Muslim faithful in Abeokuta converged on various Eid grounds across the capital city to observe their two rakkah prayer for this year’s Eid-l-Adha celebration.
The Chief Imam of Egbaland, Alhaji Sahdallah Bamgbola, in a sermon shortly after performing the two rakkah prayer said Almighty Allah has the solution to every problem facing humanity.
Alhaji Bamgbola advised leaders to fear God while discharging the duties.
The Chief Imam urged privileged Muslims to assist the less privileged and make them happy during the festival.
Representative of the state governor, Alhaji Salis Shuaib while addressing the Muslim faithful urged them to continue to be their brother’s keepers.
The Journalists International Forum For Migration (JIFORM) has congratulated the Muslims on the celebration of Eld-el-Kabir.
Ajibola Abayomi, the President of JIFORM in a statement however admonished everyone to rededicate themselves to the service of humanity as exemplifiedEid by Prophet Mohammed (SWAT).
“We thank the Almighty Allah (SWT), the most merciful for granting us the grace to witness another Eld-el-Adha.
“On this note, JIFORM, felicitates with our Muslim brethren across the globe and call on all and sundry to rededicate ourselves to the service of humanity.
“We enjoin all Muslims to celebrate this festive period in peace and show more love to the needy by consolidating on the examples of commitment, total obedience and sacrifice lived by Prophet Ibrahim (SAW)” he said.
The statement further appealed that: “All of us must be humbled by the current dictate of the padermic to moderate the process of celebrating this year’s Eld-el-Kabir by maintaining all the protocols against the newly discovered, deadlier Covid-19 Delta variant.
“May Allah accept the devotion of this Sallah as an act of Ibadah”.
Muslim faithful in Akure, Ondo State today despite the early morning rain and thronged eid prayer grounds for this year’s Eid-el-Kabir kabir celebration.
The people dressed in gorgeous attires to reflect the mood of the season.
At Jimoh Gbadamosi Memorial Ground, Ita Oniyan, Ondo road Akure, the cleric in charge, Sheikh Mohammed Jamiu urged Nigerians, particularly Muslim faithful, to always pray for the country and it leaders.
Sheik Jamiu observed that praying for the leaders would make Allah to touch their hearts to remember citizens for good.
At Ahmaddiyah prayer ground, the chief imam of Ahmaddiya Muslim Jamaat for Ekiti and Ondo states, Abdul-rahman Adewale advised Muslims not only to focus on the meat and blood of the slain rams during Eid-el-Kabir but be obedient to Allah’s injunctions.
Some Muslim faithful, Alhaji Kolawole Gbadamosi, Dr Abduljabar Jamiu and Abdulahi Gbadamosi thanked Allah for making them to witness another Eid-el-Kabir celebration.
The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) heartily congratulates our cherished Islamic faithful all over the country on the occasion of Eid al-Adha.
In a statement in Abuja, NAWOJ rejoices with the faithful on the grace of God for giving our Muslim sisters and brothers the grace to witness another Eid al-Adha celebration.
The association emphasises the need for Muslims to use the opportunity of the feast of sacrifice to pray for the good of the nation and the safety of the people.
NAWOJ maintains that the feast of sacrifice reminds us all of the loyalty and obedience of Prophet Ibrahim to Almighty Allah.
Arising from this, NAWOJ admonishes all faithful to use the period to rededicate themselves to strict adherence to the instructions of Allah.
The association is of the view that the period of Eid al-Adha should be used by all and sundry to work harder to make Nigeria great again.
It points out that one of the lessons of the feast of sacrifice is the dedication to good cause, hence the need for Nigerians to give premium to patriotism in all their endeavours.
The association pleads with the government and the governed to endeavour to work together towards the attainment of the Nigerian project.
NAWOJ once again calls for prayers for the safety and well being of all the country’s military personnel in the front line.
As a nation, the association wants us all to use the period of the feast of sacrifice to reach out to the less privileged in the society.
As the Muslims all over the world celebrate Eid-el-Kabir, Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, has urged Muslims in the state to emulate the resilience, patience and steadfastness as well as absolute faith in Allah, as exemplified by Prophet Ibrahim.
