NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
General News , Religious

Al-Habibiyyah calls for proper Zakat disbursement to tackle poverty

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By Muhyideen Jimoh

The National Chief Imam of Al-Habibiyyah Islamic Society (AIS), Sheik Fuad Adeyemi, has called for the proper disbursement of Zakat to help uplift Muslims from poverty.

Zakat, a mandatory almsgiving for eligible Muslims, requires them to pay 2.5 per cent of their wealth annually if it exceeds a certain threshold.

This religious duty promotes solidarity by redistributing wealth to the poor.

Adeyemi made the call during the 4th National Zakat Day and the 14th Public Zakat Disbursement of the Al-Habibiyyah Islamic Society Zakat/Endowment Foundation.

The event, held in the Paduma Community in Abuja, witnessed the disbursement of N15 million in cash, education scholarships, and other empowerment items to 90 beneficiaries.

In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the Imam explained that the disbursement aimed to alleviate poverty among Muslims and strengthen economic stability in the country.

He encouraged the recipients to invest the money and items wisely, so they could, in turn, contribute to Zakat disbursement in the future.

“There should be no poverty in Islam; it is just that many people are not giving their Zakat in the way Allah has instructed.

“This is why we organised this lecture to educate our Muslim community on the correct way to give Zakat and the significance of endowment in Islam,” the Imam said.

Adeyemi emphasised that the Zakat disbursement was done transparently, with beneficiaries properly screened according to the criteria set out in the Holy Qur’an.

“We ensured that all beneficiaries met the requirements, and no family member of the zakat committee benefited from this disbursement,” he said.

NAN reports that some of the items distributed to indigent Muslims at the occasion include: sewing machines, grinding machines, freezers and cash for business start-ups to 90 recipients.

The event themed, “Exploring Waqf (Endowment) for Sustainable Measures Against Poverty,” seeks to highlight the importance of endowments in supporting long-term poverty alleviation efforts.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Religious

Group trains educators to become religious, belief freedom advocates

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Advocates

By Angela Atabo/Justina Auta

Empower Women Media, a multi-faith network, on Thursday, in Abuja trained educators with the necessary skills to become advocates and promoters of Freedom of Religion and Belief (FoRB) in Nigeria.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that FoRB’s leadership training has as its theme: “Educators as Advocates for Peaceful Coexistence “.

The training which was attended by over 50 educators and advocates from across the country was organised under the auspices of the “Live What You Believe Project” of the group.

Mr Felix Samari, Country Coordinator, Live What You Believe Project Nigeria, explained that FoRB does not protect any specific religion, but rather protects people because it is a fundamental human right.

Samari said that every individual has the right to believe in whatever they choose or not believe at all as enshrined in Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and reinforced by Section 38 of the Nigerian Constitution.

He, however, said that there were gaps in FoRB awareness in Nigeria as some politicians and religious leaders continue to fan the flames of hate and intolerance, causing deep divisions and undermining national unity and progress.

Samari said that the training was crucial because teachers, whether at the primary, secondary or university level, are the bedrock of any society.

Samari said that Live What You Believe Project Nigeria, strongly believed that educational institutions could be a great asset in promoting FoRB by providing objective and expert insights through deliberate and robust research.

More importantly, he said, by working with students to understand and apply the principles of religious freedom in daily life, a more tolerant society would be created.

The event’s Keynote Speaker, Alkasim Mohammad, who spoke on “The Role of Teachers in Providing Stability on Matters of Religion in Nigeria, urged teachers to instil in students the values of respect, love, and coexistence.

Muhammad urged teachers to ensure that classrooms remained safe spaces for learning and interaction across religious lines.

The keynote speaker also urged teachers to discourage extremism through critical thinking to prevent the spread of religious misinformation and extremist ideologies.

He encouraged teachers to foster moral and ethical values, encourage interfaith dialogue, counter religious misinformation and provide emotional and psychological support.

Dr Longji Dambok ,a FoRB Trainer, called for the need to accept and inculcate FoRB into the society and urged religious leaders to teach tolerance for a unified and peaceful society.
A participant, Rahinatu Tukur, the Amira of FOMWAN, Jema’a Local Government, Kaduna State, commended Empower Women Media for the training.

She added that educators have been better equipped with the requisite knowledge on how to inculcate FoRB in students for national unity.

Another participant, Prof. Emem Olutoke of the Department of Theatre Arts, University of Abuja, said that religious tolerance held the key to national unity, peace and development.

