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Category: Religion

  • Eid-el Kabir: Uzodimma, Otti advocate religious tolerance between Muslim, Christian faithful 

    Eid-el Kabir: Uzodimma, Otti advocate religious tolerance between Muslim, Christian faithful

    Tolerance
    By Ihechinyere Chigemeri-Uwom/ Peter Okolie
    Owerri, June 16, 2023 (NAN) Gov. Hope Uzodimma of Imo and his Abia counterpart, Gov. Alex Otti, have called for religious tolerance between the Muslim and Christian faithful in the country as the Muslim Community worldwide celebrates this year’s Eid-el Kabir.

    Uzodimma said: “love, unity, peace, growth, development and more, will be guaranteed in the country, if members of the Muslim and Christian community decide to cohabit, not just in Imo but elsewhere in Nigeria.”

    He spoke when he played host to the Muslim leaders in Imo at the Banquet Hall of the Government House, Owerri on Sunday.

    He congratulated the Muslim faithful for successfully completing their fasting and the privilege of being alive to witness the 2024 Festival of Sacrifice (Eid-el Kabir).

    The governor urged the faithful to “wear tolerance like a cloth.

    “Your faiths are simply means of getting to your destination, which is God.

    “We cannot grow in an atmosphere of rancour, hatred, killing, blood-letting, armed robbery and other vices, which both the Koran and Bible condemn.

    “Tolerance is the name of the business, and with it, inclusive growth and development will be achieved,” he said.

    Addressing some Christian faithful, who joined in the celebration, Uzodimma thanked them for the showing solidarity to their Muslim brothers and sisters at the “common communion”.

    He said: “If you can eat together, it means you can live together, work together and even protect your environment together.

    “It is now time we interrogated our consciences and do those things that please God,” he further said.

    The governor used the occasion to congratulate fathers in the state on the occasion of this year’s International Father’s Day celebration.

    He said that their support to his government in building a virile society could not be discountenanced.

    “We recognise your sacrifices and contributions, which inspire us to strive for a better society and I pray for abundant blessings upon you and your families,” he said.

    Earlier, the leadership of the Muslim Community in the state, Alhaji Bashir Uwakwe, assured the governor that they would remain united in all their endeavours.

    Uwakwe thanked the governor for deeming it necessary, again, to fete them in the Government House, describing the gesture as “unquantifiable show of love to us and our faith.”

    He promised that they would continue to be of good behaviour and to make positive impact in the state.

    He appealed to the governor to ensure that more Muslim faithful got the opportunity to be part of next year’s Hajj.

    In a related development, the Abia governor called on residents of the state to imbibe the spirit of the Eid-el Kabir by being their brothers’ keepers.

    He made the call in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Kazie Uko, and made available to newsmen in Umuahia on Sunday.

    He was quoted to have said that the celebration “also promotes love and understanding among individuals, regardless of their diverse cultures, backgrounds and beliefs”.

    Otti further said that the celebration upholds the act of sacrifice and selfless service in obedience to Allah’s will.

    “This was exemplified by Prophet Ibrahim’s unwavering readiness to sacrifice his son in accordance with Allah’s command,” he was reported as saying.

    The governor also described the event as significant in the Islamic calendar and urged the Muslim faithful to emulate Prophet Ibrahim, who demonstrated complete loyalty and trust in his relationship with Allah.

    “As the world celebrates this important festival, I enjoin all Muslim faithful across the state to emulate Prophet Ibrahim for his faithful devotion to duty and the will of Allah,” he said.

    According to him, the Prophet was willing to offer his only son as a sacrifice for the good of all without questioning.

    “I acknowledge the values of selflessness, kindness, and devotion that are at the heart of Eid-el Kabir and pray that this special period will bring us peace, happiness and unity.

    “On behalf of the Government and good citizens of our dear state, I extend our warmest greetings to our Muslim brothers and sisters in the state and around the country,” he added.

    He promised that the State Government would continue to create equal opportunities and the necessary conducive environment for citizens to live and conduct their businesses.

    “We, therefore, call for the continued support and cooperation of every resident in Abia,” Otti said.
    (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    INA/OPC/USO
    Edited by Sam Oditah

  • Cleric, others admonish Muslim faithful to demonstrate sacrificial love

     

    Sacrifice

    By Uchenna Ugwu

    Abakaliki, June 16, 2024 (NAN) The Imam of Central Mosque Abakaliki, Alhaji Aminu Labaran, has encouraged Muslim faithful to demonstrate sacrificial love and peace to better the nation.

