NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
General News , Religious

Anti-corruption: Al-Habibiyyah tasks FG on partnership with religious organisations

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Anti-corruption: Al-Habibiyyah tasks FG on partnership with religious organisations

By Suleiman Shehu

An Islamic organisation, Al-Habibiyyah Islamic Society, has urged the Federal Government (FG) to partner with genuine religious organisations in its fight against corruption.

The association’s Chairman, Board of Trustees, Dr Kola Adeyemi, gave the advice at a 2-day sustainability training on Anti-Corruption and Accountability campaign in Ibadan on Saturday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the programme was organised by the Islamic Society for Imams and Islamic scholars in the South-West geopolitical zone of Nigeria.

Adeyemi said partnering with sincere religious organisations would help the government in changing the attitude of Nigerians toward corruption.

“Government should partner with those religious organisations that will not take advantage of their enormous influence in misleading the society, but use it to advance the course of governance.

“The government should be able to identify what they want without mixing or playing politics with religion,” the chairman said.

He said the programme was organised for Imams and Islamic scholars to ensure they lead and show good leadership examples in the fight against corruption in Nigeria.

Adeyemi called on the participants to always inculcate good morals in their children and followers to avoid indulging in vices and to impact positively on the society.

He further called on the participants to engage in one form of business or the other to avoid consuming what was forbidden by Almighty Allah.

“Al-Habibiyyah have gone around the country to ensure that Imams and Islamic leaders come together and work for the good of the society and be role models in their deeds.

“We have also taught the children the importance of digital technology to discourage them from its negative use; they must use it positively for the development of the society,” he said.

In his remarks, the Executive Director, The Just Foundation, Imam Fuad Adeyemi, said 95 per cent of the country’s challenges would be solved if issues of corruption were adequately addressed.

Adeyemi added that Nigerians would experience peace of mind if everyone worked together in fighting corruption.

According to him, some of the challenges of food, health and other social amenities provided by the government will be resolved.

“We, the scholars, must come together; we must be upright and disseminate the right messages to the citizens for the good of the country,” Adeyemi said.

He further says Al-Habibiyyah, apart from being a religious organisation, also engages in agriculture and will soon come out with good agricultural products to the admiration of Nigerians. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chinyere Nwachukwu/Moses Solanke

Religious , Metro

FCTA assures 2024 intending hajj pilgrims improved welfare

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By Philip Yatai

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has assured the 2024 intending pilgrims to Saudi Area from the territory of improved welfare, throughout the Hajj exercise.

The FCT Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, gave the assurance, while bidding farewell to the intending pilgrims at the FCT Hajj Camp in Bassa Jiwa, Abuja on Tuesday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria is expected to begin airlifting the intending pilgrims from FCT on Wednesday, May 15, to Saudi Arabia.

Mahmoud said that FCTA and the FCT Muslim Pilgrims’ Welfare Board have taken proactive measures to ensure adequate welfare for the intending pilgrims throughout the exercise.

She expressed confidence that the 2024 FCT Hajj operation would be better than the previous ones.

“To ensure success in the operation, the FCT Administration was proactive in ensuring that all the intending pilgrims complied with relevant policies to participate in the spiritual journey.

“The Administration has successfully concluded all necessary arrangements for the welfare of our contingent to the Holy Land.

“In fact, the early preparations for this year’s Hajj demonstrate our commitment towards recording a hitch-free exercise,” she said.

She urged the intending pilgrims to pray for the unity and progress of the country, with particular attention to the nation’s leaders for Allah’s guidance.

“I urge you all to remember that our country is passing through some economic and security challenges, which require your prayers for our country to remain united in spite of our differences.

“Pray for the peaceful coexistence of our dear nation in support of President Bola Tinubu-led administration in line with his “Renewed Hope” agenda,” Mahmoud pleaded.

The minister further urged the intending pilgrims to be good ambassadors of the FCT and Nigeria by abiding with all the newly introduced policies by the Saudi authorities for the 2024 exercise.

She identified some of the new policies as movement in groups, transportation policy, luggage policy, feeding arrangements, timetable for religious activities, and other policies issued by all relevant authorities.

