Osun State Governor, Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola, has sent greetings to Muslims in the State and across the world as they mark the occasion of the Maulud Nabbiy, birthday of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW).
The Governor in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Ismail Omipidan, enjoins Muslim faithful to use the opportunity of the celebration to reflect on the lessons and teachings of the Prophet, whom he said, led a life of service to Allah and humanity.
Mr. Oyetola also urges them to emulate Prophet Muhammad’s shining virtues of love, compassion, tolerance and promotion of peaceful co-existence, noting that if they do this, the society will be much better.
He also calls on Muslims in Osun and all Nigerians to use this occasion to pray for the peace, stability, progress and development of Osun in particular and the country in general.
As Muslims join in marking the birth of Prophet Muhammad, they have been urged to continue to live with others peacefully.
This is contained in a statement in Ibadan by Chairman, Muslim Media Practitioners of Nigeria, MMPN, Oyo State Chapter, Alhaji Ridwan Fasasi on the occasion of this year’s Maolud Nabiyy.
Alhaji Fasasi emphasized that peaceful co – existence is part of Islamic ethics as Prophet Muhammad as a leader in Medinah did not only live peacefully with others but was just to them irrespective of different tribal and religious affiliations .
He said one of the teachings of Prophet Muhammad is good neighbourhood as neighbours remained the closest ally and being kind to them would bring about harmonious living.
The MMPN Chairman noted that the message brought to mankind by the Holy Prophet is Islam which means peace, stressing that no adherent of the religion should therefore be found in any act or action that would threaten peace and stability of anyone.
He emphasized that as political activities gradually pick up ahead of 2023 general election, politicians should play the game by the rules and eschew conducts that are likely to cause a breach of peace.
Alhaji Fasasi called on religious leaders, traditional rulers as well as prominent personalities to preach against electoral violence so that Oyo State will not return to the era of brigandage, thuggery, hooliganism and do or die politics.
He explained that if Nigerian leaders emulate the virtues of Prophet Muhammad which include honesty, selfless service, love, kindness, equality, fairness and above all, God’s consciousness, the country would have been among the comity of developed nations.
The MMPN Chairman enjoined leaders in the country to invest in righteous deeds at all times and fear a day when they would be called to question on their stewardship by the Almighty Allah as there would no longer be any respite regarding their judgements.
Songs of appreciation rent the air at The Anglican church of the Transfiguration, Ikolaba, Ibadan, as high profile personalities in politics and academics converged on the church for its annual harvest thanksgiving service.
The event which featured award presentation to distinguished personalities also coincided with the 22nd anniversary of the church.
Speaking on the theme of the annual event; “Harvest and Build for God” the priest in charge of the church, the Reverend Canon Professor Benjamin Ehigie said the theme was informed by the need to build a befitting sanctuary for people to worship God as well as the need to get blessed through giving.
The cleric said Nigeria would become a better place when citizens and political leaders returned to God.
Earlier in a sermon, one of the clerics in Ibadan Anglican Diocese, The Venerable Yinka Gbotoso urged the congregation to invest in the vine yard of God
The clergyman who admonished the congregation to be closer to God stressed the need for them to be optimistic about the future of Nigeria and desist from complaints.
In an interview, one of the award recipients who is also a former commissioner in Oyo State, Senator Hosea Agboola urged Christians to imbibe the habit of contributing to the progress of mankind and God’s work.
First female professor of computer science in Nigeria, Adenike Osofisan, the first professor of Sports Science, Michael Ajisafe and other notable members of the church were also given an award for their immense contributions to the church growth and development
High points of the event included prayers for the nation, Oyo state, Bible reading, and thanksgiving by the various church societies
Well meaning Nigerian Muslims have been enjoined to be more committed to investing in the cause of Allah for them to attain His pleasure in the world and the hereafter.
The Amir Sahib, Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at of Nigeria, Alhaji Abdulazeez Alatoye gave the admonition during the inauguration of a two-storey magnificent mosque and a mission house as well as Qur’anic graduation ceremony for 39 graduands organised by Apata Circuit, Ibadan.
Alhaji Alatoye who affirmed that investment in mosque project with landed property and monetary supports was a wise decision to inherit Allah’s paradise, called on the faithful to always strive to be part of the highly rewarding acts of worship.
The Sahib Amir Ahmadiyya urged Muslim parents to enroll their children for learning and memorisation of the holy Qur’an for balanced education and protection from Allah.
