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Tag: Eid el Fitr

  • Eid-el-Fitr: Shettima preaches unity, peaceful coexistence

    Eid-el-Fitr: Shettima preaches unity, peaceful coexistence

    Vice-President Kashim Shettima has urged Nigerians to promote unity, peaceful coexistence, and tolerance as key pillars for national progress, drawing from the lessons of Ramadan.

    Shettima made the call during a luncheon with Borno elders and his schoolmates in celebration of Eid-El-Fitr, in Maiduguri.

    The Vice-President, who was represented by Abdulkadir Rahis, representing Maiduguri Metropolitan Constituency at the House of Representative, emphasised the need for continued harmony among citizens.

    Shettima also called on everyone to support President Bola Tinubu administration’s ongoing economic reforms, assuring them that short-term difficulties would yield long-term benefits for the country.

    ”We thank the Almighty Allah for sparing our lives to witness this Eid-El-Fitr.

    ”I wish to also say that we should all perfect, maintain, and build on the sense of unity that exists among us for our collective gain and progress as a gift for one another.

    “President Tinubu remains committed to implementing policies that will create sustainable development for all Nigerians.

    ”Just as Ramadan teaches endurance, we ask for your continued patience as these necessary reforms take root and bear fruit,” he said.

    The Vice-President further urged Nigerians to continue to embibe the spiritual lessons gained during Ramadan as a pathway to national development.

    “Peaceful coexistence is very important and we should not relent in maintaining that virtue. It will go a long way in bringing about the development of ourselves and the nation,” he said.

    Shettima enjoined the citizens of Borno and Nigerians in general to always maintain traits of humility and communal living, in line with the teachings of the Holy books.

    Sen. Kaka Shehu-Lawan, SAN, (APC-Borno Central), who prayed for lasting peace in the country, urged Nigerians to rally round Tinubu as the father of the nation.

    He stressed that the President needed  the prayers and support of Nigerians to enable him implement good policies that would  improve the economy and overall development of Nigeria.

    Shehu-Lawan urged his constituents to imbibe the attributes of  Vice-President Shettima.

    ”His Excellency the Vice President is an epitome of leadership, sacrifice, resilience, integrity, perseverance and above all, courage.

    “So, I will like my constituents and indeed people of Borno and Nigerians at large to emulate his virtues. He is a leader and we are proud of his achievements” he said.

    The lawmaker thanked the Vice-President for hosting his schoolmates and elders of the  State in his usual magnanimity and demonstration of love.

    “In his usual show of love every festive period, the Vice President extends hands of fellowship to all and sundry from Maiduguri Metropolitan Council to Borno Central District and by extension the entire state” he said.

    On his part, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, commended the Vice-President for his show of love, especially to the needy, despite his tight schedule.

    ” When he is in Abuja, his schedule is overwhelming, yet he always finds time for his people.

    ” Seeing the joyful faces of his classmates, elders, and other guests at this event is a testament to his character.”

    The minister said the Vice-President’s humility has endeared him to his people, adding that he was  a man of good character and extreme humility.

    Responding, the Chairman of the Borno  Elders Forum, Alhaji Gambo Gubio, expressed appreciation for the Vice-President’s hospitality and assured him of continued prayers for success in his duties.

  • Eid-el-Fitr: Northern CAN congratulates muslims, condemns Uromi killings

    Eid-el-Fitr: Northern CAN congratulates muslims, condemns Uromi killings

    The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), 19 Northern States and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has congratulated Muslims in Nigeria, and across the world on successful completion of Ramadan and celebration of Eid-el-Fitr.

    This is contained in a joint statement by the Chairman, CAN, Rev. John Hayab and the Secretary-General Bishop Mohammed Naga on Sunday in Kaduna.

    They said, “The spiritual activities are significant and rewarding to every faithful, especially those who embrace the teachings as instructed in the Holy Books.”

    The group also expressed grief and sorrow on  the killing of 16 travelers in Uromi, Edo.

    “The pain and anguish their families and loved ones must endure are unbearable, and we can only imagine the depth of their sufferings.

    “May God grant them comfort, strength, and solace during this darkest of times.

    “This heinous act of violence is a stain on our collective humanity, and CAN condemns it in the strongest terms.”

    It stated that the brutal taking of innocent lives is a tragedy that should unite us all in our outrage and our determination to ensure that justice is served.

    “As Christians, we stand in solidarity with their families, recognising that this act of violence is not only an attack on any region but on our shared humanity.

