Religion

Nigeria 60th Anniversary: Religious Leader Calls for National Repentance

By Web News 680

The Primate, Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, the Most Reverend Peter Akinola has called for national repentance in a bid to to stop the recurring blood letting and other national challenges.

The Most Reverend Akinola stated this in the sermon entitled “Rejecting the blood Shedding culture” at the 60th National Day Thanksgiving Service held at Cathedral of saint Peter Ake, Abeokuta.

The Primate who noted that the past and prevailing episodes of blood letting would continue to undermine development of the country, identified Godliness, righteousness and justice as foundation for building the desired peaceful, progressive and respectable nation.

While pointing out that there must be justice for all victims of Nigeria’s bloodletting, the Most Reverend Akinola, said that anyone found guilty should be appropriately punished.

The religious leader urged Nigerians to take the National Day celebration as an opportunity for all citizens to shun bloodletting adding that God would have mercy on Nigeria if the people seek His intervention.

In a remark, Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun stressed the need for Nigerians to be united and support the efforts to strengthen national development, stating that nation building remained a collective responsibility.

Bolanle Adesida

Religion

Nigeria’s 60th Anniversery: Oyo Govt. Kicks of Celebration With Special Thanksgiving Service

By Web News 733

As the nation celebrates its 60th independence anniversary ,Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo state wants Nigerians to thank God who has kept the nation united in the last six decades inspite of various challenges.

He stated this during during a special church service in commemoration of the Nigeria’s 60th anniversary, held at St. Peters Cathedral, Aremo, Ibadan.

Governor Makinde who was represented by the Secretary to the state Government, Mrs Olubamiwo Adeosun said there was every reason to give thanks to God who has not only kept Nigeria together as a united nation but has equally given Nigerians hope for the rebirth of the nation and Oyo state.

Governor Makinde believed that with sustained adherence to democratic tenets, the nation would get to its desired destination of growth and development.

He urged the people to continue to support the incumbent administration in the state for the desired developmental heights.

The Governor stressed that the ongoing revitalization of Moribund Companies and construction of roads were targeted at boosting the economy and reduce unemployment rate in the state.

In a sermon titled, let there be Justice, The provost of the St.Peter’s Cathedral, Aremo, Ibadan, the Very Reverend Adebiyi Adewale said there is nothing that makes a nation Peaceful than justice.

The Very Reverend Adebiyi attributed some of the challenges facing Nigeria since it’s independence as lack of fairness, equity and justice.

The Very Reverend Adebiyi therefore called on Nigerians to continue to pray for the development of the nation.
Adebisi Iyabo

Religion

PFN Advises Members to Shun Political Apathy

By Web News 1039

Christian leaders in Oyo state have reiterated the need for Christians to shun political apathy.

Faithful are also encouraged to get more involved in the nation’s political structure to accelerate the Nigeria’s economic growth and development.

They made the call at the general pastors meeting of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigerian, PFN, held in Ibadan.

Guest speaker, Executive Director of a Civil Society Organization, Public Education Works Initiative, Mr Nimi Walson-Jack while speaking on the topic “Political Education” believed that democracy requires active participation of everyone, irrespective of religious background.

Mr Walson-Jack appealed to Christians in Nigeria to jettison the mindset that politics is dirty, rather see it as a ministry and opportunity to make positive changes.

The Co-speaker, Presiding Pastor, Living Spring International, Pastor Femi Emmanuel advised the Church communities to get informed, join political parties at the ward level and form a formidable team to win elections.

Also speaking, Oyo state Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Apostle Joshua Akinyemiju said it is time for Christians to realise the need to be part of leadership especially in the political spheres of the country.

Earlier, chairman, Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, Oyo State, Rev Samson Ajetomobi said the purpose of the meeting was to overcome the ignorance about politics in the church.

Niyi Dahunsi

Religion

Government needs to take security more seriously – Cleric

By Web News 989

Government at all level has been advised to intensify efforts to end security crises hampering the socio-economic development of Nigeria.

