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Tag: Eid -el- Kabir

  • 2019 Election would test Nigeria’s democracy – Abubakar

    Former Head of state, General Abdulsalami Abubakar has said the 2019 general elections would be a test case that Nigeria democracy has come of age.

    Fielding questions from newsmen at the Minna Central mosque shortly after the Eid-el-Kabir prayers on Tuesday, Abdulsalami stressed on the need for politicians to play by the rules.

    He pointed out that politicians must shun do-or-die politics for the nations’s democracy to advance while urging Nigerians to put aside their differences by ensuring a hitch free polls.

    The former leader lamented that Nigeria’s political space is been needlessly heated up by politicians adding that enduring political culture can only be built when politicians adhere to the rules of the game.

    He then urged Muslims to imbibe the exemplary life style of Prophet Muhammad and the lessons of Eid el Kabir by living in peace with people of other faiths.

    Read Also: 2019: Presidency replies Tambuwal as Buhari treks 800 metres

    Niger state Deputy Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Mohammed Ketso called on those who registered in the just concluded Continuous Voters Registration exercise by the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) to make effort to obtain their Permanent Voters Card to enable them elect credible leaders of their choice in the 2019 general elections.

    The Chief Imam of Minna Central Mosque Mallam Isa Fari charged enjoined all Muslim faithful to internalize and practice the innate and core lessons of the festival which essentially reinforces the spirit of sacrifice, tolerance, sympathy, empathy, devotion to duty, and the promotion of harmonious coexistence.

    He also enjoined the wealthy Muslims to assist the needy and vulnerable in the spirit of love and brotherhood that Islam stands for.

  • Buhari marks Eid -El-Adha with prayers, 800 metres walk

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday joined the Emir of Daura, Alhaji Umar Farouk and other Muslim faithful, to observe the Eid prayers at Kofar Arewa Eid Ground, Daura, Katsina State.

    Buhari, according to a statement by the Senior Special Assistant on Media and publicity, Garba Shehu, had the honour of performing the symbolic slaughtering of the ram at the Eid ground, signifying total obedience to the will of Allah as exemplified by Prophet Ibrahim.

    After the prayers, the President shunned protocol and opted to trek some 800 metres, acknowledging cheers from Nigerians who had trooped out en masse to attend the Eid prayers and also catch a glimpse of Mr President in his hometown.

    Speaking to reporters at his residence after the walk, the President said he didn’t expect anything less from his ‘immediate constituency’ even as he thanked the almighty God for a bumper harvest and Nigeria’s steady progress towards food sufficiency.

    ‘‘I am very happy about it (the warm reception) and I do not expect anything less from my immediate base.’’ he said

    The President who wished all Nigerians a happy and successful Sallah celebrations, expressed delight that the country was spending less on food imports, noting that it was a major boost to the agricultural policies of his administration.

    At a separate event, the President received members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) currently serving in Daura community- an audience that has become part of his schedules during the Sallah celebrations in the past years.

    Reaffirming his support to the scheme established in 1973, the President told the corps members: ‘‘It is better to know all the country than for people to be state-inclined.

    ‘‘I always look forward to meeting the NYSC team because since I served mostly in the south when I was in the military, some people in Lagos the only thing they know is the sea.

    Read Also: Eid-el-Kabir: Buhari slaughters his Sallah ram (Photos)

    ‘‘For them (NYSC members) to be brought to the desert or near the Sahel region is a very difficult thing but it will make an impact on Nigeria.

    ‘‘I have personally spoken to Gen. Gowon to thank him for having the initiative to start the NYSC programme. It is very good for Nigeria,’’ he said.

    The President formally welcomed the Corps members to the ancient town of Daura and asked them to enjoy their national service year.

    In his remarks, the Corps Liaison Officer, Jibrin Ishak, thanked the President for prioritizing the welfare and a secured future of the Nigerian Youths through his style of leadership and developmental initiatives.

    ‘‘The voice of the people is the voice of God and by the grace of God, we pray that in 2019 you will continue to be President of Nigeria to do more for us,’’ Ishak said.

    The representative of the Corps members prayed God to sustain the President with good health, long life and prosperity.

    In his usual tradition, the President, in the spirit of the season, donated a bull, 10 bags of rice and half-a-million Naira to the Corps Members.

  • Eid-el-Kabir: Peace remains most critical need – Ishaku

    Governor Darius Dickson Ishaku on Tuesday reminded Muslims that peace remains the most critical need in Nigeria especially in Taraba State where many residents have died and thousands displaced from their ancestral homes to crisis.

