Politics

Impeachment: NACOMYO Makes Case for Olaniyan

By Web News 571


National Council of Muslim Youths Organisations,  NACOMYO has appealed to lawmakers in Oyo State to avoid plunging the state into another round of political crisis with the planned impeachment of the Deputy Governor, Engineer Rauf Olaniyan.

This is contained in a statement issued in Ibadan and signed by the Coordinator, NACOMYO, Oyo State Chapter, Alhaji Dawood Afolabi.

The council opined that the decision of the lawmakers could not be dissociated from the defection of Engineer  Olaniyan from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP to the opposition party All Progressives Congress, APC.

The group enjoined the speaker,  Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin and the other members of the state assembly to learn from the quashed impeachment of former governor Rashidi Ladoja and its attendant crises and halt without further delay the process of Impeachment of the Deputy Governor. 

“The process,” the group said, “if continued will expose the legislature to an avalanche of legal landmines that will not profit anyone as one of the counts against the deputy governor is misappropriation of money whereas  the deputy governor is not in charge of money”

NACOMYO urged  Governor Seyi Makinde not to allow himself to be distracted in the task of building the state taking the state with the removal of Engr Olaniyan, rather he should endeavor to mend fences with his deputy and move on.

It would be recalled that on Wednesday this week 24 out of the 33 lawmakers in the Oyo State House of Assembly had signed the impeachment notice forwarded to the Deputy Governor by the Clerk of the House, Yetunde Awe where he was asked to respond to the allegations leveled against him within seven days.

Ridwan Fasasi

Religion

Deborah Samuel: Killing unislamic, barbaric- NACOMYO

By Web News 678

National Council of Muslim Youth Organisations, NACOMYO has joined others to condemn the killing of Deborah Samuel in Sokoto State for an alleged blasphemy against Prophet Muhammad.

In a statement signed by NACOMYO National President,  Sani Suleiman- Maigoro and the Secretary General,  Mas’ud Akintola, it decries the jungle justice describing it as unIslamic and barbaric urging security agents to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to book.

The organisation identified mutual love, kindness, tolerance, sincerity  and respect for the belief of others as the panacea to the incessant religious upheavals in the country.

NACOMYO at the same time noted with dismay the fallacy of hasty generalization  employed by a section of the media, bar and public commentators by  condemning all Muslims for the incident.

“In their rush to malign and impugn Islam and the Muslims, they forgot the now famous Imam Abubakar of Plateau State who hid over 200 Christians in his mosque to protect them from attack.They also failed to awaken their consciousness to the 2010 acts of maturity displayed by the Muslim Community of the University of Ibadan despite the provocative and indecorous actions  of a female Christian Law student who attempted to disrupt the Jumaat prayer by preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ in the peak of the  prayers. The student ,Seun Adegunsoye was not only protected from being lynched but was protected against rustication from the university authorities by the elders of the mosque”.

NACOMYO frowned at the upsurge in the administration of jungle justice across the country and called for balance reportage of  attacks also on Muslims.

“Notable incidences of mob attack abound mostly perpetrated by adherents of other faiths,  among these  are the “Aluu 4 ” at the University of Port  harcourt and the murder of Habeeb Idris in Ijagbo, Kwara  State over a peaceful procession on Hijab.Till date the perpetrators have not been  prosecuted”.

The organisation appealed to law enforcement  agencies to be proactive in curbing criminal acts and ensuring that offenders are prosecuted to serve as deterrent to others.

NACOMYO posited that there is the urgent  need to strengthen the country’s judicial system to be more responsive and prompt in the dispensation of justice.

“This has become  imperative now to instill people’s confidence in the system and prevent future mob action. Justice delayed is justice denied.The citizens of this country are almost unanimous that our court system is too slow in the dispensation of  justice”.

Ridwan Fasasi

Religion

NACOMYO, OYSAA Urge Muslims to Uphold Lessons of Ramadan

By Web News 656

National Council of Muslim Youth Organisation, NACOMYO, has urged Muslims to steadfastly imbibe the lessons of Ramadan.

This is contained in a statement issued in Ibadan by the Oyo State Coordinator of NACOMYO Alhaji Dawood  Afolabi on the occasion of the Eid-el-Fitri celebration. 

