The rites of Hajj have entered the 4th day as the throwing of stones continues at three walls called Jamrah, in the city of Mina east of Makkah.
Compared to Saturday, which was the day of Eid-ul-Kabir that pilgrims struck the big wall with seven stones, they, however, On Sunday hit all three walls with seven pebbles each.
The exercise is expected to continue tomorrow with the throwing of seven stones at each of the three walls in order from east to west making 49 pebbles needed for the rite.
The stoning ritual is a symbolic reenactment of Prophet Ibrahim’s Hajj, where he stoned three pillars representing the temptation to disobey the Almighty Allah.
Many Nigerian pilgrims in their hundreds set out to the Jamrah for the exercise immediately after the early morning daily prayer and the journey of trekking to and fro lasted for up to 3 hours.
Our Correspondent, Ridwan Fasasi reports that Saudi- Arabia Government has put in place measures to checkmate stampeding which occurred in the past as the pilgrims passed different routes while going and coming.
After completing the ritual of stoning on Monday, the pilgrims are expected to go back to Makkah and perform circumambulation of Kaaba called Tawaf as well as run from Safar to Marwa, which symbolized the struggle of Prophet Ibraham’s wife, Hajar while looking for water in the desert for her thirsty son before Allah ordered water to spring out, which is the origin of today’s healing water called Zam-zam.
The assistance of countries with vast experience in counterterrorism will significantly help Nigeria in tackling terrorism.
Zonal Pastor, Redeemed Christian Church of God Oyo Province 1, Pastor Abiola Adio made the submission in an interview with Radio Nigeria.
Pastor Adio noted that the increasing rate of insecurity in the country was worrisome as lives were being wasted by criminal elements almost on daily basis, pointing out that seeking external assistance would not be out of place.
The cleric said further that the persistent attacks in the country were evidence of the enormity of the current challenge.
Pastor Adio also used the occasion to advise Nigerians who had not collected their Permanent Voter Cards, PVCs to do so as it was a civic responsibility.
The State Director, Oyo State National Orientation Agency, NOA, Mr. Kayode Odedokun, has sent his best wishes to Muslims and residents of Oyo State on the occasion of Id-el Adha.
The felicitation is contained in a Press Release signed by the Head, Media and Publicity of the agency, Alhaji Isiaka Kehinde.
Mr Odedokun pointed out that religion plays important role in the transformation of society as it lays down moral guidelines and virtues, which if adhered to promote wellbeing.
Mr Odedokun urged all Muslims and every Nigerian to continue the good deeds and eschew ignoble acts as exemplified by Prophet Ibrahim.
The NOA Director urged Nigerians to continue to foster peace and boost social integration in continuation of the collective quest to build a society where peace and progress could be attained.
The NOA Director further stated that; “As Nigerian Muslims celebrate, we should all be reminded that we are one Nigerian indivisible family. We must stand firmly in rejection of the voices that seek to divide us or limit our religious freedoms or civil rights and stand in celebration of our common humanity.”
The season, he added, provided an opportunity to focus, reflect, forgive patience and resilience for each lesson profound on its own and aggregate a harmonious whole of value-based society.
Mr Odedokun also enjoined all road users to take necessary precautions and to adhere to traffic rules for safe vehicular movement.
Osun electorate has been cautioned against vote trading and violence before, during, and after next Saturday’s election.
The Chief Imam of Osogbo and Grand Imam of Osun State, Alhaji Musa Animashaun stated this in his sermon at Osogbo Central Eid Ground where he led thousands of Muslim faithful in 2 Rakats prayers.
Alhaji Animashaun called on INEC, police and politicians to conduct themselves in a way that will lead to credible elections and sustenance of peace being enjoyed in Osun State.
The cleric admonished all to be guided by the fear of God, saying everyone should remember death and judgment.
In his words, Osun State Governor, Mr Adegboyega Oyetola urged residents of the state to be peaceful before during, and after the election.
He, however, called on security operatives to live up to expectations so as to ensure peace during the election.
Radio Nigeria correspondent reports that those present at the Eid Prayer ground included the wife of the Governor, Kafayat Oyetola, Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Aliu, Chief Tunde Badmus and top Government functionaries.
The need to embrace peace and religious tolerance took center stage at the Agodi Eid prayer ground in Ibadan where Muslims gathered to mark the Eid-El Kabir celebration.
Our reporter, Oluwakayode Banjo, who was on the ground, reports that the faithful trooped into the prayer ground in their numbers, clad in beautiful attires with exciting faces.
In a sermon, the Chief Imam of Ibadan land, Alhaji Abdulganiyy Agbotomokekere, called for peaceful coexistence among Nigerians in order to pave way for meaningful development in the country.
Similarly, Olubadan of Ibadan land, Oba Lekan Balogun, represented by the Otun Balogun of Ibadan land, High Chief Tajudeen Ajibola urged Muslims as well as all residents of Oyo State to shun any act that could affect peace in the society.
