The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Eid -el- Kabir

  • Eid celebration: Ram dealers laments low sale in Borno

    Eid celebration: Ram dealers laments low sale in Borno

    Less than six days to Eid-el-Kabir celebration, ram dealers in Maiduguri are lamenting low patronage by customers.

    Eid-el-Kabir celebration is marked on the 10th day of the 12th month of Islamic calendar known as Zul-Hajj and entailed the sacrificing of rams by Muslims.

    A check by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) at Kasuwar Shanu and other sales outlets indicated that ram prices had shot up by about 50 per cent in the past one year.

    An average bull was sold at N120,000 as against N80,000 last year, while a thorough-bred bull attracts as much as N200,000 as against its old price of N150,000.

    A medium size ram was sold at N30,000 as against its previous price of N15,000, while a well bred ram sold for between N60,000 and N100,000.

    The price of sheep and goats also indicated similar hikes as it was sold at N20,000 and N15,000 as against its previous price of N15,000 and N10,000 respectively.

    Some of the dealers, who spoke to NAN, attributed the situation to low supply of animals in the area.

    Alhaji Hassan Adamu, a cattle dealer, said they were recording low sales due to hike in prices because the demand surpassed the supply.

    “Cattle, sheep and goats are imported from Chad and Niger Republics.

    “Traders from other places are no longer coming to Maiduguri due to Boko Haram insurgency. The ban imposed on cattle movement also pushed up prices,” he said.

    Commenting, Ba-Aji Musa, the Chairman of Livestock Dealers Association of Maiduguri, said that the Boko Haram insurgency had paralyzed livestock trade in Borno.

    Musa noted that all the supply routes and major cattle markets were attacked by the insurgents in the last six years.

    “The cattle markets in Banki, Mongonu, Kirniwa and Gwom were closed down due to insurgency.

    “Animals are no longer supplied to Maiduguri from neighbouring countries.

    ‘’Cattle transportation is banned along Kano, Monguno and Damboa roads, the only supply route is by foot from nearby villages,” he said.

    According to him, more than 30 trucks with an estimated 10,000 cattle were transported from Maiduguri to other part of the country on daily basis before the Boko Haram insurgency.

    The chairman called on the government to expand the scope of agriculture support programme to livestock farmers to encourage growth.

    Also, Buba Audu, a resident, said the hike in prices was a source of concern to them, as most families could not afford exorbitant prices.

    Audu called on traders to reduce prices to enable Muslim families slaughter ram and celebrate the season in a happy mood.

  • Sallah: Commission supports orphans with N10.3 million

    Sallah: Commission supports orphans with N10.3 million

    The Sokoto State Zakkat and Endowment Commission on Thursday distributed N10.3 million to 86 District Heads to buy cows for orphans during the Eid-el-kabir celebrations coming up this weekend.

    Malam Lawal Maidoki, its Chairman, in a brief speech shortly before disbursing the money, stated that the gesture was part of government’s effort to ease the suffering of the orphans and the needy.

    Maidoki said that the financial constrains facing the nation had not stopped government from executing its good intentions toward a better life for the poor and vulnerable in the society.

    He said that the money was routed through the traditional rulers because they were the closest avenue through which government could reach targeted persons like orphans and the physically challenged.

    Maidoki said that government would soon construct Zakkat offices across all districts in the 23 local government areas, and urged the District Heads to support the commission’s tree planting efforts to improve Sokoto’s environment.

    A representative of Sultan Sa’ad Abubakar III, Alhaji Kabiru Usman, the Sarkin Yakin Binji, who flagged off the disbursement of the money, commended Gov Aminu Tambuwal for the efforts to ease the suffering of the people.

    He called on the District Heads to ensure proper use of the money to improve the lot of the poor and particularly ease the hardship of orphans.

  • Sultan declares Sept 1 Eid-El-Kabir day

    Sultan declares Sept 1 Eid-El-Kabir day

    SULTAN of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar has declared September 1, as Eid-El-Kabir Day.

    This is contained in a statement issued in Abuja yesterday by NSCIA Director of Administration Ustaz Isa Okonkwo.

