding international law and the United Nations Charter. Officials said the strikes represented a breach of the territorial integrity of the Syrian Arab Republic. They also demanded accountability for what they described as ongoing violations.

Witnesses and defense sources said the targeted building belonged to the 44th Division of the Syrian army. While Syria confirmed the deaths, the Israeli military refused to comment on the reports. This silence has further fueled anger in Damascus, where the strike is seen as deliberate aggression.

On the same day, another Israeli strike reportedly killed a young civilian in the village of Taranja, close to the Golan Heights armistice line. Local residents said the attack destroyed a house and spread fear among families in the area.

Israel has carried out hundreds of air and drone strikes across Syria in recent years. These attacks often target military facilities and positions but continue to claim both military and civilian lives.

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The Israeli military has stepped up its offensive on Gaza City, drawing global attention as US President Donald Trump prepares a post-war strategy meeting at the White House. After nearly two years of conflict, international pressure is growing for Israel to end its campaign, while famine grips the Palestinian territory.

On Wednesday, Israeli forces declared the evacuation of Gaza City "inevitable." Military spokesman Avichay Adraee announced that families moving south would receive humanitarian support. However, the United Nations has blamed Israel for obstructing aid, officially declaring famine in Gaza governorate.

The military said troops were operating on the city's outskirts, targeting tunnels and other Hamas positions. Residents described heavy overnight bombardments in neighborhoods like Zeitoun, where homes were destroyed and civilians feared stepping outside due to drone fire. Many remain trapped, with limited communication as power runs out.

Israel's defense minister vowed Gaza City would be destroyed if Hamas rejects ceasefire conditions. To reinforce the military push, about 60,000 reservists have been called up. Meanwhile, Hamas has accepted a mediator-backed ceasefire proposal, but Israel has yet to issue a response.

Protests have swelled inside Israel, with tens of thousands in Tel Aviv demanding an end to the war and a deal to free hostages. Prime Minister Netanyahu insisted Israel will not leave Hamas in Gaza, even as negotiations for hostage releases continue.

The war, triggered by Hamas's 2023 attack, has killed over 62,000 Palestinians and left 49 hostages still in Gaza. The world now waits to see if Trump's plan will reshape Gaza's uncertain future.

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Saudi Arabia has strongly warned Nigerian intending pilgrims for the 2026 Hajj against attempting the sacred pilgrimage without a valid Hajj visa. Authorities said offenders will face a heavy fine of SR20,000 (about N8.15 million) alongside imprisonment. This warning aims to ensure that all pilgrims follow proper procedures and protect the image of Nigeria during the holy exercise.

The caution was issued during a virtual meeting between the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) and the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. The session, chaired by Dr. Rania Adham, reviewed next year's Hajj preparations and stressed the need for early compliance with official deadlines.

Saudi officials highlighted that all deadlines must be strictly observed without extensions. Key dates include November 2025 for the signing of the MoU, January 4, 2026 for camp booking payments and service contracts, February 1, 2026 for uploading of transport and accommodation contracts on the Nusuk Masar portal, and the 1st of Shawwal as the final deadline for visa issuance.

The Kingdom expressed concerns about repeated delays in Nigeria's past preparations. According to them, late actions could harm the welfare of pilgrims and disrupt the overall planning of the Hajj exercise.

In addition, officials stressed that all Hadaya (sacrificial rites) payments and accommodation bookings must be carried out exclusively through the Nusuk Masar platform. This is to ensure transparency, safety, and proper coordination for millions of global pilgrims.

Reacting, NAHCON Chairman, Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, assured full cooperation with Saudi Arabia. He pledged that Nigeria would strictly adhere to all requirements to secure a smooth, safe, and spiritually fulfilling Hajj experience for its citizens in 2026.
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