The Cleric-in-charge of the Gospel Faith Mission International, GOFAMINT, Agbowo Assembly, Ibadan, Pastor Akin Aro, gave the advice while speaking with Radio Nigeria on the current spate of killings in the country.

Pastor Aro noted that the negative effects of COVID-19 should not be allowed to become compounded by insecurity, saying security of life and property remained fundamental to foreign investment drive in the country.

Pastor Aro who advised citizens to be security-conscious also encouraged government to ensure constant training of security personnel and equipping them adequately to meet current security issues and demands.

Speaking on the planned reopening of schools in the country, the cleric implored government to ensure sufficient provision of preventive kits to contain further spread of the disease.

Pastor Aro also advised school administrators to monitor compliance to various COVID-19 safety protocols.

Rotimi Famakin

Religion

Hijrah: Aare Musulumi Congratulates Faithful

By Web News 642

Aare Musulumi of Yoruba land, Edo and Delta state, Alhaji Dawud Akinola has congratulated the Muslim faithful on the new Islamic calendar, hijrah 1442.

 Alhaji Akinola gave his congratulatory message in a statement in Ibadan.

The Aare Musulumi, while noting that hijrah was a turning point in Islam, urged Muslims to shun all forms of evil and rededicate themselves to Allah. Alhaji Akinola admonished the faithful to celebrate the new year with caution by observing all covid-19 protocols.

 The Aare Musulumi of Yoruba land, Edo and Delta states also implored Muslims and every Nigerian to continue to pray for peace and unity in the country.

 PR/Oluwakayode Banjo

Religion

NACOMYO Decries Failure of Oyo Government to Declare Hijrah Holiday

By Web News 1383

National Council of Muslim Youth Organisations, NACOMYO has decried the inability of the present administration in Oyo State to fulfil its campaign promise of sustaining the public holiday, which the last administration introduced to commemorate Hijrah, new Islamic year.

Coordinator, NACOMYO, Oyo State Chapter, Alhaji Dawood Afolabi stated this at the Special Prayer and Lecture for the commencement of Hijrah 1442 held at Ibadan Central Mosque, Ojaaba.

He condemned the failure of the state government to also fulfil its promise made last year when the Deputy Governor,  Engineer Rauf Olaniyan represented the State at the celebration of Hijrah and promised that the holiday would be declared provided the day falls within the week as the development was the denial  of Muslims’ right.

“The withdrawal of 1st Muharram as work free day in the State is another indicator of tampering on the right of the Muslims.  However, we put our trust in Allah for a better deal”.

Alhaji Afolabi also lamented the second fiddle’s treatment to Muslims in the state in terms of political appointments despite the promise of the administration to be fair to all religions.

“It is disheartening that despite the promise of fairness and justice by the present administration and continued lip-service to same at functions, Muslims are still being treated with disdain in government appointments. The glaring marginalization in the composition of State executive and appointment into boards of tertiary institutions are instances of the injustice “.

The NACOMYO Coordinator also called for probe of the police on the escape of the prime suspect of serial murders in Akinyele Local Government from its custody as the excuse was untenable. 

“The escape of the prime suspect in the serial killings in Akinyele, Sunday Shodipe still baffles us. It calls for a thorough surgical operation in the security architecture of the State. We hereby demand for the probe of the unfortunate incident while the perpetrators are quickly brought to justice.”

Alhaji Afolabi also called on the Federal Government to address the various economic and security challenges that remained the bane of the development of the country.

“The Hydra-headed problems of corruption, insecurity, fake news, and of late, murder after rape still scare us in the face in the country. These and other impediments to growth and development seem to defy all known panaceas. We have no other option than to turn to Allah in true repentance to get relief.   

May Allah accept our pleas and grant us succour”.

He said the annual Hijrah celebration was organised in a low key this year as a result of ravaging coronavirus, which has wreaked havoc on the world.