    “The President-General of NSCIA and Sultan of Sokoto has approved Wednesday, 23rd of August, 2017 as the 1st day of Dhul-Hijjah, 1438AH.

    “The council hereby enjoins the Nigerian Muslim community to continue to promote peaceful coexistence and unity among all the citizens of the country,” he said.

    Okonkwo said the decision by NSCIA was in accordance with the calculation of Saudi Arabia, where Hajj (pilgrimage) is being observed.

    He said: “There was no positive sighting of the crescent of Dhul-Hijjah, 1438AH in Nigeria on the 29th of Dhul-Qa’dah, 1438AH, equivalent to August 22, 2017.

    “This is owing to the fact that the weather was predominantly bad for sighting of the crescent of Dhul-Hijjah in most cities of Nigeria.

    “However, scholars have advised His Eminence, the President-General, to declare Wednesday, August 23, 2017 as the first day of Dhul-Hijjah, 1438AH, in accordance with the calculation of Saudi Arabia, where Hajj is performed.”

     

  • Eid-El-Kabir:  70 trailer load of Lake Rice arrive Lagos

    Eid-El-Kabir:  70 trailer load of Lake Rice arrive Lagos

    In an effort to ensure even distribution across all the sale centres, the Lagos State Government on Wednesday said that at least 70 trailer load of the LAKE RICE have arrived the State ahead of the commencement of the sale on Thursday.

    The State’s Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr. Toyin Suarau who spoke to journalists, said that the Government has made adequate arrangement to ensure that Lagosians willing to purchase LAKE RICE can do so without much hassles.

    “This present administration has made the necessary logistics in place. Trailers are coming into the State with the rice. As we speak, there are over 30 trailer loads in Lagos, by Friday it would be about 40, by next week it would be up to 70 trucks and even after the Sallah period, there would be more coming into the State,” the Commissioner said.

    According to him, the Rice would be on sale across the 20 Local Governments and 37 Local Council Development Areas, saying that the decision was to ensure that residents can get it without travelling far distance.

    He said the rice would also be available at LTV Blue Roof Complex, Agidingbi, Ikeja, while the prices still remain the same as N12, 000 for 50kg bag, N6,000 for 25kg and N2,500 for 10kg.

    “There is going to be even distribution of the LAKE RICE and that’s why we are using all the Local governments and the Local Council Development Areas.

    “This will ensure wide distribution of the product to as many people who want it. we have made arrangement for the rice to continue to come into the State, so there is no need for panic buy or any form of rush, just go to your local government or local council development area you will get it to buy,” Suarau said.

    Suarau who affirmed that the sale of the LAKE RICE would commence on Thursday, said the State’s Agricultural Development Authority Complex in Oko-Oba, Agege would flag off the sales while other Local Governments centres would follow suit.

    “The Local Government and Local Council Development Areas are the grassroots. Our target is the residents at the grassroots. I may be able to afford rice for N18, 000 or N20, 000 but some people may not be able to do so. Last Christmas, if not for the Lake Rice, some people would not have eaten rice and you know rice is the main food for Christmas,” he said.

    The Commissioner also expressed optimism that with the up-scaling of the Imota Rice Milling Plant from 2.5 metric tons to 16 metric tons per hour, expected to be up and running by next year, the production of LAKE RICE would be done in the State to ensure availability of the product all year round.

  • Eid-el-Kabir: Lagos to begin sale of Lake Rice tomorrow

    In preparation for the Eid-El-Kabir, the Lagos State government will begin sale of Lake Rice tomorrow at designated centres.

    Commissioner for Agriculture Oluwatoyin Suarau, who announced this yesterday at Alausa in Ikeja, said Governor Akinwumi Ambode approved some centres for distribution and sale of the rice.

    The centres, he said, include the 57 local government and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs), Agricultural Development Area Complex at Oko-Oba in Agege; LTV Blue Roof Complex at Agidingbi in Ikeja.

    The commissioner said the prices remained at N12,000 for a 50 kilogramme bag, N6,000 for a 25 kilogramme bag and N2,500 for a 10 kilogramme bag.

    According to him, the rice is for Lagos residents, irrespective of religion or tribe.

