The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Sallah

  • Sallah: Fun-seekers besiege Lekki Alpha Beach

    Hundreds of fun-seekers besieged the Alpha Beach in Lekki, Lagos yesterday to celebrate Eid-el-Kabir.

    According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), people of all ages could be seen catching fun at the beach, some entertaining themselves with foods and drinks.

    One of the fun-seekers, Mr Folabi Ogundipe, said the holiday was a moment to spend time with friends.

    “I have been looking forward to this season. It’s a period to have nice time with friends and relations.

    “I have been to this place on several occasions and I must confess, it is getting better over time,” he said.

    Medical practitioner Wole Smith described the beach breeze as good for health.

    “I was looking forward to the break so I can get a deserved rest from the stress of work.

    “Coming to the beach is perfect for me to appreciate nature and the environment. It’s so good for the soul,” he said.

    Meat seller Malam Abdul Musa described the season as good for business.

    “I have made good money at the beach. It’s a place to do business at a season like now,” he said through an interpreter.

    A worker at the beach, who pleaded not to be identified because he was not authorised to speak, said the beach had been attracting hundreds of fun-seekers daily.

    “The large turnout of people on this beach is a daily occurrence because the beach is clean and of high standard.

    “We intend to keep it this way, to maintain our standard and increase patronage,” the official said.

  • 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: 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: 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.

  • Sallah: There is light at the end of the tunnel – Obadara

    Chairman of Lucinda Media Limited (Owners of Sweet 107.1FM), Senator Olugbenga Onaolapo Obadara, has expressed optimism that things will always get better for the Nigerian Nation.

    While felicitating with Muslim faithfuls on the Sallah Celebration, The Senator said that as a progressive he is optimistic that all will eventually be well for us.

    He said: “Let me felicitate with my muslim brothers and sisters on the Sallah Celebration. Let me also say that i believe that Sallah teaches us that there is light at the end of the tunnel. As a progressive, i also believe that things will get better for the Nigerian Nation.”

    The Media chief, however, noted that action must be taken to get the desired result as being laid back will not yield desired fruits.

    “We cannot wait and do nothing and expect things to be better. Recall that before the ram was given to replace Isiaka, action preceded it. We must also act to reap the desired result.”

    He continued: “My people, we need good legislation to get a good life. We need Legislators that would attract and ensure zonal intervention projects positively touch their constituents.”

    Senator Obadara said the electorates should ensure to get their PVCs as and when due and should be determined to vote conscientiously those who have demonstrated their reliability.

    He said: “Let every electorate go and get their PVCs. When the time comes, don’t rely on promises. Vote people who have been tested and have performed.”

    Senator Obadara concluded stating that he is still in the race to contest for Ogun Central Senatorial District come 2019 adding that he has a track record in which everyone can see.

    “My good people of Ogun Central, I am in the race to return to the Senate to continue serving my people after a meritorious stewardship between 2011-2015 with 133 life touching projects and 6 thereafter”, Obadara said.

  • Sallah: Yobe Govt. places 12-hour ban on vehicular movements

    The Yobe government has placed a 12-hour restriction order on movement of vehicles across the state during the Eid prayer, for security reasons.

    A statement issued by Alhaji Abdullahi Bego, Director General, Press Affairs to Yobe governor, announced this on Monday.

    He said, “Gov. Ibrahim Gaidam has approved the placement of a 12-hour restriction of vehicular movement across the state as part of preparations for a peaceful and hitch-free Eid-el Kabir prayers on Tuesday, 21st August.

    “The restriction begins from 10.00p.m tonight (Monday), to 10.00a.m tomorrow (Tuesday).

    “The public is kindly advised that no vehicle will be allowed within or near Eid praying grounds except those on special duties,” he said.

    He noted that the restriction order followed the outcome of security meeting between the governor and security chiefs in the state.

    Bego urged the members of the public to cooperate with security agencies throughout the sallah period and beyond.(NAN)

  • Sallah: IG places CPs, personnel in Northeast on alert

    As part of security arrangements for Sallah celebration, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Ibrahim Idris  has placed Commissioners of Police and personnel in the North East and other troubled states on red alert.