In a remark, the Apata Circuit President, Alhaji Teslim Oniyide noted that the three events were milestone achievements for Ahmadiyya Muslims, especially the Apata Circuit.
Speaking on the”Importance of Seeking Knowledge of the Holy Qur’an”, Ustaz Shamsudeen Ojo stressed that Qur’an remains a compatible constitution from early human existence till the end of the world, reiterating that it was essential for those with knowledge to ensure application of Allah’s injunctions to showcase perfect models for societal reformation.
Ustaz Ojo called on graduands’ parents to encourage their children to further learning of meaning and memorization of Qur’an.
Some of the graduands, Master Royan Oniyide and Miss Zinat Popoola promised to prioritize recitation of the Qur’an during their five times daily prayers and other dealings.
The tripartite programme featured recitation of verses from the glorious Qur’an and presentation of certificates to graduands.
Nigerians have been advised to compliment government efforts towards combating insecurity and creating a nation devoid of fear and apprehension.
A guest lecturer at the annual state lecture of The Muslim Congress, TMC, Oyo State with the theme “Insecurity and National Unity: The Nation on trial”, Dr. Tajudeen Yusuf of the Department of Acquirial and Management Science, University of Lagos, who gave the advice, explained that citizens are also duty bound to support government and security agents with credible intelligence, advised Nigerians to shun ethnic profiling and unwholesome practices that could trigger hardship in the country.
Another lecturer, who is a Director, Corporate and Public Affairs, Voice of Nigeria, Lagos, Ustaz Abdrasaq Awayewaserere while speaking on ‘Dangers of Disunity and Tribalism maintained that management of fault lines would be difficult in a divided nation, advised government to monitor empowerment programmes and development projects to avoid diversion and ensure that dividends of good governance are enjoyed by citizens.
Earlier in an address, the Waali of Oyo State TMC, Alhaji Daud Oladosu acknowledged infrastructural revolution of President Muhammadu Buhari government and urged Oyo state governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde to sustain his commitment to peace, provision of social amenities and economic well-being of people in the state.
In a keynote address, the deputy governor of Oyo state, Engineer Rauf Olaniyan attributed insecurity to insincerity and poverty, called on Muslims to participate in political process to have fair share of good governance.
The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Resident Electoral Commissioner in Oyo state, Mr. Mutiu Agboke stressed that good personality reform institutions, enjoined the participants to register and collect 720,767 permanent voters card, PVCs.
The state Commissioner for Special Duties urged women to showcase good virtues of Islam in children upbringing, while calling on Nigerians to use social media for constructive criticism of government policies.
The national Ameer TMC, Alhaji Abdwasi’ Bangbala represented by Dr Abdrazaq Ogunmoye urged security agencies not to relent in their efforts to curb crimes and insecurity and the judiciary to dispense justice for common man.
The executive secretary Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria, MUSWEN, Professor Muslim Yahya and the chief Imam of Ibadanland, Sheikh Abubakr Agbotomokekere harped on the need for unity and adherence to Allah’s injunctions to ensure peace and stability in the country.
The General Officer Commanding 2 Division Nigerian Army, Ojo, Ibadan, represented by the chief Imam of the division, Colonel Aliyu Emekoba described TMC as a patriotic religious organization, and urged Nigerians not to allow foreign nationals from neighbouring countries exploit loopholes across national borders.
As Nigeria marks its 61st anniversary today, some churches in Ibadan held special prayers for a turnaround in the country.
Our correspondent who monitored the situation around Ojoo area of Ibadan reports that the prayers centered on good governance, security, peace, economic stability, progress, and unity in the country.
At the Church of God Mission International, Ojoo, the pastor in charge of the church, Paul Jegede said the devil was not relenting in causing crises in the country, adding that hope should not be lost in the emergence of a better Nigeria which he said would manifest in the nearest future.
The story was the same at the Gospel Faith Mission International, GOFAMINT, Ojoo where the church members converged to raise their voices in prayers to God for divine intervention in the economic and political stability of the country.
Pastor in charge of Region Eleven of the church, Ademola Akangbe, and the resident pastor of Agbowo Assembly of the church, Daniel Jimoh said it was the mandate of the church to pray for the nation during Independence Anniversary.
The pastors who urged Christians not to relent in their prayers for the nation’s leaders expressed optimism that the current challenges in the country would be a thing of the past.
