The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Eid-el-Fitr

  • Eid-el-Fitr: Police assure Lagosians of safety

    Eid-el-Fitr: Police assure Lagosians of safety

    Lagosians were yesterday told that adequate security measures are in place during the Eid-el-Fitri celebration today and after.

    But the United States’ warned of a likely terror attack in the nation’s financial and business honeypot during the end of Ramadan.

    However, Lagos Police spokesman Superintendent Dolapo Badmos, in a statement, said: “The Lagos State Police Command wishes to inform the general public that adequate and necessary security measures have been put in place during and after the Eid el-Fitri celebrations.

    “In furtherance to this, all Muslim faithful and indeed the general public are hereby assured of their safety.

    “Furthermore, the command wishes to state that appropriate operational strategies have been devised to ensure a hitch-free Eid-el-Fitri celebration at all praying grounds, recreational centres, hotels and all other public places.”

    The statement urged the public to report any suspicious movement to the police through the security numbers – the toll-free 767 or 121 – among others.

    In a statement, the U.S. Embassy said: “The U.S. Mission in Nigeria advises that groups associated with terrorist activity might be planning attacks against hotels in Lagos frequented by international visitors, including those located on waterfronts, during the Eid-al-Fitr holidays.”

    The Federal Government declared today and tomorrow public holidays in commemoration of the end of Ramadan fasting by Muslims.

    The U.S. urged its citizens in Nigeria to review their personal security plans and be conscious of their surroundings and places they go to, including local event centres. It also advised them to monitor local news stations for updates.

    The statement added: “The U.S. Mission in Nigeria reminds you to review your personal security plans, remain aware of your surroundings, including local events, and monitor local news stations for updates. Be vigilant and take appropriate steps to enhance your personal security.”

    The warning is unusually specific unlike the previous warnings about possible attacks in locations frequented by expatriates. There had been security breaches in Lagos, as militants went wild, killing people indiscriminately in Ikorodu.

    Badmos added that it was not unusual for the U.S. to issue such warnings to its citizens.

    “It is not out of place for the U.S. to issue such warnings to its nationals. It should not cause panic among residents because in the past weeks, security has been beefed up across the state to ensure a hitch-free holiday. The police, military and other security outfits are on alert.”

     

  • Turkish President greets Muslims at Eid-El-Fitr

    President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey has felicitated with Muslims in Nigeria on the occasion of this year’s Eid-El-Fitr.

    According to a statement by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, Erdogan had a telephone conversation with President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday.

    President Erdogan, whose country had recently suffered terror attack at the Atartuk airport, rejoiced with Nigerians on the successful completion of this year’s Ramadan fast despite whatever distractions.

    President Muhammadu Buhari had, last week, in a letter written to the Turkish President, commiserated with him and the entire people of Turkey in the wake of the bombings at the Ataturk airport in Turkey.

    President Buhari had described the incident as a “horrific attack on their soil by evil forces who have nothing to do with Islam despite their warped beliefs.”

  • Oyegun to Nigerians: Pray for Buhari’s government

    Oyegun to Nigerians: Pray for Buhari’s government

    National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, has appealed to Nigerians to support and pray for the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari as well as for the peace and development of the country.

    In a message to Muslims on the successful completion of Ramadan fast, Oyegun reminded them of the cardinal message that although Eid-el-fitr signifies the end of Ramadan, the doctrines of moderation, piety, regular supplication to Allah (SWT), and being a brother’s keeper subsist always beyond the Ramadan.

    Odigie-Oyegun: “Amidst Eid-el-Fitr celebrations, Muslim faithful are enjoined to spare a thought for the country. The APC also calls on Muslim faithful and indeed all Nigerians to use the occasion of Eid-el-Fitr to pray for the peace, development and prosperity of the country. The Party also calls on Nigerians to pray and support the administration as it continues to develop and implement socio-development initiatives for the good of the country.

    “Happily, the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration is already nursing Nigeria’s battered economy back to life. Nigeria has regained its rightful place amongst the comity of progressive nations. The implementation of palliative measures and social safety nets contained in the 2016 National Budget will ease the current economic hardships in the country.

