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Tag: Muslim community

  • Muslim community rejects religious politics, backs APC candidate

    Muslim community rejects religious politics, backs APC candidate

    The Muslim community in Somolu Local Government of Lagos State has disowned a controversial letter rejecting All Progressives Congress (APC) chairmanship candidate over his Christian faith. The letter, which circulated on social media, had sparked outrage and fears of religious tension in the cosmopolitan Lagos suburb.

    In a swift response, Muslim leaders in Somolu gathered at the Central Mosque, clarifying that the purported rejection does not reflect their sentiments. The community affirmed its support for APC candidate, regardless of his religious background. “We have not come for a fight. We are for peace,” the leaders said. “We support the choice of the party for the chairmanship candidate.”

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    Rejecting attempts to stoke division along religious lines, the leaders stressed that leadership should be based on competence, record, and commitment to the people—not faith. They accused those who allegedly authored the letter of politicising religion. “These individuals surface during elections, using religion as a political weapon,” one elder said. “They are not speaking for us.”

    Instead, the community praised Christian aspirants supporting the Muslim population in Somolu through mosque renovations, education scholarships, and healthcare interventions. “We judge people by their actions, not just their religion,” an elder commented. “The strength of Somolu lies in our unity, and we will not allow anyone to destroy that.”

    In a resounding message to political actors, the group urged all stakeholders to focus on development, youth empowerment, and social welfare, rather than sowing seeds of division. “Somolu Muslims are for peace,” the leaders reiterated. “We will continue to support policies and candidates that promote progress, regardless of religious background.”

  • Muslim community demands Sharia Court

    The Muslim community in Lagos State has demanded the establishment of a Sharia Court that will adjudicate cases concerning Muslims.

    They spoke in Lagos at an interactive session with the governorship candidate of the Alliance for Democracy (AD), Mr. Owolabi Salis.

    The community said it needed a Sharia Court “because Muslims’ affairs are being decided by people who know nothing about Islamic laws.”

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    Salis promised to set up a committee to look into the request if elected as governor. He said religious leaders must oppose injustice.

    The event was attended by Muslim clerics from Ikorodu, Epe, Badagry, Ikeja and other areas in Lagos.

  • 2019 elections: Ambode urges religious groups to champion peace

    Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State on Sunday appealed to religious bodies to help to ensure that the 2019 general elections were conducted peacefully through constant prayers for the country.

    Ambode, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Dr Idiat Adebule, made the call at a Muslim Leaders Interactive Forum.

    The forum was organised by the Muslim Community of Lagos State (MCLS) with the theme,  “Make Your Life Count: Unity of Muslim Ummah in Focus”.

    He said that religious organisations by their standing in society had enormous responsibility in ensuring that peace prevailed in their communities.

    According to him, religious bodies could impress upon their members on the need to eschew all forms of electoral violence during the elections.

    “There is the need for religious bodies and leaders to educate the people on the need for political tolerance to promote peace and tranquility before, during and after the elections,” he said.

    Ambode also expressed appreciation for the efforts made by religious bodies in supporting his administration and maintaining peaceful coexistence in the state.

    Also, Prof, Tajudeen Gbadamosi, President, MCLS, assured that the Muslim community in the country would play a significant role in the country’s bid to ensure a peace during and after the elections.

    “We are close to an election year. We know the peculiarities of this period — hate and inflammatory speeches as well as consequent killings and other damnable actions in the religious and social spheres.

    “As a religious group, we have a duty to ensure peace and harmony,” he said.

    In his lecture entitled, “Unity Among Muslims”, Shaykh Muslihudeen Kalejaye, said Islam was a religion that tolerated other religions and ordered its followers to respect and protect all humans.

    “Where there is no unity, it will bring about disruption, devastation and disputes,” he said.

    Also speaking, Dr Ridwan Olagunju of the Department of Islamic Law, University of Ilorin, urged all religious bodies to continue to pray for the peace of the country.

    Olagunju urged the Muslim faithful to adhere to the tenets of Islam as well as do good to make their life count.

    He also appealed to government at all levels to sought the advice of religious leaders in policy formulation.