    “In this moment of unimaginable pain, we pray for peace and calm to be restored and for an end to violence and bloodshed in our nation.

    “We pray for the healing of our land, for the rebuilding of trust and understanding between people of different faiths, and for  protection of all Nigerians from harm.

    “We weep with you, we mourn with you, and we pray with you for an end to this senseless violence, “they stated.

    To the immediate families and relatives of the victims. “We extend our deepest and most heartfelt condolences. We can only imagine the depth of your pain and grief.

    “We pray that God grants you the strength and courage to bear this unbearable loss. May the memories of your loved ones be a blessing to you, and may their sacrifices not be in vain.”

    The northern CAN appealed to those calling for counter-reaction to reconsider their actions, noting that revenge is not a solution but a recipe for further chaos and destruction.

    They stated that it is the innocent who would suffer again, and the cycle of violence would only  worsen.

    “We condemn the stereotypes and generalisations that seek to demonise Nigerians based on the actions of a few.

    According to the  group, Nigerians must rise in unison to reject such stereotypes and generalisations, whether based on religious, ethnic, or regional grounds.

    “Evil is evil, and criminals must be treated as such without recourse to identities that criminals use to evade justice.”

    It noted that divisive rhetorics only served to fuel further violence and mistrust.

    “Instead, we must work toward a future where every Nigerian can live without fear of violence or persecution, regardless of their location within the federation.”

    The North CAN tasked the security agencies, government of Edo and the Federal Government to ensure diligence in investigating the heinous crime and prosecuting those involved.

    “It is crucial that they take immediate and transparent action to bring the perpetrators to justice.

    ” As we move forward, we urge all Nigerians to join us in this pursuit of peace, justice, and harmony.

    “We firmly believe that strengthening our justice system to ensure swift and fair punishment for perpetrators of crime is essential for lasting peace in our nation.

    “By doing so, we can break the cycle of violence and create a safer, more just society for all Nigerians.” it added.

  • Eid-el-Fitr: Delta CP orders massive deployment

    Eid-el-Fitr: Delta CP orders massive deployment

    The Police Command in Delta has ordered  massive deployment of  personnel to the nooks and crannies of the state to maintain law and order during and after the Eid-el-Fitr celebration.

    Mr Abaniwonda Olufemi, the Commissioner of Police in the state disclosed this in a statement on Saturday in Warri.

    Olufemi said that the command had stepped up it’s effort to combat crimes and enhanced public safety throughout the festive period.

    “I have deployed officers of the command to all Muslim worship centres  and other nooks and crannies of the state to step up security.

    “The deployment is line with the statutory mandate of securing lives and property, maintaining peace and order at all times,” he said.

    The commissioner urged the public to continue to assist and collaborate with the police and other security agencies to enable them to serve them better.

    Olufemi admonished the public to be security conscious and law abiding.

    “Take appropriate measures towards the protection of your personal effects, not only at home but also in public places such as: markets, worship centers, shopping malls and highways,” he said.

    He extended his  greetings to  all  Muslim residents in the state and  wish them a happy and peaceful celebration.

  • Fuel: Distribution normalising after Sallah holidays

    Fuel: Distribution normalising after Sallah holidays

    The distribution of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) known as fuel is gradually normalising as most fuel stations in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have started dispensing the product.

    Recall that long queues were seen at most fuel stations due to scarcity of the product earlier in the week before and during the Sallah holidays.

    The development inconvenienced motorists, as they had to queue for hours to get fuel.

    However, the situation is improving as many fuel stations are now selling the product
    though with long queues, except for a few due to lack of supply

    A Correspondent who went round the town on Saturday, reports that the queues are gradually disappearing.

    The independent marketers sell between N640 to N690 per litre, while the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) Retail Outlets maintain its pump price of N617 per litre.

    In the city centre, many stations including Cornoil and TotalEnergies, Opposite NNPC Ltd. Towers, TotalEnergies, Wuse, Zone 3, and all the NNPC Ltd. Retail Outlets including its Mega station were seen dispensing fuel without queues.

    In Kubwa Axis, NIPCO fuel station at Kubwa second gate and Rainoil at Gwarimpa entrance were seen dispensing fuel with just few vehicles on queue.

    However, many fuel stations along the Kubwa express way were not dispensing the product.

    Along the Nyanya-Keffi Highway, both Shema fuel stations and MRS at AYA were seen dispensing the product, while JENEP, Fuel Smart, KODPEM, Bormi, AP, NIPCO and Shafa at Nyanya-Karshi Road were also seen selling.