Olutoke urged that participants should not rest on their oars but continue to imbibe in students and the society the need for FoRB for a better society.(NAN)

Edited by Mark Longyen

Religious

Christmas: Cleric urges Nigerians to show love

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By Taiye Agbaje

Pastor Kayode Aliyu of the Cherubim and Seraphim Movement Church, Daki-Biyu District, Kubwa, Abuja, has urged Nigerians to show love to one another, irrespective of religious or ethnic differences, during the Christmas celebration.

Aliyu made the call while delivering a sermon titled ‘The Greatest Gift’ at this year’s Nine Lessons and Christmas Carol Service in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 2024 Carol Service, drawn from the Book of Isaiah 61:7, had the theme: ‘Double Glory’.

According to the clergyman, the greatest gift at any time is love.

“We are looking at the love of God expressed at Christmas.

“John 3:16 says, ‘For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son’”.

Aliyu explained that God’s display of love is unconditional, urging everyone to emulate this gesture.

“God’s love is not a relationship of give and take. He only seeks a relationship of father and son.

“Jesus Christ gave us two instructions: love your God with everything you have, and love your neighbours as yourself.

“If you don’t love your neighbours, it means you don’t love God.

“So, we are challenged this Christmas Carol year, 2024, to love one another,” he said.

Pastor Ibijoke Ogundipe, the wife of the Senior Pastor of the church, also encouraged women to share love.

“I call on women, as the bedrock of society, to gather everyone around them and share love. This will help us progress as a nation,” she said.

Apostle Seun Sodipe, Secretary of the Carol Steering Committee, called on Christians to partake in the blessings God has bestowed upon mankind.

“This should not be limited to financial and material terms but also include kind words and gestures.

“We never know what the next person is going through. A kind word or gesture can go a long way in making someone feel loved”.

NAN reports that there were various Christmas song renditions by the Peculiar Choir and the children’s choir of the church.

Prayers were also offered for the church, Nigeria, and its leaders. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

General News , Religious

NGOs proffer solutions to challenges facing contemporary Muslim women

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By Muhyideen Jimoh

Some faith-based organisations have called for deep understanding and application of Islamic teachings to address the challenges facing contemporary Muslim women and girls in Nigeria.

The organisations stated this at a workshop in Abuja.

The workshop was organised by the Nigeria Association of Female Teachers of Arabic and Islamic Studies (NAFTAIS) and Al-Habibiyyah Islamic Society in collaboration with NUSRET Educational and Cultural Company Ltd.

The theme of the workshop is  “Islamic Solutions to Challenges facing Muslim Women and the Girl-child in Nigeria”.

The guest speakers Prof. Sa’adatu Liman, Vice Chancellor, Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK) and Prof. Rafat AbdulHamid, University of Abuja, spoke on the influence of Nigerian cultures and Western culture on Nigerian Muslim women and girls.

Dr Habiba Alfadarai of the National Board for Arabic and Islamic Studies and Mrs Saltanat Rakhmanova of the Nigeria Turkish International College, Abuja, highlighted the impact of social media and the teachings of Hizmet movement on the issue.

According to them, Islam is a complete way of life which is not against any culture but has laid out principles for everything positive as far as life is concerned.

They called on women and girls to live a modest life by using their hijabs (head cover) to protect their aura, lower their gazes, protect their chastity and cover their adornments and turn away from allurement of the world.

The speakers stressed the need for parents, particularly mothers to inculcate in their children the ‘dos and don’ts’ of Islam at a very early age.

Liman, who is also the Chairperson of NAFTAIS, said that Muslim women should always serve as role models in terms of their conduct, dressing and productivity.

She said that contemporary Muslim women should be able to practice their religion properly without feeling inferior.

“As Muslim women, we should be role models and this should reflect in all spheres of our life.

“As a female Vice Chancellor, I face a lot of challenges, but am constantly guided by my faith and the etiquette of my profession” she said.

AbdulHamid emphasised the need to constantly enlighten Muslim women on how to balance the practice of their religion and contemporary influences.

“The Muslim women and girls gare in great dilemma on which to pick or follow between Islam and western culture.

“Little or no knowledge of Islam has affected us a lot. Most people think the western culture is the best in terms of lifestyle and not following it make some Muslims feel inferior.

“Islam has provided a good foundation to seek knowledge right from the era of the Prophet (peace be upon him).

“Islamic knowledge encompasses every knowledge that will promote the consciousness of humanity to worship Allah,” she said.

Earlier, Hajia Salamatu Usman of Al-Habibiyyah called on participants to imbibe the culture of learning and association which she said will go a long way in shaping their lives.

