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Tag: love

  • Lagos Deputy Gov calls for love, compassion, peaceful co-existence

    •…as Fashola, Akiolu, Okunnu, others observe Eid prayers

    Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Idiat Oluranti Adebule, yesterday called on Nigerians to uphold the significance of the Eid-El-Kabir, which is obedience to Allah, caring and sharing with others, showing mercy, compassion and neigbourly love.

    The deputy governor who gave the advice shortly after performing the Eid el Kabir prayer at the Dodan Barracks Praying Ground urged Nigerians to celebrate Sallah peacefully, show mercy and ensure peaceful co-existence.

    She urged Muslims to always remember the lesson embedded in the celebration which, according to her, is the celebration of God’s mercy on mankind as demonstrated with the replacement of a ram for a son by Allah.

    “This shows great love of the Almighty Allah for mankind. We ought to emulate this act and show kindness and love to our brothers and neighbours by ensuring peaceful co-existence and shunning all forms of divisive tendencies that threaten our national unity,” Adebule said.

    ‘’The message for us as Muslims is that we submit ourselves to the will of the Almighty God. We should not just be carried away by today’s celebration but reflect on the significance of today, which is total submission to God.

    ‘’As we also wine and dine, let us care and share with others, especially the underprivileged, irrespective of tribe or religion.

    ‘’This is why Governor Akinwunmi Ambode-led administration is organising Eid celebration in the 20 local government areas of the state to make the celebration an all inclusive one,’’ Adebule said.

    She urged Lagosians to continue to support and pray for the present administration in the state as it strives on a daily basis to bring new reforms that impact on the lives of the common man.

    On his part, the Acting Chief Imam of Lagos Central Mosque, Sheikh Olubodun Gbajabiamila, urged Muslims to be steadfast in remembrance of Allah, saying the essence of Eid-el-Kabir is to encourage selfless sacrifice in promoting societal peace and progress.

    In his sermon after the Eid Nawafil (Sallah prayer), Gbajabiamila enjoined Muslims to have unflinching faith in Allah and work for peace.

    He admonished them against promoting vices that could breach peace and cause suffering to their fellow human beings in their environments, noting that Islam and its prophets did not support any action inflicting pains and violence on humanity.

    Quoting from Qur’an Chapter 68 verse 51, the Imam urged people in leadership positions to be god-fearing and transparent in discharging their duties, reminding them that they would give account of their deeds before Allah on the day of reckoning.

    “As Muslims, we have another opportunity to check our actions and desist from vices that would breach peace in our communities. In line with teachings of Islam, we must support activities that will bring peace and progress in our society.

    “Anyone, whether Muslim or not, who is fomenting trouble, engaging in kidnapping and stealing from the poor must know that he would give accounts of all his deed on the day of recompense,” he said.

    Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, said the significance of the Eid celebration is to make sacrifice for peaceful co-existence and lift the downtrodden. He said the aim of slaughtering ram is to engender selflessness and unity.

    He said: “It is important we learn how to live together and foster peace in the country. I will enjoin the citizens to support and have faith in the government they elected. At the same time, government must reciprocate the gesture by listening to the yearnings of the people.”

    Obasa used the opportunity to lend his voice to the call for restructuring, saying the action was needed to bring down the tempo of agitations and mutual suspicion between ethnic nationalities that make up the country.

    Restructuring, he said, would bring solution to immediate challenges facing the country, including security and infrastructure.

    Other notable personalities at the Eid ground included the Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu; Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr Babatunde Fashola; former Minister for Works, Alhaji Femi Okunnu; former Inspector General of Police, Alhaji Musiliu Smith; outgoing Lagos Commissioner of Police, Fatai Owoseni, and Baba Adinni of Lagos, Sheikh Abdul Hafiz Abou, among others

  • Governors preach sacrifice, love, unity, tolerance, others

    Governors preach sacrifice, love, unity, tolerance, others

    Governors have urged Muslims to imbibe the values of sacrifice, love and keep  fostering unity as they join their counterparts globally to celebrate this year’s Eid-el-Kabir festival.

    Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, in his message signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Habib Aruna, 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.

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

    Ambode, therefore, called on all Nigerians to exhibit these values for the good of the country and shun any act capable of heating up the polity or causing distrust among various ethnic groups in the country.

     

    Akeredolu, Ahmed, Ugwuanyi greet Muslims

    Ondo State Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN) yesterday felicitated with Muslims over this year’s Sallah celebration.

    Akeredolu advised them that even as they wine and dine during this period, they should not forget to extend their hands of love to the downtrodden in the society.

    The governor asked the Muslim community to also use the celebration to pray for the prosperity of the Sunshine State and the country.

    Kwara State Governor Dr. Abdulfatah Ahmed has congratulated Muslims on the celebration, urging them to be peaceful, generous, law-abiding and prayerful.

    In a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Abdulwahab Oba, Ahmed said the opportunity by Allah “to enable us witness yet another celebration should be used to pray for peace and unity in the country”.

    Ahmed, who urged Muslims to pray for safe return of pilgrims from the holy land, said Nigerians should be ambassadors of a united and prosperous Nigeria rather than engaging in hate and inciting speeches or fanning embers of disunity.

    Enugu State Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi felicitated with Muslims on the celebration, urging them to use the period to continue to promote and abide by the core values of Islam for the sustenance of peace, progress and unity.

    Ugwuanyi, in a message, noted that there is every reason for the country to celebrate the goodness of God, pointing out that the continuous engagement of both Christians and Muslims in prayers for the sustainability of the peace, unity and development of the country, has ultimately proved that with God all things are possible.

    Rivers State Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has felicitated with Muslims on the celebration.

    In a yesterday, Wike urged Muslims to pray for the unity and peace of the nation as they celebrate.

    The governor called on the Muslim faithful to use the celebration  to re-dedicate themselves  to the ideals of peace, security  and  friendship.

     

    Ajimobi cautions against hate speeches

    Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi admonished Nigerians to shun acts capable of disrupting the unity, togetherness and peaceful co-existence of the country.

    In his message to Islamic faithful, he said it was only in an atmosphere of peace and unity that the country could achieve the desired greatness.

    Ajimobi, who spoke through his Special Adviser on Communication and Strategy, Mr. Yomi layinka, condemned what he called hate speeches and the ember of discord being stoked by ethnic agitators in some parts of the country.

     

    Time to fix Nigeria, says Bello

    Niger State Governor Abubakar Sani Bello said the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led administration is working hard towards fixing the nation after years of decay and mismanagement.

    Bello urged Nigerians not to allow the zeal and commitment of the present administration to slip away.

    In a message signed by his Senior Special Assistant, Media and Publicity, Mr. Jide Orintunsin, the governor stated that the administration will not allow the present opportunities to slip off, adding that all is being put in place towards ensuring that the future generations do not meet a nation of decay and mismanagement.

     

    Umahi seeks unity

    The Chairman of the South East Governors Forum and Ebonyi State Governor David Umahi felicitated with Muslim faithful. He urged them to identify unity and religious tolerance as panacea to achieving peace and growth.

    Umahi, in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Emmanuel Uzor, described unity and religious tolerance as sine qua non to achieving cohesion and peace in any country.

    He called on Muslim faithful to preach peace as they celebrate.

     

    Fayose urges sacrifice

     Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose yesterday advised Nigerians to be ready to make the necessary sacrifices for the country’s progress.

    In his message through his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Idowu Adelusi, the governor urged the people to imbibe the spirit of love, obedience, sacrifices and sharing that the festival teaches.

    “We must appreciate God for sparing our lives and giving us good health to be part of the celebration of this year’s festival. As we celebrate, we must not forget the lessons we need to learn from the event.

     

    Amosun Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun advised Muslim faithful to demonstrate the virtue of selfless sacrifice as they celebrate this year’s  Eid-el-Kabir festival.