    Labaran made the remarks on Sunday at the Eid praying ground in Abakaliki.

    The cleric advised the faithful to always put their trust in God at all times.

    Mr Ibrahim Obiahu, State Chairman of Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), in his message, said that the celebration was borne out of the obedience of Prophet Ibrahim and exemplified by Prophet Muhammad.

    Obiahu urged government at all levels to initiate measures that would ease the economic hardship.

    Speaking, the leader of the Hausa community in the state, Alhaji Danjuma Gambo, advocated for the will and action to live in peace and unity with one another.

    Gambo said that the sacrifice of Eid-el Kabir symbolised the obedience of Prophet Ibrahim to Almighty Allah as he was ready to sacrifice his son, but was told to use a ram instead.

    He said, “it’s a day of sacrifice; this is why muslims sacrifice an animal and the day also brings about unity among faithful.

    Mrs Hadiza Mansiru, Hawa Muhammed and Ladi Aminu, in their separate remarks, prayed for continuous peace, unity and significant development of the country.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    UVU/ISHO/MNA

    ==========

    Edited by Yinusa Ishola/Maureen Atuonwu

  • Eid-el Kabir: FOMWAN distributes food items to women in Jos

    Eid-el Kabir: FOMWAN distributes food items to women in Jos

    Sallah
    By Zainab Oyekan
    Jos, June 16, (2024)As Nigerian Muslims join their counterparts to celebrate Eid-el Kabir, the Federation of Muslim Women Association in Nigeria(FOMWAN), has distributed food items to women in Jos, to enable them enjoy the festival.
    Hajiya Kaltume Abubabar, FOMWAN Chairperson in the state, who supervised the sharing on Saturday in Jos, said that the gesture would also help them to support their spouses.
    “We focused on the vulnerable ones among us; we want to help them to cope with the hard times,” Abubakar told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
    She encouraged women to endeavour to check on their neighbours and share the little they had with them.
    “So many of your neighbours are hungry and have no one to turn to, check on them and share what you have with them,” she told the women.
    Abubakar said that the Eid-el Kabir  period should be seen as a time for sober reflection, urging women to always create a peaceful and warm environment for people around them.
    “In times like this, a woman could contribute financially and also ensure prudent management of budgets in her home.
    “Most women want to buy everything without considering the home budget; as it is now, it must be food first,” she said.
    Abubakar reminded the women that the Eid-el Kabir season was a time to show love and affection and urged them to lead in demonstrating such virtues.
    (NAN)
    OIZ/ETS
    ========

  • Obi urges Muslims to draw strength from Prophet Muhammad’s teachings

    Sallah
    By Monday Ajogun
    Onitsha (Anambra), June 15, 2024 (NAN) Mr Peter Obi, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, has urged Muslims to draw strength from the teachings of Prophet Muhammad ( PBUH).
    This is contained in a statement by his spokesperson, Dr Yunusa Tanko, on Saturday in Onitsha.
    Obi in a message of felicitation to Muslims on the celebration of Sallah urged Muslims to draw strength from Prophet Muhammad’s teachings.
    “My dear Muslim brothers and sisters, as we gather to celebrate Eid-al-Adha, the feast of sacrifice, I want to extend my warmest wishes to you all.
    “May this Sallah bring us all closer to Allah, to one another, and our true potential as individuals and as a nation.
    “Amid challenges and uncertainties, let us draw strength from our faith and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad. (Peace be upon him.)
    “His unwavering trust in Allah, his courage, and his willingness to sacrifice for the greater good are objects of inspiration to us all.
    “As we celebrate, let us strive to be a source of hope, comfort, and support to those around us.
    “May Allah accept our prayers, our fasting, and our charity and May He grant us the wisdom to walk in His path, the courage to stand for what is right, and the grace to be a blessing to our communities,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    AJOM/CHOM/JNC
    ==============
    Edited by Chioma Ugboma/ Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

  • Eid el Kabir : Intensify prayers for Nigeria, Makinde urges Muslim faithful

    Eid el Kabir : Intensify  prayers for Nigeria, Makinde urges Muslim faithful

    Prayers
    By David Adeoye
    Ibadan, June 15, 2024(NAN) Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has called on Muslim faithful in the state and across Nigeria to intensify prayers for the country.

    This is contained in a message to Muslims on the 2024 Eid-el-Kabir celebration, issued in Ibadan on Saturday by the Special Assistant to the Governor on Print Media, Mr Moses Alao.