At the Christ the Same Evangelical Ministry, Shasha, the church members prayed against the activities of evil men whom they said were frustrating the positive change agenda of President Muhammadu Buhari.
General Overseer of the church, Reverend Abel Oyediran said the church would not cease in praying for the nation’s leaders until actual positive change materialized.
The cleric appealed to aggrieved groups in the country to work towards the unity of the country rather clamouring for division which he said would not yield meaningful results for the nation.
Prayer and tolerance are major factors that can foster national peace and unity in Nigeria.
A cleric, Prophet Dare Jesulola of Christ Apostolic Church, Osunjela, Osogbo stated this while speaking with Radio as Nigeria plans for it’s sixty-first independence anniversary.
Prophet Jesulola who noted that the nation was facing a difficult time at the moment, said the succour remained in prayerfulness and ability to tolerate one another.
“If the three major religions in Nigeria can be united in Prayers and extend hands of fellowship to one another, challenges facing the country would be a thing of the past. He said.
The cleric, while noting that going back to God was the only way out, urged the government at all levels to always fulfill its electoral promises to make life more bearable to the people.
Prophet Jesulola expressed the hope that Nigeria would be great again.
Catholic youths in the country have called on leaders in the country to implement policies that would have positive impact on the masses rather than the wealthy few.
The youths under the aegis of Young Christian Workers of the Catholic Archdiocese made the call in Ibadan during a deliberation on the travails of Nigeria after sixty-one years of independence and the way forward for the country.
Representatives of the youths from Lagos, Ogun and Oyo Catholic Archdiocese lamented insecurity, poverty level, and high inflation in the country and challenged government to urgently consider the yearnings and aspirations of the masses so that the nation does not to degenerate into total collapse.
In his opinion, national leader of the body, Mr. Paul-Mary William said the unpalatable condition of the country would continue to affect their prayers if government failed to do the needful.
While encouraging the citizen to desist from agitating for secession Mr. William urged government to consider the yearning of the people and abstain from playing politics with people’s demands.
Ogun State Government has called for the contribution of all Nigerians towards building a virile and prosperous nation.
Governor Dapo Abiodun made the call in Abeokuta during a special Jumat Service to commemorate Nigeria’s 61st Independence Anniversary.
The commemorative Jumat service for Nigeria’s 61st Independence Anniversary which was held at the Central Mosque, Kobiti, Abeokuta, was part of activities lined up by the state government to celebrate the national day.
In a message to the service, Governor Dapo Abiodun noted that the task of building a united and indivisible Nigeria required the concerted efforts of all citizens, regardless of the people’s tribe, ethnicity or religion.
Governor Abiodun who was represented by his Chief of staff, Alhaji Salis Shuaibu said it was time for Nigerians to change the narrative of negative comments but to be optimistic that the country would get better.
Governor Abiodun also used the occasion to solicit the support of residents of the state in the efforts to deliver more democratic dividends to the people.
In a remark, the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, encouraged Nigerians to continue to pray for the unity and progress of the country.
Earlier in a sermon entitled “Work and Pray”, the Mofasir Of Egbaland, Imam Taofeek Amolegbe had emphasized the need for government at all levels to intensify efforts towards addressing the nation’s security challenges.
The Jumat service witnessed by leaders of various security agencies, traditional rulers and top government officials, also featured special prayers for unity and peace in the country and Ogun State in particular.
A Muslim cleric, Imam Abdulateef Oladimeji has called on Nigerians to intensify prayers to sustain the peaceful coexistence of the country.
Imam Oladimeji said this during the Jumat service at Boro Central Mosque, Oke Alaro, Polytechnic Road, Ibadan.
He explained that the socio-economic problems in the country have been experienced by some nations in the past, noting that the countries overcame them through prayers.
Imam Oladimeji stressed the need for the nation’s political leaders to always seek the face of God while governing the people.
Nigerians have been encouraged to be closer to God so as to overcome the current inflation ravaging the nation.
The general overseer, Christ Creation Gospel Mission International, Onajobi, Felele Rab, Lady Evangelist Feyisayo Akinluyi gave the advise while speaking on the current economic crises that had impacted negatively on the poverty level of the citizens.
Evangelist Akinluyi who bemoaned the sufferings and insecurity in the country urged government to be proactive in proving job opportunities for youths in the country.
Earlier in a sermon, the minister in charge of Mountain of Miracle International, Felele, pastor Dipo Oladapo said satan,historical background of an individual could in one way or the other influence affliction in an individual life.
