Category: Religion

By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna

The leader of Christian United For Israel (CUFI), Prayer Outreach Nigeria, Dr. Samson Ozovehe, has urged the Nigerian government to strengthen its relationship with Israel as part of efforts to tackle terrorism in the country. Speaking during the group’s end-of-year dinner and night of honor in Kaduna, Dr. Ozovehe emphasized Israel’s advanced technology and military expertise, which he believes could be instrumental in helping Nigeria defeat insurgency.

Dr. Ozovehe highlighted Israel’s early warning regarding the rise of the new terror group, Lukurawa, and called for a strategic partnership to address Nigeria’s security challenges. “Israel has the technology and military know-how to help Nigeria defeat insurgency, which has crippled our economy,” he said, stressing the importance of reaching out to Israel for assistance in the fight against terrorism.

He further noted that the security situation has affected key sectors like agriculture, with farmers unable to access their land due to insecurity. “Israel can help Nigeria by providing technology to boost agriculture, process farm produce, and ensure food security,” Dr. Ozovehe explained. He urged the government to capitalize on this potential partnership, emphasizing that Israel’s expertise could help Nigeria reduce waste and improve agricultural output.

Ambassador Michael Freeman of Israel, represented at the event by Dr. Ozovehe, also called for deeper diplomatic ties between Nigeria and Israel. He assured that despite recent challenges, Israel would emerge stronger and remain committed to strengthening its relationship with Nigeria. The group concluded the event with prayers for peace in both the Middle East and Nigeria, reflecting a shared commitment to global peace and security.

Dr. Ozovehe’s call for enhanced collaboration between the two nations underscores the growing need for international partnerships to address Nigeria’s security and economic challenges.

By Israel Adamu, Jos

The Executive Chairman of Qua’an-Pan Local Government Council, alongside top officials, paid a condolence visit on Sunday to the family of the late Justice Chrysantus Tsenlong, a respected former Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice of Plateau State.

A statement signed by Danaan Cletus Sylvanus, the Chairman’s Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, conveyed the Chairman’s heartfelt sympathies to Justice Tsenlong’s family, the Goemai Nation, the Judiciary, and the people of Plateau State.

The delegation, which included Council Secretary Hon. Joseph Dashe, Local Government Chief of Staff Hon. Dangwam Raymond, Dr. Engr. Naankang Garba (President of the Pan Development Association), and Education Secretary Mr. Danang Godwin, lauded the late Justice Tsenlong as a distinguished jurist whose contributions to the judiciary and Plateau State remain invaluable.

In his remarks, the Chairman expressed deep sorrow over the loss and prayed for the repose of Justice Tsenlong’s soul. He also prayed for strength and comfort for the bereaved family during this challenging time.

On behalf of the family, former Secretary to the Government of Plateau State, Mr. Kevin Kwaplong, expressed gratitude to the Chairman and his entourage for their condolence visit and thoughtful gestures. He emphasized how such acts of solidarity bring comfort and unity during moments of grief.

The family appreciated the council’s support and solidarity, viewing it as a testament to the strong communal bonds within Qua’an-Pan.

Mr. Kwaplong also extended his best wishes to the Chairman and his team, commending their leadership and the positive impact they continue to make on the people of Qua’an-Pan Local Government.

By Jabiru Hassan

Independent Hajj Reporters (IHR), a faith-based Civil Society Organization (CSO) that monitors Hajj and Umrah activities, has urged the ad hoc committee set up by the House of Representatives to investigate the 2024 Hajj to suspend its investigation. The CSO suggests this will allow the Executive Secretaries of State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards to focus on preparations for the 2025 Hajj.

In a statement signed by IHR’s national coordinator, Ibrahim Muhammed, the CSO acknowledged the House’s authority to investigate state authorities but cautioned that such an investigation, which could disrupt preparations for next year’s pilgrimage, should be postponed.

IHR recognized operational lapses during the 2024 Hajj but stressed that, in general, the quality of services provided to pilgrims was better than in the previous year, with the exception of a controversy involving VIP customers of Private Tour Operators who were denied space in exclusive tents.

The CSO also noted that the investigation was largely driven by allegations of mismanagement of the N90 billion government intervention fund and other financial irregularities, particularly concerning the former chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON). IHR pointed out that anti-corruption agencies are already investigating these issues, and key officials involved have been removed from office.

