Religion

Humility, the hallmark of Christlikeness – Cleric

By Web News 507

A priest at Saint Anne’s Church, Molete, Ibadan, The Reverend Samuel Aina has advised Christians to emulate the humility of Jesus Christ which he exhibited during his lifetime.
The Reverend Aina gave the advice in a sermon during the Palm Sunday service held in the church.
He explained that Jesus Christ throughout his lifetime preached humility and love.
The Reverend Aina noted that even when Jesus Christ was going to Jerusalem for his crucifixion, he still rode on an ass which showed humility.

The service featured a dance around the church area with the congregation waving palm fronds.
Palm Sunday is the last day of lent which begins the passion or holy week heralding Jesus’ crucifixion.
Tony-Esan

Religion

Don’t let Ramadan deter you from getting your Covid-19 jabs – Islamic Scholars

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Muslims should not let Ramadan fast prevent them from getting a Covid-19 jab.

This was the submission of Islamic scholars at a stakeholders meeting in Ibadan on Ramadan and Vaccination organized by Oyo State Primary Healthcare Board in collaboration with with Breakthrough Action Nigeria.

According to Sheikh Salaudeen Busairy, islamic scholars have agreed that taking jab during Ramadan fast can not break it because vaccine pass through the muscle rather than the bloodstream and not nutritious.

lSimilarly, Alhaji Abdul Ganiy Abdussalam of Bodija Muslim Community said the Quran posited that to save one life is to save the whole of humanity, hence it is a responsibility of a practising Muslim to take the vaccine.

He enjoined Oyo State Primary Healthcare Board to ensure that vaccination centres are closer to people to boost take up among minority communities.

n her contribution, the Amirah, Federation of Muslim Womens Associations in Nigeria, FOMWAN, Oyo State chapter, Dr Bushroh Olosho urged muslims to get vaccinated to protect their future.

n official of Oyo State Primary Healthcare Board, Mr Olukayode Akinpelu said the meeting was intended to provide islamic backing to encourage taking Covid-19 jab during Ramadan.

In a welcome address, Oyo State coordinator, Breakthrough Action Nigeria (BA-N), Mrs Toyin Afachung, advocated the support of Islamic scholars in promoting vaccination.

Nafiu Busari

Religion

Ramadan: Shun Sinful Acts- Cleric Tells Muslims

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As Ramadan enters the seventh day, the Chief Imam Ataqwa mosque, Awotan, Ibadan Ustadh Isiaq Abdulhameed wants muslims to move closer to Allah by increasing all prescribed acts of worship.

He stated this during a jumat service held in Ibadan.

The cleric enjoined muslims to imbibe the acts of almsgiving and feeding the poor to exemplify the teachings of Islam.

While calling on the faithfuls to shun sinful acts and turn to Allah for forgiveness, Ustadh Abdulhameed urged muslims not to allow distractions to deprive them of the obligation of worship and recitation of Quran.

Ustadh Abdulhameed enjoined muslims to take advantage of multiple rewards in Ramadan to move closer to Allah by increasing all prescribed acts of worship.

Sherifdeen Nasirdeen

Religion

Ramadan Lecture: Economic, political factors fuel ritual killings – Don

By Web News 656

Economic and political power are factors contributing to rituals killings in the country.

A lecturer at the Department of Arabic and Islamic Studies at the University of Ibadan, Dr Akeula Adams stated at the National Prayers and Ramadan lecture organized by the National Orientation Agency, Ibadan with the theme Ritual Killings Phenomenon: Myths and Fallacies.

Dr Adams explained that irrespective of religion, ritual killing was not prescribed by God, noting that people got themselves engaged in it to acquire wealth and power in society.

The university lecturer said it had become imperative that the Nation’s Constitution take into cognizance the dimension of crime ritual killing constitutes with stiffer penalties spelt out for perpetrators.

Chief Imam of Ibadanland, Alhaji Abdul Ganiyu Agbomokekere, represented by Alhaji Hassan Aameen said good Muslims should see rituals killings as being abominable before Allah and inimical to society.

Earlier, the outgoing state director of NOA, said the programme was organized to educate people on the need to disengage themselves from ritual killings ravaging Nigeria, and to also offer prayers for country.

Highlight of the event were recitation of the Holy Quran, prayers and recitation of Stanza two of National Anthem 

Present at the occasion were league of IMANs, National women society and security personnel 

Fasilat Lawal

Religion

Integrity is Key to Credible Election in Nigeria – Sheikh Mohammed Usman

By Web News 737

Integrity is a vital prerequisite for a credible election come 2023.