    “As we celebrate Eid-el-Fitr, I pray that Allah (SWT) accept our prayers and guide the country out of the present rough patch. I wish all Nigerians a happy and fulfilling celebration. Eid-el-Mubarak!”

  • Eid-el-fitri: Sustain Ramadan virtues – Kalu urges Nigerians

    Former Governor of Abia State, Dr. Orji Kalu has urged Nigerians to sustain the virtues associated with the Muslim fast at Ramadan,  charging them to live in peace and harmony, describing the  future of the country as  bright under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari.

    Kalu pointed out that the heterogeneous nature of Nigeria should be seen as an advantage, noting that peaceful co-existence among Nigerians regardless of religion, tribe, economic and social status is a panacea for sustainable development

    In a statement signed by his Special Adviser, Alhaji Kunle Oyewumi, Kalu said,”It is indeed another opportunity to join our Muslim brothers and sisters to celebrate this year’s Eid-el-Fitr in commemoration of the successful completion of the month-long spiritual exercise.

    “ Sallah period is a season of spiritual rebirth and fulfillment and as such, we should use the occasion to offer special prayers for the nation.

    “The tenets of the holy month of Ramadan must be sustained by the Muslim Ummah as a way of keeping to the teachings of the holy Qu’ran and exemplary qualities of Prophet Mohammed.

    “We must imbibe the acts of alms giving, togetherness, love and sacrifice in our daily lives.”

    Kalu, while wishing the Muslim community a hitch-free festivity, he reminded them to celebrate with people of other religious faith.

  • Eid-el-Fitr: ACF, Sultan greet Muslims

    As muslims all over the world celebrates Eid-el-Fitr today, the Northern socio-cultural group, Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF)  and Sultan of Sokoto,  Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III yesterday appealed to the dreaded Boko Haram sect to lay down their arms and stop killings of innocent souls. He said Islam forbids the killing of innocent soul without any justifiable cause as prescribed by Sharia.

    ACF, in its Eid-el-fitr felicitation message signed by it National Publicity Secretary, Muhammad Ibrahim and made available to newsmen in Kaduna yesterday, equally called on the security agencies to intensify their efforts in combating the menace of the Boko Haram insurgents in the Northeast region and other terrorists activities nationwide.

    According to the statement, ACF congratulates the new National Security Adviser and the Service Chiefs as it believes that President Buhari has made the best choice and we expect them to bring their experiences to bear and work together fast and tackle the renewed upsurge of the Boko Haram. The states of Borno, Yobe and Adamawa deserve some respite please.

    “Nigeria needs peace for the Buhari administration to effect the change Nigerians voted for. As Mr. President leaves for state visit to USA on Monday, ACF wishes him and his entourage a fruitful deliberations with President Obama.

    “ACF urges our leaders at all levels to consider themselves as servants of the people, demonstrate love, fairness and equity in all their dealings while the followers should constantly pray for God to guide the leaders towards good governance.

    “The Holy month of Ramadan of 1436 AH (2015 AD) will come to an end with the sighting of Shawwal moon. The period of Ramadan was an opportunity for Muslims all over world who fasted,  prayed, reflected and devoted themselves to the reading and teachings of the Holy Quran, practices and sayings of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW).

    “It was also an occasion when Muslims reaffirmed their belief in the oneness of Almighty Allah and commitment to the ideals of Islam. Muslims also prayed fervently for peace, unity and understanding among Nigerians, they also helped the less fortunate and the poor in our midst in view of the prevailing economic hardships and inequality nationwide.

    “ACF therefore wishes the Muslim Ummah nationwide a peaceful and Happy Eid Fitr SALLAH celebration and equally urges Muslims to continue to devote themselves to prayers for unity and peaceful coexistence in view of the insecurity and many other challenges confronting Nigeria. ACF equally appeals to the perpetrators of insurgency and terrorism to lay down their arms and stop killing innocent people as Islam forbids the killing of innocent soul without any justifiable cause as prescribed by Sharia,” the statement read.

    Sultan, in a statement by the The Secretary General of Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), Dr. Khalid Abubakar Aliyu said giving to the down trodden will assist them to celebrate the Sallah happily with the rest of the Muslims.

  • Eid-el Fitr: IGP orders tight security nationwide

    Eid-el Fitr: IGP orders tight security nationwide

    TO ensure hitch-free Sallah celebrations, Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Solomon Arase has asked Command Commissioners nationwide to ensure water-tight security during and after the celebrations.