    He spoke in a statement while rejoicing with Muslims on the Eid-el-Kabir. “I wish all Muslims a happy, peaceful and delightful Eid-el-Kabir celebration,” the statement said.

    The governor’s Sallah felicitation message was delivered by his Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Media and Publicity, Bala Dan Abu.

    “I rejoice with the Muslim Ummah in Taraba State as they join their counterparts in Nigeria and all over the world to mark this year’s Eid-el-Kabir.

    “Peace remains the most critical need of the state and this can only be achieved and sustained if the people remain united against the agents of destabilisation; against those who are bent on causing breakdown of law and order in the land,” the governor said.

    Ishaku prayed for “Allah’s abundant blessings and benevolence upon Nigerians.” He thank God for the gift of life, and reminded Sallah celebrants of the need for them to continue to work very hard for peace in Taraba and the country.

    Read Also: Eid-El-Kabir: Embrace peace, love – Lagos APC women leader

    The governor re-assured them of government’s commitment to his “rescue agenda” which he noted, has already impacted positively in job creation and skills acquisition and also led to an unprecedented improvements in WAEC scores by Taraba students.

    “The provision of water to more than 250 communities, renovation and re-equipment of major hospitals in the state and construction of major roads in the three senatorial zone etc, are only a few of the numerous achievements my administration has put in place.

    “In the years ahead, a lot more will be done in terms of service delivery and in support of the welfare of the people. Let me urge all indigenes and non-indigenes of the state to continue to support this administration.”

  • Eid-El-Kabir: Embrace peace, love – Lagos APC women leader

    Muslims in Nigeria especially Lagos state have been enjoined to embrace peace, love and unity in order to build the society of “our dream together.”

    Lagos state Women Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Hon. Olajumoke Okoya-Thomas stated this in a statement made available to journalists as Muslims celebrate this year’s edition of Eid-El-Kabir.

    Okoya-Thomas said further in the statement, which was signed by her media aide, Oladipupo Awojobi that it is a thing of joy for “all of us to be alive to celebrate another Sallah in good health.

    “My warmest wishes to you on this solemn festival of Eid-El-Kabir. May the blessing of Allah fill your life with peace, joy and good health.

    “We, the women of our great party, the APC are happy that Nigerian Muslims are joining numerous other Muslims from across the world to celebrate another Eid-El-Kabir.

    “This is an annual event that brings to mind how Allah replaced Ismail with a ram for Prophet Ibrahim. May He replace your sorrow with joy and your few with abundance.

    “As we are celebrating another Eid-El-Kabir, we should all remember that Prophet Mohammed (SAW) stood for peace, love and unity in his life time. Nigerian Muslims and indeed all Nigerians should realise the need for us to learn to live together as one and embrace tolerance as a people.

    “While we are not unmindful of our challenges as a nation, we should all realise that there is always light at the end of the tunnel and that we can do better than we are currently doing. We should not over celebrate bearing in mind that we have a lot on our hands as a nation.

    “The current government of the APC both at the federal and state levels, are working hard to make sure that things get better and ensure that we move forward even as we approach another general elections in the country,” Okoya-Thomas said in the statement.

    The Women Leader was quoted to have reminded the Muslims in Nigeria of the need to use the Sallah period to pray for Nigeria, adding that no nation can make progress without peace, love and unity.

    Read Also: Eid-el Kabir: Monarch urges Nigerians to be tolerant

    She said further in the statement that the occasion of Eid-El-Kabir calls for sober reflection and that Muslims in the country should stand for the development of Nigeria, which she said could only happen in an atmosphere of tranquillity and peace.

    “We need peace in Nigeria to catch up with the developed countries of the world and time has come for us once again to remind ourselves of that simple fact that we have spent enough time battling insurgency all over the country.”

    The Women Leader then called for support for the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari and Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State, who she said have done much for the people in the last three years that they got to office.

    Okoya-Thomas reiterated that the APC remains the party with the best solutions to the problems confronting the country and that the federal and Lagos State governments have handled issues maturedly and have potentials to do more.

    “What is needed is cooperation from members of the public and I believe that this Sallah period gives us an opportunity to get across to the people even as we are celebrating one of the most important anniversaries in Islamic religion.