    Suarau said the Ambode administration would continue to ensure adequate production and fair distribution of the rice, adding that it will also be made available to the people at accredited centres.

    The commissioner said the government had started policies and programmes to enhance availability of food across the state.

  • PFN felicitates with Muslims on Eid-El-Kabir

    PFN felicitates with Muslims on Eid-El-Kabir

    The President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Rev. Dr. Felix Omobude, felicitates with all Muslims in Nigeria and all around the world on the occasion of this year’s Eid-El-Kabir.
    Omobude in a statement prayed for a joyful time of celebration for everyone to usher in greater peace and prosperity in our land.
    He enjoins all Nigerians to embrace mutual tolerance and understanding in their conduct and relationships, irrespective of faith, ethnicity or gender, so we can take Nigeria to greater heights in the different areas of life.
    The PFN President calls on all men of faith in Nigeria to lift up the country in their prayers so that there can be an end to bloodshed, kidnapping and terrorism in whatever form.
    He prays for wisdom for those in public office, so they can guide the nation in the right direction and lead the march for a restoration of good values and a turnaround in the nation’s ailing economy
  • Photos: Osinbajo, Ambode celebrate Sallah with Tinubu

    Photos: Osinbajo, Ambode celebrate Sallah with Tinubu

     

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    L-R: Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode (4th right); his Wife, Bolanle (3rd right); APC National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu (4th left); Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo (3rd left); Senator Oluremi Tinubu (2nd left); member, House of Representatives, Ikeja Federal Constituency; Hon. James Faleke; Commissioner for Special Duties & Inter-Governmental Relations, Mr. Oluseye Oladejo; APC Gubernatorial Candidate in Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki (left behind) and others during the Eid-El-Kabir celebration at Tinubu’s Bourdillon residence in Lagos on Monday.

     

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    L-R: Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo; APC National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode during the Eid-El-Kabir celebration at Tinubu’s Bourdillon residence in Lagos.

     

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    L-R: Wife of Lagos State Governor, Mrs. Bolanle Ambode; her husband, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode; Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo; APC National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and his Wife, Senator Oluremi Tinubu during the Eid-El-Kabir celebration at Tinubu’s Bourdillon residence in Lagos on Monday

     

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    L-R: Wife of Lagos State Governor, Mrs. Bolanle Ambode; her husband, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode; Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo; APC National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and his Wife, Senator Oluremi Tinubu during the Eid-El-Kabir celebration at Tinubu’s Bourdillon residence in Lagos.
  • Anti-graft battle built on fairness, justice – Buhari

    Anti-graft battle built on fairness, justice – Buhari

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday assured that patriotic Nigerians have nothing to fear in the fight against corruption as his administration will ensure justice and fairness to all.

    He spoke in Daura after attending Eid prayers to celebrate Eid-El-Kabir.

    But he stressed that those who abuse public trust will face justice in addition to returning their stolen assets to the nation’s coffers.

    He thanked Nigerians for supporting the Federal Government policies, programmes and actions aimed at improving security, revamping the economy and combating the fight against corruption.

    Buhari, in a statement by the Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, said: ‘‘We should thank God this year, the reports I’m getting, which is very pleasing, is that we will have a bumper harvest this year.

    ‘‘I want Nigerians to realise that what this government inherited after 16 years of the PDP government was no savings, no infrastructure, no power, no rail, no road and no security.

    ‘‘Nigerians can see what we have done on Boko Haram and what we are doing to resolve the problem in the Niger Delta.

    ‘‘Before the elections, we identified three major problems confronting our country. The first is security; we need to sufficiently secure our country to manage it well.

    ‘‘The second is economy, especially job for the youths and fighting corruption which is continuous.

    ‘‘For the youths, graduates and non-graduates who are interested in agriculture, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture in collaboration with the CBN are doing something to provide employment for them,’’ the President said.

    Buhari, who is observing this year’s Eid holiday in his native home Daura, Katsina State, will return to Abuja after the two-day public holidays.