    The governor, according to the statement, called on Muslims to use the opportunity of the Eid el Kabir to rededicate themselves to the service of God and for doing good to humanity.

    He equally charged them to use the occasion to make more supplications to Allah for continued peace and prosperity in Oyo State and Nigeria as a country.

    “As I have always said, our administration appreciates the support and prayers of the Muslim Ummah over the last five years.

    “But, we desire more support and prayers, because the times we are in demands that we give more; more sacrifice, more prayers and more patriotism to our state and country.

    “It is my prayer that Allah will accept our worship and reward our efforts,” Makinde stated.(NAN)www.nannews.ng
    DAK/SOA

    Edited by Oluwole Sogunle

     

  • Eid-el-Kabir: FRSC deploys 723 operatives, 12 patrol vehicles in Imo

    Eid-el-Kabir: FRSC deploys 723 operatives, 12 patrol vehicles in Imo

    Deployment
    By Victor Nwachukwu
    Owerri, June 14, 2024 (NAN)  The Federal Safety Corps (FRSC)  in Imo says the command has deployed 723 operatives and 12 patrol vehicles to ensure a hitch-free Eid-el-Kabir celebration in the state.
    Corps Commander of the FRSC in Imo, Mr Evaristus Ebeniro, made the disclosure while addressing newsmen in Owerri, on Friday.
    Ebeniro, who thanked the Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, for logistics and other support, said the operatives consisted of 369 regular officers and 354 special marshals.
    He said that in addition to the  patrol vehicles, three ambulances and two tow trucks had been dispatched to various locations in the state for use by the operatives.
    These, he said, would help to achieve a reduction in road traffic crashes, fatalities and injuries as well as aid prompt response to road traffic emergencies and unhindered engagement with road users.
     “ We expect a slight increase in vehicular traffic across the state especially in the interstate roads such as the Owerri-Port Harcourt, Owerri-Umuahia and other traffic hotspots such as the Douglas road and Control post.
     “ At the headquarters, there is a situation room that monitors road situation and shares information with relevant state commands,” he said.
    He advised drivers to be civil, courteous and realise that family, friends and loved ones await them and the commuters, hence the need to avoid over speeding and reckless driving.
    He noted that mobile courts had been set up in close collaboration with the Nigerian Bar Association to checkmate the excesses of reckless drivers and urged commuters to report reckless drivers to the authorities for appropriate sanctions.
     “ The 2024 Eid-el-Kabir patrol will begin today, June 14 and end on June 21, to showcase our level of preparedness as well as our commitment to safety of road users during and after the festivities.
     “ To reduce road accidents, trucks should not be used to convey passengers,  drink-driving must be avoided at all cost and drivers must show a high level of respect for life by being safety conscious “, he said.
     “ In the event of an emergency, the general public should please call the following phone numbers : 112 and 122 which are toll free as well as the Commander’s official phone number 08077690904,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
     VIN /VIV
    ====
    Edited by Vivian Ihechu

  • 221 Christians from Adamawa to perform 2024 Pilgrimage, says official

    221 Christians from Adamawa to perform 2024 Pilgrimage, says official

     

    Pilgrimage

    By Talatu Maiwada

    Yola, June 10, 2024 (NAN) The Adamawa Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board says it has concluded plans to airlift 221 intending pilgrims to Jerusalem on June 29.

    The Ag. Executive Secretary, of the Board, Ms Angelina Emmanuel disclosed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Yola on Monday.

    She said, the board had successfully screened all the intending pilgrims both at the state level and local governments.

    “We have 179 prospective pilgrims from the state and 42 from the local governments, where two persons were selected from each of the 21 local governments in Adamawa.

    “Altogether we have 221 registered prospective pilgrims from Adamawa state who would be airlifted on June 29 to Jerusalem”, she said.

    Emmanuel said that the screening exercise conducted for intending pilgrims was towards achieving a seamless 2024 Christian Pilgrimage.

    According to her, the screening exercise was a demonstration of government’s commitment to safeguard pilgrims’ health and ensure proper documentation before travelling.

    The Executive Secretary said that the screening excercise was conducted by various bodies including; team of medical personnel, officials from Nigerian Immigration Service, Nigerian Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), and Department of State Service (DSS) among others.

    “The exercise is an annual routine to ascertain the health status of intending pilgrims, ensuring relevant documents such as international passport, yellow card, COVID-19 card are complete and accurate.

    “The officials also do a background check on pilgrims personality and guarantors in order to avoid abscondment, while those with chronic diseases, less than 30 years and pregnant women are disqualified,” she said.

