WE MUST PRIORITISE LOVE FOR OUR COUNTRY, TINUBU APPEALS TO NIGERIANS AT EID PRAYERS

the southern and northern senators’ forums, as well as the minority caucus of the red chamber congratulated Muslims in Nigeria on the successful end of the 30 days Ramadan fast.

Akpabio, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Hon. Eseme Eyiboh, said, "Islam is a religion of peace and if its adherents go to God in prayer with sincerity, He will surely answer.

"I, therefore, ask you to pray for your leaders and the peace and unity of our dear country. I believe with your prayers Nigeria will overcome its current challenges.”

Barau, in his statement, prayed Allah to accept supplications, prayers and the good deeds of the Ummah during the blessed month.

The Kano senator, who is the acting Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, urged all Muslims to sustain the lessons of the Holy Month and always reflect it in their daily activities.

Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, charged Nigerians, particularly Muslims, to allow the lessons from Ramadan “guide our approaches to conducting businesses; running governments at all levels and discharging civic responsibilities on a daily basis”.

The APC chieftain, in his goodwill message, rejoiced with the Muslim faithful as they celebrated Eid-el-fitri.

He charged the citizens to adhere to the core essence of Eid-el-fitri, “which in entirety forbids the sabotage of government policies, the quest for profiteering, the exploitation of our collective resources and the sponsoring of internal disharmony, all in the name of selfish interest and political aspiration”.

In their statement, the Southern Senators’ Forum extended their warmest greetings to all Nigerians, particularly Muslim brothers and sisters, on the successful completion of Ramadan fast and the commemoration of Eid-el-fitri.

Their message was signed by Chairman, Southern Senators’ Forum, Senator Mukhail Adetokunbo Abiru, and Publicity Secretary, Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong.

Northern Senators Forum through its Chairman, Senator Abdulazis Yar'Adua, in a statement, extended its heartfelt greetings to Muslim brothers and sisters at home and across the globe as Muslims celebrated Eid-el-fitri.

They urged Nigerians to persist in their endeavours to foster a peaceful and cohesive society that cherished the principles of liberty, human dignity, and prosperity for all.

Similarly, Minority Caucus of the red chamber, through its leader, Senator Abba Moro, extended warm greetings to the Muslim Ummah in Nigeria on this year’s Eid-el-fitri celebration.

Moro urged Muslims to use the occasion to pray for peace and security in the senatorial district and Nigeria at large, even as he enjoined them to reach out to the less-privileged.

Yahaya Joins Emir Abubakar, Others to Observe Eid-el-fitri Prayers

Gombe State Governor, Alhaji Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, joined the Emir of Gombe, Alhaji Dr Abubakar Shehu Abubakar III, and other Muslim Ummah in the state to observe the two Rakaat Eid-el-fitri prayer to mark the end of the holy month of Ramadan.

The Eid prayer held at the main Eid ground in Gombe was led by Deputy Chief Imam of Gombe, Ustaz Aliyu Hammari. It was attended by top government functionaries, including Speaker and members of Gombe State House of Assembly and heads of security agencies, among others.

Yahaya, who is also Chairman of Northern States Governors' Forum, had earlier in his Sallah goodwill message to the people of Gombe State, rallied the citizens towards collective prayer, unity and resilience amid prevailing economic challenges. He assured the people that the current difficulties were transient and better days laid ahead, with Nigeria emerging stronger.

He also emphasised the importance of integrity in combating societal ills.

Ododo Felicitates with Muslims, Emphasises Peace, Love, Unity

Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo, charged Muslim Ummah to preach peace, unity, love and always reflect the teaching of the holy month of Ramadan. Ododo made the call while speaking at the end of two rakats obligatory prayers at OKene Eidel praying ground in Okene Local Government Area of Kogi State.

The governor, who felicitated all Muslims on the successful completion of the 30 days Ramadan fasting, urged Nigerians to be patient and continue to pray for the leaders.

He explained that peace, unity, love were sacrosanct at the this critical moment, adding that all well-meaning Nigerians should always remember to give out to the less-privileged as mark of love for them.

Comptroller General of Immigration Felicitates Nigerians, Migrants

Comptroller-General of Immigration, Kemi Nandap, felicitated all Nigerian citizens and migrants in the country on the conclusion of this year’s Ramadan and the Eid-el-fitri celebration.

A statement by Public Relations Officer of Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Kenneth Udo, read, “As Muslims around the world conclude this year's Ramadan fast and observe Eid-el-fitri celebration, the Comptroller General of Immigration, Kemi Nanna Nandap, extends her hearty felicitations to all Muslim officers and men of the NIS, Nigerian citizens, and, indeed, migrants who are resident in the country.

“The CGI, while saluting His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, on this auspicious occasion, also commends all adherents of Islam who, through shared commitment and dedication, took time out to fast and pray for the security and welfare of the Nigerian state.

