Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has called on Nigerians to celebrate Yuletide with moderation in view of the astronomical increase in the number of COVID 19 cases in the country.
Governor Abiodun, who made the call while speaking at the Christmas Carol and Service of Nine Lessons held at June 12 Cultural Centre Kuto Abeokuta, said the festivities could increase people’s risk of exposure to the virus.
While pointing out that the second wave of COVID 19 was surpassing the level reached during the lockdown, Governor Abiodun urged Nigerians to take responsibility.
In his Christmas message, the National President, Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, Bishop Reuben Olu-Oke, who explained that Jesus Christ came to the world for people to have life more abundantly, urged Nigerians to rededicate their lives to God.
Bishop Olu-Oke, while pointing out that Jesus Christ had paid the price of salvation for mankind, urged the people to accept Jesus as their Lord and Saviour.
The event, which was organized under strict rules for COVID19 safety procedures, had the former President Olusegun Obasanjo, royal fathers, political leaders, government functionaries and other dignitaries in attendance.
Radio Nigeria father Christmas train is gaining momentum.
Pupils of Bolanle Universal Nursery and Primary School Olorisa Oko Idi Ose Ibadan will tomorrow Thursday visit the Father Xmas grotto Radio Nigeria Ibadan at 9am.
Speaking with Radio Nigeria, the headmistress of the school, Mrs Olabisi Odole, said the school decided to come to Radio Nigeria Oba Adebimpe Road Dugbe Ibadan in the spirit of the season and going by the quality of gifts given every year.
One of the pupils that came to choose the gifts ahead of the visit Oluwatoyin Olalekan expressed great joy as she too would have opportunity to play with fantabulous toys being distributed by the Santa Claus.
Radio Nigeria Father Xmas show continues at Broadcasting House Oba Adebimpe Road, Dugbe, Ibadan with lots and lots of gifts awaiting children from Santa Claus at a token of one thousand naira per child.
Governments at all level have been challenged to address the lingering security crises bedeviling the nation so as to realise the desired development.
The cleric in charge of Region Eleven of the Gospel Faith Mission International, GOFAMINT, Pastor Ademola Akangbe gave the charge while assessing the security condition of Nigeria in the outgoing year.
Pastor Akangbe lamented incessant kidnaps and killings in the country attributing it to lack of the fear of God by perpetrators, weak policy implementation and high unemployment rate.
The cleric who stressed the need for Christians to intensify prayers for divine intervention on the restoration of peace also urged government to do the needful to strengthen the nation’s security system.
Pastor Akangbe who said God had been kind and merciful to Nigeria for surviving hurdles of the outgoing year, however, expressed optimism that the nation’s security situation would doubtless become better.
The need for attitudinal change improved funding of education, the moral upbringing of children and job provision by the government as a panacea to corruption formed the focus of a day public lecture to commemorate the 2020 World Anti-Corruption Day.
The event organized by the Peacemakers Guide Humanitarian Support Organization in collaboration with Shafaudeen Centre for Religious Cooperation and Tolerance in Ibadan bemoaned high level of poverty and insecurity in Nigeria.
In a lecture by the founder, Shafaudeen in Islam, Wakajaye, Ibadan, Professor Sabit Olagoke said corruption had affected the economic development of Nigeria thereby increasing poverty and unemployment ratio.
Professor Olagoke who blamed corruption in the country to lack of sincere commitment by past political leaders, loss of moral and ethical values in the society stressed the need for integrity and patriotism by Nigerians to overcome corruption.
Representatives of National Orientation Agency, NOA, in Oyo State, Oyo State Ministry of Health and Civil Society Organizations called for renewed efforts by all and sundry to overcome the menace of corruption in the country.
In a remark, the Executive Secretary, Muslim Umah of Southwest Nigeria, MUSWEN, Professor Muslih Tayo-Yahyah and former executive secretary, MUSWEN, Professor Dawud Noibi called on Nigerians to seek divine intervention to end corruption and other crises affecting the progress of the country.
Director-General of the Peacemakers Guide Humanitarian Support Organization, Professor Adegbolagun judge said the event with the theme; “United Against Corruption” was meant to seek collective responses to address corruption as the day is being marked.
President, Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Reverend Supo Ayokunle has challenged all information managers not to hide or twist information for the public.
Reverend Ayokunle stated this during the 2020 Radio Nigeria Christmas Carol and end of the year praise.