The cleric urged Christian’s to be eshew ain and draw closer to God to rest from labour. High point of the worship was prayer for the nation, drama presentation, testimonies and special song ministration.
Traditional worshippers in Oyo State have commended the governor of Osun State, Gboyega Oyetola for declaring a work-free day for the celebration of the World Isese Day in the State.
A statement signed by the Chairman, Traditional Worshippers Association, Oyo State Chapter, Mr Adefabi Dasola Fadiran and the State Secretary, Dr.Fakayode Fayemi Fatunde in Ibadan notes that the governor has shown enough boldness in supporting the Yoruba heritage.
The 2021 Isese Day Festival is celebrated all over the World on the 20th of August in every year, by traditional worshippers.
The body attributed the peaceful atmosphere in Osun State to the governor’s respect to all religious tenets and beliefs in the State, which made residents co-habitate peacefully.
The association called on its members in Oyo State to celebrate the 2021 Isese Festival without any conflict in their shrines and temples and pray for peace in Nigeria, Oyo State and their different communities.
Activities marking the new Islamic year, 1443AH by the National Council of Muslim Youth Organizations, NACOMYO, Ogun Chapter have commenced with a youth procession.
At the event, the Chief Imam of Egbaland, Sheikh Saadullahi Bamigbola felicitated Muslims and prayed for continued progress in Ogun State under Governor Dapo Abiodun.
Also, the Chairman, Hijrah Planning Committee, Alhaji Saheed Adeola sought the support of the Muslim leadership and enjoined the faithful to attend the commemorative rally scheduled for Sunday 15th August at the MKO Stadium, Kuto Abeokuta beginning from 10am.
In separate remarks, the NACOMYO State Coordinator, Dr. Soliu Amolegbe, the former Chairman, Hijrah Planning Committee, Alhaji Wasiu Sowole, and the NACOMYO National Adviser, Alhaji Kamaldeen Akintunde described the Hijrah Calendar as a guide to determine significant Islamic dates and observances and commended NACOMYO for creating awareness for the Lunar Calendar reckoning.
The procession which took off at the Sodeke, Abeokuta home of the Chief Imam of Egbaland and was terminated at the Ake Palace Grounds, Ake, Abeokuta was witnessed by prominent Muslim leaders, including Imam Sulaiman Kehinde, Sheik Ahmed Olayinka and Alhaji Muftau Majekodunmi.
Muslim faithful have been implored to rededicate themselves to Allah (SWT) by emulating the holy virtues of Prophet Mohammed.
S.A to Oyo state Governor on Islamic affairs, Imam Abdulrasheed Abdulazeez gave the admonition in a congratulatory message to the faithful on the occasion of Hijrah 1443 A.H.
Imam Abdulazeez, who rejoiced with Muslims in Oyo state for witnessing the beginning of the new Islamic calendar, admonished them to always reflect on the life of Prophet Mohammed.
“Despite the persecution, oppression and victimization suffered, Prophet Mohammed (SWT) endured and held on to his belief in Allah”
“As Muslims, we should be able to hold on to our belief like the Prophet in whatever situation we found ourselves, especially during this difficult time in the world”
Imam Abdulazeez also urged Muslims to imbibe the virtues of patience, love and peaceful coexistence, while shunning any act that could cause division in the country.
Imam Abdulazeez specifically appreciated Governor Seyi Makinde for identifying with the Muslim Ummah and declaring a public holiday to mark Hijrah.
He emphasized that Governor Makinde had continued to demonstrate his unbiased love for the Muslim ummah and other faiths in the state.
The Governor’s aide finally called on the Muslim faithful to intensify their prayers for the state, Governor Seyi Makinde, as well as, Nigeria in general.
Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has rejoiced with the Muslim Ummah in Oyo State and beyond on witnessing the first day of the Muharram 1443.
The governor urged the Muslim faithful to emulate the virtues of patience and endurance demonstrated by Prophet Mohammed (S. A. W) when he migrated from Makkah to Madinah in 622 CE, after enduring persecution from Makkah pagans.
A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, quoted the governor as adding that Muslims should relive the significance of the occasion and what Hijrah represents in the lives of Muslims.
He said: “Let us recall that the Islamic year began with the migration of Prophet Mohammed (SAW) and his companions from Makkah to Medina in 622 CE after he was commanded by Allah to leave the city of Makkah, his hometown where he and his adherents were persecuted, victimized and oppressed, for Medina.
