Controller News, Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, FRCN, Ibadan, Alhaji Ridwan Fasasi has been re-elected as the Chairman, Muslim Media Practitioners of Nigeria, MMPN, Oyo State Chapter.

The Vice- Chairman is  Alhaji AbdurRofih Adebayo from BCOS, General Secretary from Ministry of information is Alhaja Aminat Busari- Adeleke, Mr Aliu Odukoya of NTA is the Treasurer while Chief Missioner is Mallam Abdul Hakeem Ghazali from FRCN

The executives emerged at the second annual conference of the Association held at Oyo State Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan.

While swearing-in members of the executives, Chief Imam, BCOS Central Mosque, Engineer Baniyamin Raji urged them to see their positions as trust from Allah and prayed for an eventful regime.

In a lecture entitled” Leadership and Followership in Islam”, an Islamic scholar, Ustaz AbdurRashid Hashim identified sacrifice as one of the elements that Nigerian leaders lacked which had made the country yet to be developed.

He said if sacrifice had been a major component attached to leadership role in the country, Nigeria would have been great through patriotic, sincere and selfless people.

The National President, MMPN, Alhaji AbdurRahman Balogun stressed the need for Muslims in position of authorities to see to the empowerment of others as such would enhance brotherhood.

The chairman on the occasion and former chairman, MMPN Oyo State, Alhaji Lekan Jeariogbe, who lauded different initiatives introduced by Alhaji Fasasi led executive during the first term, enjoined the new cabinet to prioritize regular visit to branches  to be closer to members.

In an acceptance speech, the chairman, MMPN Oyo State, Alhaji Ridwan Fasasi promised to intensify efforts on membership drive, create more developmental programmes and link relevant personalities to secure needed facilities for the association.

Rilwan Fasasi

The Sultan of Sokoto and Head of Muslims in Nigeria, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar has blamed political class for using their selfish ambition to fuel religious suspicious and unrest in the country.

The Sultan stated this at Saint David’s Cathedral Hall in Akure while meeting with religious leaders under Nigerian Inter-Religious Council (NIREC) as part of his two days historic visit to Ondo State.

Alhaji Abubakar advised Nigerians to shun politicians and affluent people who were politicising religion, noting that Bible and Quran do not belong to any political party.

The Sultan, who is being hosted by the Deji of Akureland, Oba Aladetoyinbo Aladelusi, said nobody could claim to love God without loving their neighbours who are Muslims and Christians.

In a remark, the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo said the historic gathering was to foster religious harmony in Ondo State.

The meeting was attended by both Christians and Muslims leaders- led by CAN Chairman, Reverend John Ayo Oladapo and the Chairman, League of Imams and Alfas, Alhaji Ahmed Aladesawe.

Leke Adegbite

Oyo State Government will declare public holiday to mark Hijrah, the new Islamic year, provided the day falls on week days.

Deputy Governor, Engineer Rauf Olaniyan who stated this in Ibadan at the 1441 Hijrah Grand Rally organised by National Council of Muslim Youth Organisations, NACOMYO, Oyo State Chapter, explained that this year’s Hijrah holiday was not declared because it fell on weekend.

Engineer Olaniyan noted that the present administration in the state would be fair to all religions and advocated unity among the Muslim Community.

In a lecture, an Islamic scholar, Imam Tirimidhi Ishola  identified injustice and tribal as well as religious sentiments by leaders as some of the factors that aided insecurity in the country.

Earlier, Coordinator, NACOMYO, Oyo State Chapter, Alhaji Dawood Afolabi who lauded the state government for prompt payment of salary of workers, however decried lopsidedness in the appointment of commissioners which favoured a religion as against the other.

The programme also featured presentation of award to prominent personalities which included a philanthropist from Oyo town, Alhaji Ibrahim Ayeriyina (RMDMM) who received the award of Distinguished Muslim Ambassador.

Highlights of the Hijrah rally included March pass and displays by school children as well as Islamic organisations.

Rilwan Fasasi

Fun seekers have continued to visit many recreation centers in Ibadan to celebrate the Ileya festival.

At the Trans amusement park and Agodi garden children were seen making use of park rides.

Some of the excited children who spoke with Radio Nigeria expressed their happiness visiting the recreation centers.

A parent Mrs. Modasola Ogundare called on government to upgrade the facilities at the Trans amusement park.

It was however an avenue to make brisk businesses for some petty traders.

It was a colorful scene at the various recreation centers as kids were having fun in their face paintings and mask.

Lillian Ibomor

Nigerians have been urged to make pious life style their guidance towards building a united, peaceful and virile society.

