Religion

By Olawale Asake/ Bunmi Agboola/ Jeffery ahonmisi

Founder and Spiritual Head, Shafaudeen in Islam Worldwide, Professor Sabit Olagoke has called on the government at all levels to urgently address the country’s challenges of insecurity, hunger, and unemployment being having negative effects on the citizens. 

Professor Olagoke made the call during the message at the Eid Ground of the Organization held at Shafaudeen International Mosque, Wakajaye Area, Ibadan, Oyo State. 

The Grand Imam emphasized the need for immediate steps that would put smiles on the faces of the Nigerian masses who could not live a meaningful life due to socio-economic challenges. 

The Islamic Cleric who condemned the acts of killings, kidnapping, banditry, rituals and other forms of crime, enjoined President Bola Tinubu to intensify efforts at protecting the lives and property of the citizens, calling on the government to implement policies that would enhance the nation’s economy, promote agricultural development and reduce the high prices of food items.

Similarly, the Serving Circuit President for, Ahmadiya Muslim jama’at of Nigeria , Apata, Alhaji Bakare Gbolagade, has urged believers to embrace peace and tolerance.

Speaking with Radio Nigeria at IMG Primary School Prayer Ground, Apata Ibadan, Alhaji gbolagade emphasized that values such as peace, tolerance and obedience are essential in Islam, as directed by Almighty Allah.

The cleric noted that Eid-al-Adha commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son Ismail, highlighting the importance of submission to God’s will. 

In his admonition, the Central Missionary, Mulvi Nadeen Ahmad from Pakistan said there was the need to show love and respect for other religion and believe that all prophet are ordained by God.

Also in her goodwill message, a Women leader, Ahmadiya of Apata Circuits Alhaja Rumon Ajoke  urged Muslim women to submit to Allah’s will and their husbands’ guidance in other to fulfill purpose in their various endeavors.

Still on Eid, the Chief Missioner, Muslim Association of Nigeria, Ibadan branch, Alhaji Alarape Hamzat has charged faithful to abide by the Quranic teaching of piety so as to be rewarded by Allah.

Alhaji Hamzat stated this in a sermon after the two Rakat prayer in celebration of  Eid el kabir.

Alhaji Hamzat maintained that Almighty Allah blesses whoever he wished to, hence the need for such recipients of his benevolence to, in turn, lend a helping hand to the less privileged. 

He stressed that political leaders should always fulfill the promises made to the citizens during electioneering so as not to face the wrath of Allah.

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Religion

By Iyabo Adebisi/Funmi Ojo/Abimbola Bamgbose

As Muslims around the world observe the Eid-el-Kabir festival, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo state has felicitated the Muslim Ummah in the state.

The governor charged them to use the occasion of the blessed festival to engage in more prayers for the state, Nigeria and all the leaders.

Governor Makinde, who said that the Eid-el- Adha is one blessed and glorious festival through which Muslims worship God and show complete dedication to him, prayed to God to accept and reward the sacrifices of all worshipers.

He appreciated the Muslim Ummah for their unrelenting support for his administration and their constant prayers, stating that he remained assured of their support and prayers as the administration begins its seventh year in office.

He said: “I want to congratulate my Muslim brothers and sisters in Oyo State and across the world on witnessing the Eid-el-Kabir 2025.

“The Eid Adha is one glorious festival and an opportunity for Muslim faithful to demonstrate their dedication to God through prayers and sacrifice.

While congratulating them on the occasion of Eid-el-Kabir, I also appreciate the Muslim community in Oyo State for their unrelenting support, prayers and sacrifice for the betterment of our state.

“I admonish them to continue to pray for their government, which has served them for six years and delivered accelerated and sustainable development and to continue to support us.

“Let me also add that our government, their government, will continue to put the interests of the people of the state first.

“Again, I urge all Muslims and all residents of the state to be watchful and alert during the festivities, as security is a responsibility for everyone. If anyone sees something, they should say something and the government will do something.

Similarly, Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, is calling for reflection and renewed commitment to community and faith.

In a message to the people of the state, Governor Adeleke praised the resilience of Osun citizens and acknowledged their sacrifices in the face of challenges.

He described Eid-el-Kabir as a celebration of faith, sacrifice, and spiritual renewal, urging Muslims to emulate the devotion shown by Prophet Ibrahim and his son, Prophet Ismail.

“When Allah asked Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son, he did not hesitate. That act of total submission brought immense reward. Eid reminds us that faith and sacrifice lead to lasting blessings.”

Governor Adeleke thanked the residents for their continued support and faith in his administration saying his administration is committed to rewarding the trust of the people with visible, positive changes.

He called for continued prayers and support as the present administration is working to make Osun a model of good governance in Nigeria and beyond.

Governor Adeleke joins other leaders in marking Eid-el-Kabir, urging unity and compassion during this sacred time.

In a related development, Governor Dapo Abiodun has felicitated with the Muslim faithful on the occasion of Eid-el-Adha, calling on them to reflect on the teachings of Islam and the values of selflessness, compassion, and unity.

The festival, which commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s unwavering obedience to God’s command to sacrifice his son, serves as a profound reminder of the importance of faith and devotion.

In his message, Governor Abiodun encouraged Muslims to embrace the spirit of the season by showing love, generosity, and care for the less privileged.

“On this special occasion, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all Muslims as we mark Eid-el-Adha. This celebration is not only a time of joy but also an opportunity for deep reflection on the virtues of sacrifice, love, and generosity,” he said.

“As we gather with family and friends, let us not forget those in need. The true essence of Eid lies in our willingness to share our blessings and uplift others.”

The governor also emphasized the importance of unity and peaceful coexistence among all religious and ethnic groups in the state, noting that the occasion should be used to foster mutual respect and understanding.

“In these challenging times, it is essential that we strengthen the bonds of friendship and harmony that bind us together as a people,” he said.

Governor Abiodun further urged security agencies to remain vigilant and ensure the safety of residents throughout the festive period. He also called on citizens to celebrate responsibly and observe necessary safety guidelines.

I commend our security personnel for their unwavering commitment to peace and order. Your sacrifices are greatly appreciated.

“Let us all celebrate responsibly, prioritizing the well-being of ourselves and our loved ones as we enjoy the blessings of Eid,” he added.

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Religion

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.