IHR further warned that conducting a parallel investigation could hinder preparations for the 2025 Hajj, especially as state pilgrims’ welfare board officials were already required to appear before the committee, disrupting their focus on next year’s plans. The committee had initially scheduled hearings for November 4, which were later postponed to November 12, causing further confusion and wasted resources for officials who had already traveled to Abuja.

The CSO urged the House Committee to consider the broader implications of its actions, which could detract from the crucial work needed to prepare for the 2025 Hajj registration and operations, especially at a time of economic challenges.

By Usman Bakare

In July 2024, amidst the bustling atmosphere of Makkah, Saudi Arabia, the Nigeria Hajj Commission (NAHCON) was working diligently. While part of NAHCON’s team was focused on arranging the safe return of Nigerian pilgrims, another team was already preparing for the 2025 Hajj operations. This groundwork began in their Ummul Jud office, where NAHCON officials reviewed and approved the calendar of events and Nigeria’s Hajj manual for the coming year, setting the stage for future planning.

As a proactive measure, NAHCON issued an advertisement in selected Nigerian newspapers, inviting complaints from dissatisfied pilgrims. This early release aimed to facilitate a smoother reconciliation process and expedite the release of caution deposits to private tour operators, along with refunds to the State Pilgrims’ Welfare boards. According to Hajj operational procedures, the reconciliation and refunds cannot occur until a 30-day complaint window closes.

Although NAHCON could have waited until returning to Nigeria before placing the ad, releasing it earlier aimed to reduce the wait time, allowing for faster processing of refunds once back home.

In July, NAHCON’s then-leader, Malam Jalal Ahmed Arabi, led a team on a fact-finding mission to Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. Their goal was to learn how to improve the 2025 Hajj arrangements. The team returned enthusiastic, armed with insights into Saudi Arabia’s expectations and plans for Hajj operations.

Upon their return to Nigeria, the then-NAHCON Chairman outlined three immediate actions: a post-Hajj press briefing, a retreat to review the 2024 Hajj, and an advertisement calling for applications from interested air carriers for 2025. The airline invitation, unlike the previous ad, required six weeks in the public domain to allow for a thorough review and alignment with Saudi timelines. However, of these plans, only the press briefing could proceed before unforeseen circumstances disrupted the Commission’s workflow.

Since then, NAHCON has faced significant challenges, reflecting the effects of political instability within the Hajj operations landscape. This reflection draws inspiration from a detailed article by Ibrahim Mohammed of Independent Hajj Reporters, titled Preparation for Hajj 2025 and Tale of “What Happened in 1992”. Mohammed’s piece urges Hajj stakeholders in Nigeria to protect the industry from politically motivated disruptions that threaten progress.

NAHCON was created nearly 20 years ago by President Olusegun Obasanjo to eliminate unethical practices that negatively impacted pilgrims and tarnished Nigeria’s reputation abroad. This reform curbed many fraudulent actors who once exploited the industry. However, these individuals continue to attempt to destabilize NAHCON’s legitimate operations through blackmail, treachery, and defamation campaigns in the media.

This cycle of opposition affected leaders like Alhaji Zikrullah Kunle Hassan and Barrister Abdullahi Mukhtar Muhammad, with the latter navigating these challenges by leveraging his expertise in Hajj operations. Mukhtar’s understanding of the complexities of the industry helped him identify and circumvent the traps set by detractors.

To prevent the Hajj sector from regressing, the public must distinguish genuine leaders from those with ulterior motives. Calls for dismantling NAHCON, or for a return to disorganized operations, only serve those who seek to revive outdated, exploitative practices. Countries that align with Saudi Arabia’s structured system benefit from seamless Hajj operations, demonstrating the effectiveness of centralized coordination.

NAHCON was established to move away from the haphazard, last-minute committees that once plagued Nigeria’s Hajj operations. Yet, with persistent political interference, NAHCON risks regressing to that inefficient model. Politicians may use the public’s unwitting support to unseat dedicated leaders who refuse to compromise on quality. It is crucial for the public to resist being swayed by unfounded accusations and media trials targeting Hajj officials.

NAHCON’s leadership must remain steadfast and learn from past leaders like Mukhtar, ensuring the Commission’s mission endures amid political pressures.

By   Milcah   Tanimu

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Kaduna State has urged President Bola Tinubu to reevaluate the membership of the North-West Development Commission. The association believes that a more inclusive composition will enhance effective coordination and successful policy implementation in the region.

