By Mohammed Baba Busu

Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, the Etsu Nupe and Chairman, Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers, has urged Nigerians to live in peace with one another to foster peace and national unity.

Etsu Nupe made the call while addressing his people, shortly after the two Raka’at prayers at the Bida Eid praying ground on Sunday.

The Royal father said there was need for Nigerians to ensure peaceful co-existence in the country so as to ensure economic growth and development.

According to him, no society or country can achieve any meaningful development or greatness in an atmosphere of chaos and mistrust.

He urged Muslims to intensify prayers during the Sallah period for return of permanent peace in Nigeria.

According to him, prayer remains the most effective weapon against any form of challenges.

He said security challenges such as insurgency, banditry and kidnapping would be overcome through ceaseless and fervent prayers by both Muslim and Christian faithful.

The Royal Father urged Muslims to always follow the path of dialogue in resolving differences.

Abubakar, who congratulated Muslim faithful on the successful completion of the Ramadan fast, added that only tolerance and patriotism would help the country sail through the present challenges.

He urged ‘well-to-do’ Muslims in the society to continue to support the less privileged to alleviate their sufferings.

The Etsu Nupe appealed to wealthy individuals in the country to assist the less privileged to enable all and sundry to celebrate the Eid-fitr with ease.

“God has endowed wealth on people not for themselves and their immediate family alone but for benefit of the entire society.

“The present socio-economic predicament that we are now facing requires such assistance from well to do individuals in the country.”

The traditional ruler also urged Muslims to have the fear of God in all their activities, adding that we all have to give account of our deeds one day to our creator.

He urged Muslims to continue to pray to God, for our leaders to overcome the current challenges bedevilling the nation.

He also charged the people of his domain to send their children to school to acquire both western and Islamic knowledge.

The Chief Imam of Nupe, Sheikh Adamu Liman-Yakatun in his sermon, advised Muslim faithful to imbibe the lessons of Ramadan.

He called on those who prayed and fasted for the 30 days to internalise and practicalise the social and moral objectives of the holy month of Ramadan. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chioma Ugboma

By Philip Yatai

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, has called on Nigerians to continue praying for President Bola Tinubu for impactful leadership and good governance.

Wike made the call in his Sallah message in Abuja on Sunday, for the celebration of Eid-el Fitr, which signals the end of the holy month of Ramadan.

He described the task of building Nigeria and its capital territory as a collective dream — one of peace, prosperity, and unity.

He added that the country needed citizen’s support, faith, and most importantly, continued prayers for divine wisdom and guidance in the task of building Nigeria “and a federal capital that we will all be proud of.

“I commend residents of the FCT for their acts of charity, kindness, and generosity toward one another throughout the holy month.

“Your commitment to supporting the less privileged, fostering community bonds, and spreading love and peace is truly admirable.

“As we celebrate Eid, I urge all residents to continue to embody these noble virtues even beyond Ramadan, as they are essential to building a harmonious and prosperous society,” he said.

The minister, who described FCT as the “centre of unity”, urged residents to uphold and exhibit that unity at all times.

“Let us live in peace, harmony and respecting one another, irrespective of religious or ethnic differences, including working together for the common good of all,” he said.

Wike assured residents that the FCT Administration remained steadfast in its commitment to the infrastructural development of the territory, as well as the welfare and security of all residents.

He added that the administration would continue to prioritise policies and initiatives that enhanced the quality of life in the FCT and ensure a safe and conducive environment for all.

“As residents of the nation’s capital, we must all take responsibility for ensuring peace and stability in our communities.

“I call on you to resist any attempt by individuals or groups seeking to create disharmony within our ranks or disrupt the peace we cherish.

“Let us remain united and not allow anyone to sow seeds of division or instigate public disturbance.

“Security is a collective duty, and I encourage everyone to promptly report any suspicious activities to the relevant authorities,” Wike said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chioma Ugboma

By Kingsley Okoye

Some Edo indigenes in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have commended Gov. Monday Okpebholo for delivering qualitative governance and ensuring infrastructural development across the state.

The indigenes gave the commendation in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.

They spoke with NAN on the sidelines of a meeting to unveil the practical governance magazine which showcased the projects executed by the Okpebholo-led administration.

The magazine, published and unveiled by Edo Liaison Office in Abuja, chronicled and showcased pictorial images of projects and programmes executed by the governor within his 100 days in office.

Director-General of the Liaison Office, Mr Peter Abulu, told NAN that Okpebholo’s practical approach to project initiation and diligent execution across the state had defined and given direction to practical governance as a development strategy.

Abulu said that the governor’s practical governance strategic plan was encapsulated in the acronym Project ‘Shine’.

He listed the components of the “Shine” to include: provision of security, enhanced healthcare services and infrastructure, to ensure citizens’ access to quality medical care.