  • Muslim community seeks end to crime

    Muslim community seeks end to crime

    The Muslim Community of Lagos State (MCLS) has urged security operatives to ensure crimes are reduced to the barest minimum.

    The group expressed disappointment over the increasing rate of crimes and insecurity in the country.

    A statement jointly issued by its President, Prof. Tajudeen Gbadamosi and Public Relations Officer Dr Ridwan Adeyemi, the group said: “There are now reports of missing persons, kidnappings, and ritual killings almost every day. Some communities had been held hostage by ritual cult groups while kidnappers have also feasted on school premises. We hereby call on the government and security agencies to ensure the safety of lives and property. We also call on our fellow countrymen for a revival of the values of hard work and contentment.”

    The MCLS expressed concern over the call for secession by different groups in the country, saying “some of us who were alive during the Civil War do not wish the country follow that path ever again. We, therefore, appeal to all Nigerians to work towards peace and peaceful resolution of all our problems at all times. Many problems would be solved if the government is fair and just and is seen to be so; our problems would be solved if we understand our differences and show respect for individuals and groups; many problems would be solved if we follow our religious teaching of love and tolerance.

    “The provision of the constitution that citizens are free to live in whatever part of the country they choose to should be observed, and government should ensure compliance.”

    The group condemned the Myanmar’s military crackdown on the Rohingya Muslims in Rakhine State.

    According to MCLS, the crackdown which began on August 25 has left more than one thousand Rohingya Muslims dead and displaced more than 700,000.

    “The death toll will inevitably rise after Burma blocked United Nations (UN) agencies from delivering vital food, water and medicine supplies to the Rohingyas. We condemn the persecution and the inhumane treatment of Rohingya Muslims. We appeal to all to pray for the Burmese Muslims,” it said.

     

  • Democracy Day: Ambode thanks Muslims for standing by him

    Democracy Day: Ambode thanks Muslims for standing by him

    Lagos State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode on Monday evening seized the occasion of his second year anniversary in office and Democracy Day commemoration to thank the Muslim Community for standing by and supporting his administration.

    Speaking while joining some Islamic leaders and groups to observe Iftar (breaking of fast) at the Lagos House in Ikeja, Governor Ambode said he chose to use the occasion of Democracy Day to felicitate with Muslim faithfuls on the Ramadan period.

    He commended religious leaders and groups for the harmonious relationship in the State, saying that the peaceful atmosphere had brought about significant development.

    He said: “Today is a very historic day for us in this State because just two days ago, we celebrated 50 years anniversary of Lagos State; yesterday, we were doing thanksgiving in the church and today is the third day of Ramadan and we are doing the Iftar here. Today is also the second-year anniversary of our administration.

    “I am very happy to join you on this significant democracy day. In actual fact, this is my only official function today. I deliberately determined not to do any other thing to mark the second anniversary than to join my Muslim brothers and sisters.

    “So, this is another way of doing thanksgiving by this way of sacrifice. It is not coming as a coincidence, if God did not ordain it, I would not be part of this particular Iftar. This is my own way of saying a big thank you to the Muslim community in Lagos for standing by me, for standing with me and for always supporting me. I recall when we went for the campaign at the National Stadium two years ago and I am happy seeing all my spiritual fathers here again two years after, I want to thank you again for everything,” the Governor said.

    Governor Ambode also urged Muslims to utilize the opportunity provided by the ongoing Ramadan to continue to pray for the development of the State just as he urged them to continue to exhibit the good character of Prophet Muhammed, as well as embrace selflessness, which according to him, are the true essence of the fasting.

    While alluding to the lecture delivered at the event by Dr. Tajudeen Yussuf of the University of Lagos who showered accolades on the Governor for his sterling performance in all sectors and sections of the State, Governor Ambode said only God deserved the praises for giving him the grace to achieve what had been achieved so far.

    “There is nothing more for me to say than to be grateful to God. He is the only one that should get the credit. No matter how much you praise me, it is not possible for me to do what I have been able to do if not for God. So, for every step we take, we will continue to give God all the glory. He is the only one that makes things happen,” Governor Ambode said.