Also, Senator representing Oyo Central Senatorial District and APC governorship candidate in Oyo State, Teslim Folarin said every resident should be a peace lover.
Senator Folarin also advised politicians to ensure that the build-up to the 2023 general elections is dominated by issue-based campaigns.
Radio Nigeria reports that Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Alhaji Daud Akinola and Deputy National Chairman, Southwest, PDP, Alhaji Taofeek Arapaja were also present at the Agodi Eid ground.
Similarly, Chief Imam of Ansarydeen Society Oyo State Council Dr Bashir Eleshinmeta has urged Nigerians to imbibe the tenets of religion to make the country a better nation.
Dr Bashir Eleshinmeta made the call in an interview with Radio Nigeria on the occasion of Eid-el-Kabir
He admonished Nigerians to utilize valuable religious teachings in their interpersonal relationships and to shun tribalism.
Circuit President, Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamat Ibadan Circuit, Alhaji Moruf Olubajo, pointed out that the country was witnessing a challenging time, stressing that it was time to turn to God for a solution.
Alhaji Olubajo noted the love for God and neighbour should be the hallmark of true worshipers
On his part, National Missioner Jama-At –Ul Islamiyya of Nigeria and Overseas Alhaji Kareem Adeleke, urged the Muslim faithful to be security conscious.
Alhaji Adeleke made the call in an interview during the Eid-El Kabir prayer at Challenge Eid ground.
He explained that given the current threat to lives in the country, it was vital that the faithful be mindful of activities around, and report any suspicious acts to law enforcement agencies.
The Missioner said Nigerians should not allow the current situation to affect their faith in Allah.
Alhaji Adeleke however urged the government to tidy up loose ends in the country’s security architecture.
Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has called on Muslims to use the Eid-el-Kabir celebration to pray for Nigeria.
In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Kunle Somorin, Governor Abiodun pointed out that prayer insecurity and other challenges confronting the nation were surmountable.
While calling on Muslims to celebrate with moderation, the Governor stressed the need for them to show love to the less privileged in society.
Governor Abiodun also urged them to be guided by faith, perseverance, and obedience demonstrated by Prophet Ibrahim.
He reiterated his administration’s commitment to providing a conducive atmosphere for businesses and investments to thrive towards making life more meaningful for the people in the state.
Similarly, Speaker Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon Adebo Ogundoyin says Nigeria will witness the desired development and growth if the citizens and the leaders sacrifice their selfish and personal interests for the overall collective gains and benefits of the nation as a whole.
The Speaker stated this in his Sallah message to Nigerian Muslims as they join the rest of Islamic adherents across the world to celebrate the 2022 Ileya festival.
He said because of the unstable economic and social conditions, Nigerians are not ready to sacrifice anything for the nation to get out of its present doldrums and predicament.
“It is another feast of sacrifice – Eid-l-Adha or Eid-l-Kabir or Ileya as fondly called in Yoruba land. This is in commemoration of Prophet Ibrahim’s resolve to sacrifice his son Ismael but whom Allah replaced with a ram. So, we are celebrating obedience and the high level of faith exhibited by our forefather known by everyone as the Father of faith. No wonder Judaism, Christianity and indeed Islam all lay claim to Abraham’s superior and elevated status and level of faith and belief in God. I, therefore, felicitate all Muslims in Nigeria on this year’s festival. May Allah accept our sacrifices as genuine and sincere acts of worship to Him” Oyo Speaker prayed.
According to him, no sacrifice is too much or too little to make by Nigerians at this time for our nation to survive all the problems currently bedeviling her.
Hon Ogundoyin used the medium to congratulate the teeming Muslim faithful in Ibarapa land in general and those in Eruwa and Lanlate towns in particular on this year’s Ileya festival.
“Eid-l-Mubarak to my people in Ibarapa East State Constituency, may we live to witness more of this kind of celebration. Allah will grant all our heart desires and turn all our sadness and sorrows into joy and happiness as experienced by Prophet Ibrahim. “
While appealing to Nigerians to celebrate and enjoy the feast, the Speaker urged them to remember the poor and the less privileged in the sharing of the Sallah packages, especially the meat and food.
President Muhammadu Buhari has again reassured that his administration would continue to address the current security challenges and costs of living in the country, saying ”I won’t rest until I bring relief to Nigerians.”
The President’s media aide, Malam Garba Shehu in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja said the president gave the assurance in his Eid-el Kabir message to Nigerian Muslims and other citizens.
“I am quite aware of the difficulties people are facing and working to resolve them,” the President added.
He, however, urged Nigerians to put the interest of the country above selfish interests and “use religion as a motivation for the love of our common humanity.”
Buhari said “if we are putting the teachings of our religions into practice, most of the evils afflicting our society would have been solved.”
He frowned at the exploitation of the people by traders and the stealing of public funds by civil servants and other holders of public trust, saying these negative vices were reflections of the abandonment of the teachings of our religions.