“Their only sin as alleged by the idolators of Makkah at that time was their firm belief in the supremacy and oneness of Allah and their rejection of the worship of any deity other than Allah.
“Without the endurance and patience demonstrated by Prophet Mohammed (SAW), only Allah (SWT) knows what would have been the place of the Prophet today.
“So, the essence of that historic endeavour is to enable Muslims know that after every period of difficulty comes relief and happiness.
“Therefore, as we begin a new Islamic calendar, I admonish my Muslim brothers and sisters to continue to demonstrate the virtues of patience, endurance and strong belief in Allah (SWT) and to continue to make supplications for our great State and Nigeria, that Allah (SWT) may give us relief after all the challenges we are faced with.”
Governor Makinde, who also sought for the continued support and cooperation of the Muslim Ummah and all residents of the State, pledged that his government will continue to make life more meaningful to all residents of the state.
He reiterated the administration’s commitment to the ongoing socio-economic transformation and infrastructural revolution in the state.
He said: “On the part of this pacesetter government, I pledge that we shall continue to make life more meaningful to all the people of Oyo State through policies and programmes that are godly and humane.
“Once again, I congratulate our Muslim brothers and sisters and our community,” the governor said.
A Muslim cleric, Sheikh Muyeedeen Ayede says restructuring is not the solution to Nigeria’s problem but re-orientation of its citizens.
He stated this at Obafemi Awolowo Stadium, Oke-Ado, Ibadan at the 1443 Hijrah Grand Rally organised by the National Council of Muslim Youth Organisations, NACOMYO, Oyo State Chapter.
Sheikh Ayede said he believed the structure of the country is not defective emphasising that what is needed is reorientation of its citizens to think positive about the country and take national interest above selfish acts.
He decried the rate at which youths involved in internet fraud stressing that the trend portends danger for the future of the country.
“Youths have abandoned efforts to struggle to make it in lives. Internet fraud is not only limited to the educated ones, many youths now abandon their apprenticeship to go into yahoo. In fact, out of every four youths, one is into yahoo”.
In a remark, the immediate past Executive Secretary, Muslim Ummah of Southwest Nigeria, MUSWEN, Professor Dawud Noibi who maintained that unity is essential for peace and progress of any nation decried the agitation for Odua Republic stressing that the intention behind it was ill-motivated.
The Chairman on the occasion and Deputy President General (South), Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Alhaji Rasaki Oladejo urged Muslims to allow the essence of Hijrah to have positive impacts in their daily lives by abandoning evil acts.
“Beyond mere rhetoric, Hijrah should have meaningful impact on us and we should always reflect that impacts in all our actions and behaviours”.
Earlier, the Coordinator, NACOMYO, Oyo State Chapter, Alhaji Dawood Afolabi said the theme for the programme “Security, peace building and National integration: Muslim Youths as agent of National Stability was chosen as a result of the prevailing security situation in the country.
Alhaji Afolabi who lauded Oyo State Government for declaring public holiday to mark the commencement of the new Hijrah year urged the Governor to ensure fairness to all religions.
Oyo State Deputy Governor, Engineer Rauf Olaniyan who congratulated Muslims on the beginning of the new year called for continuous engagements with the government adding that the organisation should be patience with the present administration in the state.
“The only solution to the identified problems is continuous engagement.
Don’t fight with the Government. You need to be extremely patient with the Government because the task of governance is enormous”.
Other Muslim personalities at the programme include the Senator representing Oyo North, Senator Fatai Buhari, Bagii of Saki, High Chief AbdRasheed Adegoke,
Chairman, Oyo State Muslim Community , Alhaji Kunle Sanni and Special Assistant to Oyo State Governor on Islamic Affairs, Alhaji AbdRasheed AbdAzeez.
Highlight of the rally was match pass in which school children and paramilitary outfits of some Islamic organisations participated.
Oyo state government has declared Tuesday,10/8/2021 as public holiday to commemorate the new Islamic calender year, 1st muharram (Hijrah) 1443 AH.
This is contained in a circular letter signed by the Secretary to the Oyo State Government Mrs Olubamiwo Adeosun.
According to the circular; Governor Seyi Makinde enjoined all to use the occasion to pray for the peace, unity and sustainability of the state in particular and the country in general.
