NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Nasarawa Speaker preaches tolerance, peaceful coexistence
Religious

Nasarawa Speaker preaches tolerance, peaceful coexistence

403 total views today
By Awayi Kuje
Dr Danladi Jatau, Speaker, Nasarawa State House of Assembly, has urged Agwada people of the state and other Nigerians to continue to embrace tolerance, love, and peaceful coexistence.
The speaker made the call at an event to mark the 77th founding anniversary of Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA), in Agwada, Kokona Local Government Area, on Sunday.
Jatau, who was the Chairman of the occasion, urged adherents of the different faiths to live together in peace and respect others choice of religion.
According to the speaker, love, unity and peace are key enablers of development.
He appreciated stakeholders and church members for their contributions to the development of the church.
“I want to use this opportunity to call on you, let’s love one another, live in unity and peace, irrespective of affiliations.
“Peace is a necessary requirement for the development of any society.
“We should not compromise the peace being enjoyed in this place and the state at large,” he said.
Jatau also called for teamwork and collaboration for the development of the church and the state at large.
“Let’s continue to work together as one family as we are all one in the eye of the Lord” he said.
He called on the members of the church to synergise and collaborate with people of other faiths for the development of the society.
We alone cannot do it. Let us collaborate and synergise with people of other religions for the overall development of the society,” he said.
The speaker called on the people of Agwada and other people of the state to continue to pray and support Gov. Abdullahi Sule’s administration to succeed.
The speaker later donated N1million towards the development of the church.
Other dignitaries, including Dr Emmanuel Akabe, the Deputy Governor, represented by Mr Gabriel Agbashi, Commissioner for Science and Technology; a member of the state assembly, Mr Onarigu Kana (SDP-Udege/Loko), Chief Lawrence Sylvester Ayih 11, the Abaga Toni, spoke at the programme.
They appreciated the members of the church for their zeal and passion for the development of the church.
They also called on the church members and other Nigerians to continue to hold their faith, love one another and be their brothers’ keeper.
In his sermon, Rev. Agbawu Osuonda, a retired ECWA priest, called on Christians and other Nigerians to shun evil acts in order to inherit the kingdom of God.
Osuonda also urged citizens to always do good to others.
He appealed to the dignitaries present to donate generously to the growth and development of the church. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Bubari Bolaji
3000 Anglican faithful pray for restoration of Nigeria’s glory
Religious

3000 Anglican faithful pray for restoration of Nigeria’s glory

318 total views today
By Joy Mbachi
No fewer than 3,000 Anglican faithful gathered in a prayer convention to pray for the restoration of Nigerian socioeconomic growth and development.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Diocesan Lenten Prayer Convention was the annual prayer convention of Anglican Diocese of Awka.
Declaring the prayer convention open in Awka, the Archbishop of Anglican Archdiocese of Awka, Most Rev. Alexander Ibezim, said that with fervent prayers Nigeria’s lost glory would be recovered for the citizens to enjoy a robust economy.
Ibezim, who is the convener, urged the faithful never to relent in praying and presenting their needs before the Almighty God because with Him nothing is impossible as well as having positive attitude towards their daily activities.
The archbishop advised the faithful to always pray for their leaders either political, community or religious leaders for divine directions and progress instead of dwelling on criticism of government policies.
In his homily titled: “Total Restoration”, the guest preacher, Anglican Bishop of Diocese of Jalingo, Rt. Rev. Nedison Foreman, said that prayer is key to great hope and restoration of lost economic and social glory.
The bishop said that one can define restoration “as a return or regain of that which was misused or destroyed, through unlawful and unpatriotic attitudes or activities that may have robbed the society or individual of its wealth.”
He assured the faithful that positive attitude change towards public and private living would enhance restoration in all facets of life.
Foreman disclosed that there are four levels of restoration, namely: singular, double, seven-fold and total restoration.
The bishop said that in all levels of restorations that “the secret of true restoration is prayer and true repentance”, adding that “faithful must be strong in the place of prayer.”
The Priest in-charge of the Church of the Pentecost, Awka, Ven. Prince Oranye, encouraged the faithful to support evangelism in order to sustain their spiritual base.
Dr Chioma Ibezim, President of the Mother’s Union and wife of the Archbishop, urged women to be more prayerful to cope with the negative trends in society.
Mrs Ibezim called on mothers to always pray and stand in the gap for the Church, their families and the society at large because “God answers prayers of women.”
Mrs Chioma Okeke, a participant at the prayer convention, said that she looked forward to the yearly prayer convention “as it helps in building her spiritual base and bringing her peace of mind.”
NAN reports that the 2025 Diocesan Lenten Prayer Convention featured testimonies, praise worship and thanksgiving. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Stanley Nwanosike and Benson Iziama
Pastor secures freedom for inmates, donates medical supplies
Religious