A foremost Islamic cleric, Sheikh Mohammed Usman, popularly known as Sonnu-Sheu stated this while delivering the 4th Annual Ramadan Lecture of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC Oyo state with the topic “Roles of Citizens Toward the 2023 General Elections at the commission’s collation centre, Ibadan.

Sheikh Usman who read from Quran 6, Verse 135, emphasized the need for political parties and godfathers, the media, the electorate and the electoral umpire to play their roles as custodians of trust and be mindful of repercussions for wrongdoings.

The cleric, while describing Ramadan as a month of reformation, noted that INEC in Oyo State had demonstrated its resolve to maintain the standard of an unbiased umpire, calling on Nigerians to desist from mortgaging their future for inducements from politicians, and youths to shun violence and security agencies to be professional during the election period.

Chairman on the occasion, a professor in the Department of Physiotherapy, College of Medicine, UCH, Ibadan, Talhatu Hamzat highlighted trustworthiness, integrity, ability to convince others and intelligence as attributes that Muslims should exemplify according to prophetic teachings in governance and electoral process.

In a remark, the INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner in Oyo state, Dr Mutiu Agboke noted that peace in the state was due to fairness on the part of the commission, calling on members of staff to always fear Allah in the discharge of their duties in the overall interest of INEC and national development.

In a goodwill message, former INEC National Commissioner, Chief Bayo Oyero advised the Electoral Officers and other officials to make contentment their watchwords and shun inducements to compromise their statutory duties.

The mother of the day, who is the Head of Service, Oyo State, Alhaja Amidat Agboola represented by the Permanent Secretary, Service Matters, Alhaji Nafiu Oladeinde, urged Nigerians to be the change that all citizens desired for Nigeria.

Executive Secretary, Muslim Ummah of South West, MUSWEN, Professor Muslih Yahya stressed that every citizen is a guardian of Allah’s trust, which shall be accounted for in the sight of Allah on the last day, hence the necessity to do the right thing at all times.

Highlights of the programme were Quranic recitation and special prayers for INEC on a successful general election in 2023, and peace and progress for Nigeria.

Nasrudeen Sherideen

Religion

Catholic Bishop Congratulates Muslim faithful on Ramadan

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Bishop, Catholic Diocese of Oyo, Most Reverend Emmanuel Badejo has felicitated with the muslim faithful nationwide following the commencement of this year’s Ramadan fast.

In a statement made available in Oyo town, Bishop Badejo and the Diocese’s Director of Interreligious Dialogue, Reverend Father Moses Alaba emphasized that muslims and christians must not relent in their collective efforts, prayers and personal relationship with God during this holy season.

Describing Nigeria as a common heritage, Bishop Badejo assured that the Catholics would always be ready to work together with their muslim brothers and sisters for unity, equity, political stability, good governance and peace as the nation draws closer to the 2023 general elections.

The clerics also noted that Almighty Allah who grants every good thing must have had a hand in the coincidence of the Ramadan fast with the christians’ forty days Lenten period which started about a month ago.

They prayed that Almighty God would grant speedy answers to all prayer requests made during the two fasting periods in order to see a better Nigeria.

Kayode Oguntona

Religion

Olubadan calls on Muslims to show love, care during Ramadan

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With the commencement of the annual Ramadan Fast, Muslims have been called upon to be genuine and sincere in their worship of the Almighty Allah through their fasting and prayers by ensuring that whatever they consider incongruous to the solemn season is done away with permanently.

Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Sen. Lekan Balogun, Alli Okunmade ll who made this charge in his message to the Muslim community on the commencement of the holy month said “it would appear mockery of the Almighty Allah if the mindset of our people is to temporarily put aside our sinful ways during this solemn season and resume them after the fasting period”.

The monarch maintained that the purpose of the Ramadan Fast is to move closer to the creator by shunning the sinful ways and showing love and care for others which should be the permanent way of life and not adhoc.

Oba Balogun equally urged for consideration of the less privileged in the society in whatever they do in order to make the season profitable both physically and spiritually.

The monarch stated that the purpose of the holy season would be lost if they care less about the welfare of the less privileged around them.

He noted that with love, care, and concern for others, society would be better, safe, and conducive for all to live, adding, “the country is today in much pain and stress because of lack of love and care for the generality of the people.