    Speaking on the essence of Ramadan, Governor Ambode said: “This season is to urge Muslims to remain selfless. Ramadan has come to teach us how to ensure self-restraint. Lagos has benefitted immensely from the peaceful co-existence and harmonious relationship among people of different religions and this is what we stand for.

    “Our message to all Muslims is that they should use the opportunity of this Ramadan to continue to pray for the development of the State and to continue to exhibit the good character of Prophet Muhammed,” he said.

    Earlier in his lecture, Dr Yussuf said just in two years, Governor had performed excellently and taken Lagos to the next pedestal of development.

    He alluded to various projects such as Abule Egba and Ajah Bridges, Ojodu Berger regeneration, Lake Rice, Light Up Lagos project, among others, saying that it was evident that the Governor was offering good governance in the State.

  • Osinbajo felicitates with Muslims on commencement of Ramadan

    Osinbajo felicitates with Muslims on commencement of Ramadan

    Acting President Yemi Osinbajo, has felicitated with the entire Muslim community in Nigeria as they join other faithfuls across the world to commence Ramadan, the holy month of fasting and prayer.

    The Acting President, in a statement by the Senior Special Assistant on media and publicity, Laolu Akande, implored Muslims to seek maximum benefits from the Ramadan period by replicating the teachings of the Holy Prophet in all their engagements; private and public.

    He appealed to all Nigerians especially Muslims to also use the period of Ramadan for reflection on our national challenges and join forces with the Buhari administration to overcome them.

    Being a period of spiritual perseverance, temperance, introspection and retrospection with the Almighty Allah, the Acting President urged Muslims to use the Ramadan to renew their commitments to the virtues of love and peace taught by the Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW), and also work towards achieving them.

    While calling on Nigerians to continue to pray for President Muhammadu Buhari, and the nation in general, Prof. Osinbajo urged Muslim faithfuls to also remember the less privileged in the society during the special period and wishes all Muslims a blessed Ramadan.

  • Ayade donates N80m to CAN, Muslim community

    Ayade donates N80m to CAN, Muslim community

    Cross River State Governor Ben Ayade yesterday donated N50 million to the state Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and N30 million to the Muslim community.
    Ayade made the donations in Calabar, the state capital, at the Inter-denominational Church Service organised by CAN to thank God for the governor’s victory at the Supreme Court.
    The governor hailed CAN for its prayers and support while the case lasted.
    He described his victory as an act of God.
    Ayade said: “Let us all rise and celebrate God. Only God made it possible. No man can claim the glor, except God. I thank CAN and all Cross Riverians for their prayers.
    “I still need more of your prayers for us to succeed in the task of building the Cross River of our dream.
    “I also call on my brothers on the other side to come and join hands with me in moving our state forward.”
    The governor said his administration would create 3,000 jobs next year for youths to prove its sensitivity to their plight.
    He added: “Also, as part of Ayadesian theory, I will make additional 6,000 appointments into my government, while another 5,000 jobs will be created in January.”
    The governor currently has over 1,900 political appointees.
    CAN State Chairman Rev. Joseph Ukpo said the governor’s victory was a manifestation of God’s glory.
    Ukpo, who was represented by a Catholic Priest, Rev. Malachy Ephraim, urged Ayayde to make peace with his opponents to move the state forward.
    He said: “There is no victor, no vanquished. Where there is peace, there is progress. Now, it is time for governance.”

  • Edo 2016: Shekarau woos Hausas for Ize-Iyamu

    Edo 2016: Shekarau woos Hausas for Ize-Iyamu

    Former Minister for Education and two-term governor of Kano state, Alhaji Ibrahim Shekarau, has urged the Muslim community and Hausas in Edo State to vote for the People’s Democratic Party candidate, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, for quality governance.

    Shekarau who was in Benin to attend the General Assembly and Executive National Council Meeting of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) took out time to join the Edo PDP campaign team.

    Speaking in Hausa language to some Hausa community in Oredo local government, Shekarau said the PDP has better offers than the APC.

    He told the people that Pastor Ize-Iyamu is a man with integrity, determination, vision and commitment to excellence.

    Shekarau cautioned them not to be coerced by money to be shared the ruling APC.