Others, he said, were developing and maintaining vital infrastructure like roads, bridges and public buildings, agriculture via promotion of food security and improving quality of education via investment in schools, teacher training and educational resources.

The director-general urged Edo residents in the FCT to support the Okpebholo-led administration to further deliver quality governance to the people of the state.

“If you start a journey well, our prayer is that you continue well so that you end well. Gov. Okpebholo has demonstrated that he is prepared, not just for this term but for the future.

“His achievements so far are commendable, and we encourage him to do more; this is his time to succeed,” he said.

Abulu also highlighted the importance of documenting and amplifying the government’s achievements to ensure that Edo indigenes at home and abroad remained informed.

“When you do something and do not tell people, it is easy for it to be forgotten; even when people hear, it is still necessary to amplify it through means that can be documented.

“That is why we decided to re-echo what the governor presented during his 100 days in office in Benin here in Abuja,” he said.

According to him, the newly-unveiled magazine would serve as a record of government’s efforts and a means of showcasing Edo’s progress to the global audience.

“We produced this magazine so that it can be taken anywhere, even outside Nigeria, for people to see what the government is doing.

“It will encourage Edo indigenes to work hard and find ways to contribute to the state’s development.

“We must create a system where people do not just wait for government support but actively contribute to the state’s development,” he said.

Abulu called for renewed unity among Edo people and a commitment to further supporting Okpebholo in his quest to deliver qualitative governance to the good of the people.

An Abuja-based Edo indigene, Dr Osazuwa Imasuen, urged Okpebholo to sustain his development agenda.

“If you start well, you must continue well and end well. He (governor) has set a strong foundation, and we encourage him to do more,” Imasuen said.

Dorothy Okodua, another Edo indigene, expressed satisfaction with Okpebholo’s leadership style, describing it as embracing, encompassing and historic.

“Even from Abuja, we have seen what he is doing back home; we are happy and we pray that he continues on this path,” she said.

President of Benin Community in Abuja, Mr Lucky Odigie, emphasised the significance of unity among Edo people, while commending the governor’s execution of striking infrastructural projects, particularly the construction of a flyover at Ramat Park area of Benin City.

“The flyover is unprecedented in Benin’s history. This is a major milestone and we commend the governor.

“Edo people, regardless of wherever they are, must support him and work for the progress of our state,” he said.

Leader of Edo State Legacy Association, Evelyn Obehi, also lauded Okpebholo’s efforts in road development.

“Within a short period, we have seen remarkable improvements in roads from Benin City to Ekpoma. As an Esan indigene, I am grateful for his work,” she stated. (NAN)(www.nannews ng)
Edited by ‘Wale Sadeeq

By Bukola Adetoye

Muslim faithful in Abeokuta joyfully trooped out in large numbers to eateries, fun spots and other recreational centres to celebrate the 2025 Eid-el-Fitr.

A check by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) correspondent on Sunday revealed that the celebrations took place without fear of insecurity.

The Sultan of Sokoto had declared Sunday as Eid-el-Fitr, marking the end of Ramadan following the sighting of the moon.

NAN reports that eateries witnessed long queues of faithful eagerly waiting to enjoy a variety of delicacies.

Alhaji Morouf Agboola, an estate developer at one of the Tantalizers outlets, expressed his happiness at being alive to celebrate Eid-el-Fitr with his family.

“The Ramadan fast, which began earlier in March, ended well.

“In fact, my family and I moved closer to Almighty Allah through prayers and supplications during the holy month,” Agboola said.

“I especially want to commend the state governor, Gov. Dapo Abiodun for ensuring peace and security, as there was no fear of insecurity in Abeokuta,” he added.

At the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL), a Muslim woman, when asked by security personnel where she was headed, pointed toward the cinema.

NAN reports that moderate groups of Muslim faithful were seen heading in batches to cinemas to watch their favourite films.

A textile seller at Itoku Market, Mr Peter Johnson, expressed joy as he joined the Muslim faithful in celebrating the occasion.

Johnson, who was travelling to Ibadan via Kuto Park, told NAN that he wanted to celebrate with his mentor, who is a Muslim.

“I am not a Muslim, but I share in this moment of joy with my Muslim brothers and sisters,” he said.

He also commended Gov. Abiodun for fostering confidence among Abeokuta residents and maintaining security.

At an eatery in Eleweran, a retired octogenarian, Alhaji Lafia Tijani, was seen enjoying himself in the company of his grandchildren, swaying to legendary musician Wasiu Ayinde Marshal’s songs.

“My sister, I am just happy to be alive. There is nothing to be afraid of. Almighty Allah has answered our prayers,” he said.

Meanwhile, the governor in a statement released earlier on Sunday in Abeokuta, congratulated the Muslim faithful on the successful completion of the 2025 Ramadan, saying the period had enriched the state and the country spiritually.

The governor also acknowledged the economic challenges faced by Nigerians but expressed hope for better times ahead.