“The Immigration Boss charged all Nigerians to continually promote godly virtues on a daily basis.”

Wike Urges Residents to Extend Acts of Charity, Tolerance Beyond Sallah

Federal Capital Territory (FCT) minister, Nyesom Wike, urged residents of the FCT not to limit acts of charity, love, and tolerance as exemplified during the holy month of Ramadan. Rather, they should be practised and instilled in the people’s daily lives, Wike said.

He said the end of Ramadan should also not signal an end to prayers.

The minister made the appeal in his Sallah message to FCT residents yesterday.

Wike advised FCT residents to continue to offer supplications to the Almighty God for the country and its leaders for divine wisdom and guidance, especially as they worked to overcome current challenges.

Wike congratulated the residents, especially the Muslim Ummah, for successfully completing this religious obligation. He prayed that the supplications made to Almighty Allah would be answered.

Uzodimma: Religion Shouldn’t Be Barrier to Cohabitation

Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, told Muslims and Nigerians, in general, that "religion should not be a barrier to their cohabitation".

Uzodimma advised Nigerians to take advantage of the spiritual blessings from the period of fasting and reflection to unite themselves and also seek the unity of the country, in the spirit of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.

The governor stated, "As Muslims in Imo, we must be united. As Muslims in Nigeria, we must also be united. Irrespective of religion, we should be our brothers and sisters’ keepers.

“I enjoin the leadership of the Muslims in Imo State to unite. If you unite, you will see the benefit to our state and country. Also, be law-abiding, both Muslims and Christians."

The Seriki Hausa/Muslim in Imo State, Alhaji Auwal Baba Suleiman, who spoke during a banquet organised in his honour by Uzodimma to mark this year's Eid-el-fitri, added that despite being a Christian, Uzodimma had dealt so kindly with them that they had lost count of his good deeds.

Fubara Laments Dilapidated Condition of Rivers Primary Schools

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, regretted that about 75 per cent of primary schools in the state were without teachers, while 90 per cent of such schools were dilapidated.

Fubara expressed concern over the state of the elementary schools, and explained that he became aware of the deplorable state of the schools when a firm, New Global, in its bid to partner his administration to enhance the capacity of teachers, performed field assessment of personnel that they intended to train.

Speaking, yesterday, when he received a delegation of leaders of the Muslim community in the state on Eid-el-fitri Sallah visit to Government House, Port Harcourt, Fubara said the report from the field was very disappointing because the firm did not find the number of teachers that should be trained.

The governor emphasised the crucial place that primary school occupied in the educational journey of any child in shaping character, instilling essential skills, and fostering quest for learning, which he said had been ignored in the past.

Fubara assured that his administration, having its focus firmly on education, health and agriculture sectors, would ensure a change in what had been identified.

Earlier, in his address, leader of the delegation and Vice PresidentGeneral, Rivers State Council for Islamic Affairs, Alhaji Nasir Uhor, thanked the governor for his financial support that enabled them to participate in Hajj last year, and his inclusive policy that had given the community a sense of belonging.

Uhor assured Fubara that the Muslim community would not relent in partnering the governor and his government. He emphasised that they were solidly behind him, and approved of his people-oriented policies and programmes.

Obaseki Celebrates, Assures Muslims Better Support

Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, yesterday, joined Muslim faithful in the state to celebrate Eidel-fitri after the successful completion of the Ramadan fast.

Obaseki, who hosted Muslims at Government House, Benin City, assured them of better collaboration and support.

Obaseki was accompanied by Edo State Head of Service (HOS), Dr. Anthony Okungbowa, Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Nehikhare, and other top government functionaries.

The governor said, “As a government, we must continue to work with religious leaders because citizens in distress can easily meet religious leaders, as they know and can deal with issues swiftly. So, we must cooperate with religious bodies.

“We know things are difficult for citizens, but we will continue to pray to God to see us through this trying period and will overcome like we did during COVID-19. There is hunger in the land and we will continue to support palliatives and others.

“I thank the Chief Imam of Benin and Muslim faithful in Edo, as in the last seven and half years, you have been a pillar and have helped us consolidate and renew our beliefs as Edo people. I thank you for the peace you have continued to help us maintain in our state.”

Kashamu Shares Food Packages, Cash for Children, Physically Challenged, Aged

Ogun State House of Assembly member representing Ijebu North Constituency 1, Hon Rasheed Kasham, yesterday, distributed food packages to children, physically challenged and aged in his constituency.

The food packages, comprising noodles, rice and cash, were distributed to no fewer than 4,000 beneficiaries after the Eid prayer held near his father's house at Ijebu-Igbo, headquarters of Ijebu North Local Government Area.

The son of the late Senator Buruji Kashamu was elected on the platform of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and is Minority Whip of the Ogun State House of Assembly.

He said giving out relief packages and support to people had been the legacy of the Kashamu family, promising that the death of his father would not be the end of the legacy.