    Amosun urged Muslims to live a life that mirror selflessness, love and peace.

    In a statement by the Commissioner for Information, Otunba Dayo Adeneye, the governor said Muslim brothers and sisters should reflect on the essence of the festival as they celebrate it.

     

    Lalong: pray for Buhari, economy

    Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong urged Muslim faithful to use the Sallah period for continuous prayers for improve health for President Muhammadu Buhari as well as for the faster recovery of the nation’s economy from recession.

    A message signed by his Director of Press Emmanuel Nanle said: “The governor also expressed delight that with the deepening of the gains of democracy and the consolidation of peace and security by the APC led government, the nation was surely on the threshold of progress.

    “He noted that, as people of faith, Moslem faithful should continue to demonstrate the virtue of love, good neighbourliness and peaceful co-existence always.”

  • Oni, Fayemi to Muslims: imbibe virtues of love

    Former Ekiti State Governor and All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant Chief Segun Oni and Minister of Mines and Steel Development Dr. Kayode Fayemi have called on Muslim faithful and Nigerians to imbibe the virtues of love, tolerance and harmony as advocated by the teaching of Prophet Muhammed.

    Oni, in a statement signed by the Director, Media and Publicity of Segun Oni Campaign Organisation, Mr. Steve Alabi in Ado-Ekiti, said the celebration offered Nigerians a chance to show love to one another and strengthen the bonds of nationhood.

    He said the teachings of the Holy Prophet should serve as a guide to step out of the economic recession.

    The governorship aspirant urged Muslims to continue to uphold Nigeria in their prayers, noting that Nigeria needed prayers now more than ever before.

    Fayemi urged Muslims to continue to uphold the lessons of love, loyalty and sacrifice, which are the hallmarks of the festival.

    The minister, in a goodwill message signed by his Special Assistant on Media, Mr. Olayinka Oyebode, said the Eid el-Kabir festival offers another opportunity for sober reflection, soul searching and spiritual renewal, which Allah demands from the faithful.

    He advised that the lessons of sacrifice and loyalty, which Eid-el-Kabir teaches should not be lost to the pomp and ceremony that accompany the festival.

     

     

  • Nigeria needs love to conquer, says Osinbajo’s wife

    Nigeria needs love to conquer, says Osinbajo’s wife

    Nigeria needs huge dose of love to overcome its challenges, Wife of the Acting President, Mrs. Dolapo Osinbajo, has stated.

    She spoke at the weekend in Owerri, the Imo State capital, during the official inauguration of a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) ELFREEDA FOUNDATION founded by Mrs. Uloma Nwosu, daughter of the Imo State Governor.

    Osinbajo tasked Nigerians to show love to one another irrespective of religious or tribal sentiments.

    According to her: “Our nation needs love now more than anything else. I encourage the people of Imo to show example of this love which I see in them to the rest of the country.

    “Love never fails. I have a request that is deeply rooted in the bible.

    “It is a selfish request because it entails loving everybody irrespective of religion or tribe. And this is what Nigerians should be doing now.”

    Declaring open the foundation, Mrs. Osibanjo said: “I am not surprised with what I see today about the Foundation and all I can whisper is I’m so proud of you my junior sister and daughter, Uloma”.

    Governor Rochas Okorocha described Mrs. Osibanjo as a mother, adding that “her love knows no bound irrespective of class, religion or tribe”.

    Nwosu said the foundation is to help the less-privileged, widows, orphans, disabled and others in the society.

    According to her: “I’m glad ELFREEDA Foundation has joined other charity organisations across the world in helping the less privileged.

    “I remember while growing how we used to go to the Mosque every Friday to feed the poor and since then I have vowed to show love and care to the needy and today that dream has come true.”

     

  • Where’s the Love?

    Where’s the Love?

