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Tag: Sultan of Sokoto

  • Sultan to Nigerians: Stop blaming a tribe for nation’s insecurity

    The Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar lll, has charged Nigerians to stop blaming a particular tribe for the insecurity challenge facing the country.

    Rather than blaming a tribe, the Sultan tasked every Nigerian to be patriotic to correct things that are wrong in the society, saying “it is important for us to be courageous and expose those behind unlawful and criminal activities in the society.”

    Speaking at the commissioning of Sheikh Idress Faazazi Morgaji Central Mosque in Iwo, Osun State on Saturday, the Sultan said harboring such a belief could cause an enmity among the ethnic groups and consequently affect the nation’s peace and unity.

    Represented by the Executive Secretary, Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria (MUSWEN), Prof. Dawud Noibl, the Sultan condemned the pronouncement that one ethnic group brought insecurity to Yorubaland.

    He maintained that those engaging in criminal activities in Yorubaland could not operate successfully without the collaboration of the natives and local people.

    The Sultan said: “Some people in Yorubaland must surely cooperate with those involving in kidnapping and others social vices to succeed. Foreign criminals don’t know how to move around without the assistance of the insider. They are given accommodation and they are also supplied food.

    Read Also: Sultan urges clerics to shun negative preaching

    “Some Yoruba people must be giving the evil perpetrators the moral support to describe the area where the families of victims can pick them after collecting their ransom.

    He advised Imams to use their position to change the mindset of the people from bad behaviour to doing the will of God.

    Maintaining that mosques are owned by Allah, he advised that Muslims must pray together without any form of discrimination, irrespective of colour, tribe or nationality.

    He said: “The Prophet Muhammad, (SAW) has told us that whoever builds a mosque on earth for worship of Allah, Allah will build a house for he/she in paradise. It is a reminder for us that we should not focus only on earthly materials. We should also prepare for our end in the above after which we go to paradise.”

    Also, the Oluwo of Iwoland, Oba Abdul-Rasheed Adewale Akanbi, TeluI, admonished Imams to demonstrate the fear of Allah, be transparent, responsible and accountable in administration of the mosques under their guidance and supervision.

    The monarch, who corroborated the Sultan that Allah owns the mosques, charged the Imams to always follow the footsteps of Prophet Mohammad in caring for the spiritual needs of the people, saying mosques remain places of worshipping God “and people must be encouraged to enjoy have free access at all times.”

    However, a community leader, Alhaji Liadi Tela, charged Nigerians to be more vigilante to assist the government in tackling the security challenges in the society

    Tela, who also charged the people to work together with the security agents in their various communities to fight crimes, advised the government to have far reaching policies and programmes to create employment opportunities for jobless Nigerians, particularly the youths.

     

  • Breaking: Sultan declares Ramadan begins Monday

    Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar ‎III has declared Monday May 6 as the first day of Ramadan, 1440 AH which marks the commencement of the Ramadan fast by the Muslims across the country.

    Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar in which Muslims observe one month fasting.

    Making the announcement  Sunda  in his palace in Sokoto, Abubakar said the commencement of the fast followed reports of sighting of the moon  across various states of the federation which marked the end of the month of Shaaban 1440 AH.

    Sultan Abubakar III, the Sultan of Sokoto has declared Thursday as the first day for the beginning of the Ramadan fasting in Nigeria.

    Abubakar announced the sighting of the new crescent in Sokoto on Wednesday in a broadcast.

    The Sultan said that reports of the moon sighting were received from Muslim leaders and organisations across the country.

    “Upon due verification and authentication by the states and national moon sighting committees and states confirmation, as well as routine scrutiny, the sighting of the new moon of Ramadan signifies the end of Sha’aban 1440 AH.

    ”In accordance with Islamic law, Muslim Ummah are to commence fasting on Thursday accordingly.”

    He enjoined all Muslims to devote themselves fully to the worship of Allah throughout the holy month, and use the period to pray for leaders, peace and stability prosperity of the nation.

    “We further called on Nigerians to continue to live peacefully with one another irrespective of religious and tribal difference,” he said.

  • Ramadan: Sultan directs Muslims to look for new moon

    The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, yesterday called on Muslims to look for the new moon of Ramadan 1440A.H.

    Abubakar made the call in a statement by Prof. Sambo Junaidu, the Chairman, Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, Sultanate Council, Sokoto.

    Junaidu said “this is to inform the Muslim Ummah that Sunday, May 5, which is equivalent to 29 day of Sha’aban 1440A.H., shall be the day to look for the new moon of Ramadan 1440A.H.

    “Muslims are, therefore, requested to start looking for the new moon of Ramadan 1440AH on Sunday and report its sighting to the nearest district or village head for onward communication to the Sultan.”