    Some of the motorists, who spoke to NAN said they were not sure of what caused the initial scarcity, adding that it could be attributed to the Salah celebration or mere hoarding.

    The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) did not respond to text messages sent to it by NAN.

    But there are indications that the scarcity was caused by the Sallah holiday, as most petroleum tanker drivers went on break to observe Eid-el-Fitr.

  • Stop cursing Nigeria – Sanwo-Olu tells citizens

    Stop cursing Nigeria – Sanwo-Olu tells citizens

    Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has called on Nigerians to refrain from speaking ill of the country but pray for  its  betterment.

    Sanwo-Olu gave the advice at the 2024 Eid-el-Fitr elebration on Saturday at the Lagos House, Ikeja.

    The celebration  had the theme: “Allah will not Change the Way of the People until they Change What is in their Hearts”.

    The governor, who was represented by his Deputy, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, urged Nigerians to change their thoughts and speak positively about the country.

    According to him, God will not change anything for any society until the people would decide to change  their minds for good.

    Sanwo-Olu added that the citizens should stop cursing the country so that God would change it for the better.

    He, therefore, urged Nigerians to believe in their current leaders and pray for them and the country.

    “Almighty God will not change anything for any society until they change what is in their minds.

    “Our collective intent should be to keep praying for Nigeria and the leadership to do the right thing.

    “That is when Allah will intervene in the present situation of our country.

    “It is, therefore, important for us to desist from talking ill about the country,” he said.

    The governor also charged the people to be empathetic toward one another, adding that they should be their brothers’ keepers.

    He appealed to parents to guide their children and wards right.

    Sanwo-Olu harped on children being respectful while reiterating that it was  the responsibility of parents to raise their children in the way of God.

    In her address of welcome, the Wife of  Lagos State Governor, Dr Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, urged Nigerians to emerge from Ramadan not only as individuals who had undergone personal growth but as agents of change within their communities.

    She advised them to commit to fostering a society built on the principles of justice, equity and compassion.

    “Let us remember that true change begins within the depths of our hearts.

    “The joint Ramadan and Lent experienced this year should remind everyone of the universal value of humanity that unites all regardless of religious belief, background, or ethnicity,” she said.

    She advised Nigerians to reject bigotry and prejudice in all its forms and work toward building a more inclusive society where everyone would be valued and respected.

    Justice Abdulrraheem Ahmad of the Sharia Court of Appeal, Kwara State, said that the current situation in Nigeria was not vested upon the people by Allah but was a creation of the people’s handiwork.

    He advised Nigerians to  have a change of mindset and speak positively about the country.

    Ahmad also urged the people to be righteous, as well as fair and kind to one another  irrespective of religion, race or tribe.

  • Kogi rainstorm victims miss Eid el-Fitr activities

    Kogi rainstorm victims miss Eid el-Fitr activities

    Scores of Iyara people, who were hit by rainstorm  in Iyara community, headquarters of Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi, on Wednesday failed to celebrate the Eid-el-Fitr  events as the natural disaster rendered them homeless.

    Already,  the National President of Iyara Development Association (IDA) Alhaji Aliyu Badaki, has cried out to the federal and state governments for immediate assistance to the victims.

    The incident occured in the early hours of Monday. The rainstorm reportedly wrecked havoc in the community after more than 100 houses had their roofs blown off, rendering them inhabitable.

    Virtually all affected households are currently taking refuge with  relations and friends in  neighbouring communities.

    Badaki urged the  National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), to assist the victims.

    “As we speak, over 1,000 people  have been affected by the disaster, mostly women and children that are in dire need of assistance.

    “This is because the destruction was massive,  beyond what the victims can handle, due to the current economic situation in the country.

    “This Sallah celebration to them is  bleak, therefore, we appeal to the state government through SEMA and the Federal Government via NEMA, to assist these victims,” he said.

    While sympathising with the victims, he  said the disaster” deserved urgent attention and assistance for victims.

    The traditional ruler, (the Eleta Oluyara of Iyara) Oba Jacob Meduteni, described the rainstorm as “saddening” and “very unfortunate.

    “It’s unfortunate that this disaster came at a time that the people are trying to manage the current economic hardship.

    “We hope that both federal and state governments, well-to-do individuals and corporate bodies will assist the victims to ameliorate their sufferings,” he said.

    Some of the victims who spoke to NAN,  called for urgent assessment of the level of destruction done to their property for assistance.

    Hajia Rabi Ibrahim, a house wife, said her family was asleep  when suddenly they woke up  in a pool of water.