    Family
    Parents now have favorite children
    The one with the most A’s n money
    Dad n mum so busy chasing paper
    They don’t notice Peters into drugs.
    Where’s the Love?
    Relatives
    The lucky sibling who makes it
    Is drained with unending demands
    And I’m not to let them touch me
    When we go home for meetings
    Where’s the Love?
    God’s House
    I don’t hear about Him n his Grace
    But how earrings, makeup n trouser
    Will take me no where else but Hell
    Nobody’s interested in visitation
    Because honestly, we don’t care about eachother
    Now a place of class n social stratification
    “Keep bringing, c’mon you can do more”
    Pastors touring… members starving
    Where’s the Love?
    Educational Houses
    Gone are the days when teachers,
    Recognized every child for their strengths,
    And worked on them, to bring out the best.
    Now children of the richest parents
    Get the most attention and corrections,
    During the examination marking
    “He knows it, he just forgot”
    Where’s the Love?
    Political Leaders
    Manifesto n propaganda, skillfully written,
    By public relation officers n sweet talkers
    I want to vote right but I’m hungry
    I’m promised five thousand if I vote DFD
    A bird in hand is better than ten in the bush
    What do we demand of you Mr Politician
    Basic amenities, we are not asking for much
    “Oga tailor, all my pockets are full of cash
    Sew me as many more, I want no space
    My great great grand children must eat 2”
    Where’s the Love?
    I wish I was born when life was simple.

  • How to fall back in love with your husband

    IF your husband sometimes feels more like your roommate, best friend, and co-parent than your lover, we get it. You’ve listened to the guy snore every night for years, he knows your weekly grocery list by heart, and he could spot your top Netflix pick in seconds. And those are all beautiful things! But if you haven’t felt that heart-skipping-a-beat kinda love in awhile, try these eight easy ways to revive it.

    Take a trip down memory lane

    When you’ve settled into the rhythm of a marriage, the memory of your first date is eclipsed by other milestones: your wedding day, the birth of your first child, your five- or 10-year anniversary. But taking the time to relive the earliest days of your courtship can help revive those falling-in-love feelings. “We fall in love with someone for a reason,” says relationship therapist Jill Vermeire. “Daydream and get lost in the memory of those first dates in order to remind yourself that your partner is still that person. Pausing to remember what brought you together and looking at the life you’ve built together is extremely important. Appreciation can be an amazing aphrodisiac.” Vermeire suggests re-creating the list of qualities you were looking for in a significant other to remind yourself how long it took to find the right person, and asking friends to help you recall what you said (or gushed) about your husband when you were first dating.

    Don’t try to re-create the butterfly feeling

    While it’s a good idea to relive the happy beginning of your relationship, you don’t want to over-romanticize it. The early excitement of falling in love is a wonderful thing, but what you have now is even better. “It’s important to remember that those sensations are actually related to an underlying fear of rejection, so there’s an element of risk that creates excitement,” says life coach and relationship specialist Ellen Hartson. “The sensation that brings back excitement is a quieter, subtle connection that’s more even, steady, and fulfilling. While this feeling is less chaotic, don’t mistake it for certainty, because that can lead to stagnation.” Revel in the lack of butterflies. Appreciate the luxury and comfort of knowing you’re coming home to someone who’s totally committed to you.

    Paddle against the current

    The longer you’re married, the more likely you are to pay attention to the negative aspects of your spouse, rather than the traits you found adorable when you first fell for him. To counteract this tendency toward criticism, be more intentional about positive communication. In other words, work hard to stay in love. “During the courtship stageor the ‘Velcro stage,’ as I call itwe automatically focus on the positive and make our partner feel valued and chosen,” says psychologist Harriet Lerner, author The Dance of Anger. “The longer people are together, the more this selective attention flips. Don’t get lazy because the natural course of marriage is downstream. Fight the current.” She suggests ensuring your positive feedback exceeds the critical stuff by making at least two encouraging comments to your partner every day.