“This year’s event is low key for reasons well known to all of us, Covid-19 pandemic ravaging the whole wide world. The virus has claimed lives, battered the economy, negatively affected congregational worships in Masajids, dashed hopes of intending Hujjajs and still affecting many. Over 50,000 Nigerians have been infected. We pray for the repose of the souls of the dead and healing for those still affected’.

In a lecture by one of the Imams of NACOMYO, Alhaji Tirimisiyu Ishola, he called on people to go back to Allah in fervent prayers for a lasting solution to the COVID-19 pandemic.

He enjoined people to do away with sin as the act remained the impediment to answering of prayers which “is responsible for the calamities ravaging the world”.

The Chief Imam of NACOMYO,  Dr Ashim AbdulAzeez. who led the special supplications. prayed for lasting peace in the country and the end to COVID-19 in the world.

The programme organised to commemorate Hijrah 1442 A.H was done in line with coronavirus safety protocols. 

Ridwan Fasasi.

Religion

Hijrah: Gov. Makinde Felicitates with Muslims

By Web News 641


Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde has felicitated with Muslim faithful in the state on  New Year Hijrah 1442 AH, which begins on Friday, 21 August, 2020.
The governor wished Muslims in the state, Nigeria and across the world a new year filled with blessings and benevolence of the Almighty Allah.

Governor Makinde, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, congratulated the Muslim Ummah in the state on the opportunity to witness a new Islamic year, urging them not to relent in praying for the state and the country.

He enjoined Muslims to continue to demonstrate good neighbourliness, love and dedication to the state.

According to him, the essence of Hijrah is that it is a process of transfer to a better situation, a search for an environment more favorable to continuous and constructive effort.
Governor Makinde commended the Muslim Ummah for the immense contributions they continue to make to the progress of the state and wish them a successful and prosperous Hijrah 1442 AH.

PR/Iyabo Adebisi

Religion

Hijrah: Islamic Scholars Call for Prayers over National Challenges

By Web News 793

Some Islamic scholars have called for fervent prayers for the country to win the war against different challenges ravaging the society.

They stated this at a special prayers and lecture organised by National Council of Muslim Youth organisation, NACOMYO, to usher in the new Islamic Calendar, hijrah 1442.

One of the scholars, Alhaji Tirimisiyu Gbolagade said before praying to Allah for solution or relief from all the calamities ravaging the world, people must first of all do away from acts that would negate the teachings of the holy Quran.

Alhaji Gbolagade said people should go back to Allah in fervent prayers, irrespective of religious affiliation, and collectively call for a lasting solution to the all pandemics.

Alhaji Gbolagade said people should have hope that the new year would bring in new confidence to fight the odd.

Chris Imam of NACOMYO, DR Ashur AbdulAzeez said though the governments at all levels were doing their best to achieve a better Nigeria, they needed the support of the citizens.

In his address of welcome, NACOMYO Coordinator, Oyo State chapter, Alhaji Dawood Afolabi said the event was a yearly programme targeted at finding solutions to challenges that might pose threat to the peaceful coexistence of the country through prayers and sensitivity programme.

Alhaji Afolabi said the group and Muslims generally frowned at the issue of killing and insecurity that are rampant in the country and wanted the government to find a lasting solution to it before it boomerangs.

Alhaji Afolabi therefore called on the government of Oyo State to reconsider public holiday to mark hijrah.

Hijrah is an Islamic Calendar and its celebration is observed on the first day in month of Muharram.

Rasheeda Makinde

Religion

Osun Govt. Declares Public Holiday for Hijrah 1442

By Web News 1329

Osun state Government has declared tomorrow as public holiday for Muslim New Year, Hijrah 1442.

The Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation in the state, Mrs Funke Egbemode who made this known through a statement made available to newsmen said the gesture was to afford Muslims in the state the opportunity to celebrate the new Islamic year.

According to the statement any form of social or religious gathering in respect of the celebration will not allowed.

