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FCTA MINISTER NYESOM WIKE CALLS FOR UNITY, VIGILANCE IN EID-EL-FITR MESSAGE

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, CON, has extended warm greetings to residents of the nation’s capital, particularly the Muslim community, as they celebrate Eid-el-Fitr, marking the end of Ramadan. In a message on Tuesday, Wike praised the spiritual devotion and generosity demonstrated during the holy month while urging citizens to uphold unity and peace beyond the festive period. Wike described Ramadan as a period of “deep spiritual reflection, self-discipline, and an opportunity to draw closer to Almighty Allah,” adding, “I pray that the Almighty, in His infinite mercy, accepts all our acts of worship, supplications, and sacrifices during the blessed month and rewards us abundantly with His divine blessings.” He commended residents for their “acts of charity, kindness, and generosity,” emphasizing that such virtues are critical to fostering harmony in the FCT. The minister called on residents to sustain these values, stating, “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 stressed the FCT’s symbolic role as Nigeria’s unifying center, urging citizens to “live in peace and harmony, respecting one another irrespective of religious or ethnic differences, and working together for the common good.” Wike reiterated the administration’s commitment to infrastructure development, welfare, and security, noting, “The FCT Administration remains steadfast in its commitment to the infrastructural development of the Territory, as well as the welfare and security of all residents.” He appealed for collective vigilance, stating, “Security is a collective duty, and I encourage everyone to promptly report any suspicious activities to the relevant authorities. For it is only in an atmosphere of peace that we can all realize our collective and individual dreams.” The minister also urged prayers for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR and other leaders, saying, “The task of building a Territory that reflects our collective dreams—one of peace, prosperity, and unity—is immense, and we need your support, faith, and most importantly, your prayers, for divine wisdom and guidance.” Wike warned against divisive elements, declaring, “Let us remain united and not allow anyone to sow seeds of division or instigate public disturbance.” He concluded with renewed Eid wishes, praying for a “happy, peaceful, memorable, and blessed Eid-el-Fitr” for all residents.

ALGON NATIONAL PRESIDENT FELICITATES WITH MUSLIMS ON EID-EL-FITR, ACKNOWLEDGES ECONOMIC HARDSHIPS

The Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) has extended warm greetings to Muslim faithful across the country on the occasion of Eid-el-Fitr, marking the end of Ramadan. In a statement, the National President of ALGON, Hon. Engr. Bello Lawal, acknowledged the spiritual renewal of the period while highlighting the economic challenges faced by Nigerians. Lawal, in the statement released on Monday, noted that the celebration, which corresponds to March 30, 2025, and 1st Shawwal, 1446 AH, symbolizes rejuvenation but also coincides with “empty stomachs” and “unimaginable hardships” for many citizens. He emphasized the struggles of rural communities, including poor farmers, jobless individuals, and those facing insecurity such as banditry, kidnapping, and armed robbery. “ALGON cannot ignore the economic hardships and challenges that many Nigerians, including our Muslim brothers and sisters, face,” Lawal stated. He described the difficulties as “a stark reality” requiring collective action, adding that local governments and area councils bear the brunt of these crises. The ALGON National President pledged the association’s commitment to collaborating with state governments, the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), federal agencies, and development partners to strengthen rural economies and governance. “We will work assiduously to promote rural governance, service delivery, and innovative strategies to improve livelihoods,” he said. Lawal also prayed for divine intervention, urging Allah (SWT) to “bring comfort, relief, and prosperity to millions of homes” while expressing hope for a new chapter of peace and abundance. He reiterated ALGON’s resolve to advocate for sustainable development and prioritize the needs of grassroots communities. “Eid Mubarak! May Allah’s blessings be upon you now and forever,” the statement concluded.

EID-EL-FITR: GOV OKPEBHOLO CALLS FOR UNITY, TOLERANCE

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has urged Muslims in the state and worldwide to embrace unity and tolerance as they celebrate Eid-el-Fitr, marking the end of Ramadan. In a statement by Chief Press Secretary Fred Itua, the Governor commended the Muslim community for their piety, sacrifice, and spiritual discipline during the holy month. Okpebholo acknowledged the moral impact of Ramadan’s acts of charity and prayers, calling on Muslims to sustain virtues like compassion and harmony. Itua noted that the Governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to fostering an inclusive Edo State where religious tolerance and mutual respect thrive. “On behalf of the Government and the good people of Edo State, I heartily congratulate our Muslim brothers and sisters on the joyous occasion of Eid-el-Fitr. Your dedication during Ramadan has been inspiring. May the spirit of peace and love guide our nation,” the Governor said in the statement. Itua added that Okpebholo emphasized the importance of living in peace with citizens of all faiths, urging Muslims to uphold lessons learned during the fasting period. The Governor also wished Muslims a peaceful celebration, highlighting the significance of unity in driving progress. The statement, signed by Itua, reaffirmed the government’s dedication to creating a progressive society. Eid-el-Fitr, celebrated globally, marks the conclusion of Ramadan with gratitude, communal gatherings, and charity.