    Get physicaland not just in bed

    When you’re falling in love with someone, you constantly look for ways to be in physical contact with that personand we don’t just mean when you’re naked. Reincorporating everyday physical gestures here and there can help stir up those loving feelings again. “Start small with a gentle brush of the arm, a pat on the back, holding hands, just putting your hand on top of his,” says Hartson. Every gesture counts. The skin is the largest organ on our body, and physical touch is an important human need.” Before you know it, those little touches will translate to a deepened emotional connection.

    Be a mystery

    As much as you want to appreciate the safety of a committed relationship, it’s important not to get too comfortable. Investing in interests outside of your relationship creates a little breathing room, which stokes the flames of love and intrigue. “When two people know absolutely everything about each other, it’s not a recipe for romance,” says Lerner. “Develop a new passion outside the relationship. Get your blip off his radar screennot in a cold way, but in an I-have-my-own-separate-life way. The more passion you have for life outside of your relationship, the more opportunity there is to rediscover love within it.” Doing a 30-day workout challenge or signing up for a photography class isn’t selfishau contraire, it will likely strengthen your attraction and bond with your husband.

    Tell yourself you’re in love… again and again.

    Whether we acknowledge it or not, we talk to ourselvesif not out loudnonstop. That inner dialogue can have a big impact on our relationships, from creating tension or resentment to fostering a sense of love, joy, and intimacy. “The biggest internal shift we can make is to look at what we tell ourselves about our spouse and how we dialogue with our partners inside our heads,” says psychologist Vagdevi Meunier, founder of the Center for Relationships. “When one person is feeling discouraged in a relationship, the first thing I want to know is what they tell themselves on a daily basis. If you’re engaging in hopeless, negative, or judgmental self-talk, you’re actually having a stronger relationship with the spouse inside your head than the real person.” Shifting to more positive, vulnerable, empathetic self-talk with the partner in your head and in your lifecan help reframe your dynamic. In other words, instead of wondering, Do I still love him?, think, I love him because I choose to see all the things that make him wonderful.

    Remember that the chase is never over

    Even after he proposes, you say your vows, apply for a mortgage, and send the kids to preschool, it’s important to remember that your partner will never fully be “yours.” We’re not trying to scare you, but experts say that a healthy awareness that things can change on a dime may actually help you feel more in love with your partner on a day-to-day basis. “The truth is that there are no guarantees, ever,” says Vermeire. “At any moment a person can change their mind. That’s why a marriage needs attention and appreciation all the time.” We don’t want you to stress about a theoretical relationship apocalypse, but valuing your spouse and making sure he knows that you do goes a long way toward rekindling and reinforcing the love that you may, at times, take for granted.

    Let go of your resentments

    If you have a chip on your shoulder because your partner isn’t taking out the recycling often enough or helping you make weekend plans, those little bitter feelings could be grinding down the love and goodwill you’ve created over time. So take a hard look at the expectations you believe your spouse isn’t meetingbecause they’re your problem, not his. “One common cause of the spark wearing off is that we build up resentments,” says Hartson. “Expecting your partner to always be sexy, funny, reasonable, sensible, and accommodating is a set-up for bad feelings. To get the excitement back, first you have to get over your resentments and strive for acceptance.” Even if these aren’t the core issues, it’s important to hash them outfirst with yourself, then with your husbandso you can move on to discussing more deep-seated, long-term problems. Doing so will change the whole dynamic of your relationship, making it lot easier to communicate, connect, and feel more in love.

     

    Source: redbookmag.com

  • My love for Fela – Olola

    My love for Fela – Olola

    Budding singer, Oluwafemi Feola Famoyibo speaks to Ovwe Medeme about his career and challenges

    Who is Olola?

    My name is Oluwafemi Feola Famoyibo. My stage name, Olola came from my real name Feola. When I was born my dad was a very big fan of Fela so he named me Feola after the late, Fela. At first my stage name was Fela but I was getting too much comparison to Fela the legend which I didn’t like at that stage. So I changed it to Olola.