Pastor Caleb Ma’aji, the state chairman of CAN, made this appeal during a courtesy visit from officials of the Northern Christian Youth Professionals. He emphasized the importance of reflecting the true religious and ethnic diversity in the North-West.

Represented by Secretary Emmanuel Okunlola, Ma’aji highlighted Nigeria’s multicultural and multi-ethnic nature. He stated, “Those in authority must consider this diversity in the spirit of peaceful coexistence.”

In addition, Ma’aji reminded Governor Uba Sani of his earlier promise to reconstruct the church in the Kuriga Community of Chikun Local Government Area. The church was previously destroyed, along with its properties, during violent incidents.

Furthermore, Ma’aji called for patience and resilience among Nigerians facing difficulties. He encouraged trust in the government for a brighter future and national survival. He expressed hope that the ongoing reforms by the Federal Government would spur economic revival and national prosperity, while reminding leaders of their accountability to God.

Earlier, Mr. Isaac Abrak, President of the Northern Christian Youth Professionals, explained that the group aims to improve the socio-economic well-being of Christians in the North and all Nigerians. He noted that their organization supported Tinubu’s election due to his past leadership in uplifting the youth and the underprivileged.

Abrak urged Nigerians to give the President time and cooperation as his reform policies take effect. He praised CAN for advocating a review of the North-West Development Commission and addressing the issue of the Kuriga bandit attacks. He emphasized that all Nigerians deserve equal treatment, regardless of their religious, cultural, or ethnic backgrounds.

By Jabiru Hassan, Kano

Independent Hajj Reporters (IHR), a civil society organization that monitors and reports on Hajj and Umrah activities in Nigeria and Saudi Arabia, has called on the Acting Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Professor Abdullahi Usman Saleh, to concentrate his efforts on the sluggish preparations for the 2025 Hajj.

In a statement signed by its national coordinator, Ibrahim Muhammed, IHR welcomed the acting chairman on his formal resumption of office.

“You are taking charge of the driver’s seat of the Hajj industry at a critical moment in the life of NAHCON since its creation via the NAHCON Establishment Act of 2006 to serve as the apex Hajj regulatory authority in Nigeria. The image and integrity of the Nigerian Hajj industry have been compromised and urgently require restoration to regain the confidence and trust of pilgrims and the Nigerian Muslim Ummah,” the statement said.

IHR urged Professor Saleh to restructure NAHCON’s internal operating framework to enhance service delivery to pilgrims, similar to the approaches being developed by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.

“We advise the new NAHCON leader to be cautious of distractions that may divert him from the crucial task of ensuring that Nigerian pilgrims receive timely and quality service. This includes proper coordination with other operational stakeholders, such as State Muslim Pilgrims Boards and licensed private Hajj and Umrah operators, to deliver effective services.

“Close your ears to flattery from praise singers and writers; instead, welcome insights from those with operational expertise. Listen to advice and suggestions from your inner circle, but discern what is right and wrong. Engage your commissioners and staff in all decisions, keeping in mind that you are the chief accounting officer and will be held accountable for all implemented decisions. Always prioritize the welfare of and services to Nigerian pilgrims, and learn from the avoidable mistakes of your predecessors,” IHR advised.

“The immediate task before the commission is to create a realistic Hajj fare computation template, encourage State Muslim Pilgrim Welfare Boards to promote awareness about 2025 Hajj pilgrim registrations, revise the pilgrim orientation manual to emphasize performing Hajj rites and achieving Hajj Mabrur rather than promising unattainable luxury services. Address the genuine concerns of licensed Hajj and Umrah operators, establish merit-based guidelines for selecting ad-hoc committees during Hajj operations, and implement a carrot-and-stick approach in dealing with your staff. Choose Hajj service providers that possess the capacity and experience to serve our pilgrims, both onshore and offshore,” it added.

“As a civil society organization that has significantly contributed to the dissemination of information to the Muslim Ummah and promoted healthy competition, we will continue to support and advocate for transparency and accountability, regardless of who is involved. We will also maintain existing public and private channels for raising observations, offering suggestions, and performing surveillance functions as journalists.”

Say’s None from 6 States of North West Appointed
By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna

A pressure group known as the Northern Christian Youth Professionals (NCYPs) has expressed concern over the lack of Christian representation in the appointments to the newly created North West Development Commission. The group is calling for inclusivity in these appointments.