“It is an eye-opening programme for me, we were taught about the dynamics of the social media, the western culture, the Nigerian culture and how it affects the Islamic upbringing of our children.

“So my take home from here is that learning starts from cradle to grave, meaning learning is not restricted to just the four walls of the classroom,” she said.

Highpoint of the event was the presentation of certificates to  participants. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Joseph Edeh

Religious

Education, key to solving societal challenges- Cleric

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By Salisu Sani-Idris

The Chairman of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) League of Imams, Sheikh Tajudeen Adigun, has emphasised that education is key to addressing numerous societal challenges.

He made this statement during the fifth Qur’anic graduation ceremony of the Nurul Yaqeen Islamic Foundation, which held on Saturday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 24 graduates from the foundation completed the recitation of the Holy Qur’an, comprising 13 females and 11 males.

According to Sheikh Adigun, no nation can achieve meaningful development without education.

“We must encourage our younger generation to pursue both Qur’anic and Western education so that they can contribute to the development of Nigeria,” he said.

He also highlighted the importance of adhering to the teachings of the Qur’an, describing it as the solution to many of the formidable challenges facing humanity.

Adigun noted that Islam places a high value on the pursuit of knowledge, adding that Nigeria is in urgent need of more intellectuals.

“In my lecture, I placed significant emphasis on the importance of education. Islamic education is essential for achieving success in this life and the hereafter.

“This is why the first verses revealed to Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) centred on the subject of education.

“Allah also states that those who are knowledgeable cannot be compared to those who are ignorant,” Adigun explained.

Earlier, the Director of the Foundation, Imam Yahya Al-Yolawi, expressed his joy at the success of the 24 Qur’an reciters, describing their graduation as a lifelong achievement for him.

“This has been my ambition and my passion. Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) said, ‘The best among you are those who learn the Qur’an and teach it.’

“This is our life’s mission, and since 2018, we have consistently recorded success, graduating students and receiving appreciation from parents for our efforts.

“I consider this a memorable milestone. This is the fifth Qur’anic graduation,” Al-Yolawi said.

NAN reports that the event was attended by parents, guardians, and clerics from the six Area Councils of the FCT. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

Religious

Hardship: Kaduna Choir holds concert, spreads message of love, hope

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By Sani Idris

The Kaduna Metropolitan Choir, on Sunday, held a music concert to spread the message of love and hope, that Nigerians would come out of the current hardship being experienced across the country.

Mr Samuel Yatai, leader of the choir, said during the event in Kaduna, that the annual concert brings together talented choristers from different denominations, united by their passion for music and worship.

Yatai explained that the concert was organised by the Non-Denominational Christian Choir Association of Nigerian, with the theme, “Behold God is Doing a New Thing in Your Life.”

He said that the goal was to spread the message of love and hope through music.

He expressed hope that God would see Nigerians through the challenging times of hardship, and heightened insecurity.

He said: “Despite the difficulties, we remain hopeful and optimistic that with God’s guidance and mercy, our country will soon become one of the most peaceful nations in the world.

“We trust in God’s plan and provisions for our lives and our nation.

“As we strive for good governance, let us remember our civic duty and responsibility.”

He explained that the concert was a culmination of months of hard work, dedication, and team work to spread the message of love, hope and unity through music.

“We are thrilled to share this unforgettable experience with you, and we pray that music will inspire, uplift, and bless you.

“Let the melodies transport you to a place of joy, hope, and spiritual renewal,” Yatai said.

He urged Nigerians to pray for leaders and participate in governance processes for the peace and well-being of all, as directed by God.

He disclosed that to further spread the word of God, His message of love, hope and salvation, the metropolitan choir would embark on evangelism outreach to Adamawa.

He said that the outreach which would hold from Nov.1 to Nov. 3 was organised by the Non-Denominational Christian Choir Association of Nigeria, Kaduna State Chapter, in collaboration with other state chapters.

“This outreach aims at sharing the gospel through music, fostering unity among Nigerians, and providing spiritual enrichment.

“We urge you all to join us in this noble endeavour. Together, let’s spread the message of love, hope and salvation.

“We believe that with your support, we can make a lasting impact on the lives of many,” the leader added.

The Chairman of the event, Rev. Joseph Hayap, described music as an “instrument of unity” and a universal language that transcends ethnic, race and other socio-cultural boundaries.

Hayab, who is the immediate past Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria in Kaduna State, also said that music “can unite and bring people together.

“With music, people would forget their differences and dance to the same tune.”

As a remedy for hardship, the cleric said that music could be used to bring people together to speak in one language, one voice and encourage one another.