The statement enjoined residents of the state to continue observing safety guidelines against COVID-19 as stated by the government and NCDC.

Wasiu Ajadosu

Religion

So Many Misleading, Baseless Information On The Net – Apostle Achudume

By Web News 844

A Christian leader, Apostle Lawrence Achudume has renewed the call for strict regulation to information being disseminated on social media to avoid crisis and confusion.

Apostle Achudume who is the General Overseer of the Victory Life Bible Church made the call during an interaction with journalists in Abeokuta.

The religious leader described most information on the internet as baseless, misleading and untrue, hence the need for a check on information being shared.

Apostle Achudume who described journalism as one of best profession on earth also acknowledged their roles in building a virile society especially in prompting good governance through their objective reportage.

He reminded the journalists on the need to continue to play their crucial watching role and avoid being used by politicians.

Apostle Achudume said the fight against corruption required the concerted efforts of all Nigerians especially religious leaders.

The Caretaker Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Mrs Omolola Adeyinka thanked Apostle Achudume for his support and assistance to the Union.

Olusegun Folarin

Religion

Church Activities Resume in Ogun State Amidst Thanksgiving

By Web News 941

Christians in Ogun State have returned to churches to observe Congregational Sunday services after the state government lifted the ban on places of worship imposed since March.

It was a moment of joy and thanksgiving for Christians in many churches monitored in Abeokuta metropolis as church auditoriums reopened for worship after months of restriction.

Worshipers along Abiola Way, Ajebo road, Oke Ilewo and Isalẹ Igbehin among other areas who spoke with Radio Nigeria thanked God for the opportunity, noting that they have more than enough reasons to be joyful.

Some senior clergymen in the state including Apostle Lawrence Achudume of Victory Life Bible Church thanked God for his protection over the congregation.

He also commended the government for putting measures in place to reduce the spread of the virus then warned people to be cautious and follow the guidelines.

Other clergymen also assured government that they will continue to sensitise their members to the fact that the reopening of worship centres does not mean that the Coronavirus pandemic has been defeated.

The Ogun State Taskforce on illegalities also monitored activities of the churches in the state, to ascertain level of compliance with coronavirus protocols and guidelines by the authorities at the worship centres.

Commander of the Taskforce, Chief Superintendent of Police, Mr Toyin Afolagun led his team across the state to a number of churches across the state capital to ensure compliance with Covid-19 protocols by the worship centres.

Wale Oluokun

Religion

Feed your brain, as reading makes you a better person – Pastor Adeboye

By Web News 1050

The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG, Pastor Enoch Adeboye has enjoined the youths to invest more on reading to broaden their horizon in contributing to local and global development.

Pastor Adeboye who lamented poor reading culture among some youths as seen in hours they spend on social media rather than reading books that could benefit their lives noted that soaring higher in life and impacting the world requires gathering knowledge and applying it.

The cleric while speaking on a charge from the church’s devotional titled “Feed your brain” said how high one flies in life depends on the quality of the knowledge and information one feeds his or her brain.

He charged the younger generation to read books across discipline, attend seminars, watch documentaries and be an insatiable learner as ignorance could be costlier.

Pastor Adeboye while also asking them to be cautious in the choice of books they read, explained that a reader could gain in few hours what it took the author seventy years to learn.

Oye Agunbiade

Religion

Ajimobi Fidau Prayer: Clerics Task People on Good Legacy

By Web News 1268

Chief Imam, Oluyole Estate Central Mosque, Alhaji Mudathir Bada wants people to be godly in their dealings and always exhibit good character.

He stated this at the fortieth Fidau prayer for the former Oyo State governor Abiola Ajimobi at his Oluyole residence Ibadan.

Alhaji Bada explained that people should not take life for granted but lived so that when they die, people would be able to speak well of them.

Alhaji Bada described the life and times of the senator as worthy of emulation, stressing that he was able to impact positively on the lives of the people.