“As a government, we remain committed to creating a society that all citizens will be proud of.

“I am extremely grateful for your support, wise counsel, and contributions as we move forward,” Abiodun said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa

Isaiah Eka

The Chief Imam of Uyo Central Mosque, Alhaji Bello Dahiru, has urged all residents of Akwa Ibom, irrespective of religious and ethnic differences, to coexist and live in peace with one another.

Dahiru gave the charge during the Eid-el-Fitr prayers in Uyo on Sunday to mark the end of Ramadan.

He noted that all religion preach peace towards one another, stressing that without peace there would be no progress.

He urged all Muslim faithful and indeed other religion members to continue to pray for the state, country and leaders for wisdom and protection to govern aright.

“We call on all Muslims to continue with the steadfastness and attitude they exhibit during the month of Ramadan, by abstaining from doing things that are not right, things that can harm fellow human beings.

“They should sustain the lessons learned during the Ramadan, by giving alms to the needy and have compassion for the less privileged.

“When you love your fellow human beings as you love yourself, that makes you a complete faithful,” Dahiru said.

The cleric added that as religious leaders, they would continue to take the challenges confronting the nation to God in prayers, until the country witnesses the desired peace that should be.

In his remarks, Alhaji Hassan Sadauki, Head of Hausa Community in Akwa Ibom, urged all Muslims to imbibe the spirit of oneness by living in peace with one another.

Sadauki urged Muslims to remain faithful and obedient to the Almighty Allah even after the month of Ramadan.

“We must be obedient and submissive to the Almighty Allah at all times, let us not reverse to our old self after the month of Ramadan, but continue to be obedient, submissive and be humbled in our daily lives.

“If every Muslim will maintain the behaviour exhibited during the month of Ramadan, I don’t think we will have any issue.

“So, I am appealing to all humanity to remain law abiding, be fearful to our creator by being obedient and assisting one another.

“Be kind to our fellow human beings. That is the simple life our creator wants us to live,” he said.

He urged Muslim faithful not to allow selfish interests to overshadow their sense of reasoning, adding that they should continue with good acts exhibited during the month of Ramadan.

He commended President Bola Tinubu and Gov. Umo Eno for their show of love to the Muslim community in the state.

“The Presidency has given us a trailer load of rice to celebrate the Ramadan and the Governor, for the first time invited us to an Iftar (breaking of fast) at Government House.

We really appreciate their kind gestures,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Deborah Coker

By Salif Atojoko

President Bola Tinubu said his decision to appoint Dr Bosun Tijani as Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, despite his past criticism, was a testament to his belief in recognising talent, even in those who may have once been critics.

The President said this on Saturday night at a special Iftar held in his honour at the Presidential Villa to commemorate his 73rd birthday.

Tijani was among several dignitaries who delivered goodwill messages to the President, alongside Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and others.

In his remarks, the minister shared his personal experience of being appointed by President Tinubu despite his past activism and criticism of the President and the National Assembly.

“Before my appointment, I had never met Mr President. But after my confirmation, he told me, ‘I have looked at your records and activism, and I have seen there is something in you.

“I am giving you the opportunity to represent your country and contribute to making it a better place.

“I was expecting a proper scolding because of my records, but the magnanimity of the President is one that I experienced for the very first time in my life.

“I remember that in that meeting, some people brought out my record again and told Mr President, ‘He said this, he did this. But the President said, ‘Shut it’,” said the Minister.

Responding to the minister’s remarks, President Tinubu confirmed that nominating Tijani as a minister was a difficult decision, given the reservations of his close associates.

“When I picked him, it was tough. My very close confidantes, who had read his comments on social media, came to me and said, ‘No, never.’

“I said, ‘Yes, he is talented. Because he criticises me and pours abuses on the parliament, it does not mean he has nothing to offer.

“Maybe his frustration at that time will drive him to contribute more to governance. And today, he is doing that, and I am very proud of him,” the President stated.

Akpabio praised the President’s ability to forgive his critics, recalling the intense debate that preceded Tijjani’s confirmation as a minister.

“When he came to the Senate for screening, senators said, ‘No, no, we can’t have him.’ One senator quoted from the internet where he described all Nigerian senators as ‘morons.’

“I had to stop proceedings and ask Bosun, ‘Did you write this?’ And he admitted, ‘Sir, I did because that was how I felt then.’ So I asked him, ‘And you have the audacity to stand before us and expect us to confirm you?” said Akpabio.

He noted that what ultimately swayed the lawmakers was their trust in President Tinubu’s judgment.

“Mr President, we confirmed him because we knew you must have seen something special in him. You are never wrong when it comes to your judgment of people.

“I went into an executive session and told my colleagues, Let us give this young man an opportunity and see what happens. And today, I am happy to say that he is one of the best-performing ministers in the cabinet,” Akpabio said. (NAN)

Edited by Yakubu Uba