    REad also: Synopses on Ramadan

    The monarch prayed to Allah to help religious leaders and all Muslims in the discharge of their religious duties.

    He further said the general public could report the sighting of the new moon directly to the sultan through the following phone numbers;

    08037157100, 07067416900, 08066303077, 08065480405, 08035965322, 08036149757 and 08035945903.

    Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar in which the Muslim conduct the compulsory full month fasting.

  • Ramadan: Sultan directs Muslims to look for new moon

    The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, on Saturday called on Muslims to look for the new moon of Ramadan 1440A.H.

    Abubakar made the call in a statement by Prof. Sambo Junaidu, the Chairman, Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, Sultanate Council, Sokoto.

    Junaidu said “this is to inform the Muslim Ummah that Sunday, May 5, which is equivalent to 29 day of Sha’aban 1440A.H., shall be the day to look for the new moon of Ramadan 1440A.H.

    “Muslims are, therefore, requested to start looking for the new moon of Ramadan 1440AH on Sunday and report its sighting to the nearest district or village head for onward communication to the Sultan.”

    The monarch prayed to Allah to help religious leaders and all Muslims in the discharge of their religious duties.

    He further said the general public could report the sighting of the new moon directly to the sultan through the following phone numbers; 08037157100, 07067416900, 08066303077, 08065480405, 08035965322, 08036149757 and 08035945903.

    Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar in which the Muslim conduct the compulsory full month fasting.

  • Sultan condoles with NYSC over Nababa’s death

    The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, has commiserated with the management of the National Youths Service Corps (NYSC) over the death of a member of its governing board, Dr Abubakar Nababa.

    A statement signed by the Public Relations Officer of NYSC Secretariat in Sokoto, Malam Sani Idris, on Monday, said that the Sultan conveyed the message when received the NYSC board Chairperson, Amb. Fatima Balla at his palace.

    The Sultan said Nababa, an indigene of Sokoto State, died while serving the nation, and thanked the NYSC governing board for the condolence visit to him and the deceased family.

    The monarch described Nababa’s death as a great loss, adding that he died when his contributions were needed most by the society.

    The sultan prayed Allah to grant the deceased eternal rest and sustain the family he left behind.

    Responding, Balla described the deceased as hardworking, saying that the NYSC was shocked over his demise.

    She explained that Nababa was an active member who contributed immensely to the success of NYSC and Nigeria at large.

    The chairperson told the Sultan that they were in Sokoto to extend condole with the family and the Sultanete Council.

    “ Your Eminence, considering your position as a father to every son and daughter of Sokoto State, we felt to come to your palace and express our sympathy over this great loss of our dynamic member.

    “We really missed Nababa who was very hardworking, a man with vast of experience, a detribalised Nigerian who will always be remembered because of his noble characters,” Balla added.

  • 2019: Use PVC to elect leaders not weapons – Sultan

    The Sultan of Sokoto and President General, Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs ( NSCIA) Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar on Tuesday urged Nigerian youths to use their PVCs not weapons to choose their leaders.

    According to the reverred leader, is the only sure way to ensure the success of their parties and candidates in the forthcoming elections.

    ‎”I urge you to obtain your PVCs. Without which you cannot not vote for your favourite party and candidates in the forthcoming elections in 2019.

    “We should see our PVCs as religious and weapons not the kind of weapons given to our youths by unscrupulous politicians to cause mayhem in our societies.

    ” If you love Buhari, the only way you can ensure his success is obtaining your PVCs and same thing with Governor Tambuwal and other aspirants,” he said

    Sultan made the call in his message to Muslims on the occasion of Ed-el-Adhan.

    The religious monarch also reiterated his call on them to shun acts of thuggery or violence, saying no election worth a precious life of any Nigerian.

    He maintained that traditional rulers have no favourite party or candidate other than the choices of their subjects.

    Read Also: 2019: Fight for political offices, Youths urged

    However, the royal father appealed to politicians and political parties not to take politics as do or die affairs, stressing that only God gives power to whoever He wishes and at the time He wishes so.

    “We should therefore play the game by its rules. We should avoid making inflammatory and divisive statements in our politicking. And after the election whoever God gives the office we should support him to succeed,” he said

    He further urged Nigerians to continue supporting their leaders with prayers and advices in order to deliver on their mandates successfully while reminding them of the need‎ to also pray fervently for a sustained peace across the country as according to him, no country would progress without a permanent peace and tranquility.

    In the same vein, the religious leader commended the efforts and resilience of security agencies in their drive towards securing the country.

  • Sultan to corps members: do not be distracted by security challenges

    The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has urged youths corps members not to be distracted by security challenges, but should always pursue issues that would contribute to the development of the nation.