    How would you describe your genre of music?

    I do afro pop. I have a wide range of musical influences as I listen to a lot of artistes. My old school influences are Tupac, Fela, Michael Jackson and Bob Marley based on the kind of people they were. My new school influences are Wizkid, Wande Coal, Kiss Daniel and Kendrick Lamar.

    Why did you settle for music? 

    Music started for me from when I was very young. Back then, my mum was a great singer and she listened to music a lot. My dad also was a good music listener and a fan of Fela. In my teenage years I was in the Teens Choir and when I entered school I meet a lot of people into music and all these greatly influenced my decision to go into music.

    What do you intend to achieve with your music? 

    It depends actually on my concentration. My first song, Bless Me was released two years ago. It was about me talking to God. Sometimes I like to put myself in people’s situations. I don’t box my music so I try to be free with what I decide to do. I do every kind of music basically and it also depends on my mood.

    What are your immediate plans for your career?

    In the coming weeks, I will be dropping a song, Adore You. It is being produced by TY Mix. Also, I have a lot of music on ground which I will be releasing from time to time. For now I would just keeping dropping singles till my fans request for an album.

    How did you get signed to Grind Records?

    I got signed January this year. The label is pretty new and I’m up and coming so we are practically growing together. We are learning new things together and if there is something we both need to share, we share with ourselves. We communicate a lot and I like that a lot.

    What’s unique about you?

    What sets me apart from other acts is that I’m myself. There is no one like me, because when God made me he made me differently. There are no two people perfectly alike and that sets me apart. When it comes to my music it’s about me and everything I stand for.

    Any plans on working with other producers and acts?

    Like I said am a studio rat. I can’t see a good producer and not work with them. Majorly, producers are the ones that do most of the work. As long as you are a very good producer I would work with you and I’m down to working with any artiste.

  • Ashafa preaches unity, love

    Ashafa preaches unity, love

    The senator representing Lagos East in the National Assembly, ‘Gbenga Ashafa, has urged Muslims and non-Muslims to use this year’s Eid-el-Fitr celebration to pray for the nation’s unity and show love to one another.

    In a Sallah message, Ashafa congratulated Muslim faithful on the successful completion of fasting during Ramadan.

    The senator urged Nigerians to pray for those at the helm of affairs in the country.

    According to him, Nigerian leaders need prayers to take the nation to the Promised Land.

    He said: “The time to pray for those at the helms of affairs is now, especially on the completion of Ramadan fast. The leaders must be helped with prayer.

    “I felicitate with Muslim faithful for their perseverance during the Ramadan fast. It is my prayer that Allah will continue to sustain them.

    “I also pray that Almighty Allah will grant unto them the blessings of Ramadan fast, which is purity, self-denial, love for one another and generosity to the poor and needy in our society.”

    The senator urged Nigerians to shun those fanning the embers of disunity, saying the strength of every nation is the unity of its people.

    Ashafa said: “Those clamour for secession is unpatriotic as the lives innocent citizens were lost to keep the country one during the 1967–1970 civil war.

    “This is the time to pray for the speedy recovery of President Muhammadu Buhari, who has demonstrated genuine sincerity to restore the dignity of Nigeria in the comity of nations.

    “Nigerians, irrespective of their tribe and where they live, must imbibe the spirit of love, tolerance, peace and unity by being one another’s keeper.”

     

  • Governors preach peace, national integration, love

    Governors preach peace, national integration, love

    Governors across the federation have felicitated with Nigerians on the Eid-el-Fitr celebration.

    The urged the citizens to shun divisive tendencies, embrace national integration and love.

    The governors spoke in interviews with reporters, broadcasts as well as in separate statements issued yesterday to mark the end of Ramadan fasting.

    Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola implored citizens to put the country’s stability and progress at heart before taking decisions on matters of national interest.

    He stated this yesterday while addressing reporters after the Eid-el-Fitr prayers, at Osogbo Central Eid praying ground, Oke-Baale, Osogbo.