While noting that information management was key to national unity and peace, he said the recent situation which led to the Cable News Network, CNN retracting its report was alarming.
The CAN President, who was represented by Reverend Paul Jenfa, explained that the situation in the country was so sensitive that the media needed to say it as it was.
Reverend Ayokunle charged Nigerians to remain appreciative to God for seeing them through the trying year 2020 without being hurt.
In a reaction, the acting Zonal Director, FRCN Ibadan Zonal Station, Pastor Bolanle Owoyemi said Nigeria as a nation needed to praise God on the grounds that despite the enormous rumours of war and other uproars, the nation was still united.
President of the fellowship, Pastor Taiwo Sowande gave glory to God for making the 2020 edition of the programme successful and thanked management of FRCN and the choir for their support.
Pastor Sowande expressed the confidence that 2021 edition would be greater.
Ministers of God have been challenged to see their calling in the work of the kingdom as an opportunity to serve God which requires steadfastness, hard work and selflessness.
A District Pastor of the Christ Apostolic Church, CAC, Pastor Olufemi Akinyemi stated this during a sermon at the 2020 graduation service of the Glory International Bible College, held in Ibadan.
Pastor Akinyemi who likened the work of a minister of God to the core values of a soldier which included integrity, discipline, loyalty and respect, urged them to remain focused in their calling.
He advised men of God and workers in the vineyard of God to avoid pride but use their divine abilities to solve problems, both within their congregations and the country in general.
Earlier in a welcome address, provost of the college, Pastor Boyede Sule said the college considered the hike in fees of some Christian bible schools, hence the decision to run its courses without tuition fees.
Chairman on the occassion, Professor Olatoye Ojo said the college, which is interdenominational in nature, teaches undiluted word of God to its students to prepare them for the work ahead.
The programme featured convocation ceremony for twenty-two students who graduated with bachelor and diploma in theology.
An Ibadan born Development Economist and former Head of Research and Information Technology Department at Nigerian Stock Exchange, Alhaji Rasaki Oladejo has been appointed as the new President, Muslim Ummah of Southwest Nigeria , MUSWEN.
Also appointed as the Deputy President 1 for the Ummah is a Chartered Accountant, Alhaji Rafiu Ebiti .
This is contained in a communique issued by Executive Secretary of MUSWEN, Professor Muslih Yahya after the Extraordinary General Assembly of the organisation held at the Islamic Centre, University of Ibadan Mosque Complex.
In his acceptance speech, the new president of MUSWEN, Alhaji Rasaki Oladejo, who was also ratified as the Deputy President of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, sought the cooperation of all stakeholders promising that MUSWEN would embark on programmes that would enhance the development of the Ummah in the region while youths and women would be mobilized to participate fully in its activities.
The General Assembly called on the new leadership of the Ummah to work vigorously to unite all stakeholders in the MUSWEN with a view to consolidating the unity and gains of the recent years.
MUSWEN also identified literacy and skill acquisition as veritable instruments in liberating the poor and the less-privileged from poverty urging Muslim organisations to take these as their responsibilities.
The General Assembly which was attended by leaders of various Muslim organisations across the six states in the southwest was chaired by the Chairman Board of Trustees of MUSWEN, Prince Bola Abdul Jabbar Ajibola and was represented by a member of the board and chairman Oyo State Muslim Community, Alhaji Kunle Sanni.
Commenting on the state of polity in Nigeria, MUSWEN contended that despite the activities of some individuals to undermine the unity of the Muslim ummah in Yorubaland and the nation at large along political, ethnic or any sub-sectional lines, the unity of the ummah is sacrosanct and not negotiable.
Following the recent protests in the country which claimed lives and property, the MUSWEN urged all Nigerians to remain peaceful while the Federal Government and other levels of governments address their agitations and demands.
The MUSWEN expressed disappointment over the demolition of a mosque in the Lagos mainland which is under investigation.
The General Assembly also berated the rate of attacks on Muslims and mosques in the South East and South South of the country and called on relevant authorities to arrest injustice being done to the Muslims in those regions.
MUSWEN lauded the President of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs and Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaj Sa’ad Abubakar for his efforts at uniting the Muslims in the country.
The General Assembly appreciated all the Muslim leaders and elders for standing by the Ummah despite the leadership vacuum created by the death of former President, Dr Sakariyah Babalola.