”As Muslims, I urge all to use this moment of solemnity to reflect on our respective and personal lives and make the necessary amends wherever we are found wanting towards making others happy and creating a more lively and lovely environment”, he added.

Ridwan Fasasi

Religion

Adeduntan Preaches Love, Sacrifice as Ramadan Begins

By Web News 477

Oyo State Governorship Hopeful, Dr Azeez Adeduntan has preached love, tolerance, and sacrifice as he felicitated with Muslim faithful in the state and the country on the occasion of this year’s Ramadan fast.

In a statement in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, Dr Adeduntan said Ramadan is a blessed month and urged Muslims to use the period judiciously by participating in activities that will earn them tremendous rewards from Allah. 

He enjoined the faithful to use the special festive occasion to pray for unity, peace, and prosperity of Ibadanland, Oyo State, and Nigeria as a whole.

“We must show love to others, regardless of which religion we have chosen, as the three major religions, Islam, Christianity,as well as Judaism talk about Abrahamic faiths and the belief in the existence of only one God-the omnipotent, the omnipresent and the omniscient.”

Dr Adeduntan who is the former Oyo State Commissioner for Health and Osi Bashorun of Ibadanland prayed Allah to accept the fast and supplications of the faithful during the holy month.

He specially congratulated the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba  Olalekan Balogun, Alaafin Of Oyo, 0ba Lamidi Adeyemi , Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland ,Edo and Delta, Alhaji Daud Akinola, Chief Imam of ibadanland, Alhaji AbdulGaniyu Agbotomokekere, Chairman,  Oyo State Muslim Community,  Alhaji Kunle Sanni and other Islamic organisations. 

“May we all see the mercies and kindness of the Almighty Allah.”  Dr Adeduntan concluded.

Ridwan Fasasi

Religion

MMPN Urges Muslims to Pray for Peace as Ramadan Begins

By Web News 587

Muslims have been enjoined to dedicate the month of Ramadan to prayers to Allah to enable the country to surmount the security challenges facing the people.

This is contained in a  statement in Ibadan by Chairman, Muslim Media Practitioners of Nigeria, MMPN, Oyo State Chapter, Alhaji Ridwan Fasasi on the commencement of this year’s Ramadan fasting.

He noted that Ramadan is a month full of blessings, hence Muslims should use the opportunity to pray fervently to seek Allah’s forgiveness to end the security challenges which have enveloped the country characterized by insurgency, kidnapping, armed bandits, and of recent, terrorist acts of train attacks.

Alhaji Fasasi noted that since the compulsory twenty-nine or thirty days of fasting is hinged on God’s consciousness, Muslims should endeavour to ensure that their actions and inactions follow the dictates of Allah.

He reminded the believers that activities like feeding the poor, recitation of Quran, attending Islamic lectures, being among the righteous ones, and avoidance of wrong acts are some of the catalysts that speed up the acceptance of one’s fasting by Allah.

Alhaji Fasasi urged the Islamic faithful, especially the wealthy ones to remember the less privileged and others that the current economic challenges have affected bearing it in mind that Ramadan is a month of helping the needy. 

He admonished Muslim philanthropists to take sponsorship of Islamic lectures as a top priority so that Muslims will be able to benefit from such through traditional channels of radio and Television as well as new media platforms.

Alhaji Fasasi enjoined Islamic clerics who will be handling different lectures and explanations of the holy Quran during the month to lay emphasis on issues of patriotism, peaceful co-existence, and love for one another.

He added that though there is no restriction by the government, the traditional activities during Ramadan like Tarawih, Tafsir, group iftar, and annual lecture should be observed moderately as  COVID-19 is still within.

Ridwan Fasasi

Religion

Live right, for you will give account before God – Sheik Ajani-Bello

By Web News 634

Muslims have been admonished to accord due regard to the sanctity of life and always remember that every soul will gather for stewardship on the day of reckoning.

A renowned Islamic cleric, Sheikh Muhydeen Ajani-Bello gave the advice during the 2nd Ishaq Abiola Ajimobi Memorial Ramadan Lecture at the Ishaq Ajimobi Central Mosque, Oke-Ado, Ibadan.

Sheikh Ajani-Bello, who stressed that human salvation before Allah was to contribute to his course, cautioned people against amassing wealth and other worldly pursuits.

The cleric while condemning ritual killings, appealed to government to address insecurity bedeviling the country.