Pastor secures freedom for inmates, donates medical supplies

391 total views today

By Abiodun Azi

An online pastor, Bayo Adeyinka, popularly known as “Greater Bayo”, has secured the freedom of eight inmates at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre, Lagos, to commemorate his 50th birthday.

Adeyinka paid their fines as part of a prison outreach on Monday, during a brief event held at the centre’s chapel.

The pastor, who is also an author and a banker, said that the outreach was borne out of the need to facilitate freedom of inmates in line with biblical injunctions.

“According to the Bible, every 50th year is known as the “Year of Jubilee”, which means freedom.

“It is, therefore, my honour to be able to facilitate the freedom of eight of our brothers here today through the payment of fines in commemoration of my 50th birthday anniversary.

“I recently launched two books and I pledge that all the proceeds from the book sales, as well as gifts and donations from my birthday celebration, will go toward this project,” he said.

Adeyinka gave each of the inmates N20,000 to cover their transportation cost, while urging them to avoid crime and extend the kindness to those in need.

The pastor donated essential medical supplies such as antibiotics, anti-malarial drugs, painkillers, blood boosters and syringes to the facility’s clinic.

He also provided sanitary pads for 268 female inmates at the Kirikiri Female Correctional Centre, ensuring they had enough supplies for the rest of the year. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa

Eid-el-Fitr: Clerics call for hope, support for Tinubu
Religious

Eid-el-Fitr: Clerics call for hope, support for Tinubu

346 total views today

A cross-section of Muslim men at the Sideeqat Ahmad Megida Central Mosque, Ikorodu, during the Eid-el-Fitr prayer on Sunday.

By Aisha Cole

The Chief Imam of Sideeqat Ahmad Megida Central Mosque, Ikorodu, Nurudeen Abdul-Kadiri, has called on Nigerians to place their hope in President Bola Tinubu’s administration and support him with prayers.

Abdul-Kadiri made this appeal during the Eid-el-Fitr prayer service held in Ikorodu, Lagos State, on Sunday.

He acknowledged the challenges of the nation but emphasised that Nigerians should trust in Allah to resolve the country’s challenges.

“Let us place our hope in Allah; we should not be despondent, for Allah will fix all things.

“Always pray for our leaders, do not curse them, and ask Allah to guide them. With Allah, everything will be okay,” Abdul-Kadiri said.

He also prayed that “Almighty Allah will place policies and programmes in the hearts of our leaders that will benefit ordinary people on the streets.”

The Chief Imam highlighted that the essence of Ramadan was to attain piety and to reach out to the needy.

He urged Muslims to continue the good deeds practiced during Ramadan and to let God’s consciousness guide their actions.

Islamic scholar Ustaz Muhammad-Sadeeq Sulaimon also spoke, reminding the congregation that it was Allah’s command to come together after fasting to offer gratitude.

“Before attending the Eid prayers, we must give Zakatul Fitr by sharing food with the less privileged, allowing them to celebrate within their communities,” Sulaimon said.

He acknowledged the country’s current difficulties but assured Nigerians that with perseverance, the situation would not last forever.

Nutritionist Hajia Bolanle Oreagba urged Nigerians to view the celebration as a turning point for positive change, encouraging them to continue the spirit of love and support exhibited during Ramadan to make Nigeria a better place.

A cross section of some Muslim women at the Sideeqat Ahmad Megida Central Mosque Ikorodu, during Eid-el-Fitr prayer on Sunday.

Alhaji Kafilat Amodemaja, a teacher, encouraged hope for a brighter future in spite of the tough times, while author Abdul-Rahman Alli stressed the need for unity and support for the present administration.

Alli also expressed sympathy with the Edo State Government over the recent killings of 16 Muslims, urging Nigerians to embrace peace and love one another.