    The IG also ordered massive deployment of Police personnel across the country.

    Force Spokesman, Ag. DCP Jimoh Moshood disclosed the directive in a statement in Abuja on Sunday.

    The statement reads: “To ensure a hitch free celebration, the IGP has directed the implementation of robust and elaborate security arrangement throughout the country by the Assistant Inspectors General of Police and Commissioners of Police in zonal and State Commands Nationwide.

    “They are to be on ground to beef up security, carryout massive deployment of Police personnel on Police visibility patrols, crowd controls, and adequate protection and safety at all Eid praying grounds and other venues of celebration in their areas of responsibilities.

    “The deployment of additional personnel and crime prevention and detection equipments will be carried out to cover identified and perceived criminal black spots, flash points, abandoned and uncompleted projects sites being used as hideouts by criminal elements to commit crime.”

    Read also: Tambuwal loses 252 aides to APC

    The Police also said the ongoing raids operations and removal of suspected criminals will continue throughout the Sallah period and beyond.

    The deployment will also cover recreation centres, public places and critical infrastructure and public utilities.

    Units deployed to include; Federal Highway patrol Teams, the Safer Highway patrol Units, and Anti-Crime patrols.

    The Force said they have been deployed along Highways and major roads throughout the country for the protection and safety of travellers, commuters and other road users during the period and beyond.

    “They are under strict instructions to be civil, polite, compassionate and firm in carrying out their duties.

    “Intense surveillance/Intelligence gathering will be maintained, special deployment and stop and search duties will be emplaced at all flash/vulnerable points in every state of the Country”.

    The Police also urged members of the public, most especially travellers and other roads users to cooperate with Police personnel deployed on the highways and other duty posts.

  • Sallah: Cattle dealers decry low patronage in Kano

    Some cattle dealers in Kano who had stocked domestic animals such as goats,rams and cows for sale ahead of Sallah, are complaining of low patronage.

    Some of them who spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) on Sunday in Kano‎ lamented that their hopes for brisk business had been dashed as a result of the poor state of the nation’s economy.

    Malam Ali Sani, a dealer at Yan- awaki‎ market in Kumbotso Local Government Area, said they had been forced by the situation to be  selling some of the rams on credit due to slow pace of business.

    Another livestock seller, Haladu Yusuf in Gama cattle market of Nasarawa Local Government area in Kano, lamented the situation and attributed the development to non-payment of salaries by many employers, resulting in low purchasing power of potential customers

    He said although similar development was experienced the previous years, that of 2018 is the worst.

    A livestock dealer in Tarauni cattle market , Malam Sani Ali, also said business was not moving as expected as biggest ram cost about N110, 000 while the smallest was N30, 000.

    Ali however said that the prices of the animals had increased by an average of 40 to 80 per cent compared with what obtained last year. adding that the same size of ram, which now sells for N100,000, was sold for about N70,000 last year.

    Saidu Bako, a dealer, also said that it might not be possible to get huge returns from the business this year due to low sales, but was hopeful that the situation might change.

    “People are coming to buy rams and goats; some came in groups and bought cows to be shared among themselves.

    “By this time last year, I had sold about over 45 rams few days to Sallah, but as I am talking to you now, I have only sold 15,” he lamented.

    Tajudeen Sule, buyer at Yan-awaki cattle market, said he was at the market for the second day but could not afford the price.

    “I was here on Saturday but I cannot buy because the same size I bought last year at N30,000 is being sold for N40,000. I am here today prepared to see that I get one,” he said.

    ‎Another buyer, Garba Dauda, expressed hope that the prices would fall when more rams flooded the markets between today and tomorrow.

    He said that medium and big rams now sold at higher prices when compared to last year.

    Meanwhile, prices of chicken, fruits, beans, cooking oil ,rice and perishable items did not record any significant increase.

    NAN observed also that chicken sellers were, however, making brisk sales as many people now go for it.

    Several rams were seen being dragged about in Kano metropolis by sellers, who were also seeking potential buyers.

    Eid- el-Kabir is a festival celebrated annually by Muslims worldwide, with the offering of rams as sacrifice.