Alhaji Afolabi enjoined Muslims to maximize the teaching and doctrine of Ramadan by remaining steadfast in piety throughout the year, adding that returning to evil ways could be likened to a dog eating its vomit.

NACOMYO used the opportunity to appreciate the efforts of some individuals towards the propagation of Islam. These include Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Edo & Delta, Alh.Daud Akinola De-damak, Seriki Musulumi of Yorubaland, Alh.Yekinni Adeojo,  Asiwaju Adinni of Oyo State, Alh.Mutiullah Oladejo Onimalu. 

Similarly, Oyo State Signage and Advertisement Agency, OYSAA  has felicitated Muslims in the state on the successful completion of this year’s Ramadan fasting.

In an Eid-el-Fitr message by the Director-General of the Agency, Hon. Temilola Segun- Adibi said the lesson of self-restraint, sacrifice, charity, fear of Allah, devotion and love of mankind imbibed during the period must continue all year round.

Hon. Segun-Adibi said in the light of the lessons of Ramadan, all stakeholders in the nation’s political landscape should play the game with fear of God, pointing out that all shall give an account of their deeds on the day of reckoning.

He noted that prayer is a potent means of overcoming challenges, thus Muslims should continue to pray fervently to Allah, for peace, security and well-being of the state.

Ridwan Fasasi

Culture News

NACOMYO Congratulates New Olubadan

By Web News 748

National Council of Muslim Youths organization in Nigeria, NACOMYO, has felicitated Oba Lekan Balogun over his installation as the 42nd Olubadan of Ibadanland.

This is contained in a statement in Ibadan by Coordinator, NACOMYO, Oyo State Chapter, Alhaji Dawood Afolabi.

NACOMYO thanked the Almighty Allah for counting Oba Lekan Balogun worthy of becoming the new Olubadan of Ibadanland.

The Council prayed to Allah to increase the new Olubadan with wisdom, understanding and sound health to direct the affairs of the throne.

NACOMYO also prayed for long life and sound health for the new monarch and as well that Ibadan shall enjoy peace and prosperity during the reign of Oba Lekan Balogun.

The Council believed that the exposure of the new Olubadan as a scholar, an administrator and a politician of repute will be a blessing to Ibadanland .

Ridwan Fasasi

Security

NACOMYO Salutes Police for New Dress Codes for Female Officers

By Web News 626

National Council of Muslim Youth Organizations, NACOMYO has commended authorities of the Nigerian Police for introducing the new and improved dress code for female police officers. 

This is contained in a statement in Abuja by the National President of the Council, Mallam Sani Suleiman- Maigoro and National Secretary, Alhaji Mas’ud Akintola.

NACOMYO noted that the introduction of the new and improved dress code was in line with global best practices, especially as it relates to economically developed first world countries including the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada and  Australia.

It also applauded the move by the Police authorities to accommodate the peculiarities of diverse ethnic-religious and cultural backgrounds of Nigerian female police officers drawn from all the thirty-six states of the federation.

NACOMYO emphasized that the use of hijab in any organisation should not cause any problem at all, bearing in mind that the Nigerian constitution allows freedom of religion which hijab symbolizes. 

The Council also noted that the recent onslaught against the use of hijab by some individuals and organisations were needless and as no female could be compelled to use the attire.

“Religious fundamentalists whose primary assignment, is to infringe on the basic rights of Muslim ladies to dress decently in hijab across several South Western and Kwara States need to have a rethink as there is no way the dress affects them”, the statement added.

Ridwan Fasasi

Lifestyle

NACOMYO Mourns Passage Of Olubadan

By Web News 658

National Council of Muslim Youths Organisations, NACOMYO has commiserated with Oyo State Government, family, Olubadan-in-council and Muslim Ummah over the passage of Olubadan of Ibadan land, Oba Saliu Adetunji.

This is contained in a condolence message in Ibadan by Coordinator, NACOMYO, Oyo State Chapter, Alhaji Dawood Afolabi.

The organisation prayed to Allah to forgive Oba Adetunji and reward him with paradise while praying also that He gives the royal family as well as Ibadan indigenes, home and abroad the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss. 