“Let us embrace peace because Allah says that if you kill a soul, it is as if you have killed all of humanity,” Alli said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Benson Ezugwu/Abiemwense Moru

Lagos residents want Muslims, Christians to sustain fasting lessons
Religious

Lagos residents want Muslims, Christians to sustain fasting lessons

317 total views today

By Aderonke Ojediran

Some Lagos residents on Sunday praised Nigerian Muslims for devotion and charity during the month-long Ramadan fast which ended on Saturday.

In interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the residents noted that the Ramadan fast was a period of spiritual rebirth, urging Muslims to sustain lessons from the fast.

They urged Muslims to ensure discipline, honesty, hard work and charity in every life.

They also urged Christians undergoing 40-day fasting and prayer Lenten season to ensure dedication and obedience to God.

NAN reports that Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, is observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting, communal prayer and sober reflection.

The 2025 Ramadan fast began on March 1, while Lent started on March 5 and will usher in Easter.

Mrs Precious Ojobunmi, an Office Assistant at the Lagos State Secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja, said that the coincidence of Ramadan Fast and the Christian Lenten season was significant.

Ojobunmi said that both Christianity and Islam discouraged indolence and disregard for constituted authority.

She advised Muslims and Christians to reflect the virtues they imbibed from Ramadan Fast and Lenten season on their daily activities.

Alhaji Ibrahim Layinde, also a civil servant, said that Ramadan Fast was compulsory for every adult Muslim except the sick, travellers, pregnant women and nursing mothers.

He congratulated Muslims on the successful completion of the dawn-to-dusk fast and urged them to impact positively on their environments.

Mr Taiwo Alimi, a clerical staff with Lagos State Government, told NAN that he participated in the Ramadan Fast in spite of an illness.

He added that he ensured that his work was not negatively affected by the fast.

According to him, fasting should not affect a job being paid for.

“With the level of unemployment in our society, one shouldn’t joke with his work.

“As civil servants, we are called to serve the public, and failing to do so means we are unfit for the job,” he said.

Pastor Josiah Omoniyi of the Christ Apostolic Church said that the essence of fasting would be lost if God’s commandments would be disobeyed.

He urged strict obedience to God’s commandment as a demonstration of the lessons from fasting and prayers.

“Our God values obedience.  God loves and rewards hard work,” he said.

Mr Bidemi Bayioku, an Administration Officer, told NAN, the fact that Muslims and Christians fasted at the same time should unite us the more.”

He advised Muslims and Christians to reflect the lessons from their fasting on their relationships, workplaces and environments.

“In Lagos State, we pride ourselves with diligence,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ijeoma Popoola

Shettima urges prayers for Tinubu, Nigeria
Religious

Shettima urges prayers for Tinubu, Nigeria

354 total views today

By Salisu Sani-Idris

Vice-President Kashim Shettima has urged Nigerians to pray for President Bola Tinubu’s leadership, as well as the peace, stability, and progress of the country, as Ramadan ends.

Shettima made the call on Friday during the closing ceremony of Tafsir (Quranic reading) for Ramadan at the State House Mosque, Abuja.

He said that prayer remains the believer’s fortress, a sanctuary where hopes are nurtured and destinies are shaped.

The Vice-President sought prayers for God to grant the President wisdom and strength to guide the country towards peace, unity, and prosperity.

“It is our greatest weapon against despair and the most powerful armour for those entrusted with leadership.

“In this spirit, I urge everyone to continue praying for our beloved nation and the leadership of His Excellency, President Bola Tinubu.

“May Allah grant him wisdom, strength, and resolve to steer our great nation towards peace, unity, and prosperity.

“May He protect him from harm, fortify his heart with courage, and guide his every effort in service to Nigerians,” he prayed.

Shettima reminded the gathering that governance is a collective responsibility and not solely the burden of government.

He emphasised that religious leaders play a crucial role in shaping values and guiding society’s moral conscience.

“Their service reminds us of the ideals that must define us: integrity, justice, and an unyielding commitment to the welfare of others.

“To them, we owe our deepest gratitude,” Shettima stated.

He urged Muslims to embody the values of Ramadan — sacrifice, discipline, and love — in their daily lives.

He stressed that as Ramadan ends, its essence must not be forgotten.

“The days of devotion, self-restraint, and reflection must not be confined to Ramadan alone. They must illuminate the path we walk every day.

“Fasting has taught us sacrifice and discipline and awakened in us a profound sense of empathy.