Governor Abiodun in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Kunle Somorin, said the festival which is symbolised by slaughtering of rams as commanded by Allah, should be used to further foster unity and spread love in the state, and Nigeria.
The Governor, who acknowledged that the country is going through a trying period, said the Eid-el-Kabir should serve as an opportunity to supplicate and seek the face of God, for restoration and healing.
While calling on the faithful of the religion to engage in moderate celebration across the state, governor Abiodun reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to continue to espouse good governance and put policies in place to ensure prosperity for all
The Grand Imam of Osun State, Sheik Musa Animasaun has identified obedience to God and authorities as the only solution to the myriad of problems confronting mankind.
In a sermon to mark this year’s Eid el Kabir at the Osogbo Central Praying ground, Okebaale, Osogbo Osun State, Sheik Animasaun charged people to refrain from disobedience.
He said most citizens were disobedient to government instructions, the reasons while diseases such of COVID-19 continue to spread, while those in authorities too remained disobedient to God’s directives.
Addressing newsmen, Osun State Governor, Mr Adegboyega called for religious tolerance among Nigerians, for peace and progress of the Country.
Governor Oyetola also reminded citizens of the need to celebrate with moderation and adhere to COVID-19 protocol.
Muslim faithful in Abeokuta converged on various eid grounds across the capital city to observe their two rakkah prayer for this year’s eid-l-Adha celebration.
At the Lantoro eid ground where the Chief Imam of Egbaland, Alhaji Sahdallah Bamgbola, the faithful trooped out in large number.
The Chief Imam in a sermon shortly after performing the two rakkah prayer said Almighty Allah has the solution to every problem facing humanity.
He urged Muslims to continue to rely on God to resolve challenges facing the nation.
Alhaji Bamgbola advised leaders to fear God while discharging the duties.
The Chief Imam urged privileged Muslims to assist the less privileged and make them happy during the festival.
Representative of the state governor, Alhaji Salis Shuaib while addressing the Muslim faithful urged them to continue to be their brothers keepers.
He advised them to perform their responsibilities by coming out to vote in the coming Local government election.
The highlight of the prayer at the Eid ground was the symbolic slaughtering of the Ram and special prayers for the nation, Ogun state and the leaders.
Among the dignitaries that observed the prayer at the Lantoro Eid ground include the former speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr. Dimeji Bankole, former military administrator of Bauchi and Sokoto States, Group Captain Rasheed Raji, serving and Former government functionaries.
A member of the House of Representatives from Iseyin/Itesiwaju/Kajola/Iwajowa Federal Constituency, Oyo State, Hon. Shina Peller has charged Muslim brothers and sisters to seize the occasion of Eid al-Adha celebration to seek God’s forgiveness and pray for peace to reign in Nigeria.
Hon. Peller said this in a statement released by his media office, where he congratulated Muslim Ummah on 2021 Eid al-Adha celebration.
The statement read:
“I rejoice with fellow Muslim brothers and sisters both home and abroad on the occasion of this year Eid al-Adha celebration.
“As we probably know, Eid al-Adha commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his only son, Ismail, to God in fulfilment of his promise and as an act of obedience to God’s command.
“As Mulsims, today is a pious day for us all, and so we should leverage on it to seek God’s forgiveness, mercy and to pray fervently for peace to reign in our dear country.
“Also, as we pray for peace to reign, we should remember that Islam preaches peaceful coexistence of mankind, and so we should always be tolerant of others irrespective of their religious, political and ethnic beliefs.
“In the same vein, we shouldn’t forget that for our country and the world at large to be peaceful, we have to play our part individually by treating others the way we will like to be treated. Don’t say or do unto others what you cannot take.
“I pray that Allah accepts our prayers, bless us with good health, wealth and makes us successful in all our endeavours, Ameen.
Chief Imam Ansarudeen society Oyo state Dr Bashir Olarenwaju called on government at all levels to urgently address the issue of poverty plaguing the nation.
He stated this on the occasion of this year’s Eid-el-Kabir.
Dr Olarenwaju noted that it was imperative to address any issue related to hunger before moving to other matters as survival is key.