The Assembly appreciated the efforts of the former governor of Oyo state, late Senator Ishaq Abiola Ajimobi for his landmark gesture at securing land for the MUSWEN’s International Resource Centre and prayed to Allah to grant him Jannatul Firdaus.
Christian have been reminded not to allow distractions from this world affect their relationship with God. A cleric Pastor John Goody stated this in an interview with Radio Nigeria in Ibadan. Pastor Goody stressed that many Christians have allowed themselves to be carried away by love for money thereby forgetting the kingdom of God Pastor Goody said many things in the world can be gotten if love for God comes first.
Restructuring Nigeria, as well as the need for christians to develope more interest in business, security and politics in order to drive rapid national development formed the bases of Ibadan Varsity Christian Union Alumni Association conference, reunion 2020 held at the chapel of resurrection University of ibadan.
Radio Nigeria was at the venue of the event reports that aside over 500 hundred members who were physically present, the event held through zoom is marking the 60th anniversary of the association.
Addressing newsmen, the President of the Association, Mr Babatunde Ajala lamented the spate of killings, kidnap and perceived imbalance in political appointment and urged christian leaders to mobilized its members to get involved in politics so as to assume position of leadership.
Mr Babatunde urged President Muhammadu Buhari to restructure the country for rapid development.
Some members of the association said the reunion has afforded them the opportunity to deliberate on issues affecting thier members and Nigeria
Aside payers for the nation, the event also featured seminars, talks, praise and prayers
The theme of the conference was, The Balanced Christian.
Ikare Akoko in Akoko North East Local Government Area of Ondo State has now become a Mecca of sort as people trooped into the ancient town to have a glance of some Islamic inscriptions on a rock.
The Inscriptions were said to have suddenly appeared on the rock located behind L.A Primary School, Okela in the town which people now perceived to be a miracle.
Community Reporter, Ibrahim Kilani reports that people from far and around the community besieged the location daily while some took plants around the rock home for supposedly spiritual healing.
A visitor to the scene, Yakubu Animasaun said what he saw reaffirmed his faith in the existence of Allah while an Okadaman, Taye Oyileka expressed happiness that the development was boosting commercial activities in the area as hawkers and motorcyclists made brisk business from the exodus of people to the place.
In an interview, the Chief Imam of Ikareland , Sheik Abbas Abubakar said the inscriptions showed the greatness and oneness of Allah as people of all faiths came to have a look at the miracle.
Christians have been reminded to love their neighbours unconditionally and assist them in times of need. A cleric, Pastor John Goody stated this during a sermon in Ibadan. Pastor goody noted that good deeds were necessary before seeking the face of god on personal matters. Pastor goody opined that a selfless life as exemplified by jesus indicates that one has a good relationship with god. The cleric also called on political office holders to put the interest of the masses as top priority.
League of Imams elevates Onimalu to Asiwaju Adinni of Oyo State.
Alhaji Mutiullah Oladejo, popularly known as Onimalu has been elevated from Asiwaju Adinni of Ibadanland to Asiwaju Adinni of Oyo State.
The installation was done in Ibadan by the Leagues of Imam and Alfas in Oyo State under the leadership of Chief Imam of Ibadanland, Sheikh AbdulGaniy Abubakar- Agbotomokekere. Sheikh Abubakar- Agbotomokekere while installing the new Asiwaju Adinni of Oyo State said the elevation of Alhaji Oladejo within two years was as a result of his good behaviour, improvement in the acts of worship and spending in the cause of Allah.
He said such elevation of a religious title holder was the second in the recent past and urged Alhaji Oladejo not to relent in his contributions to the advancement of Islam as that would earn him more rewards from Allah.
In a lecture delivered by Mufasir of Ogbomosoland, Sheikh Alamal-Yekeen , he enjoined religious title holders to exhibit good qualities and to see their positions as trust which they would account for in the hereafter.
In a remark, Chairman, Oyo State Muslim Community, Alhaji Kunle Sanni said the community supported the honour on Alhaji Oladejo for his humility, respect and the transformation that the religious title had brought to his service to Allah.
Chief Imam of Oyo town, Sheikh Masud AbdulGaniy who spoke on behalf of the league said because of his character , Alhaji Oladejo had been given the opportunity of suggesting another qualified personality to take his former title of Asiwaju Adinni of Ibadanland.