In another lecture, a prominent Islamic cleric, Alhaji Muyideen Bello emphasised the need to always prepare for death through a legacy that would remain after demise.

Speaking on behalf of the family, the only son of Senator Ajimobi, Idris expressed gratitude to God for the life of his father and promised the children would sustain his legacies.

The forty days Fidau prayer for the late former governor had in attendance eminent Nigerians including Governor Umaru Ganduje of Kano State. 

Blessing Adesanya

Religion

Eid: Deputy Minority Whip Calls for More Realizable Projects

By Web News 763

Deputy Minority Whip of the House of Representatives, Chief Adesegun Adekoya has identified the need for leaders to provide more realizable projects for the people in spite of the harsh economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Chief Adekoya, representing Ijebu North, Ijebu East and Ogun Waterside Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives gave the hint in his Eid-el Kabir message to people of his constituency. 

The lawmaker emphasized the need for more dividends of democracy to be delivered to the people despite the downward review of the country’s 2020 budget by the federal government due to prevailing realities of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Chief Adekoya maintained that the economic situation of the country, which was aggravated by the pandemic had not affected the delivery of his feasible and realizable projects across the federal constituency.

He gave the assurance that apart from the Constituency projects at various levels of completion, he would accord priority to feedback mechanism of interacting with the residents to engender the people’s trust and support to boost the development of the area.

Describing this year’s Eid-el Kabir as historically remarkable for all Muslims who could not gather at public places for prayer, Chief Adekoya encouraged Nigerians to be comforted with the fact that the Almighty Allah spared their lives to witness the celebration while also remembering those who had lost their loved ones to the pandemic.

The Deputy Minority Whip who called for prayers for the nation also counseled Nigerians to celebrate Eid-el Kabir with caution and observe the protocol of wearing face masks, washing of hands frequently, physical distancing and reporting the symptoms to the appropriate quarters among other safety measures against COVID 19 pandemic.

Oluremi Olugbenro. 

Religion

Eid: Clerics Task Muslims on Prayer to End COVID-19

By Web News 757

Ibadan Prayer Ground, Agodi was this morning filled to capacity as some Muslim faithful gathered to observe the annual Eid-el Kabir prayer.

The prayer led by the Chief Imam of Ibadanland, Alhaji Abdulgany Agbotomokekere saw other religious leaders in attendance.

In his sermon, the Chief Imam of Ibadanland urged Muslims to intensify their prayer to end COVID-19.

He also urged Muslims to be obedient and generous to mankind, noting that every individual would give account of his daily dealings.

In an interview, the Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Edo and Delta, Alhaji Dawud Makanjuola urged Nigerians to embrace love, eschew evil and embrace peace.

Alhaji Makanjuola stressed the need for Nigerians to observe various precautionary measures to contain the spread of corona virus

Other religious leaders at the prayer ground stressed the need for government to put an end to incessant killings in some part of the country.

The prayer was climaxed with the slaughtering of ram performed by the Chief Imam of Ibadanland.

Similarly, the Grand Imam of Ijesaland, Sheikh Muhammad Idris has admonished Muslim faithful to commit themselves to the holy prophet’s injunction on peace, tolerance, charity and generosity to the less privilege.

Sheikh Idris stated this in his Sallah message made available to Gold FM.

He urged Muslim faithful to emulate the holy Prophet Mohammed by
imbibing the ideals of sacrifice.

The grand imam of ijesaland, who emphasised that Eid-el-kabir was a
season of love, peace, togetherness and sacrifice, urged Nigerians to
embrace peaceful co-existence and pray to god to heal the land from
the COVID-19 pandemic

Rotimi Famakin/Gold FM

Religion

Muslims Celebrate Eid in Ibadan

By Web News 731

Muslims across Ibadan metropolis gathered at various prayer grounds to observe Eid-Kabir.

Radio Nigeria correspondents report that some of the worshipers complied with COVID-19 precautionary measures, while others did not. 