Sheikh Ajani-Bello urged wealthy individuals to give tangible charity to banish poverty and uplift the standard of living of the less privileged.

Chairman on the occasion, Mallam Yusuf Ali, SAN, said late Governor Abiola Ajimobi had bequeathed a lasting legacy and highly rewarding act of worship in the sight of Allah.

In a remark, the Senator representing Oyo North Senatorial district, Dr Fatai Buhari described the memorial lecture as soul lifting and a reminder that life is a sojourn, where good deeds are prerequisite for eternity.

Special prayers were then offered for the Ajimobi family, Oyo State and Nigeria.

Nasirudeen Sheriffdeen

Religion

Ramadan: Pray for an end to insurgency – Makinde

By Web News 556

Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde has felicitated Muslims in the state and across the country for witnessing the commencement of yet another Ramadan fast.

The governor, in a statement by the Chief Press Secretary, Mr Taiwo Adisa, urged the Islamic faithful to pray relentlessly during the fasting period.

He specifically asked Muslims to beseech the Almighty Allah to show mercy on Nigerians at this time.

He said Muslims must embrace the piety demanded of them during Ramadan and ask Allah to put an end to the insurgency which has been ravaging the country.

Governor Makinde enjoined Muslims in the state to use the month-long fasting period to pray for peace in the state and the country.

According to him, sacrifice and increased prayers are important and critical at this time, when the country is fighting insurgency and banditry.

Governor Makinde also admonished Muslims to tune their minds to the messages of love, brotherliness, and peaceful co-existence inherent in the messages of the Holy Prophet, while also being their brothers’ keepers.

“I am happy to see that Muslims in the state and across Nigeria are able to join their counterparts across the world to observe this year’s Ramadan fast.” 

“It is a thing of joy to note that our Muslim brothers would be able to gather for Tafsir, Iftar, and Tarawih prayers, unlike the recent past when they were prevented by certain restrictions as a result of global health concerns.”

“I enjoin you to use the opportunity of this month of blessings to seek Allah’s forgiveness to make insurgency  a thing of the past in our country.”

The statement further reads: “As our Muslim brothers and sisters are expected to adhere strictly to abstinence from food and other things during the month of Ramadan, I wish to enjoin them to extend their hands of fellowship to other Muslims and non-Muslims alike.”

Iyabo Adebisi

Religion

Ramadan Begins in Nigeria – Sultan

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The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs has announced that 1443AH Ramadan will start in the country on Saturday, April 2.

The NSCIA President-General and Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, announced this on Friday in a broadcast.

He said the new moon of Ramadan was sighted in different parts of the country and that reports of the moon sighting were received from Muslim leaders and organisations across the country.

“After due verification and authentication by the national moon sighting committee and states committees’ confirmation, as well as routine scrutiny, I hereby announce the sighting of the new moon of Ramadan signifies the end of Sha’aban 1443 AH.

”In accordance with Islamic law, Muslim ummah is to commence fasting on Saturday accordingly,” he said.

The Sultan enjoined Muslim faithful to devote themselves fully to the worship of Allah throughout the holy month, urging them to use the period to pray for the progress, peace and prosperity of the nation.

He called for sustained prayers for leaders to enable them to lead the country to prosperity.

“We further call on Nigerians to continue to live peacefully with one another irrespective of religious and tribal difference,” he added.

Abubakar further urged wealthy individuals to assist the poor and stressed the need for increased religious tolerance and brotherhood in Nigeria.

Meanwhile, the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan also starts on Saturday in Saudi Arabia and some Arab countries.

Punch/Olaolu Fawole

Religion

Ramadan: Look Out for Moon on Friday- NSCIA tells Muslims

By Web News 938

The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has called on Nigerian Muslims to look out for the crescent (moon) of Ramadan 1443 AH from the evening of Friday, April 1.

Director of Administration at the NSCIA, Architect Zubairu Usman-Ugwu, who said this in a statement made available to newsmen, said that the search for the new moon should commence immediately after sunset on Friday, which is equivalent to 29th Sha’aban 1443 AH.

“If the crescent is sighted by Muslims of impeccable character on the said evening, then His Eminence, Sultan Abubakar Saad, will declare Saturday, 2nd April 2022 as the first day of Ramadan 1443 AH, if however, the crescent is not sighted that day, then, Sunday, 3rd April 2022, automatically becomes the first of Ramadan, 1443 AH,” the statement said.