Muslim clerics stated this in their sermons at various prayer grounds to observe this year’s Eid Adha.

At Agodi Prayer Ground, Chief Imam of Ibadan land, Alhaji Abdulganiu Agbotomokekere urged people to live in accordance to the teachings of Allah, stressing that living by tenets of Islam was a solution to all crisis.

Alhaji Agbotomokekere also encouraged Muslims to celebrate the season with modesty and fear of God. 

Chief Imam Olaoluwa Muslim Community, Iwo Osun State Alhaji Haroun Olurode, gave the admonition in a sermon commemorating this year’s Eid Adha Celebration.                  

 Imam Olurode, who noted that pursuit of materialism and disregards for Allah’s injunctions remained the major hindrance to peaceful co existence, unity and love, enjoined every Nigerian not withstanding their ethnic, religion political or economic  affiliations, to leave in justice, truth and ensure equity for Nigeria to achieve a true nationhood where peace and justice reigns.           

In separate interviews, two Islamic leaders, Dr Najeem Adedokun and Alhaji Yekini Adiatu want Nigeria to support the ongoing efforts by government at all levels towards reshaping the socio-economic and security architecture of the nation for the betterment of all.       Cov/BT

President Ahmadiya Muslim jamat Ibadan Circuit, Alhaji Moruf Olubajo in his admonition at Methodist Prayer Ground, Toll Gate, Ibadan, stressed the need to be selfless in dealing with God and humans as this would greatly solve criminal activities in Nigeria.

Chief Imam Ansarudeen, Nigeria, Sheik Abdulbashir Olanrewaju, who was represented by the chief imam ansarudeen,Oluyole branch,Imam Moruf Hamsat,gave the charge during sermon to mark this year’s Eid-el-Kabir at Ansarudeen prayer ground,liberty,Ibadan.

Chief Imam Ansarudeen, Nigeria, Sheik Abdulbashir Olanrewaju, in a sermon at Ansarudeen Prayer Ground,Liberty,Ibadan, urged to be patient and be godly in all their deeds, as the patient dog eats the fastest bone.

Sheik Olanrewaju, who was represented by the Chief Imam, Ansarudeen, Oluyole branch, Imam Moruf Hamsat, also said steadfastness and consciousness of good deeds were parts of the tools to making the nation greater, advising Muslims not to relent in well doing, as it attracts reward from the almighty Allah.

Dignitaries at the prayer ground included former governor of Oyo State, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, National Vice President Ansarudeen, Alhaji Abdulwaheed Ajao.

Adedayo Adelowo/ Taiwo Akinola/Babatunde Tiamiyu

Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde wants the Muslim faithful to use the Eid-el-Kabir period to pray for the peace, prosperity and stability of the state and Nigeria as a whole.

The Governor, in a Sallah message by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, said for the state to prosper and reach its full potential, its people must contribute their quota through prayers and support for the leaders.

He admonished the Muslim Ummah in the state to reflect on the significance of the celebration, which he said bordered on piety, sacrifice and love.

The Oyo State helmsman urged Muslim faithful to imbibe the virtues of Prophet Ibrahim, who, in obedience to God’s directive, was ready to sacrifice his only son.

Governor Makinde however reiterated his administration’s commitment to uplifting the state through the expansion of its economy and ensuring that the state reclaims its pace-setter status in different sectors.

Iyabo Adebisi

As Muslims join their counterparts all over the world to celebrate this year’s Eid-el-Kabir, they have been enjoined to ensure peaceful co-existence with adherents of other religions. 

This is contained in a statement in Ibadan by Chairman, Muslim Media Practitioners of Nigeria, MMPN, Oyo State, Alhaji Ridwan Fasasi. 

Alhaji Fasasi said in line with the belief that the source of every man is linked to Prophet Adam, then, Muslims should see others as their brothers and sisters and they should relate peacefully with them. 

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 . 

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

He 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.

Alhaji Fasasi also emphasized moderation in the celebration due to the current economic reality as the Almighty Allah will not be pleased with anyone who put unnecessary burden on himself.

The MMPN Chairman appealed to Nigerian leaders to fear Allah in their dealings as they will account for their stewardship before the Almighty. 

He maintained that if Nigerian leaders have been godly and always remember the tasks ahead of them with the Almighty Allah, the country would have been among the comity of developed nations.

PR/Rilwan Fasasi

Speaker Oyo State House of Assembly, Mr. Adebo Ogundoyin has felicitated with Muslims in the state and beyond as they celebrate the Eid-el-Kabir festival, urging them to pray for continuous peace and prosperity in the State.