“It is time to end the division, segregation and confusion, everybody has a role to play in uniting this country.

“When you look at music, it has different tones which we need to put all together to come up with a fantastic melody,” Hayab said.  (NAN)

Edited by Philip Yatai

Religious

Anglican Church gets new archdeaconry in Abuja

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By Emmanuel Afonne

The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Diocese of Kubwa, has inaugurated a new archdeaconry in Abuja to further propagate the gospel of Jesus Christ in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Rt. Rev. Duke Akamisoko, the Bishop of Kubwa Diocese, who inaugurated the new archdeaconry (Kubwa North Archdeaconry) with headquarters at the Church of Transfiguration, Arab Road, Kubwa, Abuja, said that the parish deserved its new status.

The new archdeaconry–Kubwa North–with Venerable Emeka Anyaora, as the Archdeacon, comprised six local churches in the area.

They are St. James Gbazango, Kubwa, Church of Epiphany Gbazango Extension, Kubwa, St. John’s Kagini, All Saints Church Guida, Emmanuel Church Kaba and St. Philip’s Church, Jibi.

Akamisoko said the inauguration of the Kubwa North Archdeaconry would bring evangelism closer to the people.

“It is a plus to the diocese; it is also a growth and with this, we now have 18 archdeaconries in the diocese, and this is one of them.

“God will continue to help them to grow and excel in mission, evangelism and other aspects of human relationship as well as work in the diocese.

“We encourage our members to work hard and show commitment so as to attract God’s blessing.

“Anyone that is not committed to the things of God is doing himself harm; those that are committed will be blessed.

“So, I urge everyone to be committed because it can’t go unrewarded.’’

According to the Bishop, the economic challenges in the country are man-made, as God did not design Nigeria to be so.

He urged Nigerians to dedicate themselves to the service of God, no matter the economic challenges.

“God did not put us where we are; with the right leadership, dedication, commitment from leaders and followers, we will get out of this.

“Nigerian leaders must be courageous; have human feelings and think about the people.

“The cost of living is getting high; cost of fuel is also going higher and higher.

“God has blessed this country with all the resources that are available; so, we have no reason to be where we are,” he said.

Director of Administration, Kubwa Diocese, Venerable Adamu Sabo, said the inauguration would galvanise and encourage expansion in the house of God.

“I was the first Parish Priest of this church and I am happy with what has happened,” Sabo said.

Chairman, Clergy Association, Kubwa Diocese, Venerable James Lamja, said that the Kubwa Anglican Diocese was growing from strength to strength.

“I am excited and we thank God for the developmental strides of the bishop.

“From here, the diocese will be going higher; from 17 archdeaconries, we are now 20, with an additional three new archdeaconries.

“This is the beginning of good things to come in this diocese; this is bringing administration to the grassroots and connecting with the diocese,” he said.

Mr Edwin Nwoko, Chairman of the Inauguration Planning Committee, said that the creation of the new archdeaconry would translate to the spiritual expansion of the Church and service to humanity.

He urged members of the archdeaconry to be committed to God’s work.

“We thank God for a successful event and our people are happy.

“We expect spiritual and membership growth as well as prosperity among the people and we expect people coming here to know God.

“We had a short time to plan this, but the members were united and they cooperated among themselves to achieve the result we got,” Nwoko said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo

Religious

Silence in face of social injustice, a crime – Onaiyekan

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By Philomina Attah
John Cardinal Onaiyekan, Emeritus Archbishop of Abuja Catholic Archdiocese, says silence in the face of social injustice is a crime against the gospel of Christ and the nation.

He stated this in Abuja at the inauguration of the Catholic Social Teaching (CST), programme for Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN), and agencies of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN)

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports event also witnessed the graduation ceremony of the trainers of CST programme.

Onaiyekan said, beyond evangelism, the Church must inculcate communication on justice and peace, all encapsulated in its social teachings.

He said the belief was the reason why the Catholic Bishops of Nigeria continually urged the government to fulfil its responsibilities and address the people’s needs.

He explained that CST provided a moral compass for living, functioning, and flourishing in society, making it central to evangelisation.

The Cardinal congratulated the graduands, urged them to view CST as essential for service and challenged them to deploy their knowledge to spreading the gospel.

According to the Cardinal, the CST is meant to empower both priests and laypeople to know their rights and speak against injustices in society.

Speaking, Rev. Fr. Uche Obodoechina, the Director, Dept. of Church and Society, said the programme was designed to equip the staffers of the Bishops’ agencies with comprehensive knowledge on CST.