Architect Usman-Ugwu also listed some telephone numbers and email addresses that could be used directly to report the sighting of the new Ramadan moon to the NSCIA moonsighting committee.

A full list of the numbers and email addresses

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar observed by Muslims worldwide as a month for fasting, prayer, reflection and assisting the needy.

Ridwan Fasasi and Olaolu Fawole

Religion

Mothering Sunday: Don’t Give Up on Stubborn Children- Preacher

By Web News 1191

A preacher at Saint Anne’s church, Molete, Ibadan, Mrs Idowu Ogungbemi  has advised mothers  to continue to train their children to shun the many vices prevalent in the world today.

Mrs Ogungbemi gave the advice in a sermon in the church during  this year’s celebration of mothering Sunday .

Speaking on the theme,”Acceptable Service unto the Lord”,Mrs Ogungbemi said  nurturing a child in a godly way is part of service unto God.

She, therefore, said the evidence of  successful  mother is godly children

She urged mother’s not loose hope over a bad child but continue to pray for such a child until the child changed.

Mothering Sunday which is celebrated annually worldwide on the fourth Sunday of Lent.

It is also a day to honour mothers and mother churches.

On mothering Sunday, Christians are expected to visit their mother churches where they are baptised.

Children are also expected to give their mothers gifts on the occasion of mothering Sunday.

It is observed that at the service only women officiated.

Highlights of the service was the presentation of gifts to mothers who were all gaily  dressed in blue and white.

Morenike Tony-Esan

Religion

Strike: FG, ASUU need to find a lasting solution – Pastor Okomolehin

By Web News 575

The Federal government has been urged to accede to the demands by members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, to prevent irregular academic calendars in Nigerian universities.

The Assistant General Overseer in charge of African Mission of the Gospel Faith Mission International, Pastor Samuel Okomolehin gave the charge in an interview with Radio Nigeria in Ibadan.

Pastor Okomolehin who lamented incessant strikes by ASUU, said adequate funding of Nigerian universities was inevitable if the nation’s institution of higher learning must be at par with its counterparts in the developed country.

The clergyman urged the striking lecturers and federal government to return to the negotiation table with a view to resolving the lingering conflict.

Speaking ahead of the 2023 general elections, Pastor Okomolehin said aspiring politicians should abide by the rules guiding the electoral process rather than seeing it as a do-or-die affair.

Pastor Okomolehin who appealed to politicians to have a heart of service towards the masses, urged current political office holders to shun corruption and focus more on people-oriented policies and programmes.

Rotimi Famakin

Religion

Pray for unity and progress of Nigeria – Gov. Oyetola

By Web News 516

Muslim faithful have been urged to take the advantage of the holy month of Ramadan to pray for the peace, unity and development of Nigeria.

Osun State governor, Mr Gboyega Oyetola stated this in Osogbo at the Pre-Ramadan meeting of the Supreme Council for Sharia in Nigeria.

Governor Oyetola stressed the need for Muslims to extend their hands of support to the poor and needy as preached and practised by Prophet Muhammad.

He emphasized the need for Muslim clerics to encourage their followers to live in peace and harmony with their neighbours irrespective of religious, ethnic or political differences.

In a lecture, Professor Ismaila Shehu of the department of Political Science and International Studies, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, emphasized the need for Muslim leaders to play an exemplary role in the propagation of truth and good leadership.

Earlier, the president of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Sharia in Nigeria, Sheikh Abdulrashid Hadiyatullah, charged Muslims on the need to remain united.

Sheikh Hadiyatullah enjoined Muslims who are yet to register for PVC to do so before the closing date saying that is the only tool to choose their leaders.

Abiodun Adeoye

Religion

Get spiritual education for a better Nigeria – Reverend Kolawole

By Web News 607

Nigerians have been advised to acquire spiritual education in addition to secular education for a better society.

The Provost, College of Health Sciences, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, the Reverend Babatope Kolawole gave the advice at the 2022 Graduation Ceremony of the New Covenant Bible College, NCBC, held in Ibadan.

Scenes from the 2022 NCBC Graduation Ceremony

The Reverend Kolawole who is also an alumnus of the NCBC noted that spiritual education was needed by humans to gain eternal life. 

Earlier, the Deputy General-Overseer of the New Covenant Church, the Reverend Olufemi Oyelade urged the graduating students to make a change in the world through their acquired knowledge.

In a remark, the provost of the NCBC, the Reverend Akinwale Johnson congratulated the graduands for the great feat despite their busy schedules.