“Remember that these policies were introduced in your own interest to enable you to perform your religious obligations at ease,” she said.

Earlier, the Director, FCT Muslim Pilgrims’ Welfare Board, Malam Abubakar Evuti, said that the Board had a total of 2,977 intending pilgrims for the 2024 Hajj exercise.

Evuti said that experienced and committed officials were mobilised for the operation to ensure optimum service delivery for the pilgrims during the exercise.

He, however, warned against any act of indiscipline, adding the official found wanting would be penalised.

He also advised the intending pilgrims to be law abiding, patient, avoid reckless spending and avoid rumour mongering.

One of the intending pilgrims, Mohammed Habib, who is going to Hajj for the first time, expressed confidence for a hitch-free exercise.

The visibly excited Habib said he was satisfied with all the preparation processes, which he described as impressive.

“I am overwhelmed and very excited because the preparations exceeded my expectations. So, I am looking forward to a fulfilling and hitch-free Hajj exercise,” he said. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Religious

Don’t replace humanity with artificial intelligence, Kaigama advises Nigerians

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By Philomina Attah

Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama of the Catholic Archdiocese of Abuja, has advised Nigerians against allowing Artificial Intelligence (AI) to replace the human person in the society.

Kaigama gave the advice in his sermon on Sunday, in commemoration of the 2024 World Communication Day, held at St Joseph Pastoral Area, Dakibiyu, Jabi, Abuja.

The archbishop said that rather than reject AI, the technology should be embraced and used to retain Nigeria’s shared humanity.

“We must not reject the new developments; but we must not embrace them in a manner that it will take away our humanity and reduce everything to machine and technology.

“Let us be careful in the use of technology, let us not become proud that we have all the answers and replace God. It is foolish to do so.

“We should be careful, even though everything God has created is good and God intends that those things he created should serve us.

“Let us not become proud and arrogant and tend to replace God with these things He Himself has created; let us not succumb to that temptation and that is the essence of the world communication Sunday,” he said.

Kaigama particularly advised the youths to ensure proper use of the social media by  communicating what is good, honourable and noble at all times.

He further called on Nigerians to use the social media to preach peace and enduring love in their respective communities and beyond.

“In whatever we do, let us communicate love and peace in a manner that will bring progress and not to create confusion as we see during election.

“Let all our actions be inspired by ethics and morality; enough of politics riddled with corruption, do not exclude morality from politics, governace and from everything we do.

”Things must rotate around the principle of morality.

“I pray that God will help us in our country, guide our leaders to conduct the affairs of the nation with the fear of God,” the prelate prayed.

In his remarks, the Director of Communication of the archdiocese, Rev. Fr. Patrick Alumuku, advised against the use of AI as standard or tool to train children in the communities.

He said that though AI has many answers, it may not be able to give a human and emotional answer required to train the next generation.

The cleric said that AI should not be elevated to a point where it will replace human wisdom and reduce human beings to mere mathematical figures for algorithms.

“Let us use our heart in our relationship with others, our hearts is more important in the use of this great innovation known as AI,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Polycarp Auta

Members of Catholic Men Organisation, St. Luke’s Chaplaincy, Gwagwalada, during the Fathers’ Day celebration on Sunday
Religious , General News

Fathers Day: Abuja cleric urges Christians to show love

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By Jacinta Nwachukwu

Rev. Fr. Bernard Desben of the Missionary of St. Paul (MSP), has urged Christian faithful in Nigeria to put their love in action, just as Christ did to his church.

Desben gave the advice during his homily on Sunday at St. Luke Catholic Chaplaincy, Gwagwalada, Abuja during the celebration of Fathers Day.

According to him, one of the most important things today is the theme of love which is coming from John, Chapter 15, verse 9 – 17.

“In the gospel of John, Jesus let his disciples to know that the greatest love one can show for his friends is to sacrifice his life for his friends.

“So, we as Christians having been baptised in Christ and we receive new life in Christ, and as we live our Christian calling, we are trying to seal that love,” Desben said.

The reverend said that Christians should be obedient to God’s commandments which is “to love one another”.

He said that love required action which should be expressed by charity.