    “We ran for our dear lives, not knowing what exactly was happening,  but for persistent thunder storms that registered flooding in our minds.

    “”This is a very bad time for us this year. We hope the government and spirited wealthy individuals and corporate organisations will come to our aid, “she pleaded.

    Mallam Habib Abdulrazak, a civil servant, described the incident as surprising and disastrous, considering the number of people rendered homeless.

    He said that his family was taking shelter in a relation’s house in the next neighborhood and called for government to quickly assist them.

    Abdulrazak added: “Life has become unbearable for us due to the prevailing economic situation in the country and we are in  dire need of assistance.”

  • May this Eid-el-Fitr give us peace!

    May this Eid-el-Fitr give us peace!

    Today is a day that the Lord has made. We rejoice and are glad to celebrate EID-EL- FITR with our dear Muslim brothers and sisters, after the long period of prayers and fasting during Ramadan. According to the Second Vatican Council, the Church regards with esteem the Muslims.

    They adore the one God, living and subsisting in Himself; merciful and all- powerful, the Creator of heaven and earth, who has spoken to men; they take pains to submit wholeheartedly to even His inscrutable decrees, just as Abraham, with whom the faith of Islam takes pleasure in linking itself, submitted to God. Though they do not acknowledge Jesus as God, they revere Him as a prophet. They also honor Mary, His virgin Mother; at times they even call on her with devotion. In addition, they await the Day of Judgment when God will render their deserts to all those who have been raised up from the dead. Finally, they value the moral life and worship God especially through prayer, almsgiving and fasting. Since in the course of centuries not a few quarrels and hostilities have arisen between Christians and Muslims, this sacred synod urges all to forget the past and to work sincerely for mutual understanding and to preserve as well as to promote together for the benefit of all mankind, social justice and moral welfare, as well as peace and freedom (Nostra Aetate 3).

    Today, April 10, 2024, I join my voice to that of the Universal Church to wish the Muslims all over the world and the Muslims in Nigeria who promote the course of peace, justice and good governance through the Nigeria Inter-religious Council (NIREC) a grace filled celebration. We are with you in heart mind and soul, “In the name of Allah, most gracious, most merciful; praise be to Allah, the cherisher and sustainer of the world; most gracious, most merciful; master of the day of judgement. You do we worship, and thine aid we seek. Show us the straightway, the way of those on whom you have bestowed your grace, those whose portion is not wrath and who go not astray” (Al Fǎtihah).

    May your prayers and penance be acceptable to God who is the author of life and desires to sustain the life he has created by teaching all men and women the message of peace. May this holy celebration open the gate of peace to the whole world! May the gate of hell be firmly locked for all good people who worship the true God and surrender to him on the right path! May this celebration of mercy and compassion completely transform our hearts. May Almighty Allah grant success to our work for peace. May Allah bless and protect all men and women who are making efforts to rescue religion from being weaponized my mischief makers.

    Almighty Allah, protect your religion. Your name Oh God is love, mercy, compassion, peace and all that is good. In you Oh God, there is no wrong nor can you be associated with the evil of killing innocent people. Prove to us this day that you do not enjoy violence and that no one is allowed to kill in your name. Teach us again that we are brothers and sisters from a common source and like a father; you do not enjoy the sight of your children killing one another in your name. Do not allow any one creates you in his image and likeness for many fights in their own name and claim that they are fighting in your name.

    May this celebration change the heart of everybody from evil to good so that our world will once again enjoy love and peaceful coexistence! O God of peace and love, touch our hearts to cry to you, God of mercy and compassion so that you may look with pity upon our nation, Nigeria. Put into our hearts and mouths the song of the prodigal son: “Yes I shall arise and return to my father.” Accept our penance and contrite heart like you did to David when he committed adultery with Bathsheba and killed her husband Uriah, the Hittite.

    In your compassion, blot out our offence. Wash us more and more from our guilt and cleanse us from our sin (Psalm 50:1)!   It is still fresh in my mind how we used to look forward to Ramadan and Sallah when we were growing up. I cannot easily forget how we celebrate with Muslims during their festivals in the past. I pray that this culture of peaceful co-existence will be experienced in the whole world and in Nigeria. Oh God Almighty, continue to renew the face of the earth and grant us salvation. Beloved Muslim brothers and sisters, as we join you to celebrate today, I wish you love and peace!

    Fr. Cornelius Afebu Omonokhua
    Executive Secretary
    Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC)

  • Sultan announces Eid el-Fitr for Nigeria

    Sultan announces Eid el-Fitr for Nigeria

    Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, the Sultan of Sokoto and President General of the National Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), has declared Tuesday as the 30th day of Ramadan and Eid-El-Fitr to be celebrated on Wednesday.