He however listed other issues such as insecurity , banditry and kidnapping as some of the problems hindering peace from reigning.
The worshippers on their part thanked God for witnessing this year’s Ileya festival.
Some of those who worshipped at the praying ground included honorable Stanly Adedeji representing Ibadan north and southwest local governments.
Muslim faithful have converged on liberty academy high school Odo ona Elewe to observe the Eid-el- kabir prayer
The faithful in different attires indicating the season used the period to make their request known to the Almighty God.
Leading the prayer, the chief Imam, Muslim community, liberty academy and environment Alhaji Aminulahi Aresigun urged Nigerians irrespective of their tribes and religious background to pray for peace of the nation.
Alhaji Aresigun further advised Muslims to fear God in all their dealings and cultivate the habit of giving to the needy in their environment.
Some Muslim faithful at the praying ground including Retired Deputy Director Marketing Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, Ibadan zonal station, and former General Manager Positive FM, Akure, Alhaji Kola Animasaun, Alhaja Bolanle Sarafat and Alhaji Tajudeen Salaudeen in an interview with Radio Nigeria seized the opportunity to call on leaders to find a lasting solution to many challenges especially insecurity facing the nation.
Highlight of the prayer was the slaughtering of Eid- el- Kabir ram indicating the faithful can do same in their different home.
Osun state government says it will continue to ensure security of lives and property especially, safety of residents and visitors of the State.
The State Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives and Empower, Mr. Bode Olaonipekun gave the assurance while receiving beneficiaries of the free train service provided by the State government from Lagos to Osogbo.
He said the State government has intensified security measures to combat insecurity as well as contain the spread of COVID-19 pandemic in the wake of third wave in some parts of the country.
The commissioner appealed to the beneficiaries and all residents to continue to reciprocate the gesture, just as he assured them of more benefits which are parts of the master plan of Oyetola’s administration.
Some of the beneficiaries Mrs. Morufat Alao and Mr. Olawuyi Abiola who boarded the train from Lagos, expressed satisfaction about the hitch- free trip.
They hailed the high level of security put in place by the State Government to ensure passengers’ safety.
More than 6,000 Nigerians who were largely holidaymakers benefitted from the first trip of the free train service provided by the Government Osun state from Lagos to Osogbo in commemoration of 2021 Eid-el-Kabir.
Eminent personalities, politicians and political office holders in Ibadan today gathered at the Agodi Eid ground to observe Salat prayer for this year’s celebration.
The Agodi Eid ground which also had different side attractions to depict the mood of the season overflowed with worshippers who dressed in beautiful attires.
Among dignitaries at the praying ground was the deputy governor, Engineer Rauf Olaniyan, PDP southwest deputy Chairman, Taofeek Arapaja, Oyo state Head of service, Alhaja Ololade Agboola among others.
In his Eid message, Chief Imam of Ibadanland, Alhaji Abdulganiy Agbotomokekere who described this year Sallah as a reflection of perseverance and sacrifice, reminded Muslims on the need to give thanks.
Osun state governor, Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola, has rejoiced with Muslims in the State and across the world on the occasion of the 1442 AH Eid-el-Kabir festival, urging them not to forget the symbolic significance of the celebration.
In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Ismail Omipidan, the governor encouraged the Muslim faithful to take cognisance of the symbolic significance of the festival and imbibe the lessons of obedience and sacrifice as demonstrated by Prophet Ibrahim.
Governor Oyetola also called on the worshippers and all Nigerians to use the celebration to pray to Allah to save the country from the resurgent COVID-19 pandemic, insecurity and other challenges facing the nation,
He emphasised the need for unity, love, tolerance and peaceful co-existence among people in the State and Nigerians in general.
Mr. Oyetola enjoined muslims to respect differences in terms of religion, tribe or political affiliation, and embrace love, unity, tolerance and peaceful co-existence.
While wishing Muslims happy Sallah celebration, the governor reminded them that COVID-19 was still with Nigerians and appealed to them to comply strictly with the safety protocols as they celebrate.
Nigerian leaders have been charged to do more to address the worsening security situation in the country.