President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Bishop Francis Wale Oke, has described the former General Overseer of the Foursquare Church, Dr Wilson Badejo,as a forthright individual who served God with all his might.
In a condolence message made available by his Media Office, the PFN President described the news of Badejo’s death as shocking to the nation and the world, particularly to the Christian community.
According to Bishop Oke, the former General Overseer of the Foursquare Church gave his all to the service of the Lord while alive, a development he added, enhanced the spread of the gospel to nations of the world.
The PFN President who is also the presiding Bishop of the Sword of the Spirit Ministries, Ibadan, said that no doubt that the passage of the deceased was painful and shocking, the worthy life he lived, would remain a challenge to the living.
“Rev Dr Wilson Badejo was a strong-willed man who pursued righteousness till he breathed his last. For everyone, death is a garb that will be worn by all at the appointed time. Though humanly speaking,one wouldn’t have wanted him to go now, however,God is the ultimate decider of when for everybody” Bishop Oke noted.
He said that death should always serve as a lesson of reminder that nobody would live in the world forever lamenting that many in the society still behave as if they would never leave the planet earth.
“In the case of Rev Badejo, our joy and solace is that having fought a good fight of faith, he has gone to rest with our Lord Jesus Christ. And that’s what every Christian should work towards and crave for” the renowned cleric further advised
While commiserating with the family, Foursquare Church and the Christian body in the country, the PFN helmsman prayed that God would grant everyone concerned, the fortitude to bear Badejo’s transition to glory.
The death of the former General overseer of foursquare gospel church, Nigeria, Reverend Dr Wilson Badejo has been announced.
According to the statement by the national secretary of the church, Revd Yomi Oyinloye, the late reputable leader of the church between the year 1999 to 2009, passed on yesterday after a brief illness.
Reverend Wilson Badejo, aged 74, was survived by wife, children,and grandchildren, including the church of God.
Muslim Media Practitioners of Nigeria, MMPN, has reiterated its call on the Federal government to declare Muharram 1, the first day of the Islamic Hijrah Calendar 1443 A.H, as a public holiday.
This is contained in a statement in Abuja by the National President of MMPN, Alhaji Abdur-Rahman Balogun to commemorate the new Islamic year.
He said such a declaration of national holiday to mark the new Islamic year would be in the interest of fairness as benefitted by the Christian brethren on every January 1.
Alhaji Balogun called on the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, NSCIA, to enter into dialogue with the Federal Government to ensure that Muharram first which is the right of Muslims is observed on the issue.
He, however, commended state governors who had declared public holiday for Islamic New Year especially in the Northern part of the country as well as Oyo and Osun states in South West, urging others to emulate their colleagues.
Alhaji Balogun implored government at various levels to recognise the Hijrah calendar and use it side by side with the Gregorian calendar in line with the country status as a multi-religious state.
He congratulated Muslims and non-Muslims alike for witnessing another new Islamic year and urged them to reflect on their deeds and activities during the past year.
The MMPN President enjoined Muslims to use the opportunity of the New Year to migrate from their evil ways in the past to renew their commitments in the New Year and pray to Allah to end the scourge of Covid-19 pandemic which has ravaged the world and insecurity challenges in Nigeria.
He implored Muslims to rededicate themselves to the cause of building an egalitarian society and join hands with other Nigerians in moving the nation forward.
Alhaji Balogun described series of attacks on innocent Nigerians by some insurgency groups as un-Islamic and pleaded with the concerned groups to cease fire and stop violence as a demonstration of its readiness to embrace peace.
He equally called for a stringent legislation against rapists in the country, saying it was getting too rampant because most culprits usually get away with it.
The Pentecostal Fellowship of of Nigeria, PFN, Oyo State chapter has organized prayers for the peace and unity of the Nation.
The interdenominational prayer movement for national repentance, revival and recovery was held at Maranathan Chapel, Zion Cathedral, Iwo-Road Ibadan.
Speaking with Radio Nigeria, the National President PFN. Prophet Isa EL BuBa enjoined Christians to be proactive, watchful and prayerful over present situation in the country.
In a sermon, Regional Pastor, Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG, Oyo State, Charles Obasa said the collective responsibility of all Christians was to pray for the peace and security of the country.
Vice President, PFN, Oyo State Chapter, Pastor Ayoola Olubusuyi led the congregation in prayer of mercy for the nation.
Other activities included thanksgiving and songs of praise unto God.