“Our society is a bundle of contradictions. People display external religiosity without fear of God; they make life difficult for others; money becomes their god; leaders abandon their oaths of office by taking money meant for the welfare of the people and divert it to their private pockets,” he said.
Buhari congratulated the Muslim Ummah in Nigeria and the world on the occasion of the Eid, citing for special mention, “the brave men and women in uniform fighting terror on many fronts and their families, as well as others held hostage and kept away from their families by wicked and heartless terrorists.”
He used the occasion to call on all Muslims to reflect on the significance of the sacrifice epitomised by Eid.
”We should show love and care to our neighbours and others while celebrating this spiritually important event in our lives,” he said.
President Buhari also advised Muslims “to promote the good virtues of Islam through personal examples and practice.
The President expressed the hope that this Eid would be a source of blessing, peace, prosperity and safety for all Nigerians, stressing that coexistence and stability would prevail in the country .
Nigerian pilgrims join their counterparts from all over the world to pass the night at Muzdalifa as part of Hajj rites.
The pilgrims were mobilized in the evening from the plain of Arafah, which is the most important part of Hajj rites where they spent hours yesterday praying to Allah.
The pilgrims in their thousands irrespective of class or status slept with their white garments on bare floor under the open sky in Muzdalifa after the observance of the 2 night daily prayers.
The idea of sleeping in Muzdalifa represents
equality and seeking repentance from Allah while the pilgrims in line with tradition also picked small stones to be thrown to devil.
Our Correspondent, Ridwan Fasasi reports that after early morning prayer today (Saturday, 9th July), the pilgrims set out back to Muna where they will go to Jamrah to throw stones to three pillars which symbolized devil.
Some Islamic scholars under the umbrella of National Ulamah Committee have organised the annual National prayer for Nigeria at Arafah ground during the ongoing Hajj exercise.
The Chairman of the National Ulamah Committee, Professor Gbadamosi Yusuf who thanked Allah for the resumption of the Hajj exercise after COVID-19 pandemic lauded the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON for sustaining the national prayers during the annual pilgrimage.
National Missioner, Ansarudeen Society of Nigeria, Sheikh AbdurRahman Ahmad who led the prayer in English centred his supplications on continuous God’s guidance for President Muhammadu Buhari and peaceful conduct of next year’s election.
The prayers were also led by members of the Ulamah Committee in different Nigerian languages which included Yoruba, Hausa, Igbo, Edo, Fulfulde and Nupe.
Earlier in a remark, the Chairman, NAHCON, Barrister Zikrullah Hassan said the prayer was necessary in order to seek Allah’s favour to make next year’s election which will lead to handing over from one administration to another a success.
He said the security challenges facing the country also needed interventions from Allah to restore peace to Nigeria.
” The security situation in the country is alarming. Just before the Hajj, intending pilgrims from Sokoto State were attacked on their way. Alhamdulillah, there was no case of death”.
The NAHCON Chairman who regretted the inability of the commission to mobilize some pilgrims to the holy land said the last minutes effort to get a rescue flight was not successful.
‘In the case of those who didn’t come, we tried all we could. We actually had an understanding of a rescue but immediately the gate was formally closed by Saudi authorities, the flights’ operators said there was nothing they could do. By the time we got a waiver, the flights claimed they have dispatched their crews who were from different countries and there was no way they could recall them within that short period. We really regret the development. “
He appealed to the pilgrims participating in the ongoing Hajj exercise to remain calm as the commission was doing all it could to address the lapses. ” You should remember that I said it at the pre-hajj preparations that this year’s exercise is emergency Hajj, therefore, the pilgrims should bear with us as we are working hard to address noticeable lapses” he said.
Ram plays significant role during the celebrations of Eid- il-Adha.
Every adult Muslim craves for ram to be slaughtered during the celebrations as instructed by the prophet Muhammed.
This special report examines its affordability in the present economic situation of the country especially, considering its significance in the celebration of Eid-el-Adah.
In years past, rams used to be seen on the road held by their owners indicating that, the festive season is around the corner.
Buying rams early gives family members opportunity to gather in different locations to partake in rams fighting games which usually attract a lot of spectators.
But the reverse is the case at the moment as the prices of ram have increased by at least one hundred percent compared with previous years.
A visit to some ram stands in Ibadan metropolis shows that the price ranges from 50 thousand to three hundred fifty thousand naira.
A ram seller from Borno state Mustapha Aminu attributed the hike in price to high cost of transporting them to Ibadan.
Another rams seller, also attributed the development to insecurity in the country. Some buyers at different stands shared their experiences .
Commenting on the significance of ram during Eid-il-Adha celebration ,an Islamic scholar, Mallam Ridwan Yusuf said the slaughtering of ram is in obedience to Allah’s directive to Prophet Muhammad.
According to Mallam Yusuf, matured camels, cows and goats are other animals that can be used to celebrate the festival.