    Emmanuel urged the intending pilgrims to be of good behaviour and shun acts that could bring the state and the country to disrepute while in Jerusalem.

    The executive secretary said that a pilgrimage was not going on a tour for pleasure, but a period of commitment to spiritual exercise — “like praying for themselves, family, state and country”.

    She stressed the need for intending pilgrims to comply with the procedures and protocols established by the commission.

    Emmanuel further expressed gratitude to the State Governor for his unwavering support towards the entire operations as well as the sponsorship of the Pilgrims for the 2024 pilgrimage.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    TIM/AOS

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    Edited by Bayo Sekoni

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • 2024 Hajj: Kwara transports 3,102 pilgrims to Saudi Arabia

    2024 Hajj: Kwara transports 3,102 pilgrims to Saudi Arabia

    Pilgrimage

    By Bushrah Yusuf-Badmus

    Ilorin, June 8, 2024 (NAN) Kwara State has successfully transported 3,102 pilgrims for the 2024 Hajj pilgrimage, with the final batch departing the Gen. Tunde Idiagbon International Airport, Ilorin on Saturday, at 3.06 a.m.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the transportation of the final batch was initially scheduled for June 6, but was delayed due to technical issues developed by the aircraft designated for the journey.

    NAN also reports that the inaugural flight of the state was on May 21, when 313 pilgrims travelled to Saudi Arabia to participate in the ongoing Hajj exercise.

    Subsequent flights, including pilgrims from Ondo and Ekiti States followed, with the penultimate and the last flights being the only night and dawn departure recorded in the 12 air transportations.

    Prof. Mashood Jimba, the Chairman of the Pilgrim Board, expressed gratitude to the state government, for its unwavering support throughout the entire operation.

    Jimba also commended the selection of former Kwara Central Senator, Dr Ibrahim Oloriegbe, as the Contingent Leader for this year.

    He highlighted Oloriegbe’s significant role and influence in their achievements.

    Jimba also extended appreciation to the aviation regulatory agencies for their partnership and collaboration, which contributed to the smooth execution of the exercise.

    On his part, the State Contingents Leader, Oloriegbe, expressed gratitude to Allah for the successful transportation process, in spite of encountering some inevitable challenges that were promptly resolved as they arose.

    He assured the relatives of the pilgrims that the Board officials and NAHCON executives have taken comprehensive measures, to ensure their well-being during their stay in Saudi Arabia without any difficulties.

    Oloriegbe called for prayers from the people of Kwara for continued success in fulfilling their duties during the spiritual journey.

    He extended heartfelt wishes for a blissful Eid-el-Adha festival to the Muslim Ummah, and a successful outing in the Grand Durbar celebration to the people of Ilorin Emirate. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    BAY/FON/AMM

    ============

    Edited by Florence Onuegbu and Abiemwense Moru

     

  • Centre organises Qur’anic recitation competition for PLWDs in Katsina

    Centre organises Quranic recitation competition for PLWDs in Katsina
    Competition
    By Zubairu Idris
    Katsina, June 6, 2024 (NAN) “Darul Qur’anil Kareem Wassunnah E-Global Academy”, has organised a Quranic recitation competition for the blind and other People Living with Disability (PWDs) in Katsina State.
    Its Director-General, Malam Ashiru Bala-Yandaki, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), on Thursday in Katsina.
    He said the competition, scheduled to hold between June 15 and 16,  would have 56 participants for various categories of memorisation of the glorious Quran.
    According to him, the registration is free of charge, saying,”this is part of measures to encourage that group of people to learn how to read the Holy Quran fluently and memorise it.”
    The director -general explained that there were seven categories, but memorisation of two parts (hizbs) was the lowest category, while that of the 60 parts (complete Quran)  would be the highest.
    Bala-Yandaki revealed that the participants should be young PWDs aged from six to 20 years.
    He added that the participants must either be blind or have any other physical deformity to qualify for the competition.
    Bala-Yandaki said that the winners, who are blind would be given braille Quran, braille kits and clothing materials, while others would get copies of the Quran and clothing materials, among other prizes.
    He added that the centre would also try to secure scholarships for the best memorisers within the country and abroad like at the Islamic University, Madinah, in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
    The scholar further said that they would conduct a quiz on Quran and Islamic knowledge for 20 deaf and dumb participants who cannot recite due to their hearing-impaired.
    He said that the centre would continue to initiate programmes to encourage the PWDs to continue searching for knowledge and abstain from street begging. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    ZI/BRM
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    Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani