Ramadan Fast Continues, Sallah Holds Tomorrow, Says NSCIA

Our Correspondents

The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has said the Eid-el Fitr festival will hold tomorrow (Thursday).

It asked Muslims in the country to observe Ramadan fast today (Wednesday).

The NSCIA, which made the clarifications in a statement in Abuja, said the crescent has not been sighted to end Ramadan fast.

The statement was signed by the Deputy Secretary-General, of NSCIA, Prof. Salisu Shehu.

The NSCIA said: “The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) – under the leadership of its President-General and Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, Alh. Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, CFR, mni – wishes to inform the Nigerian Muslim Ummah that there was no proven report of the sighting of the crescent of Shawwal, 1442 AH on the 29th of Ramadan, 1442 AH.

Gbajabiamila, Secondus Call on Muslims to Pray for Nigeria

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila and the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Prince Uche Secondus, have urged Nigerians, especially Muslims, to use the period of Eid-el-Fitr and pray for the country to overcome her challenges.

In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Lanre Lasisi, the Speaker called on Muslims to ensure peaceful coexistence with their neighbours.

He said after supplications during the just concluded month of Ramadan, it was incumbent on the Muslims to pray that the Almighty Allah brings peace to the land.

He said, ‘’Nigeria faces challenges at the moment, which is why as citizens, we should pray to our Creator for solutions even as leaders try their best to address the issues. I congratulate Nigerian Muslims for the successful completion of fasting in the Holy Month of Ramadan, praying that Allah would accept their acts of ibadah during the period.

FCTA Bans Eid Prayer at National Prayer Ground

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has banned Muslim worshippers from converging at the National Prayer ground along the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua Expressway (Airport Road) for the end of Ramadan fasting Eid prayers.

The decision was taken on Monday at a meeting that took place between the Minister of the FCT Malam Muhammad Musa Bello and a delegation from the FCT League of Imams Initiative led by its Chairman, Imam Tajudeen M.B Adigun, to discuss the modalities of holding Eid prayers for the upcoming Eid-el-Fitr celebrations.

In a statement signed yesterday by FCT spokesman, Anthony Ogunleye, all worshippers are enjoined to hold Eid prayers outdoors within the premises of their neighborhood Juma’at mosques.

The minister said the decision was taken to prevent a possible third wave of COVID-19 as is being witnessed in some countries across the world.

Makinde Calls for Prayers to End Insecurity

Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has congratulated Muslims in Oyo State and across the country, on the completion of the Ramadan fast and the celebration of Eid-el-Fitri.

Makinde said it was a thing of joy that Muslims and non-Muslims have witnessed another celebration of Eid-el-Fitri, calling for prayers to end insecurity in the country.

A statement by his Chief Press Secretary Mr. Taiwo Adisa, the governor enjoined Muslim faithful in the state and Nigerians to reflect the spiritual benefits of Ramadan, which include love, peace and justice in their daily living and through this, contribute to the development of the nation.

He equally called on all Muslims not to depart from their good ways exhibited during the 30 days of spiritual exercise, which, he said, had drawn them closer to almighty Allah (SWT) with a lot of lessons learnt in the process.

Ortom Urges Nigerians to Pray for Peace, Security

As Muslims celebrate this year’s Eid-el-Fitr, Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State has called for sustained prayers to end insecurity in parts of the country.

The governor in a statement by his Press Secretary, Mr. Terver Akase, believes that with prayers and commitment on the part of government and the people, the wave of killings, kidnappings, herdsmen attacks and banditry will be surmounted.

He said the peace, security and unity of the country must be placed above personal and sectional interests, as keeping Nigeria safe and united is a task for all its citizens.

The governor urged Muslims in the state to promote the values and lessons of Ramadan such as piety, generosity, peaceful coexistence and justice.

AbdulRazaq Hails Buhari’s Commitment to a Better Country

Kwara State Governor, Alhaji AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, yesterday cautioned against disparaging of the person of President Muhammadu Buhari for no just cause.

He said that the president as the leader of the country, deserves some respect and not denigration, especially in the light of his prudent management of resources and commitment to the welfare of the poor.

The governor said this in Ilorin at the distribution of Ramadan gift, tagged ‘Baba for all’ to the vulnerable, physically challenged, widows and less-privileged across the 16 local government areas of the state.

Governor AbdulRazaq added that the president has done exceedingly well in the area of infrastructure.

Uzodimma Salutes Muslims, Urges Prayer for Nigeria

Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, has called on the Muslim community to devote their time to praying for the unity of Nigeria, particularly in the face of current challenges posed by insecurity that threatens her oneness.

Felicitating the Muslims for successfully completing their Ramadan Fast, Uzodimma also admonished them to reflect deeply on the teachings of Prophet Mohammed as they concern love for one another and peaceful coexistence.

The governor recalled that the Covid-19 pandemic which is still ravaging parts of the globe, including Nigeria, and the threat of insecurity in different parts of the country, clearly test the resilience, dedication, patience and self-sacrifice of Muslims as true believers in the teachings of Prophet Mohammed.

He then advised them to hold tenaciously to those positive attributes which their faith espouses.

Tambuwal Prays for Buhari, Sues for Peace, Security

Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal of Sokoto State has appealed to the Ulama in the state and everywhere in the country to sustain the tempo of the prayers that they have been offering for the peace and progress of the country.

Recognising the uncommon efforts the Ulama has been making in ensuring that peace reigns in the country, in the face of unbridled banditry and sundry security breaches, the governor told the Islamic scholars that they should also not give up in praying for President Muhammadu Buhari.

He made the calls when he hosted the Ulama to iftar (Ramadan breakfast) on the 28th day of the Holy Month of Islam at the Presidential Lodge of Government House, Sokoto on Monday.

“God knows that both in private and in public we have Mr President’s safety and well-being at heart. We will continue to pray for his good health so that his wisdom and ability to pilot the affairs of state will not wither or flounder,” the governor stated.

Be True Agents of Change, Unity, Southern Senators Tell Muslims

As Muslims all over the world end their 30 days of Ramadan fast, National Assembly members under the aegis of Southern Senators’ Forum (SSF), have advised the adherents of Prophet Mohammed to act as true agents of unity.

The forum said shunning religious fanaticism by both Muslim and Christians remains the best weapon that can keep Nigeria a united nation, saying religious bigotry has done incalculable damage to Nigeria’s image, politics and economy .

This was contained in a message issued by the forum’s Chairman, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, congratulating the Muslims on eid-el-fitr celebration.

Bamidele said the essence of Ramadan is to maintain piety among Muslim adherents and bridge the gap between the rich and the poor, advising that the holiness exhibited by Muslims during the 30 days fasting should be sustained in the overall interest of the country.

Ekiti Monarch Sues for Peace

The Chairman of Ekiti State Council of Traditional Rulers and Alawe of Ilawe, Oba Adebanji Ajibade Alabi, has congratulated Muslims in Ekiti State and throughout Nigeria on the celebration of Idel Fitri to mark the end of the Ramadan and urged the people to continue to pray for peace in Nigeria.

Oba Alabi noted that the current spate of banditry, kidnapping, unwarranted killings and terrorism in the country calls for incessant prayers from religious leaders.

He remarked that no tangible development can be recorded in a nation devoid of peace, stability and love.

He therefore urged the Muslim faithful and other Nigerians to continue to preach and embrace peace.

Police Deploy 4,500 Personnel to Cover Celebration in Nasarawa

The Nasarawa State Police Command yesterday said it had strategically deployed about 4,500 personnel to cover this year’s Eid-el-Fitr celebration in the state.

The state Commissioner of Police, Bola Longe, disclosed this in statement signed by the command’s Public Relations Officer, ASP Ramhan Nansel, and issued to journalists in Lafia.

According to the police commissioner, “the 4,500 police personnel are to cover major towns, Eid praying grounds, junctions, recreational centres and other public places. While rigorous patrol will be sustained on our highways for the safety of travellers.

“Furthermore, undercover operatives have also been deployed to nook and crannies of the state for surveillance and information gathering.”

Kwara Police Warn Politicians against Turning Eid Praying Ground into Campaign Arena

The Kwara State Police Command has warned politicians across the state against turning the Eid praying ground into a political campaign arena during the forthcoming celebration of Eid-el-Fitr in the state.

The police command also said that it had deployed over 2,000 personnel that would keep vigil during the celebration as anyone caught with dangerous weapons at the Eid praying ground would be treated as criminals and would face the full wrath of the law.

In a statement issued in Ilorin yesterday signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, Ajayi Okasanmi also warned trouble makers to stay away from the state as anyone caught will be made to face the full wrath of the law.

NASFAT Preaches Love for Nigerian Leaders

The Chief Missioner of Nasru-Lahi-l-Fatih Society, NASFAT, Imam Abdul-Azeez Onike has urged Nigerians to fervently pray for the leadership of the nation at all levels for Allah to direct their affairs so that they can diligently discharge their duties and conduct themselves purposefully for the benefits of all.

In his Sallah message, Onike noted that the Holy Prophet said everyone was a shepherd and was responsible for his flock, adding that the leader of people is a guardian and should be responsible for his subjects.

Onike asked specifically for prayers for President Muhammadu Buhari who is the leader of the nation and prayers for other leaders in government, at home, workplace or in the society.

He said that the call became necessary in view of the myriad of problems besetting Nigeria at this moment.

He recalled that at this moment in time banditry, kidnapping for ransom, violent agitation for self-determination by some sections of the country, cultism, terrorism, gangsterism and many more vices have been the order of the day.