Asides the issue of maturity, the animal must not have any form of deformity like broken ears, legs or horns.
He advised Muslims who are not financially capable of slaughtering rams to avoid unnecessary debts,as it is an act of worship to Allah and not to impress anybody.
The cleric added that those who can afford the rams should be generous to those who are around them.
Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Sen. Lekan Balogun, Alli Okunmade II has congratulated the Muslims across the country on the occasion of this year’s Eid-el-Kabir celebration with a charge to them to deeply reflect on the historical and religious background of the annual celebration.
Oba Balogun, in a statement signed on his behalf by his Media Aide, Oladele Ogunsola and made available to journalists in Ibadan urged the adherents of the Islamic faith not to be carried away by winning and dinning that the slaughtering of rams would naturally attract, but the essence of the revered and significant event. Asking the Islamic faithful to let the spirit of sacrifice occasioned by total submission to the will of the Almighty Allah as demonstrated by the patriarch of the religion, Ibrahim (PBUH) be their guide, the monarch maintained that it is only by that the purpose of the celebration would not be lost.
According to him, “as we join our compatriots across the globe to celebrate the all-important religious festival, we should be mindful of the purpose of what we are celebrating. We must be conscious of the eternal love of the Almighty Allah for mankind, the undiluted faith in Him as well as total submission to His will which all manifested when the event that culminated in this celebration was originally held.
“It is also a time for sober reflection on the practice of Islam in the country. How loving are we to our fellow Muslims? How loving are we to our fellow citizens that do not share our religious beliefs? Are we worthy of people that others would want to follow and seek our Allah for the purpose of worshipping Him? All these are what we should also ponder on as we celebrate this year’s Eid-el-Kabir”, the statement added.
Olubadan equally charged Muslims to take note of the mood of the nation as they celebrate, stressing that the level of insecurity in the land is of serious concern and notice must be taken of this very important aspect of the nation’s life in the course of the celebration. “It is very important that we do everything with moderation and shun anything that can trigger violence”, Olubadan added.
The monarch also counselled that the occasion should be used to prayerfully intercede for the country not only to succeed in her current war against insurgency and other challenges but also to have peaceful, free and fair elections come 2023, reminding that the next year election is capable of making or mar this country.
The Founder and Spiritual Head, Shafaudeen in Islam Worldwide, Professor Sabit Ariyo Olagoke has urged political power holders to rule with the fear of God by upholding zero tolerance for corruption and indiscipline, saying that socio-economic corruption is responsible for the security challenges the country is currently facing.
He also charged the country’s leaders to embark on sustainable development through due process of global best practices for a better future for Nigeria and posterity.
In a congratulatory message, he personally signed to felicitate Muslims on this year’s Eid -El-Kabir celebrations, the frontline Islamic cleric noted that Nigerians now live fake lives leaving aside dignity of labor to corrupt enrichment with blatant impunity:
According to him, the culture of integrity, good citizenry, Education, moral discipline from the Religious sector, and ethical practices in leadership and governance are now replaced with corrupt practices because we fail to heed the voice of God in our chosen religion by paying lip service in worship: making us be bereft of wisdom and power of the discerning mind to proffer appropriate solution to our emerging challenges”
“How did we allow hoodlums to hijack and dominate our socio-economic and political scene to the detriment of our security?, he asked adding that hoodlums now kill or kidnap at will for money ritual, dictate settlement bills to release their victims, and control power at will like in Zamfara, Kaduna, Borno, Owo in Ondo State and recently Kuje Correction Centre jail break freeing more than 600 Boko Haram inmates!
Olagoke, who is the Ajagun Esin (Religion Warlord) and Mogaji Ogunelu Dynasty in Ibadanland however maintained that the antidote to correct all beastly aberrations of life was to return to God by being scripture compliant as their lessons of Eid El Kabir
“Let us resuscitate the culture of integrity and good parenting, promote functional education through adequate funding, teach the scripture and refrain from religion commercialization”, he advised.
Prof. Olagoke enjoined adherents to use the period to offer fervent prayers for the unity and stability of the nation which is seriously under threat due to insecurity and biting economic hardship.
He also urged Muslims to exhibit peace, mutual respect, and tolerance as they celebrate Eid- el -Kabir.
As Muslim Ummah in Oyo State joins other Muslims worldwide to celebrate Eid Al-Adha, the 2023 governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Teslim Folarin has assured people of the state of a better future.
The Oyo Central senator made the statement in his felicitation message to Muslims on the occasion of the most-celebrated Islamic festival.
The message reads in full:
Asalam Alaykum Waramotulah Wabarakatuhu
On the auspicious occasion of Eid-ul-Adha, I have the pleasure of conveying my warmest greetings to the Muslim Ummah in Oyo State and beyond. The Holy Festival symbolizes redemption, sacrifice, forgiveness, altruism and love.