Responding, Alhaji Mutiullah Oladejo whom unknowingly started preaching and reciting Quranic verses recalled how some companions of Prophet Muhammad strived in the cause of Allah which earned them certificates of paradise.
He called on his co-religious title holders to ensure the positions were used to change the lives of others.
Highlight of the programme was the presentation of certificate of the Asiwaju Adinni of Oyo State to Alhaji Oladejo by Chief Imam of Ibadanland.
Lawmaker representing Oluyole Federal Constituency in Oyo state and Chairperson, House of Representatives Committee on Diaspora Affairs, Tolulope Akande-Sadipe has congratulated Muslims on witnessing this year’s Eid-el Maulud, charging them to imbibe the spirit of peace.
Akande-Sadipe in a statement to mark this year’s Maulud Nabiyy, which marks the birth of the Holy Prophet Muhammad, noted that during these trying times, Muslims needed to pray for the progress and unity of Nigeria.
She urged Muslims to emulate the peaceful and humble attributes of Holy Prophet Muhammad, noting that this would guarantee a better country for all.
“As we Celebrate in commemoration of the birth of the Holy Prophet Muhammad, wish our Muslim brothers and sisters across the world, especially those in my immediate constituency, Oluyole, a blessed celebration”.
“Let’s preach peace, let’s emulate the humility of Holy Prophet Muhammad and pray for the survival of our country”.
“I urge you to avoid evil thoughts and sinful behaviours that may hinder our prayers and supplications unto Allah.”
Sadipe noted that Nigeria needed prayers in order to surmount her numerous challenges.
All levels of government have been urged to put in place realistic programmes that will address poverty in the land.
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 said though the aftermath of #EndSARS protest where COVID-19 palliatives’ warehouses were looted could not be justified but the multitude of people involved and the way it happened in the affected states confirmed the high poverty level in the country.
He noted that it was high time wealth attached to political offices was reviewed as such did not only make the politicians the centre of attack by impoverished masses but also drained the resources of the nation.
Alhaji Fasasi 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.
He 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 judgments.
The MMPN Chairman urged Muslims to continue to live with others peacefully, stressing 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 .
Alhaji Fasasi 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.
He added 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.
Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has appealed to Nigerians to use this year’s Eid-el Maolud celebration to pray fervently for the peaceful co-existence, stability and security of the country.
In his Eid el Maolud message, the governor reminded Nigerians that the holy Prophet Mohammed stood for peace and unity during his lifetime.
Governor Abiodun also urged Nigerian youths to remain law abiding and resist the temptation to be used as tools for wanton destruction.
While wishing Muslims a happy celebration, the governor urged them to rededicate themselves to the teachings and exemplary life of the Holy Prophet.
He also stressed the need for Nigerians to continue to observe social distancing and other COVID-19 safety protocols to further flatten the curve of the Pandemic in the State.
The Federal Government has declared Thursday October 29, 2020 as Public Holiday to mark this year’s Eidul-Mawlid Celebration in commemoration of the birth of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him).
Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, who made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government, congratulated the Muslim faithful both at home and abroad for witnessing this year’s occasion.
In a statement, the minister enjoined muslims to imbibe the spirit of love, patience and perseverance which are the virtues of the Holy Prophet Muhammad adding that doing so would guarantee peace and security in the country.
The Minister admonished Nigerians, particularly Muslims, at this moment, to abhor violence, lawlessness, wantonness and daylight robbery as witnessed across the country most recently.
He wishes all Muslims a happy Eidul- Mawlid Celebration and all Nigerians a Happy Holiday.
It was a gathering of who is who among Muslims in Oyo State at the prayer reception organised for an educationist, Professor Rashid Aderinoye who just retired from University of Ibadan at the age of 70.
The prayer reception organised by National Council of Muslim Youths Organisations, NACOMYO, Oyo State Chapter was held at Conference Hall of University of Ibadan Central Mosque.
Clerics, political office holders, academics and associates took turn to render encomia on Professor Aderinoye for his selfless service to humanity.
Chairman, Oyo State Muslim Community, Alhaji Kunle Sanni described Professor Aderinoye as a Jihadist of note, an exceptional man and a reliable fellow who could go to any length to satisfy others.
The sponsor of the programme and Asiwayu Adinni of Oyo State, Alhaji Mutiullah Oladejo (Onimalu) lauded the don for impacting positively on people’s lives.