“It has reminded us of the struggles of the less privileged, the hunger of the destitute, and our responsibilities toward those in need.

“As Ramadan ends, we must ask: What have we gained if we return to habits of neglect, indifference, and discord?

“The true test of faith is not how we worship during Ramadan, but how we embody its values afterward.

“Let us carry the spirit of this sacred month into our daily lives. Let us extend kindness, offer generosity, and radiate love where there is division.

“Let us be ambassadors of Islam not only in public but also in our private moments, embodying the goodness that defines our faith,” he said.

The Vice-President prayed for Allah to deepen Nigerians’ sense of duty to the nation and to one another.

“May He make Nigeria a land of peace, unity, and enduring prosperity. May He grant us the fortitude to serve with sincerity and wisdom to lead with compassion.”

Shettima thanked the State House Mosque leadership for their dedication in making this year’s Tafsir and Iftar a success.

The Vice-President also conveyed Tinubu’s heartfelt appreciation to the Mosque team for their efforts.

“May Allah’s infinite mercy and blessings descend upon us all. May He accept our fasts, strengthen our faith, and reward us abundantly.

“May He bless Nigeria, the Federal Republic, and guide us towards a future of peace, justice, and progress,” Shettima prayed.

In his closing prayers, Chief Imam of the State House Mosque, Sheikh Abdulwahid Abubakar, prayed for the Tinubu administration.

He asked Allah to grant the President wisdom, courage, and political will to steer Nigeria towards prosperity, abundance, unity, and peaceful co-existence. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo

Eid-el-Fitr: Sultan urges Muslims to look for Shawwal crescent from Saturday
Religious

Eid-el-Fitr: Sultan urges Muslims to look for Shawwal crescent from Saturday

435 total views today

By Muhammad Nasir

Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, the Sultan of Sokoto and President General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), has called on Muslims to begin the search for the new moon of Shawwal 1446 AH from Saturday.

The announcement was made on Friday in Sokoto by Prof. Sambo Junaidu, Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, Sultanate Council, Sokoto.

According to Junaidu, the directive aligns with Islamic tradition, which relies on moon sighting to determine the start of a new month.

He explained that the sighting of the Shawwal crescent would mark the end of Ramadan and signal the beginning of Eid-el-Fitr celebrations.

“This is to inform the Muslim Ummah that Saturday, March 29, corresponding to the 29th day of Ramadan 1446 AH, shall be the day to look for the new crescent of Shawwal 1446 AH.

“Muslims are encouraged to look for the new moon and report any sightings to the nearest district or village head for onward communication to the Sultan,” Junaidu said.

He quoted the sultan as praying for Allah’s guidance and blessings upon all the Muslims as they fulfill their religious obligations.

“For immediate reporting, the following contact numbers can be reached: 08037157100, 08066303077, 08035965322, 08099945903, and 07067146900.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Shawwal, the tenth month of the Islamic calendar, follows the sacred month of Ramadan. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Maureen Atuonwu

U.S. Ambassador urges Nigerians  to use  religion to foster peace
General News , Religious

U.S. Ambassador urges Nigerians  to use  religion to foster peace

334 total views today

By Muhyideen Jimoh

The U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills Jr. has called on Nigerians to use religion to foster peace and empower the less privileged in the society.

The envoy made the call on Tuesday in Abuja at the breaking of fast (Iftar) and distribution of food to thousands of fasting Muslims and non Muslims at the Al-Habibiyyah Islamic Society (AIS).

He described Islam as a religion of peace which focuses on spirituality and helping the less privileged in the society.

Mills , who was the special guest of honour at the event, said his understanding of Islam since he served in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Lebanon has shown that the religion promotes peace and encourages charity to the poor.

He charged other religious organisations and well-to-do Nigerians to always reach out to the poor in the society.

“My view of Islam is the one I’ve had for so many years since I served in Saudi Arabia as the US ambassador, in Iraq, Lebanon that Islam is a religion of peace.

“It’s a religion that put emphasis on spirituality, relationship to God and the involvement of charity and helping the less fortunate.

“And this again reminds us of the values shared by many of the world’s religion, Christianity and Judaism,” he said.

U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills Jr. distributing meals during Iftar (breaking of fast) at Al-Habibiyyah Mosque, Abuja

Former Governor of Plateau,  Sen. Simon Lalong in his remarks, said that when the poor are well fed and empowered, there will be less crime in the society.