NACOMYO described the monarch as a selfless leader, a role model and a conscious Muslim who gave all his best to ensure that Ibadan continues to gain prominence in Oyo State and Nigeria as a whole.

The organisation noted that Oba Adetunji was a great leader whose tenure of fewer than five years was full of positive development to Ibadan land and Oyo State as a whole.

NACOMYO urged the people to take solace in the fact that the monarch lived an impactful life and such should be a lesson that no matter how long one lives, the effects on others should be paramount. 

Ridwan Fasasi

Religion

Oyo Government to Prevent Recurrence of Missionaries Preaching in Schools

By Web News 1075

Following the case of some foreign missionaries attached to Evangelist Daniel Kolenda visiting some public schools to preach, Oyo State Government has put measures in place to prevent future recurrence of such incidents. 

Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Barrister Abdulrahman Abdulraheem stated this in Ibadan at a programme reception organised by the National Council of Muslim Youth Organisations of Nigeria, NACOMYO, Oyo State Chapter for new Muslim Commissioners, Local Government Chairmen, National Amirah of FOMWAN and a Senior Advocate of Nigeria.

Barrister Abdraheem explained that the measures would prevent the recurrence of such incidents in the future emphasising that excesses like preaching in schools would be checked.

“We will make necessary amendments and forgive us and we are assuring you that such will not happen again”. 

“When I saw their letter of apology, I was happy but when there was a report the following day of another visit, it really saddened my heart but we have taken different steps and you will soon see the result”.

Barrister Abdulraheem said the case would not be swept under the carpet as thorough investigations were on to know how the team gained access into the schools without due process.

“There has been an existing circular regarding religious activities in schools which we update from time to time. If there is any visitor to our schools, even if they want to donate materials there, after meeting the principals, they must get approvals from the ministry before such visitors could address the students. We don’t allow students to interact with visitors without observing the protocols”. 

“The incident really baffled us in the ministry and personally I have sleepless nights on the case and we have taken a lot of steps which I might not be able to reveal now but I’m assuring you that the case will not be swept under the carpets. We must check such excesses”.

The commissioner exonerated both the Chairman and Permanent Secretary of the State Teaching Service Commission, TESCOM from the incident stressing that they were not pre-informed of the visits to schools by the Evangelist Kolenda’s team.

 “Though, both the Chairman and the Permanent Secretary of TESCOM are Christians but the truth is that they were not responsible for the incident. They are innocent regarding the matter”.

He confirmed the receipt of the letter by the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria on the development explaining that he has had an interaction with the executives of the body on the situation.

The commissioner noted that in line with the open-door policy of Engineer Seyi Makinde’s administration, his office is always open urging people to channel their complaints directly to him rather than going on social media. 

Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Dr Wasiu Olatubosun explained that Governor Makinde would continue to be fair to all religions noting that out of the 17 new commissioners, 9 are Muslims while 8 are Christians. 

He called for continuous prayers for the success of Governor Makinde in line “with Prophet Muhammad’s instructions that we should pray for our leaders”.

Chairman, Oyo State Muslim Community, Alhaji Kunle Sanni explained that causes being fought for were always for the generality of the Muslims and not for any selfish interest.

“We are not asking for any selfish things. None of my children is working with Oyo State Government to say that that is whom we are fighting for but for the generality of the Muslims. A Muslim who wakes up and does not wish for the progress of his fellow Muslims is not worthy of calling a Muslim”.

He said the Muslim Community is apolitical but what has always been its business is fairness and equality to all religions by the state government. 

“We are not APC. What is the difference between APC and PDP? Are they not the same? Our interest is what is due for the Muslims, give it to us and do the same to the Christians but there must not be injustice at all”.

The Chairman on the occasion, Professor Rashid Aderinoye enjoined NACOMYO and other Islamic organisations not to be far from their representatives in government stressing that their regular interaction would resolve many agitations.

In a lecture by Imam Habeebulahi Buhari, the Islamic cleric enjoined the Muslim political office holders to ensure the fear of Allah in all their dealings while working in the cause of Allah should also be paramount in their undertakings. 