In the spirit of Eid-ul-Adha, Muslims should imbibe the injunctions of Prophet Muhammed (SAW), which teach humility, gratitude and charity towards one another.
The sacrifice of Prophet Ibraheem, which we celebrate, must spur us on to sacrifice for the progress and prosperity of Oyo State and Nigeria. Sacrificing for our state and country means giving our best in our various areas of endeavour.
Fellow citizens of Oyo State, let’s celebrate this Holy Festival with optimism and unflinching hope that a better tomorrow awaits the Pacesetter State.
Let’s take the opportunity of this Holy occasion to pray for Oyo State and Nigeria to overcome the current security and economic crises.
May the spirit of Eid-ul-Adha, with its message of solidarity and unity, bring prosperity, success and happiness to all of us.
PR/Oluwakayode Banjo
Sallah: Aare Akogun Urges Tolerance, Religious Harmony
Muslims in Oyo State and Nigeria have been urged to imbibe the spirit of tolerance and religious harmony as the country marks the Eid el Kabir festival.
This call was made by Honourable Abiola- Ajimobi on Friday in the Eid el Kabir message issued by Lateef Alade his media aide, to Muslim faithful in Oyo state and across Nigeria.
He urged the faithful to reflect on the essence of the festival, which he described as the time for renewal of our obedience and commitment to peace.
The Aare Akogun Musulumi who’s currently on Holy pilgrimage said the Eid-el-Kabir festival signifies an opportunity for Muslims to reflect on the faith, with which Ibrahim (Abraham) willingly agreed to sacrifice his only son and let go of his prized asset, just in obedience to the command of Allah (SWT), he said.
He implored the Muslim faithful to lay aside all forms of religious, ethnic and tribal sentiments, “in the interest of unity, peace, progress and prosperity of the state and country.”
The Aare Akogun Musulumi also urged Nigerians to fervently pray for the prosperity of the state and the nation and eschew acts capable of denying them the blessings of Allah (SWT).
PR/ Oluwakayode Banjo
Osun Speaker Calls for Prayers ahead of Elections
The Speaker, Osun State House of Assembly, Mr Timothy Owoeye Wants Residents to intensify prayers for the peace and stability of the State and Nation for the upcoming Governorship as well as the 2023 General Elections.
Mr Owoeye in a Sallah message issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Kunle Alabi said the call became imperative to attain the desired Sustainable Socio-Economic growth.
The Speaker, while congratulating the Muslim faithful on the occasion of Eid-el-Kabir, said Nigerians should strive to create an atmosphere of peace and sustain harmonious co-existence.
Osun State House of Assembly, OSHA, Speaker, Mr Timothy Owoeye
He enjoined Muslims and people of other faith in the state to imbibe the spirit of sacrifice, which is the symbol of the Eid-el- Kabir celebration, saying the importance of this festive period remains a collective ability to live together in peace.
Mr Owoeye, while assuring that the Seventh Assembly under his leadership would always work for the betterment of the people’s interest, called for more citizens’ collaborations with the government with a view to enable it to deliver as expected.
He said, “We must continue to strive and pray for peace in Osun, Nigeria, and the world. Only peace can guarantee meaningful development.
“People of Osun and Nigerians should desist from all acts capable of breaching the peace of the state and country, as the State and country gear up toward elections in 2022 and 2023.
“Nigeria is a country of unity in diversity, and our dear Osun holds a pride of place as a land of the Virtuous where all religions continue to live in peace and harmony with each other.
“We must ensure that we eschew all forms of violence before, during, and after the elections, Osun people and Nigerians should vote for the candidate of their choice without intimidation”.
Mojisola Oladele
In the same vain, Oyo state council of Radio, Television, Theater and Arts workers’ union, RATTAWU, has felicitated with Muslim faithful on this year’s Eid El Kabir celebration.
In a statement signed by the state secretary of the union, Mr Kehinde Olayade, RATTAWU urged Muslims to embrace the virtues of love and sacrifice during this period and beyond.
The union also prayed to Allah to spare the lives of the faithful to witness more Eid El Kabir celebrations.
Nigerian pilgrims to this year’s Hajj at their different tents on a state and group basis involved in extensive prayers at the plain of mount Arafah after the combination of both Jumat and Asr prayers.
The pilgrims were relocated early this morning to Arafah from Muna where they passed the night.
The Arafah program in different tents included lectures, recitation of Quran, supplications to Allah, and prayers for individuals, families, relatives, and Nigeria.
At one of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON tents, a member of Ulamah Team, Imam Tajudeen Oyebanji said the best prayer is the one done on the day of Arafah while the best of the best is the one done on the plain of Arafah.
He congratulated the pilgrims for the privilege of the Arafah that fell on Friday noting that such would earn them tremendous rewards.
Imam Oyebanji urged the pilgrims to avoid frivolities and ensure they follow laid down rules governing the Hajj rites in order to perform a perfect Hajj exercise.