    Abubakar’s declaration came through a statement signed by Prof. Sambo Janaidu, Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs of the Sultanate Council Sokoto.

    The statement reads: ”The Sultanate Council’s Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, in conjunction with the National Moon Sighting Committee did not receive any reports across the country confirming sighting of the new moon of Shawwal 1445AH on Monday.

    “Therefore, Tuesday, April 9, is declared as the 30th day of the month of Ramadan 1445AH.

    “The Sultan has accepted the report and accordingly,  declared Wednesday, April 10, as the first day of Shawwal 1445AH, the day of Eid-El-Fitr,” it said.

    The statement said Abubakar extended his felicitations to the Nigerian Muslim Ummah and wished them Allah’s guidance and blessings.

    The Sultan, while urging Muslims to continue praying for peace, pprogres and development in the country, also wished them a happy Eid-El-Fitr.

    Shawwal, the 10th month of the Islamic calendar, immediately follows Ramadan, marking the commencement of Eid-El-Fitr.

    The month symbolises new beginnings and spiritual rejuvenation after a month of purification, offering ample opportunities to sustain the positive habits cultivated during Ramadan.

  • Eid el-Fitr: IGP orders CPs, others to intensify security nationwide

    Eid el-Fitr: IGP orders CPs, others to intensify security nationwide

    The Inspector-General of Police (I-G), Mr Kayode Egbetokun, has directed  Commissioners of Police (CPs) and Tactical Commanders to intensify security nationwide ahead of the Eid-el-fitr celebration.

    The Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi said this in a statement on Monday in Abuja.

    The I-G also directed CPs and their supervisory Assistant Inspectors General of Police (AIGs), to ensure thorough deployment of officers and resources of the Force.

    Egbetokun directed  senior officers to ensure that the deployment covers critical locations, Eid prayer grounds and recreational centres.

    He said the idea was to instill confidence among citizens and fun seekers.

    The I-G enjoined officers and men of the Force to conduct comprehensive assessments of areas prone to threats, implement rigorous stop-and-search procedures as well as conduct raids on identified black spots.

    He urged the personnel to employ other anti-crime strategies aimed at maintaining peace, and ensuring public safety throughout the country.

    The police boss urged the deployed personnel to be professional and remain vigilant and respect citizens’ fundamental rights as they discharge  their duties with utmost decorum and alertness.

    Egbetokun enjoined the public to be law-abiding, adhere to security tips and respect law enforcement agents deployed at strategic locations for protection of lives and property.

    The I-G extends his felicitations to the entire Muslim Ummah in the country as they celebrate the  Eid-el-fitr, a festival that marks the end of Ramadan.

    He urged Muslim faithful to celebrate and embrace the spirit of the occasion, while remaining vigilant and reporting all suspicious activities and persons to the police.

  • Eid el-Fitr: FRSC deploys 470 personnel in Delta

    Eid el-Fitr: FRSC deploys 470 personnel in Delta

    The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Delta has deployed 470 officers, men and special marshals to ensure hitch free and quality travel time on  highways in the state during the Eid-el-Fitr celebration.

    The Delta FRSC Sector Commander, Mr Bassey Eshiet, who said this in an interview on Monday in Asaba, disclosed that special patrol operations will run from Monday to April 13.

    He said that to enhance visibility, 13 patrol vehicles, two ambulances and one tow truck had  been deployed to facilitate effective smooth operations.

    “The objective of the special patrol is to enhance the command’s visibility on  highways in the state,  through early deployment of personnel and logistics to ensure reduction in accidents,  fatalities and injuries.

    “Strict enforcement of road traffic laws and regulations, prompt rescue and response to distress calls, speedy removal of obstructions from the highways among others.

    “The marshals will ensure safe, smooth vehicular movement, traffic control as well give prompt attention to victims of road traffic crashes within the festive period,” he said.

    He said the enforcement targeted for the Eid-el-fitr special patrol included speeding and dangerous driving/overtaking, lane indiscipline/route violation, and road obstructions.

    “Use of phone while driving, overloading, seatbelt/child restraint use violations, passenger’s manifest violation, operating with mechanical deficient and rickety vehicles.

    “Latching and twist-locks of containers violations, and illegal use of the spy number and other unauthorised number plates and trucks carrying goods with passengers.

    The sector commander wished the general public a happy and accident-free eid-el-fitr celebration.