NUJ FCT COUNCIL FELICITATES MUSLIM JOURNALISTS, NIGERIANS ON EID-EL-FITR

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has congratulated Muslim journalists and all Nigerians observing Eid-el-Fitr, urging them to uphold values of unity, patience, and integrity. In a statement issued on Sunday, Council Secretary Jide Oyekunle conveyed the message from NUJ FCT Chairman, Comrade Grace Ike, who praised Muslims for their dedication, self-discipline, and spiritual devotion during Ramadan. Ike described Ramadan as a period of deep reflection and reinforcement of love, sacrifice, and unity. “As we celebrate the end of Ramadan, we are reminded of the importance of patience, generosity, and compassion. These values should continue to guide us in both our work as journalists and our responsibilities as citizens of this great country,” she said. Oyekunle noted that the Chairman called on Nigerians to embrace the spirit of Eid by promoting peace, understanding, and a commitment to truth and justice. She emphasized the role of journalists in upholding integrity, fostering national unity, and driving Nigeria’s development. “The Council extends its best wishes to all Muslim faithful and prays for lasting peace, progress, and unity in the country,” Oyekunle added in the statement. The NUJ FCT Chairman expressed hope that Eid celebrations would renew hope, blessings, and prosperity nationwide, urging citizens to observe the festivities with love, harmony, and purpose. Eid-el-Fitr, marking the end of Ramadan, is observed globally with gratitude, community gatherings, and charity. Oyekunle reaffirmed the Council’s commitment to promoting professionalism among journalists and supporting a united, peaceful Nigeria. The statement concluded with prayers for the nation’s stability and growth, signed by the Council Secretary.

NIGERIA ANNOUNCES CONTINUATION OF RAMADAN FASTING AS EID UL-FITR IS POSTPONED DUE TO FAILED MOON SIGHTING

The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has declared that Muslims in Nigeria will continue fasting on Sunday, March 30, 2025, after the Shawwal moon, which marks the end of Ramadan, was not sighted in the country. The announcement was made on Saturday by the NSCIA Secretary-General, Professor Is-haq Oloyede, on behalf of the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar. In a statement, Oloyede explained that Muslims are urged to continue searching for the Shawwal crescent on the 29th day of Ramadan in accordance with traditional moon sighting and verification procedures. He stated, “If Muslims sight the crescent in accordance with the moon sighting and verification standards, then His Eminence will declare Sunday, March 30, 2025, as the 1st of Shawwal and the official day of Eid ul-Fitr.” With this development, Nigerian Muslims will observe an additional day of fasting while awaiting further confirmation from the Sultan regarding the commencement of Eid ul-Fitr celebrations. The decision aligns with Islamic traditions that require physical moon sighting before declaring the end of Ramadan and the beginning of the festive period.

FIRST LADY SENATOR OLUREMI TINUBU GREETS MUSLIMS ON EID-EL-FITR, CALLS FOR UNITY AND COMPASSION

The First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has extended warm greetings to Muslim faithful across the nation as they celebrate Eid-el-Fitr 2025, marking the end of Ramadan 1446 AH. In her Eid message, the First Lady commended the devotion, sacrifice, and self-reflection demonstrated by Muslims during the holy month. She prayed that Almighty Allah accepts their fasts, supplications, and good deeds while rewarding them abundantly for their dedication. Senator Tinubu urged Nigerians to embrace the values of empathy, love, unity, and compassion during the festive period. “Let this Eid be a time of empathy, love, unity, and compassion towards one another, as we continue to uphold the values of peace, tolerance, and generosity that Islam teaches,” she said. She also called on citizens to remember the less privileged and extend kindness to those in need. The First Lady expressed hope that the blessings of Ramadan would foster national harmony and strengthen the bonds of unity among Nigerians. She concluded, “May the blessings of Ramadan bring harmony to our nation and strengthen the bonds that unite us as one people. I wish you all a joyful and blessed Eid. Eid Mubarak!” The message reaffirmed her commitment to promoting peace and solidarity across the country as Nigerians celebrate the auspicious occasion.