Tag: Ramadan

The Supreme Council for Shariah in Nigeria (SCSN) has defended the decision by some northern state governments to close primary and secondary schools during Ramadan, saying it prioritises students’ well-being amid extreme heat conditions.

The Council also urged Zamfara, Sokoto, Jigawa, and other states to adopt similar measures.

In a statement signed by its Secretary-General, Nafiu Baba-Ahmad, SCSN dismissed opposition from the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and some non-governmental organizations (NGOs), insisting that state governments have full authority to determine school schedules.

According to the council, the temporary closure will not affect academic activities, as lost time will be compensated for by adjusting the long vacation.

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“This decision ensures continuous learning while preventing students from remaining idle for extended periods. It was carefully reviewed by the respective Ministries of Education and widely welcomed by parents,” the statement read.

It described threats of legal or industrial action over the school closure as unnecessary and an affront to state governments’ authority.

“It is baffling that CAN, which remained silent when prolonged ASUU strikes disrupted entire academic sessions, is now opposing a temporary, structured adjustment of just 25 school days,” the council added.

Citing the Education Law of January 1, 1964, SCSN stressed that governors have the exclusive right to set school holidays, except in Kogi State, where the law does not apply.

The council insisted that CAN is not a stakeholder in northern states’ education policies, saying no state government is obligated to seek approval from external groups before making decisions.

SCSN commended the affected state governments for their foresight in prioritizing students’ welfare and urged other northern states to implement similar policies.

It also called on all stakeholders to respect state governments’ authority and avoid interfering in educational matters that directly impact students and their families.

The Commissioner of Police (CP) in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Olatunji Disu, on Tuesday advised residents of the territory to be more vigilant against criminal activities during the period of Ramadan.

A statement from the office of the Commissioner made available to newsmen through the Command Spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, said: “As we enter the sacred month of Ramadan—a time for spiritual reflection and community bonding—the Federal Capital Territory Police Command urges residents to remain vigilant against criminal activities during this period.

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“Prevalent Crimes and Prevention Tips: Car Theft at Mosques: Thieves often target vehicles parked near mosques during Taraweeh and Fajr prayers, especially in poorly lit areas. Park in well-lit, secure locations; Use anti-theft devices and avoid leaving valuables in cars; Coordinate with mosque committees to form volunteer security teams.

“Home Security: Criminals may exploit pre-dawn (Suhoor) and post-Fajr hours when households are often asleep or at prayer. Ensure doors and windows are secured with quality locks.

“Online Scams: Be cautious of fake charity drives, Eid gift scams, and phishing attempts that increase during Ramadan. Verify charities through official channels before donating; Buy from only trusted websites and avoid unsecured payment links.

“Commissioner of Police, CP Olatunji Disu, assures residents that strategic deployments are in place for a safe Ramadan. He calls on religious leaders and community heads to support security efforts by promoting peace and sharing credible information.

“For emergencies or to report suspicious activities, please contact the Police at 08032003913; 08028940883; 07057337653 Complaint Response Unit: 08107314192.

“The FCT Police Command is committed to ensuring the safety and security of all residents during Ramadan.”

The Inspector-General of Police, (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun has urged Muslims Ummah across the country to utilise this period for deep reflection and prayers for peace, unity and national progress. 

Egbetokun said Ramadan, a time of spiritual renewal, self-discipline, and communal solidarity, presents a valuable opportunity for all Muslims to strengthen their faith and promote harmony within society. 

A statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi said: “the IGP extends warm Ramadan greetings to all Muslim Ummah across Nigeria and urges them to utilize this sacred period for deep reflection and fervent prayers for peace, unity, and national progress. 

Read Also: FEC extends Ramadan greetings to Nigerians

“The IGP underscores the significance of interfaith tolerance and peaceful coexistence, calling on religious and community leaders to foster mutual respect and understanding among all Nigerians.

“Furthermore, the IGP has directed all police officers to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and respect for the religious beliefs and practices of the Muslim community during this holy period. 

“The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to ensuring a safe and secure environment for all worshippers throughout Ramadan.

“The IGP wishes all Muslim faithful a blessed and peaceful Ramadan and encourages all Nigerians to embrace the values of love, compassion, and unity that define the holy month”.

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has extended iwarm felicitations to the Muslim faithful across Nigeria as they commence fasting in the holy month of Ramadan.

In a statement on Saturday by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, speaking on behalf of FEC, congratulated Muslims on the sighting of the moon, marking the beginning of the sacred observance.

According to the statement by the Director of Information and Public Relations in the OSGF, Segun Imohiosen, Senator Akume called on adherents of Islam to use the month-long period for spiritual rejuvenation, emphasizing the values of piety, steadfastness, love, charity, and sacrifice as enshrined in the teachings of the Qur’an and the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). 

He stressed that Ramadan is not only a time for fasting but also a season of deep reflection on faith and national unity.

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Beyond religious observance, Senator Akume urged Nigerians to align with the numerous interventions of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, in key areas such as food security, poverty eradication, economic growth, job creation, access to capital, security, and youth empowerment. 

He noted that these efforts are critical to fostering national development and improving the well-being of all citizens.

“The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume, CON, on behalf of the Federal Executive Council (FEC), felicitates with the Muslim faithful on the sighting of the moon, which signaled the commencement of fasting in the holy month of Ramadan.

“He urged them to use the one month long holy month  to reflect on the purpose and lessons of Ramadan, which include piety, steadfastness, love, charity, and sacrifice, in adherence to the teachings  of the Qur’an and the Prophet Muhammed (PBUH) for spiritual rejuvenation and renewed national growth and development.

“SGF enjoins Nigerians to tap into the numerous interventions of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR in ensuring food security, ending of poverty, economic growth, job creation, access to capital, security, and youth empowerment.

“The SGF wishes the Muslim faithful Ramadan Mubarak,” the statement said.

First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu has urged Muslims across the country to embrace love, kindness, and prayer for national peace and prosperity as they commence the holy month of Ramadan.

In her Ramadan message, the First Lady emphasised the importance of using the sacred period for spiritual reflection and extending compassion to others.

“May this blessed month of Ramadan bring you and your family peace, joy, and spiritual fulfilment,” she said.

She called on Nigerians to remember the nation in their prayers, particularly for peace and economic prosperity.

“Let us remember our nation in prayers for peace and prosperity during this holy month of fasting and prayers,” she urged.

Read Also: Ramadan: Ajadi urges Muslims to exemplify Islam’s finest virtues

Senator Tinubu also encouraged acts of charity and generosity, especially towards those in need.

“Please, extend love and kindness to your neighbours this season, especially those in need,” she added.

The First Lady concluded with prayers for divine mercy and blessings for all who observe the fast.

“May Almighty Allah accept all our supplications, forgive all our sins, and answer all our prayers,” she prayed.

She wished all Muslims a spiritually rewarding Ramadan, signing off with the traditional greeting: “Ramadan Kareem.”