“This initiative has been made possible by the wisdom of the Bishops Conference, ensuring that the teaching and learning of CST by the staff of the bishops’ agencies takes place at the secretariat.

“The next stage is to go into action. We will divide the staffers here into various classes and assign them to teachers.

Over the next two weeks, we will conduct the programmes every Friday until they graduate,” he said.

Obodoechina, the Executive Secretary of the Catholic Caritas Foundation of Nigeria (CCFN), also emphasised the significance of social teachings.

He reiterated the commitment to continue the CST education programme, fostering a deeper understanding of social justice and the Church’s role in society.

“We are creating a ripple effect of knowledge and awareness that will extend far beyond the secretariat, impacting communities and society at large,” he added..

In his keynote address, Prof. Hyacinth Ichoku, the Vice Chancellor of Veritas University, Bwari, Abuja, emphasized that everyone, regardless of status, has something to contribute to society.

He noted that CST, a hidden treasure of the Church, will address various social concerns, including politics, healthcare, climate change, education, and social inequalities.

Ichoku expressed satisfaction with Veritas University’s collaboration with CRS and CBCN to spread the message.

In a valedictory speech, Mr Joe Nkamuke, who spoke on behalf of the graduands,  assured of their commitment to spreading the CST knowledge they have gained.

“We promise to open the Pandora’s box for others to see,” he said.

He expressed gratitude to the programme’s organisers and reaffirmed their dedication to promoting CST principles in society. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

NCSCN logo
General News , Religious

Eid-el Kabir: CSO felicitates Muslim faithful, urges Tinubu to rejig cabinet

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By Patricia Amogu

The National Civil Society Council of Nigeria [NCSCN] celebrates with Muslim faithful on the occasion of Eid-el Kabir.

They also called on President Ahmed Bola Tinubu to re-shape his cabinet.

The Council’s Executive Director, Blessing Akinlosotu, made the disclosure in a statement on Monday.

“The National Civil Society Council of Nigeria (NCSCN) joins all muslim faithful in celebrating this special day and prays for peace, unity and prosperity for all Nigerians.

“May this Eid bring joy, blessings, and happiness to you and your loved ones,” the statement said.

The council expressed concern over the worsening economic conditions faced by Nigerians, including rising inflation and unemployment.

“The group holds that the cabinet is failing to effectively address these issues and is, therefore, unable to alleviate the suffering of the people.

“The council believes that a new cabinet, consisting of experienced and competent individuals, is necessary to tackle the numerous challenges facing the country.”

The statement further emphasised the need for accountability and transparency in governance, while appealing to the government to prioritise the welfare of the Nigerian people and ensure that their interests were adequately represented.

They also called on other civil society organisations, as well as grassroots movements and citizens, to lend their voices to the call for a good standard of living for the masses.

“Collective voices from various sectors of society is essential to bring about the necessary changes that can alay the struggles of the Nigerian people.

“This important Islamic festival is a time for reflection, sacrifice, and giving back to the community and we pray that Almighty Allah will continue to bless you with his benevolence and mercy,” the statement added. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Vivian Ihechu

Sen. Ireti Kingibe
Religious , General News , Politics

Eid-el Kabir: Sen. Kingibe felicitates Nigerians, calls for sacrifice among leaders

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By Perpetua Onuegbu

The Senator representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Hajiya Ireti Kingibe, has urged leaders in all spheres of life to sacrifice for the good of the country.

Kingibe made the call on Sunday in Abuja, in a statement issued by Mr Kennedy Mbele, her Senior Special Assistant on Media, while felicitating Muslim faithfuls on the occasion of Eid-el Kabir celebration.

She called on leaders to emulate the virtues and sacrifices of holy Prophet Ibrahim, noting that for progress to be made in life, leaders must give up some valuables for the sake of others.

Kingibe recalled the way holy Prophet Mohammed wanted to sacrifice his only son, Issah, without hesitation and the manner in which Allah later blessed him exceedingly by making him the father of all nations.

The senator frowned at what she described as the ‘inexplicable gap between the rich and the poor in the country’, saying the rich must make some meaningful sacrifices to reduce the vast gap.

Kingibe commended her constituents, the FCT residents, for their accommodating nature.

She noted that being one another’s keeper was imperative in achieving peace anywhere, especially in a heterogeneous setting like the nation’s capital, Abuja.

She prayed for Muslim faithful on pilgrimage in Mecca and wished everyone a peaceful and unifying Eid-el-Kabir celebration,” she said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Emmanuel Afonne

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