Lilian ibomor tells us more

Religion

Prayer Grounds Empty in Osun as Muslims Celebrate Eid

By Web News 1049

Muslim faithful in Osun State has joined their counterparts all over the world to mark Eid-el Kabir celebration.

Radio Nigeria correspondent reports that some Islamic groups deified the directive of state government who placed ban on Eid prayer.

Most of Eid prayer grounds visited in Osogbo was empty as Muslim faithful followed the directive of government.

Speaking, an Islamic scholar, Alhaji Kabiru Adesoji said Eid prayer could be observed within the family it was not necessarily at praying ground.

Alhaji Adesoji noted that Prophet Muhammad ordered his followers to always obey the directive of their leaders.

It would be recalled that Osun State Government has earlier placed ban on Eid-el Kabir congregation prayer.

Wasiu Ajadosu

Religion

Sallah: Akeredolu Sues for Peace and Love among All

By Web News 626

Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu wants Muslim faithful in Ondo State to see the essence of Eid-el-Kabir festival beyond merrymaking.

In a statement by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Mr Ojo Oyewamide, Mr Akeredolu enjoins the faithful to imbibe the religious festival’s lessons in their daily activities.

Governor Akeredolu describes Eid-el-Kabir’s key lesson as total obedience to the commands of Allah as shown by the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his only son on Mount Moriah.

Governor Akeredolu, who tags the rewards of Prophet Ibrahim’s obedience as mercy and grace, says apart from teaching faith, trust and total submission to the will of Allah, Eid-el-Kabir is also about peace, the habit of sharing with the needy and showing love towards humanity.

He also enjoins them to support efforts of his government to halt the spread of Covid-19 pandemic in the state by observing all the prescribed precautionary measures.

On the October 10th Gubernatorial election in the state, the governor urges them to continue to pray for peace and also calls for religious harmony between the Muslim faithful and their Christian brothers.

Olorunferanmi Odofin

Religion

Eidul-Kabir: Oyo MMPN Chairman Charges Muslims in on Peaceful Co-existence

By Web News 906

As Muslims worldwide celebrate Eidul-Kabir, the privileged ones have been enjoined to extend their financial gesture to others who are struggling to survive the economic challenges caused by Covid-19 pandemic. 

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 in the spirit of the celebration, Muslims should give preference to the assistance of those who have lost their jobs and those whose their sources of income have also been hampered by the coronavirus pandemic as such would bring smiles to their families.

He emphasized that this is not the time to keep meat at home even after it has been divided into three based on Shariah as a lot of those who usually slaughter animals are now in need due to the situation caused by the virus.

Alhaji Fasasi urged the faithful to celebrate the Eid with moderation and comply with all measures to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

He noted that Muslims are still free to observe their 2 Rakaat prayer at home with their families if there are no provision for Covid-19 protocols like running water with soap, physical distancing and the use of facemasks at Eid grounds.

Alhaji Fasasi admonished Muslims to imbibe the spirit of obedience, love, kindness and equality that Eidul-Kabir celebration stands for in their day-to-day activities. 

He equally noted that faithfulness and the fear of Allah displayed by Prophet Ibrahim and his son, Ismail played prominent roles in the history of the celebration and urged Muslims to emulate the virtues.

The MMPN Chairman 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. 

He 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. 

Ridwan Fasasi

Religion

Eid: Rededicate yourselves to Allah, pray for Nigeria, Gbajabiamila tells Muslims

By Web News 618

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr Femi Gbajabiamila has urged Muslims to rededicate themselves to their Creator and pray for the country during this period of Eid-el-Kabir.

Mr Gbajabiamila said the need for prayers became more pressing at this time that the coronavirus pandemic is ravaging the world, including Nigeria.

The Speaker said with fervent prayers, Nigeria would be able to surmount the numerous challenges bedevilling the country, including insecurity.