    Abubakar made the call on Monday at his Palace in Sokoto during an interactive session with the 2018 NYSC batch ‘B’ Corp members posted to the state.

    He also urged the corps members to interact freely with members of their host communities, understand their values and respect them.

    The Sultan said the NYSC was a very importance scheme as it promoted national cohesion.

    He also called on the NYSC authorities to revive the Endurance Trek and other physical exercise for corps members in order to prepare them for greater tasks in life.

    The NYSC Coordinator in the state, Mr Philip Enaburue, said 2,154 corps members were registered at the 2018 batch B orientation camp in the area and that they came from the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

    Enaburue hailed the Sultan for his support for the scheme in the state.

  • Sultan laments trend of drug abuse among women, youths

    Sultan laments trend of drug abuse among women, youths

    Sultan of Sokoto and President-General, NSCIA, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III on Thursday lamented the growing trend of drug abuse among women and youths, challenging the Society of Gynaecology and Obstetrics of Nigeria (SOGON) to use its platform in reversing the trend.

    Speaking at the formal opening of SOGON’s 51st Annual National Conference in Sokoto, Abubakar who was the chairman of the occasion expressed serious concern over the ugly trend that is fast affecting public morality.

    However, the conference tagged: SOGON- Sokoto 2017 has as its theme: ” Maternal and Newborn Health in a Challenging Economy.”

    The revered monarch further advocated for the ban production, sale and consumption of such drugs that were being abused.

    According to him” the trend is quite disturbing. How can SOGON use its offices to check-mate it even cough syrups such that one cannot just go to any chemist to buy such drugs”, he stressed.

    According to the ‎royal father” We are going to table the issue during our meeting of traditional rulers. It will form part of the discussions to be held”, he said.

    Earlier, Professor Brian Adinna, National President of SOGON) said no nation can develop and perform better without ‎proper family planning and effective provision of health services for women and the newborn.

    He noted that maternal health was a sensitive aspect in health services delivery of any society.

    According to Adinma, the theme of the conference was well chosen in view of the contemporary experiences and economic down turn affecting the health sector in delivering services.

    He said women were more vulnerable to numerous health complications as cervical cancer, VVF among other related ailments.

    According to him” SOGON is out to effectively ensure the reduction of maternal mortality ‎to the barest minimum.”

    He further stated that the society has taken the responsibility to invite specialised partners from across the world to complement and update it’s focus towards addressing maternal mortality and child health challenges.

    Adinma however, commended Governor Tambuwal for his various health projects and support in the state.

    ” We are aware of your giant strides in the establishment of basic health institutions, the community health insurance initiative and structures.

    Similarly, he eulogised the unprecedented efforts of Governor Ibrahim Geidam of Yobe state for his unequalled compassion for maternal and child health.

    Highlights of the event were the ‎conferment of an honorary status membership on Governor Ibrahim Geidam of Yobe state and the unveiling of SOGON’s Journal by Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal with a donation of N10 million each by the government’s of the two states while commending the Yobe state government for the resilience and courage displayed in achieving so much within the health sector in the midts of Boko Haram insurgents persistent attacks on the state in the last 6 years.

    Also was the formal induction of 29 new members of SOGON at the well attended event witnessed by the Senate Leader, Senator Ahmed Lawan, Deputy Governor of Sokoto state, Alhaji Ahmed Aliyu, wife of Kebbi state Governor, Dr. Zainab Atiku Bagudu Shinkafi, Speaker, Deputy Speaker and Members of YOHA, Members HoRs, Emirs of Machina, Ngazargamu, ‎Jajere, Fika and Damaturu among other personalities that cut across all sectors including politicians especially from Yobe state.

  • Sultan, Pro Chancellor, VC, others make case for special funding status for UI

    Sultan, Pro Chancellor, VC, others make case for special funding status for UI

    Eminent Nigerian Friday made case for Nigerian Premier University, the University of Ibadan on why the Federal Government should create a special funding status for the Institution.

    The dignitaries including the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar who is the Chancellor, University of Ibadan, the Pro Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Nde Waklek Joshua, and the Vice Chancellor, Prof Idowu Olayinka all in their separate remarks urged the FG to give special attention to the 69 year old institution, especially in the areas of providing rehabilitations funds and increased allocations.

    The dignitaries spoke at the University’s 69th foundation day ceremony which held at the International Conference Centre, on Friday. The programme which also had in attendance a former president, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo amongst other eminent Nigerians also witness the conferment of honourary Doctorate degrees of the University on three deserving individuals.

    At the event, a total of 402 candidates from various disciplines were awarded the Doctor of Philosophy degrees, in addition to one Doctor of Medicine degree. The Faculty of Education leads the pack with 85 graduands, followed by the Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry with 70 graduands, and Faculty of Arts with 61.