Some of the graduands said they achieved the feat through God’s grace and determination.

Our correspondent reports that about fifty students from across the southwest states of Nigeria graduated as part of the 2022 Class of the New Covenant Bible College.

Lilian Ibomor

News Analysis Religion

Hijab For Policewomen: Nigeria Has Lost Focus – Traditional Worshippers

By Web News 1126

The Traditional Worshippers Association of Nigeria, Oyo State Branch has condemned the approval of use of hijab and other adornments for policewomen in Nigeria, saying the government has lost focus on its priority on development.

The body said this in a statement made available to reporters in Ibadan on Monday and signed by its Chairman, Surveyor Adefabi Dasola Fadiran and his Secretary, Mogaji (Dr) Fakayode Fayemi Fatunde, adding that the move was an open attempt to Islamize the country.

The Inspector-General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba recently declared that police women that were interested in using hijab on their uniform were free to do so, which has generated heated arguments across the nation.

The Traditional worshippers added that there were many issues bedeviling the nation, especially the security agencies like police and Army in the areas of their welfare, attitude to work and availability of standard weapons to fight crime, but it was surprised that the leadership of the police and Nigerian government picked hijab as topical and important to them.

“It is quite clear that this government through the IGP is no more hiding the Islamization agenda, they have done some other things which we have not stood up against, but approving a religious garb on top the national security uniform is abnormal and out of place.

“Presently Nigeria is battling security crisis, the morale of our security men are down and same goes for their welfare, we believe these are the issues Nigeria should be concerned with and not the issue of hijab, our government has lost focus, it is so pathetic.”

The association called on President Buhari and the Inspector-General of Police to reverse the decision as police officers that are adherents of traditional religion would also be forced to be wearing their wrist and ankle beads and other traditional adornments on their uniforms too.

They urged the federal government not to stoke the ember of discord among different faiths, as according to them, it might caused disharmony and further divide the people of the country.

“They shout one nation, one people everyday but their behaviors indicate a different thing, why should leaders of a nation that suppose to be seeing uniting their people through their actions, programmes and policies be seen dividing them? That is how they have caused crisis in the North with the introduction of sectional policies which have destroyed the trust citizens have on each other from different tribes,” they lamented.

Signed:

Surveyor Adefabi Dasola Fadiran,
Chairman,
Traditional Worshippers Association, Oyo State Chapter,
Ibadan.

Mogaji (Dr.) Fakayode Fayemi Fatunde,
Secretary,
Traditional Worshippers Association, Oyo State Branch,
Ibadan.
Monday 14th March, 2022.

Religion

MMPN Hails Police over Approval of Hijab

By Web News 555

Muslim Media Practitioners of Nigeria, MMPN, has lauded the approval of hijab as part of dress codes for female police officers .

This is contained in a communique issued in Ibadan by the Chairman, MMPN,  Oyo State Chapter,  Alhaji Ridwan Fasasi at the end of the monthly meeting of the Association held at FRCN, Ibadan Zonal Station. 

The Association  noted that the recognition of hijab by the police is a welcome development as this will bring about religious diversity in the work place for optimum output and professionalism. 

It noted that the development is in line with the international best practice being operated in countries like United Kingdom,  Canada, USA, Sweden, Turkey and  Australia and called on other security agencies and parastatals to join the train.

The Association decried the rising cases of rape against both minor and adult females and advocated capital punishments for perpetrators the dastardly acts.

It  called for more vigilance on the part of parents and guardians as well as the general public considering the fact that perpetrators are mostly family members and relatives.  

The Association emphasized that there is urgent need for the Federal Government to arrest the fuel shortage problem confronting the country before it begins to take negative toll on the nation’s economy.  

It explained that the fuel situation is already causing hikes in transportation fares thereby exposing the commuters to untold hardship and the general public to arbitrary increase in prices of goods and services.  

The Association observed that  there is need for monitoring and enforcement officials at the ports to be more thorough in scrutinizing quality of imported products with a view to preventing hazards that may arise from substandard product that found its way into circulation .

It lauded the efforts of National Drug Laws Enforcement Agency, NDLEA under it’s new leadership, General Buba Marwa following the series of outstanding successes against the activities of drug traffickers and abusers regardless of the social status of the offenders.  

MMPN urged government and stakeholders to engage more with the grassroots in the campaign against Female Genital Mutilation to stop the harmful practice even at the remotest corners of the society.  