This is contained in a statement in Ibadan by Chairman, Muslim Media Practitioners of Nigeria, MMPN, Oyo State Chapter, Alhaji Ridwan Fasasi .
Alhaji Fasasi said it is hightime that the Federal government in particular adopted urgent and pragmatic security strategies stressing that
It is sad that hardly would a week pass that there would not be incidents of banditary, kidnapping, farmers-herders’ clashes among others whereas such happenings were alien in Nigerian societies.
He emphasized that the porous security situation in the country had created loopholes making regions, states, community and individuals resulting in self-help which might be counter-productive.
The MMPN Chairman noted that the security lapses were responsible for the increasing agitations for the break-up of Nigeria emphasising that the development has become a major threat to the unity of the country.
He however enjoined secessionists to have a rethink and team up with the government and the security agencies to bring about lasting peace as tearing the country apart might end up in jeopardy.
Alhaji Fasasi urged the Muslim faithful to celebrate the Eid with moderation and comply with COVID-19 protocols to safe the country especially from the deadliest Delta variant, which has just been detected.
He admonished Muslims to imbibe the spirit of obedience, love, kindness and equality that Eid Kabir celebration stands for in their day to day activities.
Alhaji Fasasi equally noted that faithfulness and the fear of Allah by Prophet Ibrahim and his son, Ismail played prominent roles in the history of the celebration and urged Muslims to emulate the virtues.
He enjoined Muslims to ensure peaceful co – existence with adherents of other religions as every man has a link to Prophet Adam and they should see others as their brothers and sisters.
The MMPN Chairman 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.
The State Director, National Orientation Agency, NOA, Mrs Folake Ayoola, has enjoined all and sundry to celebrate modestly, putting in mind the new Delta Variant of COVID-I9.
Mrs Ayoola who made this known in a statement to felicitate with Muslim faithful on this year’s Eid-el-kabir celebration said the Pandemic is still very much around.
The Oyo NOA boss said this year’s Eid-el-Kabir offers Nigerians the opportunity for sober reflections and serious introspection as a people of one great country united by a common destiny.
As exemplified by the action of the Prophet Ibrahim, who sought to make sacrifice of his son for the good of the land, she said Muslims must imitate this noble act by offering to Nigeria and people all that is needed to achieve the nation of our fondest dreams”.
“Every act of patriotism ensures that what is good for the nation is considered foremost.
Patriotism, in itself, therefore, thrives in the collective support for leadership, in the faith we espouse in our country, in the observance of national ethos and in the ideals that engender these ethos.
Above all, patriotism is driven largely by the love that defines relationships among a nation’s people”.
This Sallah celebration, the NOA State Director concludes, is therefore a wake-up call for us to re-dedicate ourselves to the things that bring progress and development to our nation and people.
Wherever we are and what ever creed or belief we profess, we must at a time like this gear our minds and actions towards peace, good neighborliness, obedience to laws, sacrifice, productivity and, again, all that is needed to get better as a nation. “
Mrs Ayoola wishes all Nigerians a very safe, peaceful and joyful celebrations while admonishing all travelers and motorists to be careful in order to arrive at their destinations safely
Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, Mr. Adebo Ogundoyin says Nigeria’s present predicament is a test from Allah and it will soon end in joy and happiness.
The Speaker who stated this in his 2021 Eid-el-Kabir message said just as Allah surprised Prophet Ibrahim on the Mount of Arafat by replacing his son Ismail with a ram, Nigeria will soon be rid of its many challenges.
He therefore urged Nigerians to continue to demonstrate strong faith and engage in more devotional and sacrificial acts saying Allah has promised ease after hardship and succor after tribulations.
“The story behind Eid-el-Kabir festival was one that demonstrated total obedience and submission to Allah. Prophet Ibrahim had already blindfolded his son Ismail and was already moving the knife up and down his neck but Allah replaced Ismail with a ram and his son was unharmed. I am sure another opportunity has presented itself for all of us in Nigeria to use this year’s Eid-el-Kabir to renew our faith in Allah. We should never lose hope in the sincere believe that all will be well with our nation soon. Prophet Ibrahim laughed and rejoiced at the end of his trial , we shall also live to see a better and more prosperous Nigeria which will be devoid of all the present crises. ” Oyo Speaker prayed.