“You have to renew your intention and note that the reward for a perfect Hajj is paradise. Don’t remove your white garments until the last day of the hajj exercise, which is Tuesday, 12th July.”
In a sermon of Jumat service by Alhaji Abubakar Barde- Badamosi from NAHCON, Yola office, he urged Muslims to embrace good habits and avoid acts such as backbiting, envy, and the spirit of bringing others down.
He called for unity among Muslims stressing that the believers are one irrespective of colour, race, or tribe, and emphasized the equality of all men in the sight of Allah.
Radio Nigeria Correspondent Ridwan Fasasi reports that all the pilgrims will depart Arafah later today to continue the Hajj rite at Muzdalifa, where they will pass the night.
One thousand, one hundred and fifty [1,150], intending pilgrims from Nigeria have missed this year’s Hajj exercise.
The breakdown of the affected intending pilgrims shows that the private tour operators sector has the highest with 740 followed by Kano State with 700.
Others are Plateau State with 91 intending pilgrims while Bauchi State has nine [9].
This is contained in a statement by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON Assistant Director, Public Affairs, Alhaja Fatima Sanda-Usara.
NAHCON regretted all inconveniences caused by the development to the intending pilgrims and other stakeholders and attributed the cause to the last-minute disappointment regarding flight arrangements pointing out that the Commission is ready to refund the intending pilgrims.
“Sadly, despite all efforts to airlift all Nigerian intending pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for the 2022 Hajj, NAHCON was incapacitated in discharging this responsibility fully, majorly due to last-minute setbacks that frustrated its plan to conclude airlift of pilgrims by 27th June of this year. Unfortunately, the chartered flight option that gave so much hope to NAHCON and the Private Tour Operators’ leadership also became a failure as their IBAN accounts failed accreditation by the respective authorities in Saudi Arabia”.
“The Commission gives assurance that all affected pilgrims will be refunded their Hajj fares while it will work towards improving its deficiencies next time. NAHCON has learnt a lot of lessons and is determined not to have a repetition of the unfortunate situation”.
NAHCON also acknowledged the disappointment and hardships experienced by pilgrims already in Saudi Arabia during their airlift operations to the holy land.
“NAHCON humbly acknowledges the following: that it owes deep and unreserved regrets to entire intending pilgrims to 2022 Hajj for the hardships and disappointments experienced during outbound airlift operations to the holy land. The Commission offers similar apologies to the federal government of Nigeria, State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards, Private Tour Operators, and the general public for any embarrassment the situation of the past few weeks might have caused”.
Over thirty thousand Nigerians are among the pilgrims from across the globe that will this morning converge on mount Arafat in Saudi Arabia for this year’s Hajj. Arafat day is the peak of hajj exercise which precedes Eid Kabir celebration which comes up tomorrow . While on the plain of mount Arafat, the pilgrims are to praise Allah, recite the Quran and pray for themselves as well as others till the sunset. After sunset, they will depart to Muzdalifa where they will pass the night before proceeding to Jamrat where the symbolic throwing of stones to devils would be done. Speaking on the essence of Arafat, the Special Assistant to Oyo State Governor on Islamic Affairs, Alhaji Abdur-Rasheed AbdulAzeez who is also among the pilgrims explained that Arafat is Hajj as every pilgrim irrespective of their health challenges must be at the plain of Arafat otherwise their Hajj would be nullified. ” Prophet Muhammad says ‘Arafaf is Hajj and Hajj is Arafat’. This implies that the most important aspect of Hajj is staying at the plain of mount Arafat. All pilgrims including the sick ones must be on ground otherwise their Hajj exercise would be null and void.” He said Allah will move closer to the pilgrims on Arafah and would be ready to answer their prayer requests.”Angels in their multitude will descend to the earth to join the pilgrims as Allah will come down to answer prayers from them. It’s a special day in the lives of Muslims. “ An Islamic scholar, Ustaz Ismail AbdRasaq said other Muslims who are not on Hajj are expected to observe fasting on the day of Arafah which its reward is expiration of sins” It’s recommended that Muslims who are not performing Hajj fast on the day of Arafah as Allah promises to forgive their sins for last year and next year. This is no doubt a worthwhile exercise. “ He also emphasized that this year’s Arafaf day that fell on Friday was a rare privilege which would earn the pilgrims double rewards. ” Any Arafah that falls on a Friday is a special Arafah because it will entail 2 sermons of Arafah and that of Jumat service. This is a double reward from Allah”. Radio Nigeria correspondent, Ridwan Fasasi reports that the pilgrims are in high spirit to perform the Hajj exercise.
The Federal Government has declared Monday 11th and Tuesday 12th July, 2022, as public holidays to mark this year’s Eid-el-Kabir celebration.A statement from the Ministry of Interior signed by the Permanent Secretary, Dr Shuaib Belgore disclosed that the declaration was made by the minister, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola on behalf of the Federal Government.