    The honorary doctorate degrees were conferred on a foremost linguist, Emeritus Prof Ayo Bamgbose; former Presidential Special Adviser on Petroleum, Dr Emmanuel Egbogah; seventh vice chancellor of the University. Prof Allen Bankole Oyediran; and Chairman, Dubri Oil, and pionering chairman, University of Ibadan Research Foundation, Dr. Chevalier Itsueli.

    According to the dignitaries, an old institution as UI deserves a special attention particularly in the areas of funding noting that such special attention would reposition the University to rank among the first top five universities in Africa and among the first 500 universities in the world.

    Minister of State for Education, Prof Anthony Anwukah, who represented President Muhammadu Buhari, who is the visitor to the institution, promised that goverment would continue to meet its obligations to all its tertiary institutions.

    The Sultan of Sokoto, in his address, said the subvension to UI should be a special one and the highest among all tertiary institution in the country because UI is the country’s premier university. He added that the university should expand its research base and should reach out to individuals that could offer assistance to it.

    The Pro Chancellor, Nde Waklek, who assumed office in May 2017, specially appreciated the “Federal Government for consistent release of fund to run the university and particularly for eliminating ‘shortfall’ in the monthly subvension given to the university. However, ‘our Oliver Twist’ wants more.

    “We appeal to the Federal Government to please ensure that the university’s overhead and capital grants are regularly and promptly released. We also want to appeal to the Federal Government to expedite action on the release of fund for the university 10 Megawatt (10MW) Solar Plant commissioned last year to resolve the energy crisis on campus.” The ground breaking of the university’s 10 Megawatt Solar Plant was performed in October 2016.

    The vice chancellor, Prof. Olayinka, noted that UI “is a pride of our nation and it has active collaboration with over 200 universities all over the world. I wish to renew our plea with Mr. President that the University of Ibadan be given special attention in the form of special rehabilitation funds and increase in allocation that may run for about five years in order for it to compete favourably with top institutions in the world as was the case about 40 years ago.

    “This administration believes that no nation can achieve sustainable development without the enabling environment for sound education for those willing and able to acquire knowledge. The ability of the university to effectively confront this challenge is a function of the quality of administration.

    “On the on-going 10MW/Solar Plant/Independent Power Project (IPP) which I reported during the last convocation, I am happy to report that we have entered into negotiation for another 10MW renewable energy project with another Consortium led by Highland Energy Solution Services Limited and Greenleaf University, United States of America. Both projects, when completed, will guarantee regular supply of up to 20MW electricity at UI disposal.”

    Describing UI as pride of the nation owing to its active collaboration with over 200 universities all over the world, Prof. Olayinka however stressed that the university has continued to play a leading role in teaching and research in the country, adding that it has currently produced a large amount of postgraduates students at the master’s and doctoral level, which he said was critical inputs for most other universities in Nigeria.

  • FG flags off 2017/2018 national measles vaccination campaign

    FG flags off 2017/2018 national measles vaccination campaign

    The Federal Government will Tuesday flag off the 2017/2018 National measles campaign.

    Minister of State for Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire will flag off the campaign in Kaduna state.

    The Executive Director, National Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Faisal Shuaib announced this in Abuja Monday in a statement issued by Mr.Saadu Salahu Head, Public Relation Unit, NPHCDA.

    Dr. Faisal said that a total of 33 million Nigerian children aged 9months to 59months are to be immunized against measles by the end of the campaign. He disclosed that 95% coverage is the Federal Government`s target for the 2017/2018 campaign, against the 84.5% coverage attained in the 2015 campaign.

    Read: FG to launch new Family Planning Campaign

    The Executive Director explained that the measles vaccine would be administered to children aged 9 months to 59 months at health centers, fixed health posts, churches, mosques, motor parks, public places, schools and homes.

    Dr. Faisal disclosed that a time table phasing and staggering the campaign had been introduced as part of the efforts to ensure highest quality, coverage and effective measles campaign in the country.

    According to him, North West Zone will conduct its own campaign from 9th to 21st of this month. It will be followed by the North East from 30th November to 12th December, 2017, while the North Central campaign will take place from 1st to 20th February, 2018. All states in the Southern part of the country will conduct their measles vaccination campaign from 8th to 20th March, 2018.

    Dr. Faisal described measles as a dangerous and infectious disease that spreads rapidly from one infected child to another and a major cause of blindness, malnutrition and death among children. He therefore appealed to all Parents, Guardians, Caregivers and Nigerians in general to make their children and wards available for the measles vaccination campaign.

    Among personalities expected at the flag off are the Executive Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, His Eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Saad Abubakar III other traditional and religious leaders, members of the National Assembly, NGOs and Civil Society organizations.

    Read Also: Military not involved in vaccination – FG