    “Once again, receive my simple gift of ” Eid Mubarak” wrapped with sincerity tied with care and sealed with a prayer to keep you safe everyday, ” the statement read.

  • ‘I’ll accompany my successor to 2019 Eid prayer as ex-Governor’

    Governor Ibikunle Amosun on Tuesday morning took a cursory look at the thousands Muslim faithful who joined him to observe the Eid -El – Kabir prayer at the Muslim Prayer ground, Lantoro, Abeokuta, and declared in sober tone that this year edition draws the curtain to his observing the Sallah prayer with them.

    Amosun who thanked Allah for his mercy upon him and the people of Ogun state for their support since May 29, 2011, said by next year, he would not return to the Lantoro prayer ground in his “capacity as a governor,” but as someone that would accompany his successor – Governor to observe the 2019 Eid -El – Kabir prayer.

    The Governor made this known in brief address to Muslims shortly after the prayer session conducted by the Chief Imam of Egbaland, Alh. Liadi Ogunsolu but the comment prompted many to wonder if Amosun is vaguely hinting of plan to install a Muslim as a successor from among a dozen of aspirants on the platform of the All Progressives Congress(APC) are jostling to succeed him.

    Read Also: Eid-el Kabir: Monarch urges Nigerians to be tolerant

    Joining Amosun to observe the Sallah prayer are the Commissioner of Police in the State, Ahmed Iliyasu, Chief Medical Director of Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Abeokuta, Prof. Adewale Musa, former Secretary to the state government and ex – Mines and Steel Minister, Alh. Tunji Sarafa among other dignitaries.

    He urged Muslim to imbibe the lessons of the Eid – El – Kabir in total submission to the will of Allah and practice them always even as he lauded the people of Ogun State for the pervasive religious harmony.

    “There is unity in Ogun state, everybody sees each other as one. There is nothing like this is one Christian and that one is Muslim. We are all one here. Even when I was coming, some Christians were following me,” he said.

    He reiterated his administration’s resolve to keep working till the hand over date in order to further develop the state and make it investors’ destination of choice.

  • Eid-el Kabir: Monarch urges Nigerians to be tolerant

    The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi 111, has called on Nigerians to get up, put our acts together and take our destiny in our hands for the progress and development of the country.

    The monarch said while the ship of the country may be battered severally on the high seas, but with discipline, hard work, selflessness, patriotism, dedication and unalloyed support for President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration, the ship will safely anchor and be renewed to the surprise of everyone in the world.

    Oba Adeyemi gave the admonition in his Idel Kabir message made available to the media on Tuesday.

    The paramount ruler stated that governments at all levels, political leaders and followers, and all of us, must have the courage and honesty to get to the root causes of our current state of insecurity, underpinned by criminality, and insurgency/terrorism.

    Read Also: Eid-el Kabir: Masari doles out N72, 231, 350 gift to Pilgrims

    He enjoin Nigerians to imbibing the virtues of tolerance, understanding and good neighbourliness as the baseline of transforming the country, heal our relationships, and give us the polity of our dreams.

    According to him, this calls for rededication, not only to the Creator, but also to the cause of mankind, appreciate the gift of life and imbibe the virtues of tolerance, and contentment.

    Said he, ‘’ Common indices of the well-being of the society should include peace, the existence of rule of law, socio-economic progress and the safety and comfort of the citizenry. Unfortunately, until recently, these ideals have not been achieved in the country because of the tendency of those in positions of authority seeking their personal well-being first and sometimes try to do this at the expense of the down-trodden people.

    They place themselves in advantageous positions by subverting the commonly accepted rules of conduct and goal attainment’’.

    Alaafin went further, ‘’if every citizen sincerely love in our hearts, governance would work, electoral reforms would be easier to accomplish, funds would be judiciously utilized for the good of the larger number, leadership would love and cherish the led. That is the to all humanity, at this time’’.

    Love, he stressed, considers others first, prefers others above personal and selfish desires, and which seeks to emancipate, unshackle and liberate’’.

  • Eid-el Kabir: Masari doles out N72, 231, 350 gift to Pilgrims

    Governor Aminu Bello Masari of Katsina state, on Tuesday announced a cash gift of N72, 231, 350, to about 2500 pilgrims from the state who were performing this year’s Haj in Saudi Arabia, as Sallah gift

    Each Pilgrim was given the sum of three hundred Saudi Riyals, equivalent to N28, 892.54, when converted at the rate of N96.31 to the Riyal

    The Amirul hajj and leader of Katsina state delegation and Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Abubakar Yahaya kusada disclosed the donation when he visited the rants of the pilgrims at Arafat ground while they are performing their prayers.