Aregbesola congratulated all Muslims and Nigerians both at home and in the Diaspora on the occasion.
“I call on Muslims to continue to imbibe the spirit of love, peace, kindness and sacrifice, as exemplified by the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon Him) and to also use the period to pray for peace, unity, prosperity and the stability of the country, considering the challenges of insecurity we face at the moment” Aregbesola added.
The Minister assured that the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari is “committed to the security of lives and properties of all Nigerians, empowering the citizens for successful living, the provisions of social investments programmes and adequate security in the schools”.
Aregbesola, while wishing Muslims a happy Eid-el Kabir celebration, urged Nigerians to take responsibility by reporting any suspicious individuals and criminal activities they observed around them to law enforcement agencies with the use of N-Alerts application that has been designed to mitigate security challenges with a prompt response from security agencies: as soon as you “See Something Do N-Alerts”, most especially during this festival.
He also enjoined Nigerians to be vigilant and observant of intruders in their communities. “We must all take responsibility for the security of lives and property as we celebrate this year’s festival,” he said.
Aregbesola craved the indulgence of Nigerians to come together, “put our heads, hearts and all we have together, in order to achieve relative peace for harmonious coexistence and put an end to insecurities in Nigeria”, the statement added.
He also assured Nigerians of the government’s protection of all under the law, maintenance of law and order and keeping the peace in all situations.
Pilgrims from Oyo State have headed to Mina in the commencement of some important Hajj rites.
The pilgrims, numbering 641, left for Mina at 3:23 am Nigerian time.
Mina, a valley which lies about eight kilometres southeast of Mecca, is often referred to as a city of tents because of the massive presence of over 100,000 air-conditioned tents housing millions of pilgrims from all walks of life.
According to reports, the tents accommodating Oyo pilgrims in the hot desert city are equipped with over 900 air-conditioners.
While at Mina, the pilgrims are expected to perform the symbolic throwing of stones at the Devil between sunrise and sunset, in commemoration of Prophet Ibrahim’s stoning of Satan who tried to discourage him from sacrificing his son in fulfilment of his vow to Allah.
It is from Mina that the pilgrims will converge on Mount Arafat, a very important rite of Hajj exercise.
In Islamic tradition, the Hajj exercise is incomplete without the climbing of Mount Arafat.
Oyo State Pilgrims observing the 2022 Hajj Exercise in Saudi Arabia have offered special prayers for the continued good governance of Governor Seyi Makinde in Oyo State and peaceful co-existence in the nation.
This is contained in a statement signed by Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatubosun and made available to newsmen on Wednesday from Kaaba, Saudi Arabia.
The statement said the special prayers, which was performed at Kaaba, was led by the Vice Chairman, Oyo State Pilgrims Welfare Board, Muslim Wing, Dr. Ibrahim Adebolu.
He said the prayers had in attendance top government functionaries from Oyo State and pilgrims from other states who expressed pleasure at the efforts of the Oyo delegation.
According to him, “The last two batches of 2022 Oyo state Hajj exercise offered special prayers for Governor Makinde while observing our obligatory Tawaf (circumbulation around sacred kabba and walking at Saffa and Marwa).
The Chairman pilgrims welfare board, Muslim wing, Prof Sayed Malik was represented by his deputy, Dr. Ibrahim Adebolu.
“Oyo State Pilgrims were joined by other well-wishers during the special prayer session for our amiable governor. We also prayed for our country, Nigeria, as well as peaceful coexistence of the nation,” the statement read.
Other state delegation at the prayer were, Dr. Wasiu Olatubosun; the Head of service, Mrs. Amidat Agboola;
Alh Isah Abdul Kabir; Commissioner for Budget and Economic planning, Prof Musibau Babatunde; Alh. Adeyemi Abdul-rauf Sanusi; Commissioner for Education, Barr. Abdul Raheem Abdul Ramon and the Special Assistant to the Governor on Islamic Affairs, Alhaji Abdul Rasheed Azeez.
He added that, “The pilgrims expressed delight at the good governance in Oyo state and also prayed to Allah to give Governor Makinde the grace to keep executing the mandate to develop our State.
“The pilgrims and State officials commended Gov. Seyi Makinde and the state Pilgrims Welfare Board, for the arrangements put in place to ensure a smooth and successful Hajj exercise,’’ Olatubosun added.
A sense of relief may have come to the way of about 3000 Nigerian pilgrims who are yet to be airlifted to Saudi Arabia for this year’s Hajj as the General Authority on Civil Aviation (GA CA has extended the deadline for the closure of Airspace till Thursday, 7th July.
The relief came after a high-level discussion between Nigerian delegates led by the Chairman, National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON, Barrister Zikrullah Hassan and Saudi Arabia Hajj authority.
With this new development the two airlines, Max Air and Azman airline would continue their airlifting operation from where they left off.
Meanwhile, the Commission has concluded arrangements with Flynas to operate three (3)rescue flights for pilgrims in Kano and Abuja.