Mr Ogundoyin, in a Sallah message in Ibadan, also appealed to residents to remain steadfast and committed to supporting Governor Seyi Makinde’s led administration and its programs for the development of Oyo state.

According to him, despite the security and economic challenges facing the country, the three arms of government in Oyo State, with the support of the people, had all it required to restore the pace setter glory.

Mosope Kehinde

Eid-el-Kabir is one of the two major celebrations in Islam, the first being Eid-el-Fitri, a celebration at the end of Ramadan.

It is celebrated annually on the 10^th day of Dhul Hijjah, the last month in the Islamic calendar.

The celebration is held a day after those on annual pilgrimage to hajj descended on mount Arafat.

Eid-el-Kabir is to commemorate the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son Ismail as an act of obedience to almighty Allah, in replacement of his son a ram was provided as sacrifice.

Since there is no compulsion in the religion of Islam, it is however paramount for Muslim men and women to kill a ram as sacrifice during the celebration.

The meat is divided into three parts; one shared within the family, the second is given to other Muslims that cannot afford to kill a ram while the third is given to the less privileged.

While it is true that Allah’s act of miraculously providing a ram for prophet Ibrahim to replace Ismail for the sacrifice is worthy of celebration, the day should be more of glorifying Allah’s holy name rather than indulging in consumption of food, drinks and merriment.

The celebration is important because if the ram was not provided human race would go into extinction.

Furthermore, Eid-el-Kabir should be observed with moderation in order to avoid social dislocation as a result of excesses.

As Muslims and other Nigerians celebrate, the value of love, faith, obedience, prayer, sacrifice and submission to the will of Allah should be uppermost in their minds.

This will reflect Allah’s commandments regarding the Eid as well as acknowledgment of the economic downturn that has prevented many from performing their obligation of ram slaughtering.

In order words, Eid-el-Kabir is all about sharing, giving, supplications to Allah, respecting humanity, showing mercy and kindness to people and preserving mankind.

Government’s programme should consistently reflect these virtues as it would strengthen the faith of the citizenry in government.

It is also important that government promotes the enthronement of good governance through selfless and sacrificial service.

This is why public office holders should avoid opportunistic tendencies and corrupt practices.

Hence, public resources should be judiciously used in the interest of the public.

Nigerian should also see the occasion of Eid-el-Kabir as an opportunity to promote peace among diverse ethnics and religious groups in the country for national development.

Fawzeeyah Kasheem

The last batch of the Oyo State pilgrims to Mekhah and Medinah with the have successfully arrived at the kingdom of Saudi Arabia safely for 2019 Hajj exercise.

The Chairman of the Board, Professor Sayed Malik confirmed this when welcoming the last batch of the pilgrims to Medina, kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Prof. Sayed Malik, while appreciating Allah for the safe arrival of all the pilgrims from the state to holy land, prayed for the successful performance of their Hajj duties.

The Chairman however used the occasion to remind the intending pilgrims to be law- abiding and desist from any act that could jeopardize their Hajj and tarnish the good image of the state and Nigeria as a whole.

Prof. Sayed further stated that over 900 intending Pilgrims’ from the state had successfully arrived in Saudi Arabia.

Badmus Ibrahim,

Press Officer,

Oyo State Muslim Pilgrimage Board

The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi wants the political class, particularly those recently sworn in to ensure that they honour the promises made to their people.

Oba Adeyemi who made the call in an interview with Radio Nigeria in Oyo town afta praying at the Central Eid Ground, said Allah was waiting two see the promises fulfilled and transformed lives for better.

He also appealed to all Nigerians, regardless of religion or culture to live together in peace for the progress of the nation.

Kayode Oguntona

The Chairman, Nigeria Governors Forum who is also the Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, has congratulated Muslim faithful in the country on the celebration of the Eid-el-Fitri, which marks the end of the Ramadan period.

The governor in his Eid-el-Fitri message, through his Chief Press Secretary Mr Yinka Oyebode stressed that witnessing another Eid-el-Fitri was a special privilege from the Almighty Allah and not by their power.

He said the current situation in the country had made it imperative for Muslims and adherents of other religions to live peacefully with one another.

He said prayers were needed most for God’s intervention in the affairs of the country, and expressed confidence in the ability of God to prosper and keep the country together..

The governor also commended Muslims in the state for their unflinching support for his administration through their prayers, counsel and active participation in governance.

Meanwhile, Governor Dr Kayode Fayemi has urged incoming members of the House of Assembly to be patriotic and put the interests of the state above other consideration to ensure its overall development.

The governor made the plea while signing into laws eight bills recently passed by the outgoing members of the House of Assembly in Ado Ekiti..