Speaking on the importance of fathers, Desben said that fathers are pillars in the church, adding that while the mother’s love is that of nurturing, oftentimes father’s love complements mother’s love.

“Oftentimes the father’s love substitutes for what the mother’s love cannot give,” he said.

Desben urged families to always appreciate their fathers while encouraging fathers to look into their grey areas and make amend.

Similarly, Most Rev. Fr. Augustus Essien (MSP), the Pioneer Priest of the Chaplaincy, while congratulating the Catholic Men Organisation (CMO) of the Chaplaincy, advised Christians to love and be in love with one another.

Essien also prayed that God would strengthen the fathers to remain the pillars of the church, and encouraged them to continue to support the church.

In his speech, Dr Ezekiel Alagboso, the President of CMO of the Chaplaincy, on behalf of the members pledged to uphold the sanctity of fatherhood and cherish the priceless gift of family as the domestic church.

Alagboso thanked God for the blessings of fatherhood and the boundless love of the heavenly Father.

He prayed that His divine grace would continue to guide and bless the members in their endeavours.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the highlight of the occasion was the awards given to the pioneer members including the pioneer priest.

St. Luke Catholic Chaplaincy, University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Gwagwalada, was created in 1996 with the Most Rev. Fr. Augustus Essie as the pioneer priest. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Benson Ezugwu/Razak Owolabi

Former Military Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon and his wife, Victoria, celebrating their 55th wedding anniversary at the St. Matthew’s Anglican Church, Maitama, Abuja.
General News , Religious

Gowon, wife celebrate 55th wedding anniversary

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By Emmanuel Afonne

Former Military Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon and his wife, Victoria, on Sunday celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary with thanksgiving at St. Matthew’s Anglican Church, Maitama, Abuja.

The couple exchanged vows on April 19, 1969, at the Anglican Cathedral Church of Christ, Marina, Lagos, during Gowon’s tenure as Nigeria’s Head of State.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that family members, friends and well-wishers gathered to join the celebrants in commemorating their wedding anniversary during the thanksgiving service.

The couple presented the Holy Communion at the altar, during the service, which also marked the third Sunday after Easter in the Anglican Church’s liturgical calendar.

During the service, Mrs Gowon read the Old Testament lesson from 1 Kings 17:17-24.

Venerable Tiwatope Elias-Fatile, Vicar of St. Matthew’s Anglican Church, congratulated them on their milestone anniversary, commending them for their dedicated service to the nation and the church.

Venerable Tiwatope Elias-Fatile, Vicar of St. Matthew’s Anglican Church, with former Military Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon and his wife, Victoria, during their 55th wedding anniversary at the St. Matthew’s Anglican Church, Maitama, Abuja.
Venerable Tiwatope Elias-Fatile, Vicar of St. Matthew’s Anglican Church, with former Military Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon and his wife, Victoria, during their 55th wedding anniversary at the St. Matthew’s Anglican Church, Maitama, Abuja.

Elias-Fatile, who extolled their exemplary role as a couple within the Christian community, invoked blessings of physical and spiritual strength in all aspects of their lives.

“I pray that the good Lord gives you physical and spiritual strength in every aspect of your lives.

“In your position, you have become an adviser, mentor, counsellor to many families and I pray that the Holy Spirit will continue to inspire and use you to continue your good work for our country and many homes,” Elias-Fatile prayed.

NAN recalls that Gowon was Nigeria’s Military Head of State from Aug. 1, 1966 to July 29, 1975. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Ifeyinwa Omowole

Illustration for food stuff
Religious , Foreign , General News

Sallah: FCT residents decry high cost of food stuff

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By Shera Ahmed

Some residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have continued to decry the increasing cost of goods and services as Nigerians celebrate the Eid el Fitr.

The residents spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Abuja while reacting to how the continuous increase in prices of goods and services was affecting their Sallah celebrations.

The residents said in spite of the appreciation of the Naira against the dollar, the prices of goods and services were still exorbitant for the common man to purchase.

They, however, called for government’s intervention in ensuring the stability of prices of goods and services.

Miss Amanat Alhassan, a student of the University of Abuja said, “the economy of the country has made this year’s Sallah least exciting for me because everything is so expensive.