Earlier, the coordinator, NACOMYO, Oyo State Chapter, Alhaji Dawood Afolabi said it has become the tradition of the chapter to organize a prayer reception for Muslim political appointees and other personalities in order to team up to advance the cause of Islam.

He emphasized that no individual could buy NACOMYO as the organisation stands for justice and fair treatment adding that as long as the government played its part, there would not be cause for any clash.

Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Titles, Chief Bayo Lawal was represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Dr. Bashir Olanrewaju while the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Alhaja Kafilah Omolabake Olayiwola also has a representative at the reception. 

Other political functionaries in attendance are Chairman, Oyo State Civil Service Commission, Alhaji Kamorudeen Aderibigbe, Chairman, Ibadan North Local Government, Hon. Yusuf Shuaib Oladejo and representative of the Chairman, Association of Local Government Employee of Nigeria, ALGON, Oyo State Chapter. Hon. Sanda Sikiru Oyedele.

The new Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Barrister Kazeem Gbadamosi and the new National Executives of the Federation of Muslim Women Association of Nigeria, FOMWAN led by the Amirah, Alhaja Rafiah Sanni participated in the programme.

Ridwan Fasasi

Religion

NACOMYO Flags Off Islamic Year With Youth Procession In Ogun

By Web News 941

Activities marking the new Islamic year, 1443AH by the National Council of Muslim Youth Organizations, NACOMYO, Ogun Chapter have commenced with a youth procession.

At the event, the Chief Imam of Egbaland, Sheikh Saadullahi Bamigbola felicitated Muslims and prayed for continued progress in Ogun State under Governor Dapo Abiodun. 

Also, the Chairman, Hijrah Planning Committee, Alhaji Saheed Adeola sought the support of the Muslim leadership and enjoined the faithful to attend the commemorative rally scheduled for Sunday 15th August at the MKO Stadium, Kuto Abeokuta beginning from 10am.

In separate remarks, the NACOMYO State Coordinator, Dr. Soliu Amolegbe, the former Chairman, Hijrah Planning Committee, Alhaji Wasiu Sowole, and the NACOMYO National Adviser, Alhaji Kamaldeen Akintunde described the Hijrah Calendar as a guide to determine significant Islamic dates and observances and commended NACOMYO for creating awareness for the Lunar Calendar reckoning.

The procession which took off at the Sodeke, Abeokuta home of the Chief Imam of Egbaland and was terminated at the Ake Palace Grounds, Ake, Abeokuta was witnessed by prominent Muslim leaders, including Imam Sulaiman Kehinde, Sheik Ahmed Olayinka and Alhaji Muftau Majekodunmi.

Olusegun Folarin

Religion

Islamic Cleric Faults Calls For Restructuring

By Web News 752

A Muslim cleric, Sheikh Muyeedeen Ayede says restructuring is not the solution to Nigeria’s problem but re-orientation of its citizens. 

He stated this at Obafemi Awolowo  Stadium, Oke-Ado,  Ibadan at the 1443 Hijrah Grand Rally organised by the National Council of Muslim Youth Organisations,  NACOMYO, Oyo State Chapter.

Sheikh Ayede said he believed the structure of the country is not defective emphasising that what is needed is reorientation of its citizens to think positive about the country and take national interest above selfish acts.

He decried the rate at which youths involved in internet fraud stressing that the trend portends danger for the future of the country.

“Youths have abandoned efforts to struggle to make it in lives. Internet fraud is not only limited to the educated ones, many youths now abandon their apprenticeship to go into yahoo. In fact, out of every four youths, one is into yahoo”.

In a remark,  the immediate past Executive Secretary,  Muslim Ummah of Southwest Nigeria, MUSWEN,  Professor Dawud Noibi who maintained that unity is essential for peace and progress of any nation decried the agitation for Odua Republic stressing that the intention behind it was ill-motivated. 

The Chairman on the occasion and Deputy President General (South), Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Alhaji Rasaki Oladejo urged Muslims to allow the essence of Hijrah to have positive impacts in their daily lives by abandoning evil acts.

“Beyond mere rhetoric, Hijrah should have meaningful impact on us and we should always reflect that impacts in all our actions and behaviours”.