An Abuja-based Islamic scholar, Imam Fuad Adeyemi says hajj symbolises oneness of Islam and the unity of Muslims all over the world.
Imam Adeyemi stated this in Saudi- Arabia while speaking with Radio Nigeria Correspondent who is also performing Hajj.
He said Hajj remained the highest convergence of congregations as millions of Muslims all over the world assemble for the religious act.
Imam Adeyemi said apart from religious significance, hajj has other social, commercial, and cultural benefits which are responsible for the uniqueness of the annual assemblage.
The Islamic scholar reiterated that Allah has promised paradise as a reward for any pilgrim that performs the religious acts with laid down rules and regulations while the sins of such a person would also be forgiven and will be like a newborn baby.
“Allah says that whoever performs Hajj without any blemish’’, comes back as clean as the day he was born. Also, you get exposed to other people’s cultures.
He urged Nigerian pilgrims to avoid frivolity in observing the religious act and be good ambassadors of the country.
“What you gain in Hajj is not when you put golden teeth on but things that would better your life and that of others.”
So far, over twenty- nine thousand Nigerian pilgrims are in Saudi- Arabia while the last batch of the pilgrims are expected to arrive today.
The rites of Hajj will commence tomorrow as the pilgrims would be conveyed to Munna in the morning.
Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde has approved the payment of full funds to intending pilgrims who were unable to perform the 2022 Hajj exercise.
The Chairman, Oyo State Pilgrims Welfare Board (Muslim Wing), Professor Sayed Malik disclosed this during a press conference held at the State Secretariat Agodi, Ibadan.
Addressing newsmen, the Chairman, Oyo State Pilgrims Welfare Board (Muslim Wing), Professor Sayed Malik expressed regret that 150 of the state’s intending pilgrims could not take part in this year’s Hajj due to some circumstances beyond the board’s control.
He said Governor Makinde has approved the payment of full funds to whomever among the intending pilgrims that wishes to collect his/her money, while those that intend to use their money for the 2023 pilgrimage, would be the first to be considered for the exercise.
Professor Malik explained that they would not make any additional payment to the one they have already made this year as part of measures to compensate them.
On the issue of Basic Travelling Allowance of the pilgrims, Professor Malik maintained that the board officials did not short-change the pilgrims or divert the funds meant for payment of their BTA contrary to speculations in some quarters.
He however made it clear that all pilgrims from the state had gotten their BTA.
Professor Malik noted that the last batch of Oyo State pilgrims which consisted of 60 persons had been airlifted to Saudi Arabia on Monday 4th July 2022.
The Saudi General Authority for Civil Aviation has extended the deadline for airlifting Nigerians to this year’s hajj to July 6.
Concerns have been raised regarding the commission’s ability to convey all pilgrims to Saudi Arabia.
The extension was necessitated by flight cancellations and delays caused by inability to secure Basic Travel Allowances (BTAs), insufficient funds for visas, and unavailability of PCR test results, according to a statement by the Assistant Director, Public Affairs of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Hajiya Fatima Sanda Usara, on Monday.
Hajiya Fatima said just 13 of the 65 flights from Nigeria to Saudi Arabia had departed on time.
She urged would-be pilgrims to keep calm, as they would all be airlifted before the new deadline expires.
The Archbishop of Abeokuta/Ogun Province Diocesan of the African Church, The Most Reverend Solomon Ojumu has encouraged Christians to make Jesus Christ their central focus.
The Most Reverend Ojumu, who made the plea in a sermon at the funeral service of late Mrs. Eunice Ramat Folarin in Abeokuta, noted that the grace of God through Jesus Christ would ensure eternal rest for the faithful.
In a sermon titled “the latter end” The Most Reverend Ojumu pointed out that the latter end was vital in human existence, hence the need for people to plan and work hard to finish well.
Paying glowing tribute to the Late Mrs Folarin, the cleric described her as a devout Christian, kind-hearted who contributed immensely to the growth of evangelism.
In an interview with newsmen, the children of the deceased, including a member of staff of Radio Nigeria Paramount FM, Abeokuta, Mr Olusegun Folarin described their mother as a woman of peace whose love and care for people transcended blood relationships.
Aged 83, the Late Mrs Eunice Ramat Folarin popularly known as Iya Laala is survived by children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Grand Mufti of Oyo State, Sheik Alhaji Muhammad Okumeebo is Dead.
One of the brothers to the late Grand Mufti, Imam Musbaudeen who broke the news to Radio Nigeria, said that his brother passed away during a brief illness .
Installed by the Grand Chief Imam of Oyo State, Sheik Abdulganiy Agbotomokeke as Grand Mufti of Oyo State on 20th of March, 2022, Sheik Okumeebo bade the world farewell at the age of seventy-seven
He is expected to be committed to mother earth according to Islamic rites at two o’clock this afternoon in Ogbomoso.