    He called on the political office holders to inculcate right attitude that would guarantee unification, peace and stability.

    From the Government House Oke Fia, Osogbo, where the governor took off to the praying ground, his convoy snaked through a thick crowd of residents, who expressed support for him.

    Many climbed rooftops and stand at vantage positions to catch glimpses of the governor as residents waved at him.

    Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi congratulated the state’s Muslim community on the successful completion of the holy month of Ramadan.

    The governor, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Communication and Strategy,Yomi Layinka, in Ibadan, called for spiritual rebirth among the Islamic faithful.

    He enjoined Muslims not to deviate from the teachings of the Holy Prophet Muhammed on the essence of Ramadan, even after the Sallah celebrations.

    Ajimobi said: “Since Ramadan fasting symbolises the period of spiritual rejuvenation, I urge our Muslim brothers and sisters to continue to put into practice the teachings of Prophet Muhammed.”

    Sokoto State Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal called on the citizenry to engage in acts that promote national integration and feeling of brotherhood.

    The governor noted that exemplary leadership cannot be achieved without the active and patriotic participation of the citizenry.

    He said: “We should, therefore, be ready to individually and collectively give our modest contributions.”

    Tambuwal spoke Saturday night in Sokoto in a special sallah broadcast to the people to mark the end of Ramadan and Eid Fitr celebration.

    “We must share our joys with the less-privileged among us and should be ready at all times to love for others what we love for ourselves.”

     

    ‘No to secession’

    Niger State Governor Abubakar Sani Bello joined other leaders in condemning the call for secession and break up.

    He said the agitators should channel their energies towards other national issues that unite the country.

    Speaking after observing the two Rakat prayers to mark this year’s Eid-Il-Fitir celebration at Minna Eid praying ground, Minna, the state capital, the governor advised the promoters of secession to desist from their unpatriotic act.

    He added that the government was set to deal with anyone who plantothrow the nation into chaos.

    “Nigerians are better off together. We can together channel our useful energy to other more important national issues that unites the country rather than dwell on those little things that differentiate us.

    Ondo State Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu rejoiced with Muslims faithful on the successful completion of the 2017 Ramadan.

    The governor, in a statement, urged them to put into practice all the lessons learnt from the annual religious exercise.

    Akeredolu,who hailed the unflinching support of the Muslim community to his administration,urged them to continue avoiding divisive tendencies and actions capable to cause mistrust among the citizenry.

    He pleaded with Muslims to embrace the virtues of love and sacrifice,as they join their fellow brothers and sisters worldwide in celebration.

     

    Nigeria’s strength lies in unity, says Amosun

    Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun urged Nigerians to live in peace and harmony with one another, saying the greatness and  strength of Nigeria  lies in its unity.

    Amosun urged Nigerians to identify things that bound people together and reinforce them and shun divisive tendencies.

    The governorspoke after observing the Eid-el-Fitri prayer at the Muslim Prayer Ground, Lantoro – Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.

    He advised Muslims to imbibe the virtues of Ramadan during the month-long prayer and fasting by putting them to practice.

    Amosun said Nigerians should work towards cohesion and unity at this period of the nation’s history.

    He explained that one of the virtues of the holy Ramadan is love and harmony, urging Muslims in Nigeria practice those virtues.

    Also, the Chief Imam of Egbaland, Alhaji Liadi Orunsolu, in his sermon, urgedMuslims to persevere in doing good and helping the less-privileged in the society.

    Kogi Staate Governor Alhaji Yahaya Bello called on the citizens, irrespective of religious faith, to imbibe the spirit of brotherhood in order to live harmoniously in the interest of peace and growth.

    Bello spoke after the observation of the Eid-el-Fitr prayer at the Old Stadium, Lokoja.

    The governor’s appearanceat the venue surprised Muslim faithful, who had in the past witnessed his predecessors observe the annual end of Ramadan prayer at the Felele Eid praying ground.