In a statement issued on Thursday and signed by the group’s chairman, Comrade Isaac Abrak, the NCYP noted that the recent appointments to the commission’s board of directors by President Bola Tinubu do not reflect the region’s diversity, as no Christians from the six states were selected.

The statement, titled “Call for Inclusivity: Northern Christian Youth Professionals Decry Marginalization in North West Development Commission Appointments,” reads in part: “We are deeply concerned about the recent appointments to the board of directors of the North West Commission by President Tinubu. Unfortunately, these appointments do not reflect the diversity of the region, as no Christians from the six states were selected.

“For the sake of inclusivity and fair representation, it is imperative that Christians are appointed to the commission. The current situation is unacceptable and perpetuates marginalization. We urge President Tinubu to reassess these appointments and make necessary adjustments to ensure balanced representation.

“Leaving these appointments unchanged will have negative consequences for the commission’s success and exacerbate religious divisions in the region and Nigeria as a whole. We call on President Tinubu to prioritize unity and inclusivity in his decision-making.

“We request that President Tinubu take immediate action to address these concerns and promote inclusivity in the North West Development Commission,” the statement lamented.

By Muhammad Ibrahim, Sokoto

Sultan of Sokoto and President General of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has officially declared Friday, October 4, 2024, as the First Day of Rabi’u Assani 1446AH.

This announcement was made in a statement signed by Professor Sambo Wali Junaidu, Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs of the Sultanate Council Sokoto.

The statement indicated that the Advisory Council did not receive any reports from various moon sighting committees across the country confirming the sighting of the crescent moon for Rabi’u Assani 1446AH on Wednesday, October 2, 2024, which corresponds to the 29th of Rabi’u Awwal 1446AH. Consequently, Thursday, October 3, 2024, will be observed as the 30th of Rabi’u Awwal 1446AH.

In light of this, the Sultan has accepted the report and declared Friday, October 4, 2024, as the first day of Rabi’u Assani 1446AH.

By Muhammad Ibrahim, Sokoto

Governor Ahmad Aliyu of Sokoto State has called on Muslims in the state to use the Maulud celebrations as an opportunity to seek Allah’s intervention in addressing the security challenges facing Nigeria.

The governor made this appeal in his Maulud message to the people of the state, highlighting the importance of prayer in overcoming the country’s current security issues.

Gov. Aliyu described the ongoing security challenges as a significant obstacle to Nigeria’s development, stressing the need for collective efforts. “No meaningful development can occur without peace,” he said. “Let us focus more on prayers so that our country can overcome its present predicaments.”

He encouraged Muslims to dedicate more time to prayers during this festive season and urged religious leaders to educate their followers on the power of supplication, especially during difficult times.

The governor also reiterated his administration’s commitment to promoting religious activities in the state, stating, “Promoting Islamic affairs is one of our 9-point Smart Agenda, and we will give it the necessary attention.”

As the Federal Government declared Monday, September 16, 2024, a public holiday to mark the Maulud celebrations, Gov. Aliyu extended his best wishes to the Muslim community, wishing them a happy and peaceful celebration.

As Okoh and Sa’ad Urge Increased Efforts to Combat Violence

By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna

The President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Archbishop Daniel Okoh, and the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammed Sa’ad Abubakar, have voiced their deep concern over the recent surge in kidnappings and killings across the country.

As co-chairmen of the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC), they have called on the government to take decisive action to address the escalating crisis before it becomes uncontrollable.

A statement released yesterday in Abuja by the Executive Secretary of NIREC, Fr. Cornelius Afebu Omonokhua, highlighted the organization’s growing alarm at the rapid increase in insecurity nationwide.

The statement reads: “The Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC), led by His Eminence Archbishop Daniel Okoh, President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), and His Eminence Alhaji Muhammed Sa’ad Abubakar, CFR, mni, Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), is deeply troubled by the alarming rise in insecurity within the country.

“The dramatic increase in banditry, abductions, and killings is profoundly distressing, and immediate action is needed to halt these heinous acts.

“The recent spate of attacks over the past week is particularly disheartening and warrants urgent attention. NIREC calls upon the government and security agencies to intensify their efforts to eliminate these threats so that citizens can conduct their daily lives without fear or trepidation.

“The council also extends its condolences to the families of those who have lost their lives due to these reprehensible acts and prays for the safe return of those still in captivity to their loved ones.

“Finally, NIREC urges all Nigerians to remain vigilant, report any suspicious activities, and recognize that ensuring security is a collective responsibility, not solely the duty of the government,” the statement concluded.