He noted that the legislative arm of government was critical to democratic sustainability and appealed to them to be prepared for the business of lawmaking, which would assist in the development of the state.

Governor Fayemi stated that bills as signed into law would assist government to implement its plan and impact positively on the lives of the people.

The governor acknowledged the role played by the outgoing lawmakers within the last eight months and wished them well in their future endeavour.

Earlier, the speaker of the House, Mr Adeniran Alagbada lauded the cordial relationship that existed between the executive and legislative arm of govt.

The bills signed by the Governor are the Ekiti state Development and Investment Promotion Agency, Ekiti State Administration of Civil Justice, Ekiti State Property Protection and Anti Land Grabbing and College of Agriculture and Technology Isan Ekiti Re-Nactment Act.

Others bills include Ekiti State Security Trust Fund Amendment ,Local Government Appropriation Law, Ekiti State Change of Government Official Logo as well as Ekiti State Waste Management Authority Repeal Acts.

Tope Bamidele

An Islamic scholar, Alhaji Mamoon Eleshinmeta has called on the
Nigerian leaders to follow the tenets of Islam which include good deeds
and truthfulness.

Alhaji Eleshinmeta stated this at a Ramadan lecture titled “Islam and
Governance” organized by Muslim Media Practitioner of Nigeria, MMPN,
Oyo State Chapter, held at the Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State,
BCOS, Ibadan.

He said for Nigeria to develop, there must be fairness, accountability, love and empathy from leaders to the people.

Chairman of the occasion, Alhaji Sabit Adegoke who was represented by
Alhaji Aderinto Sulaiman said Nigerians especially Muslims should
always remember the country in their prayers to achieve a greater
nation.

L-R.
Oyo MMPN Chairman, Alhaji Ridwan Fasasi, Oyo REC, Mr. Mutiu Agboke and
the FRCN Zonal Director, Ibadan National Station, Alhaji Mohammed Bello

In his welcome address, MMPN chairman, Oyo State Chapter, Alhaji
Ridwan Fasasi said the aim of the program was to contribute to spiritual
uplift of Muslims and the entire country.

Contributing, the Zonal Director, Federal Radio Corporation on
Nigeria, FRCN, Ibadan Zonal Station, Alhaji Mohammed Bello cautioned
Muslims against immoral acts and urged them to always be mindful of
their deeds in accordance with the teachings of the Holy Quran.

Hightlights of the program included presentation of award to the Oyo
State Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, of the Independent National
Electoral Commission, INEC, Mr. Mutiu Agboke and recitation of the Holy
Quran.

Rasheedah Makinde

The Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN in the Southwest has called on the Federal Government to intensify efforts to secure the release of Leah Sharibu who is in the captivity of Boko Haram.

The Southwest zone leadership of the Christian body also urged Nigerians not to relent in fervent prayers for the safe return of the girl who has spent four hundred and forty nine days in captivity.

Leadership of CAN converged on Akure the Ondo State capital to engage  in intercessory prayers on behalf of Leah Sharibu and to celebrate her sixteenth birthday.

The CAN Chairman in Ondo State, Reverend Ayo Oladapo, who commended the Federal Government for its efforts to ensure the release of Leah Sharibu, noted that more still needed to be done.

On his part, Ogun CAN Chairman, Bishop Tunde Akin-Akinsanya assured the family of Leah that hope was not lost on her release.

The Lagos CAN Chairman, Apostle Alexander Bamgbola urged Christians to emulate the faith of Leah whenever they were faced with tribulations.

Correspondent Kayode Animasaun reports that a birthday cake was cut in commemoration of Leah’s birthday while prayer session was offered for the successful conduct of the 2019 general election.

Kayode Animasaun

Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, Mr Olagunju Ojo has felicitated with Muslim Ummah in the state on the beginning of the fast following the sighting of the Lunar month of Ramadan.

The Speaker in a statement calls for the continued peace, progress and prosperity of the Pace-Setter State especially at this period of transition from one administration to another.

Mr Ojo urges Muslims to use the month-long fasting period to extend a hand of friendship and solidarity across all divides and imbibing the spirit of sacrifice at all times.

He further enjoins people of the state to uphold the lessons of Ramadan which include virtues of acts of charity, kindness, generosity, self-denial, love for humanity and good conduct in their daily relationships with one another.

He also assures members of the public that the State House of Assembly will not relent in its onerous task of making laws aimed at improving the living standard of the people.

The Speaker prays Allah to grant all Muslims across the World the strength to successfully complete the month-long fasting period.

Kehinde Mosope