    The police boss noted that during the celebrations, special attention be paid to places of worship, critical public places and other vulnerable points prone to criminal attack.

    A statement  by Force Spokesman, Emmanuel Ojukwu said yesterday.

    The IGP, who complimented the Muslim faithful as they round off the Ramadan fast, enjoined them and other citizens to maintain utmost vigilance.

    He urged all citizens to continue to support the Police and provide useful information towards preventing and discovering crimes and their perpetrators.

  • Eid-el Fitr: IGP orders water-tight security nationwide

    Eid-el Fitr: IGP orders water-tight security nationwide

    In a bid to ensure hitch-free Sallah celebrations, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Solomon Arase has asked Command Commissioners of Police nationwide to ensure water-tight security during and after the celebrations.

    The police boss noted that during the celebration, special attention be paid to places of worship, critical public places and other vulnerable points prone to criminal attack.

    This is contained in a statement on Wednesday by the Force Spokesman, Emmanuel Ojukwu.

    The IGP, who complimented the Muslim faithfuls as they round off the Ramadan fast, enjoined them and other citizens to maintain utmost vigilance.

    He further urged all citizens to continue to support the Police and provide useful information towards preventing and discovering crimes and their perpetrators.

  • Photo: Eid-el-Fitr celebrations in Nigeria

    Photo: Eid-el-Fitr celebrations in Nigeria

  • Govt promises Lagosians free BRT, BFS ride on Eid-el-Fitr

    Govt promises Lagosians free BRT, BFS ride on Eid-el-Fitr

    The Lagos State Government is offering Lagosians free bus ride on Monday July 28 to ease traffic around the state on the Eid-el-Fitr.

    Commuters on the Mile 12 to CMS BRT route will enjoy the free ride, same as those on the Bus Franchise Scheme (BFS) route from Ikotun to Igando-Iyana-Ipaja-Ikeja.

    A statement signed by the External Relations Specialist for the Lagos State Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), Mr Kolawole Ojelabi said LAMATA’s Managing Director, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, urged Nigerians to do everything in moderation during the holiday period and ensure that accidents do not occur on the roads.

    He called on all to use the holiday to reflect on the current security challenges being faced in the country and pray for its quick resolution.

    Mobereola also called for prayer for the safe return of the Chibok girls abducted over 104 days ago as well as the prosperity and development of the country.

    Mobereola called on all Lagosians to be vigilant and be security and safety conscious. He said any suspicious movement or activity by any person or group of persons should be reported to the security agencies.

    As a public transport planning, franchising and implementation Agency of Lagos State, Dr Mobereola said LAMATA remain committed to promoting the achievement of an integrated multi-modal transport system in the state.

    He urged the public to keep faith with the government in all its transport projects aimed at making life and movement easier for all Lagos residents.

  • IGP orders ‘water-tight security’ for Eid-el-Fitri

    IGP orders ‘water-tight security’ for Eid-el-Fitri

    The Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Mohammed Abubakar, has ordered officers in charge of zonal and state commands to take measures to ensure “water-tight security’’ before, during and after Sallah celebration.

    The order is contained in the IGP’s goodwill message to Muslims which was made available to journalists on Wednesday in Abuja.

    Abubakar directed Assistant Inspectors-General of Police in charge of the 12 zonal commands to ensure increased surveillance, patrol and tactical police presence on the highways and places of worship.

    According to him, such surveillance and high police presence should be extended to recreation parks, strategic and other vulnerable areas.

    The IGP also directed the commissioners of police in charge of states to adequately deploy personnel to guarantee free flow of traffic and safe passage of travelers through their domains.

    “Highway patrol teams working in conjunction with other law enforcement agencies are equally directed to take adequate measures in preventing road accidents and rendering assistance to travelers, particularly those in distress,’’ the News Agency of Nigeria quoted the IGP as saying in the message.

    Abubakar congratulated all Muslims who participated in the Ramadan fasting, and prayed for the peace and security of the country.

    He urged them to imbibe the principles and teachings of Prophet Muhammed.

    He assured Nigerians of adequate security throughout the celebration, adding that the police were working round the clock to ensure that.