    Kusada who further expressed happiness over the way and manner the pilgrims conducted themselves during the period, called on them to continue in that regard. He also urged them to pray for President Muhammadu Buhari and Governor Masari so as to enable them continue their good works

    Meanwhile Governor Aminu Bello Masari has felicitated with Muslims over the Eid-el Kabir, calling for more sacrifice and obedience to leaders in the true spirit of the religious occasion.

    A press release from the Special Assistant (Media),to the governor, Abdul Labaran, quoted the him as saying that religious occasions were moments which citizens should use for both merriment and sober reflection for the advancement of the society.

    He said “For Muslims across the globe the importance of the Eid-el Kabir cannot be over emphasized, as it signifies sacrifice and unquestioned obedience to the command of Allah (SWT) by Prophet Ibrahim( AS)’’.

    Read Also: Eid-el-Kabir: Buhari felicitates with Muslims, urges harmony, tolerance

    “For us in Nigeria, regardless of creed, the significance of the lesson of the occasion cannot be more poignant, coming at a time when our nation requires from each of us the twin virtues of sacrifice and obedience’’.

    “There is no doubt that Nigeria is facing serious challenges which the leadership under President Muhammadu Buhari is pulling out all the stops to address. The APC administration means well for all Nigerian citizens’’.

    Masari further urged the citizens to assist the leadership to successfully navigate the country out of the dire straits in every positive way and not allowing differences in religion, region and ethnicity to be used by those averse to the advancement of the nation to divide the country.

    He said “We must resist, reject and renounce politics of negative instincts, and put a distance between us and the proponents and promoters of such divisive tendencies, as their interest is at variance with the Nation’s”.

  • Eid-el-Kabir: Buhari felicitates with Muslims, urges harmony, tolerance

    President Muhammadu Buhari has felicitated with Muslims over the Eid-el Kabir, urging for the promotion of harmony and tolerance in dealing with one another at all times.

    Buhari, in his Sallah message, posted on his verified Twitter account, also called Nigerians to rise above personal, group, sectarian and other interests.

    He said: “I felicitate with all Nigerians, particularly the Muslim faithful, on this year’s celebration. I assure you all that our administration will not rest or relent as we work to build the Nigeria of our dreams—secure, prosperous and free from the ravages of corruption.

    Read Also: Eid-el-Kabir: Buhari slaughters his Sallah ram (Photos)

    “On this occasion of Eid-ul-Adha, I urge all Nigerians to rise above personal, group, sectarian and other interests, and to promote harmony and tolerance in dealing with one another at all times.

    “We must imbibe this lesson and make it a duty to sacrifice for others and to always remember those who are less fortunate than ourselves. Selfishness, greed and corruption have no place in our lives and in our dealings with one another.”

     

  • Eid-el-Kabir: Buhari slaughters his Sallah ram (Photos)

    President Buhari joined other Muslim faithfuls to observe the Eid prayers in his village, Daura in Katsina state today.

  • Eid-el-Kabir: Ganduje caution politicians against incitement

    Kano state Governor, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje has urged Muslims to imbibe the values of sacrifice, love and keep fostering unity as they join their counterparts globally to celebrate this years Eid-el-Kabir celebrations.

    Ganduje also cautioned religious and political leaders against hate campaigns, incitement or fanning embers of disunity in this period of heightened political activity in the country.

    In his Sallah message signed by the commissioner for Information, Youth and Culture, Malam Muhammad Garba, Governor Ganduje said the period of the celebration was a clarion call for Nigerians to imbibe the lessons of the season such as selfless service to God and humanity, sacrifice and sincere commitment to righteous conducts in their private and public life.

    Read Also: Eid-el Kabir: Gaidam urges unity between Muslims and other religions

    He explained that the significance of the season should be beyond the festivities, adding that the real essence was not in the meat or the blood of the animal but to encourage piety, self-discipline and sacrifice.

    The governor called on all Nigerians to exhibit these values for the good of the country, emphasizing the need for constructive criticisms for improved governance, which he said, must be separated from incitements in order to move forward.

    While congratulating the Muslims for the opportunity by Allah to enable us witness yet another celebration, Ganduje urged the faithful to use the period to pray for peace and unity in the country and for safe return of pilgrims from the Holy Land.