“As a Christian, one of the best portions of the Bible was when Jesus Christ was sharing meals like this to the needy.

“Today, it’s a privilege to be part of those sharing meals and people are smiling.

“A lot of them when I came I was asking myself I hope there would be no stampede.

“I like the orderliness displayed and everybody got meal, very rich meal. Sharing the meals to them shows service to humanity by the Organisation (Al-Habibiyyah),” he said.

U S. Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills Jr. with Sen. Simon Lalong at Al-Habibiyyah Islamic Society, Iftar (breaking of fast)

The national Chief Imam of Al-Habibiyyah Mosque,  Sheik Fuad Adeyemi emphasised the need to use the Ramadan period to promote charity and world peace.

“We have to maintain world peace because that is what Islam stands for.

“We should imbibe the spirit of Ramadan because it is the month that fighting is completely prohibited,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event was attended by officials from the U.S. embassy in Nigeria, diplomats, traditional rulers and Islamic scholars. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Joseph Edeh

Pope to greet crowd for first time since hospitalisation – Vatican
Religious

Pope to greet crowd for first time since hospitalisation – Vatican

350 total views today

Pope Francis is planning to make his first public appearance on Sunday since he was hospitalised, the Vatican has said.

Francis, who has been suffering from a series of respiratory illnesses including severe pneumonia for more than a month, is set to greet the crowd outside Rome’s Gemelli Hospital at around 12 pm (1100 GMT) following the traditional Angelus prayer, the Holy See said on its official Vatican News portal on Saturday.

It would be the first time that the 88-year-old head of the Catholic Church is seen in public since he was admitted to hospital with a case of bronchitis on February 14.

It was initially unclear whether Francis would address the crowd from the window of his hospital room or from a balcony.

As in past weeks, the pope will not lead the Angelus prayer himself, the Vatican said.

His doctors have not yet provided “any indication as to when the pope would be discharged from the hospital,” the statement said, but noted the most recent health update suggesting Francis’ respiratory and motor functions were continually improving.

The Argentinian pontiff, who succeeded Benedict XVI in 2013, is the second-oldest pope in history. (dpa/NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

(Edited by Emmanuel Yashim)

Ramadan: Faith leaders advocate for food security to foster lasting peace
Religious

Ramadan: Faith leaders advocate for food security to foster lasting peace

471 total views today

By Muhyideen Jimoh

A cross-section of Muslim and Christian leaders have called on the Federal Government to prioritise addressing food insecurity, emphasising its vital role in achieving lasting peace and stability in the country.

The call was made on Saturday evening in Abuja during the Al-Habibiyyah Islamic Society’s 2025 annual Ramadan Food Bank and iftar (breaking of fast) event, which also hosted faith-based leaders.

The event brought together Christian and Muslim clerics who broke their fast together, serving meals to about 2,500 fasting Muslims and other less privileged individuals.

The National Chief Imam of Al-Habibiyyah Islamic Society, Sheik Fuad Adeyemi, highlighted the event’s goal of promoting peace, unity, and religious tolerance among all Nigerians.

He stressed the vital role food security plays in ensuring national peace and stability.

“We are all from the same place, and whether we like it or not, we are going back to the same place.

“We are from God, and we pass through the soil to return to God again. When we come together as Muslims and Christians, we often find peace rather than conflict,” he said.

Rev. Joseph Hayab, Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 northern states and FCT, lauded the event as a genuine example of interfaith collaboration.

He emphasised that people were tired of hearing about faith and urged faith leaders to show their beliefs through actions.

Prof. Cornelius Omonokhua, Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC), also called on the government and all stakeholders to prioritise the welfare of the masses.

Sheik Tajudeen Bello, Chief Imam of the Fouad Lababidi Central Mosque, Wuse Zone 3, emphasised that peace could not be achieved in a nation where its people were hungry.

Alhaji Farouk Suleiman, Chairman of the Al-Habibiyyah Food Bank, said that more than 2,500 beneficiaries received aid daily, with 50kg bags of rice and 80 crates of eggs distributed throughout Ramadan.

He encouraged Nigerians and organisations to further support initiatives for the less privileged.

The event was attended by a range of faith leaders, including representatives from CAN, NIREC, and various faith-based organisations.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

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