In a Sallah message by his spokesman Lanre Lasisi, the Speaker also urged Nigerians, irrespective of their differences, to embrace one another and be united for the progress of the country.

He called on religious leaders to preach unity and peaceful coexistence among the citizens at this time and always.

Mr Gbajabiamila further urged Muslims to imbibe the virtues of selflessness, generosity, brotherliness and accommodating nature of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW).

The Speaker used the opportunity to call on leaders to keep their contracts with the Nigerian people as that is the only way they can make meaningful impact in the lives of the citizens.

PR/Ibrahim Shehu

Religion

President Buhari to Mark Eid Prayers at Home

By Web News 928

President Muhammadu Buhari will observe the Eid El-Kabir prayers with his family at home, just as he did during the Eid El-Fitr a little over two months ago.

This, in a statement by the Senior Special Assistant to the resident on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, is in line with advisories from the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, NSCIA and the Presidential Task Force, PTF on COVID-19.

According to the statement, the President in wishing all Muslims a safe and happy Eid, reiterated the need to avoid large gathering as issued by the PTF protocols.

The statement further advises that where small groups choose to hold the Eid together, face masks are absolutely necessary, as is social distancing.

Advisedly, such prayers should hold outdoors and worshippers are encouraged to bring their own prayer mats, it says.

The statement adds that to stop the spread of the disease, the President will not be receiving Sallah homages by religious, community, party and government leaders and urges all citizens to observe the occasion as advised by state and local authorities.

In a related development, President Muhammadu Buhari has reiterated his call on Nigerians to continue to exercise patience and understanding over the inconveniences created by precautionary measures taken for Covid-19, especially the regulations on places of worship.

In his Sallah message to Muslims on the occasion of Eid-el-Kabir celebration, President Buhari said the outbreak of coronavirus has made it difficult for people to gather in places of worship as they are used to, urging worshipers to abide by the guidelines for safety of their lives, and loved ones.

He stated that the coronavirus has had devastating adverse impacts on social, economic and spiritual lives.

He noted that the preventive guidelines government introduced to contain the spread of this deadly disease have unfortunately limited people’s freedom to gather and worship in large numbers in Mosques and Churches.

President Buhari maintained that no elected government would intentionally take away its people’s religious freedom by limiting the number of people that will gather in worship centres at the same time.

Stressing that the guidelines are dictated by necessity in order to safeguard public health and should, therefore, not be perceived as infringement on people’s right to worship.

President Buhari commended the sacrifices of Muslims and Christians in abiding by the COVID-19 guidelines for the good of society, assuring that government shall continue to provide economic reliefs to the people to minimize the unintended hardships these guidelines have inflicted.

The President reminded worshippers that COVID-19 is a worldwide affliction with Churches and Mosques closed around the world, while social distancing has been imposed to safeguard public health.

While wishing Muslims a happy celebration, the President called on worshipers not to forget the symbolic significance of the sacrifices of the Eidel Kabir.

The President reminded Nigerians of his efforts to root out corruption in the country, stating that the efforts had so far brought a lot of changes in the country’s polity.

He appealed for more support and understanding as investigations are carried out on both legacy and fresh cases.

Bello Wakili

Religion

Osun Muslim Faithful in Last Minute Rush for Eid Preparation

By Web News 633

Muslim faithful are making last-minute rush in preparation for eld el Kabir in Osun State.

Radio Nigeria correspondent, Wasiu Ajadosu who visited some major markets like igbona, orisunmibare ,Oluode in Osogbo reports that both buyers and sellers were engaging in business transaction.

Some of the buyers, who complained about the economic situation occasioned by Covid 19 in the country, said they had little resources to purchase necessary materials for the celebration.

A buyer, Mr lukuman Adeniran lamented the rise in the price of commodities, saying it beyond the reach of masses.

Mr Adeniran called on government to urgently come up with measure that would revamp the nation’s economy.

Also a visit to the ram markets indicated that there was low patronage as ram sellers complained that buyers could not afford the ram due to increase in price.