Alhaji Oladejo who also represented Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Edo and Delta, Alhaji Dawud Akinola urged the celebrant not to relent in his efforts in the cause of Allah.
The chairman on the occasion, Alhaji Qomorudeen Taye-Akande described the celebrant as a motivator and a blessing to Islam.
The Dean, Faculty of Arts, University of Ibadan, Professor Hafis Oladosu likened Professor Aderinoye to sun whose rays of light benefit a lot of people and urged him not to relent on his acts of Godliness.
Professor Kamil Oloso of Department of Arabic and Islamic Studies, University of Ibadan described the celebrant as an epitome of humility, and a disciplinarian with sound human relationship.
Earlier, Coordinator, NACOMYO, Oyo State Chapter, Alhaji Dawood Afolabi said the programme was a token of appreciation to Professor Aderinoye who remained a mentor, benefactor and a role model to Muslim youths.
He described him as an unseen hands behind many successes recorded by the organisation in the recent times.
While appreciating the gathering, Professor Aderinoye said he was marvelled with the various comments and prayed Allah give him the ability to do more for his service.
Muslim personalities that attended the reception included Executive Secretary, Muslim Ummah of Southwest Nigeria, MUSWEN, Professor Muslih Yahya, Head of Arabic and Islamic Studies Department, University of Ibadan, Professor Wole Abass, a popular Islamic scholar, Alhaji Isa Akindele, the leader of Zumratuh Society, Alfa Ismail Olore as well as former Secretaries to Oyo State Government, Alhaji AbdWaheed Olajide and Barrister Sharafadeen Alli. Others are Professor Ayo Hammed of University of Ibadan, Resident Electoral Commissioner, INEC, Ogun State, Professor Ganiy Raji, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Oyo State, Dr Basheer Olanrewaju, and former Chairman, Oyo State Pilgrim Welfare Board, Muslim Wing, Dr Junaid Ogundiran.
The need for Nigerians to acknowledge the position of Jesus Christ as the solution to human problems took the centre stage at a day conference organized by Charismatic Renewal Ministry, C.R.M, Ibadan.
The conference held virtually across C.R.M Assemblies in Oyo state featured series of biblical messages on the personality of Jesus.
In some of the separate virtual messages, Pastor Doja and Edwin Alih, explained that the global crises occasioned by man’s disobedience started from creation adding that Jesus remained the only remedy to human health and socio economic problems.
Speaking in the same vein, Pastor Afolabi Adedeji and Pastor Joseph Mensah said Jesus who is both the high priest and preserver was given to mankind for their spiritual and life challenges.
The clerics called on all and sundry to approach Jesus without consulting intermediaries.
Earlier, the state overseer, Charismatic Renewal Ministry, Pastor Charlse Esele called on youths and political leaders in the country to return to God and be peaceful in their approach to the national crises.
The theme of the conference is ‘this Jesus is the same’
District superintendent of Assemblies of God church Oyo state, Rev Amos Folarin, has advised the youths to shun all forms of violence in driving home their demand.
Rev Folarin made the call while speaking with Radio Nigeria on the prevalent insecurity occasioned by ENDSARS protest in the country.
The cleric who described as unfortunate, the preventable loss of lives during the protest and subsequent lootings, said it was high time they gave peace a chance.
“They should not go violent because it doesn’t pay anybody. It was a sad thing to lose many of them during the protest, and I want to say categorically that so far they have done the right thing, and people are listening to them, we are not ready to lose anyone of them again.
We all saw their movement of television, everything was going on well, until hoodlums hijacked them.” He said
Speaking on dangers of fake news, Rev Folarin noted that the media space had been dominated by unverified and inciting news items capable of causing national disunity calling on government and media establishment to ensure training and retraining of media professionals to promote professionalism in journalism
” it is disheartening that every profession now has fake people. There are fake pastors, doctors, nurses and journalists, but journalists should be realistic and be objective about the information they are giving to the public”.Folarin said.
The cleric however submitted that peddlers of fake news should be made to face the wrath of the law and as well advocated sanitization of journalism profession.
Reverend Folarin while emphasising the need for Christians to fervently pray for Nigeria encouraged Christians to participate fully in politics.
He added that beyond prayers and motivating other people in politics,Christians should get involved in politics from grassroots to gladiatorial levels.