  • Sallah: We will continue to work to make Nigeria great – Buhari

    Sallah: We will continue to work to make Nigeria great – Buhari

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday greet Nigerians on the celebration of the Eid-Il-Kabir.
    The President in his message said: “I wish all Nigerians a joyous Eid-El-Kabir. We will continue to work to make Nigeria a great nation.
    “On security, we have made tremendous progress against Boko Haram. We are now applying the same determination to the battle against militancy.
    “On the economy, no doubt these are difficult times for Nigeria. Let me assure you we’re doing our best to improve the lives of all Nigerians.
    “One area of special concern is job creation for our unemployed youth. Vice President Yemi Osinbajo is leading our efforts in this regard.
    “We will emerge from these difficult times. We are doing our best, I urge you to equally do your best.”

  • Eid-el-Kabir

    Feast of faith and love. Nigeria needs both to survive the present storm

    JUST as well Allah, at the nick of time, sent Jibril, the archangel, to hand Ibrahim a ram in lieu of Ishaq,  his son. Childless Ibrahim had beseeched Allah for a child; and pledged, if need be, to sacrifice that child to Allah, to underscore his love, faith and total submission to Allah.

    He was about to do just that when the Supreme Being, posthaste, sent Jibril with the ram substitute. That forever changed the tone of the Eid-el-Kabir feast, being celebrated throughout the Muslim world today.

    How would Eid-el-Kabir  have been, had the following two occurrences not happened?

    Imagine a faithless Ibrahim reneging on his pledge to sacrifice Ishaq, after enjoying Allah’s blessing of an only son?

    God’s ways are not men’s, to be sure. Perhaps Allah would have punished Ibrahim’s faithlessness, and held him to his promise! What would that have meant? Perhaps that, at every Eid-el-Kabir feast, every first-born would have been endangered! It would have been a gory celebration!  And knowing man as a pain-avoiding animal, many would have had serious issues with it.

    But Ibrahim’s faith saved mankind this horror! So, as we dine and make merry, everyone must realise a key kernel of this festival is faith: faith in one’s God, faith in one’s destiny, with the accompanying hard work, and faith in one’s country, no matter how grim the present situation appears to be.

    However, Ibrahim’s faith, in the ultimate mercy and justness of Allah, is only one side of the coin. The other side  is Allah’s immense love and munificence, especially for mankind.

    Moved by Ibrahim’s faith, Allah responded with uncommon love. If Allah had not released Ibrahim from his pledge, Eid-el-Kabir would have been a gory affair. But today, thanks to divine love, the story is gory-turned-glory!

    Now, love is the other side of the Eid-el-Kabir golden coin: love for one’s God, love for one’s compatriots, love for one’s country, love for justice, love for fairness. No country luxuriates in love and fails!

    Indeed, making the ram to take the place of Ishaq, on the sacrificial slab, underscores Allah’s love for the human, far and above every of his other creatures. But what is man’s response to this love? Treachery, perfidy, wickedness!

    When a people ripple with religiosity without godliness, it is treachery against God’s divine love. When a people embrace corruption and decay, against decency and rectitude preached by every faith worth its name, it is perfidy against God’s natural order of things.

    This year’s Eid-el-Kabir is coming at a very difficult juncture of Nigerian history. Never before have Nigerians been summoned to change old ways that were sweet but noxious to new ones that now appear so bitter and stark, but are the only path to redemption, regeneration and renaissance.

    Still, there is no obstacle so formidable faith and love cannot surmount. That is why, as the Muslims troop to the Eid for Sallah prayers, they must  make special prayer requests for our country: for Allah to ease the pains in the land; and lead our leaders right, to the path of salvation.

    However, Nigerians too must be ready to do their own part: love more, doubt less and even bicker less, for doubt and bickering are a function of lack of faith. Nigerians, therefore, must begin to have faith in their own leaders; and become less and less applauders of negative self-fulfilling prophecies.

    Let Nigerians, therefore, make this Eid-el-Kabir a point of fresh start, in inter-faith relations; and in relations with the governments of the day.

    Let our leaders lead right. But let too, the followers show sensitivity and empathy, in these most difficult times. With love and faith, we can surmount these difficulties.

    We wish our Muslim compatriots happy Eid-el-Kabir.