Earlier, the Coordinator,  NACOMYO,  Oyo State Chapter,  Alhaji Dawood Afolabi said the theme for the programme “Security,  peace building and National integration: Muslim Youths as agent of National Stability was chosen as a result of the prevailing security situation in the country.

Alhaji Afolabi who lauded Oyo State Government for declaring public holiday to mark the commencement of the new Hijrah year urged the Governor to ensure fairness to all religions. 

Oyo State Deputy Governor, Engineer Rauf Olaniyan who congratulated Muslims on the beginning of the new year called for continuous engagements with the government adding that the organisation should be patience with the present administration in the state.

“The only solution to the identified problems is continuous engagement.

Don’t fight with the Government. You need to be extremely patient with the Government because the task of governance is enormous”. 

Other Muslim personalities at the programme include the Senator representing Oyo North, Senator Fatai Buhari, Bagii of Saki, High Chief AbdRasheed Adegoke,

Chairman,  Oyo State Muslim Community , Alhaji Kunle Sanni and Special Assistant to Oyo State Governor on Islamic Affairs,  Alhaji AbdRasheed AbdAzeez.

Highlight of the rally was match pass in which school children and paramilitary outfits of some Islamic organisations participated. 

Ridwan Fasasi

Religion

NACOMYO Enjoins Muslims to Maximize Gains of Ramadan

By Web News 566

Muslims have been enjoined to maximise the gains of Ramadan by remaining steadfast in  piety  throughout the year.

This is contained in a statement  in Ibadan by Coordinator, National Council of Muslim Youth Organizations,(NACOMYO) Oyo State Chapter, Alhaji Dawood Afolabi

NACOMYO noted that since heavens did not fall when the believers demonstrated some level of devotions during the month, nothing would happen if same is repeated after the blessed month, adding that returning to  evil ways is like the dog eating its vomit.

The Islamic organisation appealed to the electorate to cast their votes according to their conscience in the forthcoming local government polls while urging candidates to eschew violence and accept results in good faith.

NACOMYO used the opportunity to appreciate the Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Alhaj Dawud  Akinola, the the Seriki Musullumi of Yorubaland, Alhaj Yekini Adeojo, the Babasale Musulumi of Ibadan, Alhaji Lateef Oyelade and the Asiwaju Adinni of Oyo State,Alhaji Mutiullah Oladejo (Onimaalu) for sponsorship of Islamic  activities during Ramadan praying to Allah to continue to partner them in all their endeavors.

The organisation prayed for continued progress and peace in the state and the country.

Ridwan Fasasi

Security

Ibarapa Mayhem:NACOMYO Calls for Compensation for Victims

By Web News 658

National Council of Muslim Youth Organisations, NACOMYO has called on Oyo State Government to compensate victims and families of the lost ones in the recent mayhem in Igangan and other parts of Ibarapaland.

This is contained in a statement in Ibadan by Coordinator, NACOMYO,  Oyo State Chapter, Alhaji Dawood Afolabi.

Alhaji Afolabi, who conveyed sympathies of the organization to the families of the victims, said the compensation should not be delayed as it would aid in rebuilding the areas.

He also enjoined the State Government to ensure that perpetrators of the killings and destruction of property in the affected areas were brought to quick justice.

Alhaji Afolabi noted that the seeming slow response of the State Government to address the spate of killings, kidnapping, rape and forceful invasion of farmlands in the areas was responsible for the civil unrest in Ibarapaland. 

“This is because nature abhors vacuum, especially in emergency situation like insecurity in which survival strategies cannot be limited to those approved by law but rather those perceived as effective to guarantee people’s safety. This perhaps accounted for resorting to self help or seeking the help of ethnic militia and opportunists as activists’.

The NACOMYO coordinator wondered why the state governor failed to visit  the hot spots and commiserate with the people as such would have doused the tension abinitio.

” Since  the time when it became  an everyday affair  for people  to be in bondage as a result of money  minded  criminals  in Ibarapa , the Governor never paid a visit  to commiserate  with the victims. We also  wonder what the Amotekun  corps were doing and the village  vigilantes under  the Baales and village heads. What is absolutely  clear is that there could not be any external insurrection  without  the collusion  of internal traitors”.