“So I did not expect much to happen. Everyone is just managing what they have and staying low-key.

“I can barely do my hair due to the high cost of attachment.

“In those days, braids used to cost like N3,000 but because the Naira has no value it costs N5,000 now, “she said.

Mrs Zainab Baba, a businesswoman, said the Eid celebration was not enjoyable compared to the previous years because of the high cost of things.

According to her, things are tough to the point that people are finding it difficult to feed and survive.

“But at the same time I am grateful to Allah for witnessing another year and Eid,” she said.

Miss Hamza Abubakar, a housemaid, reminisced about buying food at affordable prices and how the family she worked for always had a lot to eat and give during Eid celebrations.

Abubakar said unfortunately, the present economic situation had made it impossible for her family to buy enough to eat.

“We barely have enough to eat during this sallah talk more of giving and sharing with people. The situation is not good at all.

“I am still grateful I could at least have a nice time with my family. I urge the government to do something about the increment of food prices,” she said.

Mrs Karimah Adeoye, a boutique owner, emphasised how much the Eid celebration was important to her and her family.

Adeoye said that there was a lot of difference in terms of merriment between this year’s Eid and previous years due to the economic downturn.

Adeoye, however, said she was grateful she spent Eid in the Mosque and with her family.

Mojeeb Ahmed, a student of the University of Abuja said “the prices of goods and services were too outrageous.

“The sellers are still buying their goods for high prices in spite of the decrease in Naira and they would need to make a gain.

“People are charging so much for their services because the Naira lacks value and people are not seeing the prices of anything reducing in the country,” he said.

Mrs Yesmin Ahmed, a civil servant, said that Eid this year was not too enjoyable because of the hike in prices of goods.

NAN reports that the Naira has continued to appreciate against the dollar and Nigerians hope that it reflects on the prices of goods and services in the country. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Okeoghene Akubuike/Ese E. Eniola Williams

Eid-el-Fitr logo as illustration for Muslim Cleric
Religious

Eid-el-Fitr: Cleric calls for love, Godliness among Nigerians

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By Blessing Ibegbu

A Muslim cleric, Mohammed Abubakar on Thursday called on Nigerians to embrace Godliness and show of love as a lifestyle.

Abubakar, who is the head of ‘Masjidul Ansar’ mosque in One Man Village, Karu, Nasarawa State, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

According to him, the period of Eid-el-Fitr and Ramadan is not just for merriment, but also a period to reflect on the spirituality and love exhibited by individuals and society as a whole.

Relating the just concluded Ramadan fast to school, Abubakar urged fellow Muslims and Nigerians to always adhere to the lessons and also learn to live with it.

“If we can stay away from hurting our fellow human beings, robbing, cheating, killing and committing all manner of evil for that period of 29, 30 days, then, it shows we can stay without sins.

“We should not forget what we have learnt during the period of Ramadan. We should pray and hope for more grace in our future endeavours and celebrations,” Abubakar said.

He advised citizens to go beyond the Sallah celebration and continue to share love and peace among themselves.

“As we celebrate this Eid-el-fitr, haven learnt so much from Ramadan, irrespective of being rich or poor, we must, especially the rich, always extend food, money, clothing and arms to the poor.

“We should consider everybody as one and desirable of each other’s love in different ways,” he said.

Abubakar urged Nigerians to always pray for the nation’s peace and harmony. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Dorcas Jonah/Joseph Edeh

Religious

Sultan urges Muslims to seek knowledge, pray for leaders

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By Muhammad Nasir

Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, the Sultan of Sokoto and President General of the National Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), has encouraged the Muslim Ummah to actively pursue knowledge to strengthen their faith.

In his Eid message on Wednesday, Abubakar emphasised the importance of continuing to pray for leaders and prosperity of the country.

“We should express gratitude to  Almighty Allah for granting us the gift of life and good health, allowing us to observe the 30 days of fasting and celebrate Eid-el-Fitr.

“Today marks a significant day in Islam as Muslims worldwide commemorate the conclusion of Ramadan and the Eid-el-Fitr festivities.