According to him, Nigerians should imbibe other significant lessons of Ileya festival like having and demonstrating strong piety and the act of sharing and caring for the needy.
“We should learn to extend love to ourselves all the time. During Eid-el-Kabir, meat and food are shared among ourselves and most importantly among the poor people. This will no doubt promote love, togetherness and peace amongst us. Let us remember that our meat and food do not get to Allah but our piety . We should constantly support the needy and the downtrodden amongst us so as to make life easier and meaningful for them too. ” Hon Ogundoyin counselled.
While calling on Islamic faithful and indeed all Nigerians to use this festival to pray for an end to insecurity across the Country, the Speaker said the situation is more worrisome now than before.
He used the medium to specially felicitate the people of Oyo State as well as the teeming Muslims in Ibarapaland on this year’s Ileya festival, and prayed to Allah to accept the sacrifice and the prayers of the entire Islamic faithful.
“Our people in Oyo State are already experiencing new lease of life. Special thanks to the people friendly policies of Governor Seyi Makinde. I want to urge the residents of the State to increase their prayers for this administration so that more developmental strides will be achieved. ” He added.
Speaker, Osun House of Assembly, Mr. Timothy Owoeye has urged Muslim faithful to uphold their obedience to Allah in the Spirit of forgiveness for one another.
The Speaker in a statement by his Press Secretary, Mr. Kunle Alabi, to commemorate Eid-el-kabir, charged Muslims to expand their spiritual benefits of the occasion by promoting peaceful co-existence with each other and people of other faiths and shun violence and religious conflicts in whatever form.
Mr. Owoeye admonished the faithful to imbibe the Spirit of sacrifice which Prophet Ibrahim and his son Ismael exemplified.
He added that adherents of Islam should imbibe the lessons of commitment, dedication and obedience to higher authority as demonstrated by Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to the will of God which Eid-el-kabir commemorates.
The Speaker said, Political leaders and followers, religious and adherent’s, must come together to forge a harmonious relationship for the love of their country. Prophet Muhammad (SAW) established it that the love of one’s country is a very essential part of faith.
The Mother’s Union, diocese of Ibadan North, Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion has expressed concern over the abduction of some students and lecturers from institutions of learning in some parts of the country.
This is contained in a communique signed by the union’s president, Mrs Juliet Okubadejo at the end of the 23rd annual conference of the Union held at St. Lukes Anglican Church, Lalupon, Igbo Elerin Archdeaconry, Ibadan North Anglican diocese.
The communique asks government to improve surveillance and heightened security in schools and higher institutions nationwide.
According to the communique, the mother’s union called on President Mohammadu Buhari to ensure security of lives and property.
The Mother’s Union also appeals to Governor Seyi Makinde to put measures in place to end destruction of farmlands and other challenges associated with farming activities in many parts of the state to address insecurity.
The union wants governments to address dwindling economy in the country and develop more strategies to improve internally generated revenue to boost the nation’s economy.
The National President of the Nigeria Baptist Convention, Dr. Israel Akanji wants government to urgently do something to curtail the problem of banditry especially considering the fact that activities connected to the 2023 general election will soon be commencing.
He stated while addressing journalists at Inisa, Odo Otin Local Government area of Osun State.
Dr. Akanji said since political campaigns and elections ordinarily increase activities, spending and money in circulation, the bandits might take advantage in order to extort innocent Nigerians.
He said out of the 121 students of Bethel High school Kaduna state kidnapped over a week ago, only one of them had been released because he was sick and they did not want him to die in their custody, while the bandits insisted on collecting huge amounts of money before they could release the students.
In an emotion-laden voice, the Baptist Convention National president said, the church had been providing education in Nigeria since 1855 and asked whether kidnappers attacking on one such schools a good way to pay the mission back.
Speaking on moral decadence and increased wave of criminality in Nigeria, the cleric pointed our that the failure of the home as result of laxity of parents as well as the negative implications of technology advancement were majorly responsible.
He explained that many parents under the guise of pursuit of means of livelihood had abandoned their roles to the churches, schools, television and the social media, saying all of those things cannot replace the effect of present parents in the home in the lives of children.