    At a Campaign Fund-raising dinner for Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu at the Royal Chinese Restaurant in Benin City, the former Education Minister said Edo people were in for better days if Pastor Ize-Iyamu is elected as governor.

    “I want to assure the people of Edo state that they have a man of dedication, a man of commitment, a man of business, a man of determination and a man of vision in Pastor Ize-Iyamu.

    “By some coincidence, the same devilish act of the APC by people who were sleeping on their beds when we did the dirty job of forming the APC, both of us are no longer in APC and are in the right place, PDP,” he added.

    He said the APC ran into crisis after the Caretaker National chairman Mr Olabisi Akande went ahead with the idea of creating a National leader for the party as well as giving the leadership of the party in the states to the 5 erstwhile PDP governors who joined the PDP whereas there was no such provision in the Constitution.

    “We thank God that we are today not part of that mess called APC. We are by the day being vindicated and by the grace of God by the time Ize-Iyamu becomes the governor of Edo state, we will be further vindicated”.

  • Consumers applaud Peak milk Ramadan message

    Consumers applaud Peak milk Ramadan message

    Muslim faithfuls as well as consumers alike have expressed satisfaction over the on-going Peak Milk Ramadan campaign titled: “Nourish Your Body With Peak” aimed at supporting the Muslim community on the nutritional requirements needed to stay fit throughout the holy month of Ramadan in order to achieve a spiritually robust and successful fasting period.

    It will be recalled that Peak Milk embarked on a massive media campaign to reinforce and remind Nigerians on the need for regular milk consumption as it facilitates healthy and strong body growth as well as maintenance during the holy month of Ramadan.

    Investigations at most of the markets revealed that most of the consumers were of the opinion that the campaign was coming at the right time when Muslims needed a product that would nourish their bodies during the Ramadan period.

    Areas where the campaign penetrated include; Garki, Wuse and Gwagwalada markets in Abuja, Maraba, Keffi and New Karu markets in Nassarawa state, Singar and Sabon Gari markets in Kano, Gombe main market, the Terminus market in Jos, Mubi market in Yola, Central market in Bauchi, New market and Makera market in Kontangora, Okene market in Lokoja, Old market, Gusau, Achi Chia market, Sokoto old market, Sokoto, Central market, Kaduna as well as Sabon Gari, Zaria among others.

    The campaign has been running on major radio stations to prepare the Muslim community in Nigeria for the month prior to the commencement of the Ramadan. One of the Muslim faithfuls, Alhaji Yahaya Sule said that he was delighted to take part in the campaign promotion stressing that he and his family have been breaking their fast with Peak Milk since the fasting period kicked off.

    Alhaji Sule added that the nutritional value of Peak Milk was quite resonating as the brand helps his family to stay fit and healthy throughout the holy month, and achieve a spiritually robust and successful fast. A major retailer in Kano, Mrs. Fatima Musa when contacted noted that Peak Milk was doing a great job for Nigerians and the Muslim community with its Ramadan Peak campaign efforts.

    She pointed out that Nigerians needed regular consumption of Peak Milk as it facilitates healthy and strong body growth/maintenance during the Holy month of Ramadan stressing that, that was the reason why she believes in the brand as that maintains her fresh looks during the Ramadan period.

    Meanwhile, nutritionists have stressed that regular milk consumption, especially during fasting period is imperative, because milk contains nature’s essential nutrients that are required for everyday activity.

    It is advised that between 500 – 750 ml milk be taken during the month of Ramadan, according to nutrition experts, as this will provide the body with the energy required to undertake daily activities notwithstanding the disruption in the regular diet schedule.

    Accordingly, “Muslim faithful should consume drinks based on milk and fruit such as milk shakes and smoothies which provide some natural sugars for energy; as well as minerals like potassium, copper and manganese all of which are nutrients. These are good to break your fast.

    “The holy month of Ramadan is the ninth of the Islamic calendar and a time when many Muslims across the world fast during daylight hours for 29-30 days. Taking part in this spiritual activity means no food or drink during the daylight hours, eating one meal just before dawn and another after sunset,” experts observed.