The Association condemned the spate of armed robbery attacks on financial institutions and facilities and called for concerns on the part of security stakeholders as recent experiences in Oyo, Ondo and Edo states are mind boggling.  

It added that Nigerians should use the opportunity of timely release of 2023 General Elections’ Timetable by INEC to participate responsibly in the process.  

Ridwan Fasasi

Religion

Religious Leaders Preach Repentance on Ash Wednesday

By Web News 1025

As Catholics and other orthodox churches all over the world commemorate Ash Wednesday, a priest at the Catholic Diocese of Abeokuta, the Reverend father Frederick Alode has called on Christians to adopt the spirit of sincere repentance and put on the garment of righteousness.

Reverend father Alode who made the call while speaking in an interview with Radio Nigeria described the season as an invitation to draw closer to God and find comfort in the face of adversity.

He stressed that the day which usually commences the 40-day Lenten season was characterized by penance, reflection, abstinence and fasting.

The Reverend father Alode emphasised that the season was a period of self-denial, renewal, reconciliation and admonished the faithful to take advantage of the season to seek God’s mercy and shun every act that is not pleasing to God.

He also implored Christians in positions of authority to uphold humility, accountability and prioritise the well-being of the people, saying that Ash Wednesday was a reminder that they would one day give an account of their stewardship to God.

Francisca Irekpita

Religion

Ash Wednesday is a time for repentance, sober reflection – Rev. Fr. Ogwuegbu

By Web News 588

Ash Wednesday is a very important day in the life of a Christian.

The Very Reverend Father Benedict Ogwuegbu of Saint Mary’s Catholic Church, Oke Padre, Ibadan, stated this during an interview to mark Ash Wednesday.

The Very Reverend Father Benedict Ogwuegbu of Saint Mary’s Catholic Church, Oke Padre, Ibadan during the 2022 Ash Wednesday Mass

The Very Reverend Father Ogwuegbu said the mark of the cross usually placed on the forehead with ash symbolises Jesus’ death and repentance for past sins which Christians must not take for granted.

Congregants getting marked with ashes on their foreheads to mark the Ash Wednesday

Members of the congregation who were in a sober mood said they will never forget the death of Jesus which marked a turning point in their lives as Christians.

Each year, Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent and is always 46 days before Easter Sunday. 

Lilian Ibomor

Religion

Oyo Muslim Community Congratulates New Olubadan

By Web News 2123

Muslim Community of Oyo State has congratulated Oba Lekan Balogun on his appointment as the new Olubadan of Ibadanland.

This is contained in a statement in Ibadan by the Chairman, Alhaji Kunle Sanni and the Secretary-General, Alhaji Murisiku Siyanbade.

The community is elated and full of praise to Allah for counting the new Olubadan worthy to be bestowed this enviable honour. 

“Not all that climb the ladder of Olubadan ascendancy get to the zenith of the stool. Only a chosen few attain it. “We, therefore, thank Allah and appreciate him for counting our revered father, Alhaji Senator Moshood Olalekan Balogun, PhD, from Ali-Iwo compound, as the new Olubadan of Ibadanland.”

The Muslim Ummah also prayed for long life and sound health for the new monarch and as well that Ibadan shall enjoy peace and prosperity during the reign of Oba Lekan Balogun. 

“You started this journey in 1986, that was 36 years ago when you became Mogaji Alli-Iwo. We pray to Almighty Allah that you reign for longer than the 36 years.” 

The community believed that the exposure of the new Olubadan as an academic, an administrator and a politician of repute will be a blessing to Ibadanland.

Ridwan Fasasi

Religion

Fake Pastors are worse than Bandits- Bishop Adeoye

By Web News 1228

The Spokesperson of the World Bishop Council, Bishop Seun Adeoye has called for urgent cleansing of churches in Nigeria. 

The cleric who is the General Overseer of Sufficient Grace and Truth Ministries (SGTM), Rehoboth Arena, Okinni, Osun State, decried the rising spate of fake pastors in the country. 

In a statement he issued at Osogbo he called on the leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) to immediately commence registration and licensing of all practising clerics among its fold. 

He lamented that social media platforms have given unhindered access and voices to many of the fake pastors where they “emit foul odours and vomit dirt from their bowels in the name of prophecies”.

“Today, we are surrounded by the so-called men and women of God declaring fake prophecies, spreading unbiblical doctrines, engaging in all manners of immoral behaviours and undertaking all sorts of rituals at the altar”.