    Bello enjoined Nigerians not to relent in fervent prayer for President Muhammadu Buhari for quick recovery, and for the Acting President, Prof. YemiOsibajo, to succeed in the challenges of piloting the country’s affairs.

    Bayelsa State Governor Henry Seriake Dickson also joined others in felicitating with Muslims, especially in the state, on the celebration of Eid-el-Fitr.

    In a statement in Yenagoa, the governor called for more tolerance, unity and peaceful coexistence as the citizens celebrate.

    He emphasised that no meaningful growth could take place without those conditions.

    The statement, which was signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Iworiso-Markson,  urged “Muslim faithful to love their brothers and sisters in other religions and see themselves as one at all times”.

     

    Ugwuanyi visits mosque

    Engu State Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, who paid a surprise visit to the Muslims at their Central Mosque located in Owerri road, Enugu to felicitate with them, noted that Eid-el-Fitr offers an opportunity for both Muslim and Christian faithful to continue to live in harmony for the progress.

    He added that the country’s strength lies in its diversity and ability to overcome challenges despite socio-political differences.

    The excited Muslims, through their Leader, the Sarkin Hausawa, Alhaji Yusuf Sambo, hailedthe governor for the surprise visit, “even when you had earlier sent gift items to us through your Special Adviser on Security Matters, Gen. Fred Eze (rtd)”.

     

    El-Rufai: resist division

    Kaduna State Governor Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai urged Nigerians to uphold national unity and jointly resist agents of division.

    El-Rufai, who spoke after Eid prayers in Kauru town, headquarters of Kauru Local Government Area, said Nigerians should not allow agents of doom to realise their sinister agenda.

    “We should use this celebration to reflect and pray hard for peace and unity of Nigeria. As citizens, we should stand together against those preaching division and violence. Our diversity is a source of strength, and our common humanity is a threat to those, who earn their living by manipulating differences.

    “Let us be uncompromising about maintaining peace and promoting harmony.”

    Kano State Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje called on the Muslim Ummah to continue to exhibit the strict spiritual teachings of the holy month of Ramadan in their daily affairs.

    In a statement signed by Commissioner for Information Malam Muhammad Garba, Ganduje said the lessons of tolerance, peace,fairness, justice, love and support for the needy and less-privileged learnt during the month-long fast should bepractised by all beyond the holy month to attain spiritual uplifting, peaceful coexistence and national unity.

  • Akpabio, Obasa, Faleke seek unity, love

    Senate Minority Leader Godswill Akpabio, Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker Mudashiru Obasa and Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Customs James Abiodun Faleke yesterday congratulated Islamic faithful and Nigerians on the successful completion of Ramadan fast.

    They urged them never to deviate from lessons learnt during the period.

    Akpabio’s  goodwill message, in a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Jackson Udom, urged Muslim faithful to close ranks and work for the peace, unity and growth of Nigeria.

    The statement quoted the former governor as saying: “Muslim faithful should not forget the very tenets of the religion, which are love, obedience and perseverance as they celebrate the end of the Ramadan fast.”

    Obasa called on Nigerians not to relent in sharing love among themselves.

    Obasa,in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Musbau Razak, urged the citizens to continue to work for the country’s unity and peaceful co-existence.

    The Lagos Assembly Speaker urged Nigerians to be vigilant at all times and cooperate with the government at all levels to fight crimes in the society.

    “Ramadan teaches us love and unity and I want to urge us not to relent in sharing the love and unity we have done during the fasting period. We should continue to spread love and peaceful co-existence. This is the essence of Ramadan which we must not neglect,” Obasa said.

    Faleke, who was the deputy governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the last Kogi State governorship election, urged Nigerians to eschew divisive tendencies and embrace love of one another.

    In a   statement issued yesterday to felicitate with Muslims on this year’s Sallah celebration, he saidthe fragile political atmosphere in the country occasioned by primordial agitations and hate speeches would lead to nowhere.