An Islamic organisation, The Companion has distributed one million Naira as Zakat to 11 beneficiaries from Oyo State.
At the event held in Ibadan, Alhaji Nuraeni Zakariyyahu who is Oyo District’s Amir of The Companion, an association of Muslim men in Business and Profession
said the Zakat distribution which is an annual programme of the national body of the Association was to provide succour to needy Muslims either in schools or into business.
He said the beneficiaries who were drawn from different part of the state were out of the 103 applicants.
Alhaji Zakariyyahu noted that some of the criteria used in the selection of the beneficiaries include the nature of their profession, how urgent was their needs and their locations stressing that eleven were eventually picked based on the available funds
He explained that a committee was already in place to from time to time check on the beneficiaries for their progress.
Earlier, a member of The Companion, Oyo District, Dr Abass AbdSalam while emphasising on the importance of Zakat in Islam said it was meant to redistribute wealth to end poverty.
He urged the beneficiaries not to use the money for Eid Kabir festival or other merry
but appropriately so that in the nearest future they would also be in position to pay Zakat.
One of the beneficiaries who spoke on behalf of others, Mallam Kazeem Bakare appreciated the organiser and said the money was a trust promising that it would be judiciously used.
The Acting Vice-Chancellor, University of Ibadan, Prof. Adebola Babatunde Ekanola, has felicitated with the Muslims in the University and other Nigerians on this year’s Eid-el- Kabir celebration. In a statement signed by the University’s Director of Public Communication, Mr. Olatunji Oladejo, the Acting Vice-Chancellor lauded the Muslims in the University for using their faith to promote love and harmony in the institution. “I must commend Muslims in the University for their continuous contributions to the development of the institution and peaceful co-existence with their neighbours as well as people of other religious persuasions.” The Acting VC further urged Muslims not to lose sight of the lessons of the EidEl-Kabir Festival, saying “beyond the sacrifice, we should not relent in praying for peace, unity and religious tolerance, which are essential to sustaining the glory of our dear nation.”
The Ogun State League of Imams and Alfas has advised leaders at various levels to desist from making comments that can cause hatred, discord or bitterness amongst individuals or groups within the federation. The Secretary General, League of Imams and Alfas, Ogun State, Imam Tajudeen Adewunmi gave the advice in a message to Nigerians especially the Muslims faithful on the occasion of eid el kabir celebration. Imam Adewunmi said there was the need for leaders irrespective of religious affiliations to consider the unity of the the country as priority. The religious leader who reminded the faithful to continue to observe the necessary covid 19 safety protocols towards reducing the spike of the deadly virus commended the security agencies for their efforts to address insecurity in the country. While felicitating the Muslims faithful on the eid el kabir celebration, Imam Adewunmi stressed the need for them to continue to abide by the lessons of the festival in their daily lives especially assisting the less privileged in the society. He urged governments at all levels to intensify efforts to reduce the level of unemployment, especially among the youths towards building a better society.
Muslim Faithful have been urged to imbibe the spirit of love and peace which are core values of Eid Kabir. The chief Imam of Iresa Adu, who also doubles as grand Imam of Surelere Local government of Oyo state Alhaji Sakariyawu Adepoju gave this admonition in his Eid Kabir message at Iresa Adu Oyo state. According to him, Eid Kabir is about love , peace and hospitality. He said a country hardly grows where there is no peace and love. On his part,the chief imam of Oko land Sheikh Ibrahim Adedokun cautioned Muslims across the country to desist from mundane things which could hamper their faith in the Almighty Allah. He maintained that a faithful muslim must not steal what does not belong to him, as this season calls for tolerance , love and care. While advising Nigerian political office holders to justify the trust electorate reposed in them,the cleric stressed that the major cause of insecurity, banditry and other social vices in the country is lack of love and tolerance. Speaking with newsmen after the Eid Kabir prayer, the chief imam of Ejigbo , Osun state Alhaji Omotokese thanked the Almighty God Who made this year Eid Kabir a reality. He said Eid Kabir is not about eating rams alone, but also about caring for others. He maintained that as soon as every faithful muslim and other religious bodies realise this, then, there will be sanity and peaceful coexistence in the country. Chief Imam Ansarudeen EjigboAlhaji Idris Salaudeen urged faithful and other Nigerians to be loyal in all their dealings. Radio Nigeria reporters observed in most of the Eid Kabir prayer grounds visited that prayers were offered for Nigeria for peace and tranquillity.