“Although, these false pastors are in the minority but they are dangerous to the Church and the society. They dupe in the name of God, they cause havoc to the Church and so much pain and shame to true Christians, they are worse than bandits”. 

“These wolves should be identified, exposed and disgraced. These shafts must be separated from the wheat. They are not called by our Lord to preach the gospel but they see the Church as a means of livelihood to serve the gods of their bellies”. 

“Therefore, these bad ones must give way to allow the gospel of Christ to flourish. CAN leaders should embark on urgent cleansing by registering and licensing all genuine men and women of God in its fold. By this, we can easily identify the evil ones and help deliver victims from their wickedness”. 

The clergy said CAN leaders should be ready to come out boldly to deny anyone who engaged in satanic activities and deregister any pastor whose behaviour is inimical to the well-being of the body of Christ. 

Akinola Adenitan

Religion

Ilajue Agog as Pilgrims Storm Ori-Oke Aduramigba

By Web News 1549

Hundreds of christians of Ijo ogo oluwatedo worldwide extraction have over the weekend converged on Ori-Oke aduramigba, Ilajue,Oyo state to observe the 2022 edition of a three day annual pilgrimage .

The forty-fifth convergence of the spiritual ritual also featured choir competition,brigade parade and three years remembrance of the founder, his eminence Apostle General,Adelani Adejumo.

Camping participants took time to dance and rejoice before the lord for making them witness the event.

Speaking with Radio Nigeria,Special senior Apostle, Gideon Olateju expressed delight for being part of the program.

Special senior Apostle Olateju however used the occasion to appeal to Nigerians to always be faithful in whatever they were doing and jettison any corrupt act.

In a remark,Senior Prophet Samson Adejumo while describing the religious exercise as worthwhile, urged christians to always pray for the peace of the nation.

On her part, Reverend Mother,Muyiwa Ogundele said she was fulfilled during the religious exercise .

Adedayo Adelowo

Religion

Hijab: Oyo Govt Didn’t Alter Policy On Freedom Of Religion

By Web News 502

The Oyo State government, on Saturday, declared that it has not altered its policy on freedom of religion, urging residents of the state to discountenance recent attempts to misinterpret a statement from the office of the Special Assistant on Islamic Affairs on the wearing of Hijabs.

It added that the government of Governor ‘Seyi Makinde would not tamper with the codes that have guaranteed religious freedom and harmony in the state, stating that the status quo regarding the matter as contained in a circular dated October 27, 2013, remains.

“The attention of the government of Oyo State has been drawn to the series of misleading headlines ascribed to a statement issued in commemoration of this year’s World Hijab Day observed on February 1, 2022.

“The statement in question, issued from the office of the Special Assistant to the governor on Islamic Affairs, intended to emphasise the essence of religious harmony, tolerance and freedom, which have remained the bedrock of the peaceful co-existence we all enjoy in Oyo State.

“It has, however, emerged that some sections of the media have misconstrued the statement to indicate a reversal of the existing and well-accepted government policy on the subject matter.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the government of Engineer ‘Seyi Makinde will not tamper with the codes that have guaranteed religious freedom and harmony in our dear state over time and that is why it will continue to keep faith with the existing circular endorsed by the state government as far back as 2013.

“In accordance with the government circular letter dated October 27, 2013, the government of Oyo State through the Ministry of Education had resolved among other things as follows:

(i)     In Muslim named/faith-based public schools, the usage/wearing of hijab as part of the school uniform is allowed in accordance with Islamic tradition/religious belief of student who may wish to do so.

(ii)  In Christian named/faith-based public schools, the student’s uniform should be in line with established tradition of the school and Christian religion.

(iii)   In Community based public schools the usage/wearing of a common hijab/beret by female students is permissible.

This is however optional for parents/students who wish to do so.
(iv) Under No circumstance or guise should any student/parents, group, or body contravene the provisions in paragraphs i, ii, and iii above. Any contravention of these provisions would attract appropriate disciplinary sanctions including immediate expulsion of affected students from school.
(v)  Peaceful atmosphere, conducive to teaching and learning must be maintained in every school, as the government will not hesitate to close down any school where there is religious unrest.

“The circular had notified all school administrators to immediately comply with the guidelines, while adding that the circular letter was meant to complement all previous circulars on Religious Worship, Tolerance and Activities in schools,” the statement said.

PR/Adewumi Faniran