The presiding Bishop, Victory International Church, Rehoboth Cathedral, Ibadan bishop Taiwo Adelakun has appealed to Nigerians to shun the acts of violence presently being experienced in some parts of the country to allow peace to reign.
Bishop adelakun who made the appeal in an interview with Radio Nigeria said it was unfortunate that the peaceful protest which initially was to demand reformation in the police force and change for a new Nigeria turned violent.
The cleric said for the country to surmount her challenges, it has become necessary for government to embark on sincere reformation in all sectors, be more accountable and reduce the cost of governance that will make politics less attractive.
While advocating for state police for effective policing, Bishop Adelakun called for full investigation into the lekki toll plaza shootings and make culprits face the full wrath of law within short time.
Bishop Adelakun urged journalists to be professional in their reportage to avoid inciting stories.
He reminded people on the seat of power that power belongs to the people and everyone will give account of his stewardship on judgement day.
As part of efforts towards putting an end to incessant killings and rape cases in Nigeria, the Scripture Union Nigeria, Oyo Area, Ibadan, has appealed to Radio Nigeria for collaboration in preaching peace and moral rectitude in the country.
This was the submission by the General Director, Scripture Union, Mr Philip Odelana during a courtesy visit to Radio Nigeria, Ibadan Zonal Station.
Mr Odelana enjoined Radio Nigeria to partner them in promoting the voice of the morally upright people in the country.
Responding, the zonal director, Radio Nigeria, Ibadan, Zonal Station, represented by Deputy Director, Marketing Department Mrs Bolanle Owoyemi said the station was ready to support and propagate the peace and welfare of the youths in the country.
Highlights of the visit included the presentation of copies of the organisation’s production “Daily Guide” to the station as part of efforts to propagate the word of God to the people.
Ogun State Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun has urged religious leaders to ensure that their followers comply with COVID 19 laid down protocol to further curb the spread of the pandemic in the country.
Governor Abiodun, who stated this while addressing the assembly of clerics and worshipers at the Cathedral of Saint Paul, Sagamu, maintained that places of worship remained the conscience of the society, hence the need for the clerics to lead by example.
Governor Abiodun described the decision to close down religious houses during the COVID-19 lockdown as a difficult one, noting that reopening of religious centres was a risk worth taking.
In a sermon, the Bishop, Remo Diocese of the Anglican Communion, The Most Reverend Olusina Fape called on the government to increase efforts to boost employment generation.
The state coordinator, The Muslim Congress, TMC, Oyo State Chapter, Alhaji Daud Oladosu has called on agitators of secession to call off the agenda and embrace a united Nigeria.
He made the call at the 2020 Annual State Lecture of the organization entitled “Religion and Science for a COVID-19 Free World: Conflict and Confluence” held at Studio One, Broadcasting House, Dugbe, Ibadan.
Alhaji Oladosu who observed that the removal of oil subsidy would end corruption, called on government to ensure that the fund is used to renovate refineries and develop infrastructure.
Alhaji Oladosu maintained that there is need for Nigerians to be patriotic as God is pleased to allow the nation exist for the past 60 years.
In a remark, the Zonal Director, Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, FRCN, Ibadan Zonal Station, Alhaji Mohammed Bello represented by a Manager News and Current Affairs, Alhaji Ridwan Fasasi, recognised the constant patronage and sustained partnership between the FRCN and TMC, urged the congress to continue to enlighten Muslims and other Nigerians on contemporary issues.
As Nigeria celebrates sixty years of its independence, the Minister-in-charge of Blood of Jesus Apostolic Church, Oke Itunu, Ibadan, Pastor Joseph Adepeko has called on the nation’s leaders to always seek the face of God in the running of affairs of the country.
Pastor Adepeko said this at a special programme tagged “Praise your God, oh ye nations”.
Exif_JPEG_420
Exif_JPEG_420
Scenes from the Independence Day Programme
According to the cleric, Nigerian leaders need to be upright and have the fear of God while steering the affairs of the country.
Speaking on the theme of the event “Praise For Fulfillment’”, the convener of the programme, Pastor Felix Matthew stated that giving praises to God during trying periods open doors of breakthroughs faster and stressed the need for Nigerians to praise God at all times.
Some members of the church, Deacon Oyekunle Emmanuel, Mrs Eniola Ayoola and Deaconess Eunice Kolade could not hide their joy on the sixtieth anniversary of the nation’s independence.