Alhaji Afolabi strongly condemned attempts to ascribe the crimes in the areas to a particular ethnic group, as criminality has no religious or ethnic boundaries. 

“For those who are bent on the secession of the Yoruba tribe from Nigeria and also criminalizing or demonizing a particular tribe as they think it’s the quickest way  to achieve  their obnoxious and irresponsible ambition. They lack sense of history. Those who saw hell during the Biafran war will not pray  for a civil  war”.

He also lauded the replacement of the service chiefs which is long overdue hoping that there will be a positive change in the security architecture of the nation.

Alhaji Afolabi reminded states and local governments as well as other tiers of government benefitting from the distribution of national treasury to take security of lives and property as a top priority. 

“They should know that the primary responsibility of any government is security as there cannot be any investment in an unsafe environment”.

Ridwan Fasasi

Religion

Oyo Muslims Celebrate Professor Aderinoye’s Retirement

By Web News 1149

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.

Ridwan Fasasi

Politics

NACOMYO Calls for Peaceful Governorship Election in Ondo

By Web News 753

Ahead of the gubernatorial poll holding in Ondo State this Saturday, political gladiators in the state have been enjoined to respect the peace accord signed this Tuesday with the National Peace Committee.

The National Council of Muslim Youth Organizations (NACOMYO )Southern zone in a statement jointly signed by Mas’ud Akintola and Abdul Azeez Babalola, acting Chairman and Secretary respectively reminded the candidates that sovereignty belongs to God and He gives it to whomsoever He pleases, hence they should play the game according to the rules. 

The Council called on both the INEC and the law enforcement agencies not only to ensure a level-playing ground for the contestants but to remain impartial till the end. 

The statement further implored the electorates to do better than below 26 percent turnout recorded in Edo poll as staying at home when decision about who governs them is being taken could spell doom on them. 

NACOMYO appealed to all men of goodwill to pray for a credible, peaceful and fair poll in the state on Saturday.  

In another development, the apex Muslim youth body considered the appointment of Agbelesebioba Olamilekan Moshood, a.k a Laycon, winner of “Big Brothers Naija (BBN) lockdown edition as ambassador of youth as promoting erosion of moral values by Ogun state government. He was also given cash and a 3-bedroom bungalow. 

The gateway Governor has by this latest action dealth a big blow on intellectual attainment and ingenuity, the statement concluded.

Rilwan Fasasi

Religion

NACOMYO Decries Failure of Oyo Government to Declare Hijrah Holiday

By Web News 1361

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: Islamic Scholars Call for Prayers over National Challenges

By Web News 767

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

Education

NACOMYO Commends Oyo Govt. For Prompt Review of Teachers’ Recruitment Test

By Web News 887

National Council of Muslim Youths Organisation, NACOMYO, has lauded Oyo State government for the review of the Computer Based Test, CBT in the ongoing teachers’ recruitment exercise to make provision for Jumat service and removal of religious questions from the examination.

This is contained in a statement in Ibadan by Coordinator, NACOMYO, Oyo State Chapter, Alhajj Dawood Afolabi.

Alhaji Afolabi said the twin decision of the State Post – Primary School Teaching Service Commission, TESCOM to review the timetable of the CBT for last Friday to allow for Jumat service and deduction of CRK questions from the marking scheme for the Muslim applicants was highly commendable.

He described the prompt actions of the chairman of the Commission, Pastor Akin Alamu to nip in the bud what could have precipitated crisis and set the Muslim Community against the government as a welcome development. 

The NACOMYO Coordinator noted that if all political office holders swiftly respond to complaints like Pastor Alamu did, Nigeria will be a better place.

He implored the state government to employ more teachers for Islamic Religious Studies in the ongoing recruitment exercise as many schools do not offer the subject denying Muslim students the opportunity to understand more about the religion.

Ridwan Fasasi

Lifestyle

Our Administration Will Be Fair to All Religions – Engr. Olaniyan

By Web News 901

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 a 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 sentiments by Nigerian leaders as some of the factors that aided insecurity.

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 did not favour Muslims.

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

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

Ridwan Fasasi