A ram seller, Alhaji mustapha Yaya, who said the price of an average ram ranges from thirty five thousand to fifty thousand, noted that the current economic situation had affected purchasing power of Muslim faithful.

Speaking, an Islamic scholar, Alhaji Lateeful Yusuf urged Muslim faithful to celebrate eld el kabir within their means, saying there was no compulsion in ram sacrifice except for those who can afford it.

Wasiu Ajadosu

Religion

Eid-Dil-Kabir: Defence Minister Urges Muslims to Shun Vices, Promote Peaceful Coexistence

By Web News 627

The Minister of Defence, Maj Gen Bashir Salihi Magashi (Rtd) has harped on the need for Muslim Ummah to take advantage of the celebration of the Eidil – Adah, known as the festival of sacrifice to promote peaceful co-existence and good neighbourliness in the country.                

 General Magashi stated this in a goodwill Sallah message through his       Special Assistant Media and Publicity, Mohammad Abdulkadri.

He said at this period of our national life every Nigerian should be committed to complimenting government’s efforts to end banditry, insurgency and other criminalities in parts of the country. 

He pointed out that the security of the nation is a civic responsibility of all and should not be perceived erroneously as the exclusive preserve of the fighting forces.                          

The minister therefore called for collective resolve to evolve ways to deepen the ethos and ethics of service and sacrifice to the nation at this holy period when Muslims perform sacrificial offerings of rams in supplication to the Almighty Allah.

He noted that the Festival of Sacrifice at this point in time offers splendid opportunity for Muslims to render sincere prayers for the nation to overcome her security challenges.

 General Magashi assured that the Commander-In- Chief of the Armed  Forces, President Muhammadu Buhari was deploying sufficient political will  and all necessary machineries to decisively deal with all threats to national  territorial integrity for peace and tranquility to reign in the troubled spots.                        

While urging Muslims to celebrate Sallah with due sense of piety, modesty,  and decency, he advocated total compliance with  the COVID-19 Protocol  by using face masks in public places, observing  social distancing and washing of hands as well as avoidance of over bloated gathering for congregational Eid  prayers.

This he said is in conformity with the Federal Government’s directive and national aspirations to stem the escalating figures of the affected persons and to end the pandemic.

The Defence Minister therefore challenged Muslims to uphold peace for which the religeon of Islam  stands for and to be their brother’s keeper by extending kind gesture of sharing of  ram meats with Christian brethren to inculcate the spirit of good neighbourliness and to promote inter-religious harmony in the country devoid of dividing lines and antagonistic posture  that are capable of jettisoning the much needed societal  peace.          

The Defence Minister felicitated with Muslim Ummah and wished all Nigerians restful and memorable Sallah work-free days.

He prayed to Almighty Allah to accept the offerings of sacrificial rams by Muslims as act of Ibadah now and in the hereafter.                

Signed:

 Mohammad Abdulkadri, 

Special Assistant Media and Publicity to the Minister of Defence

Religion

Worship Centres to Reopen on August 14 in Ogun

By Web News 748

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun says worship centres in the state will reopen tentatively on Friday 14th August 2020.

Governor Abiodun, who announced this while briefing newsmen in Abeokuta, urged religious leaders to abide by measures mutually agreed upon to prevent the spread of COVID 19.

Governor Abiodun pointed out that religious services must not more than one and half hours, adding that there must be no handshake or hug by the worshipers in religious centres.

While announcing that all SS3 classes in both public and private schools would resume on Tuesday 4th August 2020, the Governor said that except students in exit classes, all students would enjoy automatic promotion to the next classes.

Governor Abiodun, who maintained that wearing of face masks was compulsory, pointed out that failure to wear face masks in public is punishable by six months imprisonment under the regulations and section 68 of the law.

He also said that all existing guidelines to flatten the curve of the pandemic, including total lockdown on weekends and night curfew remained sacrosanct.

Bolanle Adesida