Muslim Community of Oyo State has advised Governor Seyi Makinde to ensure justice and fairness in the constitution of his new cabinet. This is contained in a statement in Ibadan by the Chairman, Alhaji Kunle Sanni, and Secretary, Alhaji Murisiku Siyanbade. The group noted that justice, fairness and equity in the appointment of the new cabinet by the governor are necessary so as not to deny Muslims their rights. The Muslim Community decried the recently dissolved cabinet in which it claimed Governor Makinde appointed less number of Muslims. The group however enjoined the Governor to avoid such lopsided appointments in his yet to be constituted new cabinet in order to promote peace and harmony in the state. While confirming that the governor has the right to fire and hire, the Muslim community said the state’s helmsman will not lose anything if he uses his appointment to promote religious harmony in the state. The group assured Governor Makinde of the support of the Muslims in the state, in as much as he ensures religious justice in all spheres of governance. Ridwan Fasasi
Muslim Media Practitioners of Nigeria , MMPN has been charged to be more alive to its responsibilities through regular reactions to current issues to bring desired changes.
The Chairman , Agidigbo FM, Ibadan, Alhaji Oriyomi Hamsat made the call while playing host to executives and members of MMPN, Oyo State Chapter that paid a courtesy visit to the station.
He said the more the Association reacts to state and national issues, the more it will be a force to reckon with stressing that the present situation in the country calls for continuous reactions to ensure the authorities take proactive steps for the country to be at peace .
The Agidigbo FM Chairman harped on the need for MMPN to intensify efforts on membership drive and also preach religious tolerance to aid peaceful co-existence in various communities .
Alhaji Oriyomi while appreciating members of the organisation for the visit assured them of active collaboration . ” It is a thing of joy to receive Muslim Media Practitioners today, in which I belong .
Let me say that we have not been doing much when it comes to responding to vital issues in the country”” As Muslim Media Practitioners , you have to contribute actively to the development of the country, speak out on vital issues , particularly , when there is no election , so that during electioneering , people won’t see you as agents of political gladiators “” I am very much with you and appreciate the organization for being there during the trying period .
Let me say categorical that Agidigbo FM will have a branch and we are ready to be part of activities of MMPN at the state level” He added.
Earlier, Chairman, MMPN Oyo State Chapter, Alhaji Ridwan Fasasi lauded the station for its creativity and people centred programmes which has made it to be having more listeners every day.
“We have been following Agidigbo FM since it was an online radio, even during a test transmission as it metamorphosed to terrestrial broadcasting station and now that the full operation has commenced and truly, it’s people’s voice in line with the slogan of the station.
No doubt, Agidigbo FM is a radio of the people , by the people and for the people. You are parading the best hands in the profession and the creativity behind your programmes is awesome. It’s hope that the trend will continue and our prayer is that the station will continue to wax stronger”.
Alhaji Fasasi enjoined the station to place more emphasis on professionalism and should not allow commercialization to dictate its tune.”Agidigbo FM should be a model of private station that will not sacrifice public service in the altar of commercialization.
Let the station strike a balance between professionalism and commercialization.
The two should be taken as important for survival of the station”. The MMPN Chairman noted that MMPN was ready to collaborate with the station in different areas for the benefit of the people.
“As you are aware, we have competent and experienced hands in the areas of journalism, programming and other non- contents fields of the profession and we are ready to offer the services for the advancement of the station.
We will also appreciate adequate publicity for our activities. The door of MMPN is at the same time open for any collaboration for the benefits of the two parties as well as humanity”.
Alhaji Fasasi urged the Chairman of Agidigbo FM to participate actively in the programmes of MMPN and encourage the Muslim staff to be members.
“Seeing someone like you regularly in our midst will inspire more members to be coming, as a result, your seat in MMPN, the Association which was co-established by your elder brother, Alhaji Kunle Hamsat of the blessed memory is still vacant”.
“It will be a great joy too if you encourage Muslims among the staff here to be attending our programmes. In fact, it will be a pleasure if Agidigbo FM becomes the first private station in Oyo State to be registered as a branch”.
