• Delta, Niger, Plateau, Edo govs felicitate with Muslims

Saudi Arabia, yesterday, declared that the crescent of Shawwal had not been sighted, indicating that the fast would continue today.
It also added that the Eid-el-Fitr would be held tomorrow to mark the beginning of the new Islamic month.

The announcement was posted on Haramin’s official Facebook page for the Muslim community worldwide.

It reads: “The crescent moon was not sighted in Saudi Arabia. Therefore, Eid Al-Fitr will be celebrated on Wednesday, April 10, 2024.”

However, Nigerian Muslims are to wait for a briefing from the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Sa’ad Abubakar.

In the meantime, Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has congratulated Muslims worldwide on this year’s Eid-el-Fitr.

In a statement yesterday by his Chief Press Secretary, Festus Ahon, in Asaba, he charged faithful to incorporate the spiritual lessons of love, peace and justice daily to promote national harmony and progress.

Oborevwori said: “I felicitate with all Deltans and Nigerians, especially our Muslim brothers and sisters, on the auspicious occasion of this year’s Eid-el-Fitri celebration.

“I extend my congratulations to every one of our compatriots, who has completed the cleansing fast of Ramadan.

“I hope and pray that the spiritual lessons of Ramadan and the teachings of the Holy Prophet –piety, love, justice, fairness, equity, peaceful coexistence with others, tolerance, honesty and dedication to duty – will stick with us all, as we celebrate Eid-el-Fitr, for the greater good of our beloved country.”

In the same vein, Governor Mohammed Bago of Niger State has extended his greetings to the adherents.

A statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, urged Muslims to remain steadfast in the worship of Allah and adhere to the teachings of the Quran and Hadith.

He reminded the worshippers that the period calls for love, tolerance, goodwill and total submission to the will of Allah.

The governor implored the faithful to uphold piety, patience, tolerance, perseverance, humility and self-denial during and after the Holy month for a better society.

He used the opportunity to restate his administration’s resolve to secure life and property even, as well as reunite Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) with their families.

Also, Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has noted that Ramadan serves as a sacred time for introspection, spiritual rejuvenation and moral fortification.
His message was contained in a statement sent to the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) Plateau Council, headed by first female chairman, Ayuku Pwaspo at its maiden Ramadan lecture titled, “Lessons of Ramadan: Beyond the Holly Month” in Jos.

He lauded the union for organising the programme, which he described as fostering brotherhood and unity among not only NUJ members but the entire Plateau populace and beyond.

They said the lecture would promote sacrifice, spiritual renewal and moral fortification for the betterment of the state and Nigeria in general.

The Commissioner for Information and Communications, Musa Ibrahim Ashoms, who represented the governor at the event, submitted that the lecture was a noble initiative that encouraged togetherness.

He assured that the Mutfwang administration was committed to sustainable peace on the Plateau.

In her welcome address, Pwaspo said the month of Ramadan is believed to be a period the Holy Quran that was sent down from heaven to guide adherents on the teachings of Allah spiritual living, adding that the moment signifies fasting, prayers, reflection, almsgiving and communal living.

She urged believers to be faithful in deed, and conduct in addition to emulating the Holy Prophet.

Guest speaker and Deputy Imam of Fibre Mosque in Jos, Sheikh Omar Farouq Muhamad, applauded Pwaspo’s stewardship.

He pointed out that when the right people are put in positions, better results must come out.

Islam, just like Christianity, according to him, has come to stay on the Plateau, and it would promote peace, urging all to be tolerant.

Equally, Edo State helmsman, Godwin Obaseki, yesterday identified with the adherents.

In his goodwill message, he urged the faithful not to relent, but intensify prayers for the nation to overcome its current challenges.

Obaseki said: “On behalf of the government and people of Edo State, I extend my warmest congratulations to you as we commemorate the Eid-el-Fitr after the successful completion of the Ramadan fast.

“As you celebrate this joyous occasion, I urge you to sustain the lessons of sacrifice and love learnt during the Ramadan fast. We are in very difficult times, and it would take a great deal of selflessness and love to be our brothers’ keeper. So, I urge you to go the extra mile in extending a hand of support to friends, relatives and acquaintances as we press on.”

“I implore you to show compassion to one another, as taught by the Holy Prophet Mohammed (S.A.W), especially at these trying times. Working and supporting one another, we can surmount our nation’s challenges. This is why it is pertinent to continue to pray and work towards building a progressive nation, anchored on progressive ideals.”