“Moreover, let us perpetuate the spirit of compassion and support for one another, as demonstrated during the month of Ramadan, and extend assistance to those in need,” he appealed.

The Sultan commended the Sokoto State Government, under the leadership of Gov. Ahmed Aliyu, for its commitment and collaboration with Muslim scholars to foster unity.

He also praised the government’s ongoing efforts to support the less privileged, civil servants, and ensuring the security and progress of the state.

Meanwhile, Gov. Ahmed Aliyu urged the Muslim community in the state to uphold the virtues of Ramadan to attract Allah’s abundant mercy and forgiveness.

Aliyu, in his Eid message to the Muslim community following the conclusion of the 2024 Ramadan fast, implored affluent individuals in the state to continue demonstrating compassion and generosity toward the less fortunate to earn Allah’s blessings.

“I am aware of the numerous acts of assistance provided by some of our affluent citizens to the needy in our society, which is truly commendable.

“On our part, the government has allocated significant resources to aid the less privileged and vulnerable groups throughout the state,” he stated. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Muhammad Lawal

Religious

Prelate urges Christian to grow above their past

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By Philomina Attah

The Prelate of the Methodist Church, Nigeria, His Eminence, Dr Oliver Abba, has encouraged Christians to rise above the negativity of their past.

Abba made the call in his sermon at the Cathedral of Unity, Wuse Zone 3, in Abuja.

The cleric, who is on pastoral visit to Abuja, emphasised that “Jesus Christ, the epitome of peace, offers a path of peace to all who follow Him.”

Addressing the congregation, the prelate stressed the importance of unity, highlighting the need for people to come together in spite of their differences.

He urged them to spread joy and happiness to one another, emphasising that every act of kindness towards others is seen as an act towards God.

In an interview with newsmen after the service, the Archbishop expressed hope for Nigeria, noting the resilience and zeal of its people.

He cited the Biblical story of Ezekiel and the dry bones and likened Nigeria’s current challenges to the dry bones, asserting that there is hope for restoration and revival.

“With the current economic hardship in the country, it is good to show love to one another.

“We should try by putting smiles on the faces of our neighbours because that’s the teachings of Jesus Christ,” he said.

The prelate emphasised the significance of love, citing Jesus Christ as the ultimate example of selfless love.

He commended President Bola Tinubu, saying that his position was divinely ordained and called on Nigerians to support him for the nation’s progress. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Benson Ezugwu/Isaac Aregbesola

General News , Religious

Ramadan: Al-Habibiyyah preaches religious harmony, unity for nation’s devt

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By Muhyideen Jimoh

The Al-Habibiyyah Islamic Society (AIS), an Islamic NGO has called for unity and religious harmony as a catalyst for engendering peace and development of the nation.
The organisation made call on Thursday in Abuja at special interfaith Iftar programme (TIIP) which had christian clerics breaking fast with their Muslim counterparts to promote peace and unity.
Sheikh Fuad Adeyemi, national Chief Imam, Al-Habibiyyah Islamic Society told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the programme was organised to promote peace, unity and religious tolerance among all Nigerians.
“The essence of this programme is to maintain peace and tranquility and also security purposes.
“When you say peace, it has to be holistic, if one person is not in peace then everybody is not in peace, that is why we are doing this with our Christian brothers to demonstrate that we are one,” he said.
Earlier, Rev. Fr. Candice Enyiaka, International Programme Development Specialist, Global Peace Foundation say the initiative was capable of addressing religious intolerance in Nigeria.
He commended the Society for the initiative while calling on other faith organisations to emulate such to promote peace and unity in the country.
“This is a commendable gesture by Al-Habibiyyah by bringing faith leaders from different traditions together to witness and be part of the Iftar and distribution of food to thousands of people from the streets not minding and asking questions.
“I urge other faith based organisations to also emulate this to promote peace, unity and harmony in our country, ” he said.
NAN reports that the Christian clerics participated in the Iftar( breaking of fast) and distribution of food to thousands indigents Muslims and non-Muslims.
The programme was attended by Islamic and Christian clerics, representatives from the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), faith based organisations and traditional rulers.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Sadiya Hamza

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