Christian Association of Nigeria, Oyo State chapter has declared that July 2, 2021 will be set aside as a day of intercession against insecurity in Oyo State and the country.
This was part of resolutions reached today, between Oyo State government and Christian Association of Nigeria, (CAN) during a stakeholders meeting with the Christian body in Oyo state.
During the meeting, the State Government represented by Hon. Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatunbosun and the Executive Assistant on Administration, Rev. Idowu Ogedengbe and CAN agreed to go spiritual, as CAN has vowed to hold a special praise, worship and prayer session to intercede for the State.
Recall that the State Government had met with Islamic and Traditional leaders in the State, who also agreed to work with the Government to eradicate insecurity in the State.
Speaking during the meeting, Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatunbosun noted that the State Government resorted in seeking the intervention of religious stakeholders in the State, to forge a new front against insecurity in the State.
“In a bid to renew our efforts against insecurity, Oyo state has been working tireless against insecurity in recent times. We have purchased needed gadgets and vehicles for security agents in the State and we will do more”, he said.
“However, we can not do it alone, we apparently need to change our strategies and work with you religious stakeholders in the state,” said Wasiu Olatunbosun at the meeting.
“We are meeting christians and Christian body for a specific reason, which is to trigger a religious war against the devilish act of banditry, abduction and insecurity in the state”.
“This government seeks to secure the state from insecurity and we will do so regardless of the state of the nation,” said Olatunbosun.
“And as we redouble our efforts, we will never allow insecurity to divide us— this is why we have engaged representatives of all religion in the State: Christian, Muslim and traditional worshippers”.
In his comment, Chairman, CAN, Oyo State chapter, Apostle (Col) Joshua Akinyemiju said the body in partnership with the Chaplain of the State Government house will commence a powerful intercession for the State.
“Yes, insecurity is not exclusive to Oyo State, but we believe as Christians, we will not give in. We will intensify our efforts to pull down the strong hold of the enemy”, he said.
The CAN Chairman however berated those promulgating falsehood that the State Government has neglected Christian or Islamic bodies, rather seeking only traditional means.
“We are glad this meeting is coming up today. This strategy by the State Government is commendable and we thank the Government for inviting us”, he said.
Hon. Wasiu Olatunbosun, Ph.D.,
Hon. Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism.
The potency in the power of corporate prayers came on display at the Agodi Prayer Ground as Muslim faithful in Oyo State took the spiritual approach of seeking divine intervention to end insecurity, hunger, and high inflation affecting the citizens in the state.
The prayer was organized by the Chief Imam of Ibadanland, Alhaji Abdul-Ganiyy Agbotomokekere.
Addressing the gathering, the Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Edo and Delta States, Alhaji Dawud Makanjuola Akinola said prayer was inevitable if the current fight against insecurity is to be won.
In an interview, the Chief Imam of Ibadanland, Alhaji Abdul-Ganiyy Agbotomokekere, said the prayer was organized in view of the growing rate of killings in the country.
The cleric also urged the congregation to intensify their prayers the more so as to end the security crises in the state as well as in the nation at large.
Speaking on the occasion, the Deputy Chief of Staff, to Oyo State Government, Mr Abdul-Mojeed Mogbonjubola, commended the religious leaders for organizing the prayers and pledged the resolve of the government to end insecurity in the state.
The event which attracted Islamic religious leaders in Ibarapa, Oke Ogun, Oyo, And Ogbomoso, also witnessed the presence of representatives of market men and women and political appointees in the state.
Fathers have been advised not to allow the economic situation of the country prevent them from performing their roles.
The Assistant Pastor in charge of Redeemed Christian Church of God, Oyo Province One, Elijah Olatubosun stated this during a service to commemorate Father’s Day.
Pastor Olatubosun assured them that God that gave them children would surely provide what are needed to cater for them.
He said performing their duties would enable the children to care for them at their old age.
Also, the President, Excellent Men Fellowship, RCCG, Mercy Land Parish, Odo-ona Eléwé, Mr Moses Amosu encouraged the men-folk to be good mentors to their children.
Mr Amosu aso advised children to take good care of their parents for them to attract divine blessings.