The four hours programme featured drama ministration on the nation’s independence anniversary and various songs renditions to commemorate Nigeria at sixty.
The National Council of Muslim Youth Organisations (NACOMYO) and the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria ( MSSN) in Southern Nigeria have dissociated themselves from the agitation of secession and creation of Oduduwa Republic by some Yoruba ethnic groups.
The two bodies, which represent the entire Muslim Youths and Students in Oyo, Ogun, Ondo,Lagos, Ekiti, Osun and Yoruba parts of Edo and Delta States, stated this in a press conference held on Tuesday in Ibadan,
From Right to Left: National Secretary General, NACOMYO, Alhaji Masud Akintola, Amir, MSSN B-Zone, Barrister Qoasim Odedeji, and Legal Adviser, Political Awareness Group, PAG Barrister AbdulWaheed Awwal.
Speaking on behalf of the two bodies, the Amir of MSSN B Zone , Barrister Qoasim Odedeji, said the call for secession and creation of Yoruba Republic by Yoruba World Congress (YWC) ,led by Prof. Banji Akinloye, was ill-motivated and devilish.
Barrister Odedeji said the agitation by the so called Yoruba group was a call for war and bloodshed and the Muslim organisations would not allow individuals or group of people acting in their own selfish interest to drag the Muslims into war.
” It becomes worrisome and the need for our intervention when the secessionists in their cunning way of claiming support of Muslims suddenly gave birth to a ” Yoruba Jamatru Islam” a faceless group existing only in the imagination of their fake sponsors.
” We like many other Nigerians are worried and concerned that Nigeria as a nation despite its endowment with human and natural resources has become beset of poverty and insecurity but we do not believe that secession is the answer to our multi-facet problems.
“This agitation is capable of throwing the nation into another round of war and bloodshed as experience in agitation for sovereign state of Biafra , Soviet Union and recently Sudan experience among others,” Barrister Odedeji said.
He said it was wrong for the Yoruba World Congress to speak on behalf of the entire Yoruba people on such a serious issue like secession without the consent and approval of critical stakeholders.
“We on behalf of the entire Muslim Students and Youths of Yorubaland state that there is strength in togetherness, we believe in Nigeria and say no to secession, no to Yoruba Republic,” Barrister Odedeji said.
He appealed to Nigerians to work towards ensuring development of one Nigeria, adding that nations are built on visions, ideals and values.
The Muslim leader called on Nigerians especially the Yoruba brothers and sisters to shun the planned rally slated for October 1 by the Yoruba group in the name of Oduduwa Republic.
He said, “The secessionist groups have not only chosen a name for their proposed republic, they have also designed its currency which has been paraded on social media. In order to gain a global attention for their agitation, Yoruba World Congress has planned a rally to be held on the 1st day of October, the Nigeria Independence Day. It is a good development that many other Yoruba groups and some eminent personalities in Yorubaland have dissociated themselves from secessionists agenda and their planned October 1 rally”.
“In Oyo state, Lagos, Osun, Ogun, Ondo and Ekiti, are our leaders Hausa or Igbo. Is Oyo State better governed, is Osun, Ekiti and other states in the South West better governed? It is some people who are looking for money to eat that are calling for Oduduwa Republic. Are we the only group in Nigeria?”
“We appeal to all Nigerians to put all hands on deck towards ensuring development of one Nigeria. Nations are built on visions, ideals and values while peace is the most desired by us all as violence is too expensive to pay its due. Finally, we call on all Nigerians especially our respected Yoruba brothers and sisters to shun any rally in the name of Oduduwa Republic”.
Also speaking, Legal Adviser, Political Awareness Group, PAG, Barrister Abdul Waheed Awwal said the position of the Muslims in the South West was that they are not in support of the establishment of Oduduwa Republic.
Barrister Awwal said Islam forbids the Muslims to fight in the context of ethnicity or tribalism.
“The Prophet Muhammed says whoever fight and die on the basis of ethnicity or tribalism is not a Muslim, so we don’t want to lose our faith.
” We agree that there are challenges in Nigeria and this should not be resolved by war ,we have to sit down and resolve it,” Barrister Lawal said.
In a remark, National Secretary- General of NACOMYO, Alhaji Masud Akintola decried the level of marginalisation of Muslims by governments in the Southwest in terms of appointments and other benefits.
