• Hosts Islamic clerics, others to Ramadan iftar

Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

The Senator representing Kwara Central in the National Assembly, Saliu Mustapha, has hosted over 200 Islamic clerics, teachers, and opinion leaders from across the local government areas of the Ilorin Emirate Council to a Ramadan Iftar at his residence in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital.

Speaking at the gathering, Senator Mustapha described the Ramadan Iftar as a cherished annual tradition that provides an opportunity to interact with religious leaders, strengthen bonds, and share in the spiritual essence of the holy month of Ramadan.

The lawmaker said the event also served as a platform to discuss issues affecting the state, particularly the prevailing security challenges, stressing that addressing such concerns requires collective responsibility and collaboration among stakeholders.

According to him, religious leaders play a critical role in guiding society and promoting peace, urging them to continue supporting the government and the people with prayers, wise counsel, and moral guidance.

Senator Mustapha, who is the Turaki of Ilorin, emphasised that unity, cooperation, and sincere prayers remain vital in efforts to maintain peace and ensure sustainable development across the state.

He expressed appreciation to all the scholars and clerics who honoured the invitation and joined him and his team at the event, praying that Allah accepts their prayers and grants the state lasting peace and prosperity.

“This gathering provided me an opportunity to reflect on the pressing issues facing our dear state, particularly the current security challenges. Addressing these concerns requires collective responsibility and collaboration from all stakeholders. I want to urge our revered clerics to continue supporting the government and the people of our state with their prayers, guidance, and counsel, as we all work together to safeguard peace and ensure a prosperous future for our communities.

“ I am grateful to our Sheikh and Islamic leader, Dr. Abdullahi Abdulhamid, the Imam Imale of Ilorin Emirate, for leading the congregational prayers and offering special supplications for the peace, stability, and continued progress of Kwara State and Nigeria as a whole.

“ I also appreciate all the over 200 respected clerics and Islamic scholars from across the length and breadth of the Ilorin Emirate for honouring our invitations and joining me and my team at this Ramadan Iftar gathering” the lawmaker said.

Leading the congregational prayers at the gathering, the Imam Imale of Ilorin Emirate, Sheikh (Dr.) Abdullahi Abdulhamid, offered special supplications for peace, stability, and continued progress in Kwara State and Nigeria as a whole.

The renowned Islamic leader also prayed for the leadership of the state and the nation, asking Allaah to continue to grant them wisdom, foresight and strength to tackle the country’s challenges.

The Imam Imale of Ilorin appreciated the Senator for hosting and interacting with them and prayed to Almighty Allaah to continue to be with him.

Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

The Abubakar Bukola Saraki (ABS) Foundation will, in the last 10 days of the Ramadan, commence its Annual Ramadan Iftar Feeding Programme in seven States, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

According to the Foundation, provision of free meals for Muslims observing the fast was part of its commitment to supporting underserved communities, adding that “the initiative, a regular feature of the Foundation’s Ramadan activities, is designed to support vulnerable members of the Muslim community and ensure that more people can break their fast with nutritious meals during the holy month”.

This year’s programme will take place in Niger, Sokoto, Bauchi, Borno, Kaduna, and Plateau States, as well as the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), where meals are expected to be provided daily in two mosques per State, while 100 fasting Muslims will benefit per mosque each day.

In Kwara State, where the Foundation has traditionally maintained its widest outreach, the feeding programme will be held in 52 mosques across the State and will provide meals for thousands of Muslims during this period.

Speaking ahead of the roll out of the programme, the Executive Director of the ABS Foundation, Dr. Audu Idowu Musa, noted that the holy month provides an opportunity for those who are able to support others and strengthen the bonds within communities.

“At a time when the economic strain on many households has become increasingly evident, even providing a simple meal has grown more difficult than ever before, and the burden is felt most deeply by the vulnerable within our communities. It is in times like these that the importance of compassion and looking out for one another becomes even clearer. Acts of support, however modest, can bring relief and remind people that they are not alone in these challenging times,” he said.

He added that the Ramadan feeding programme reflects the ABS Foundation’s long-standing commitment to supporting vulnerable communities. Over the years, the ABS Foundation has implemented initiatives in areas such as humanitarian support, education, healthcare and community development, with the Ramadan outreach serving as one of its key annual interventions.

The Foundation noted that volunteers and community leaders in the participating States have already begun coordinating logistics with mosque committees to ensure smooth and orderly distribution as the programme commences during the last 10 days of Ramadan.

The Abubakar Bukola Saraki Foundation also called on Nigerians to use the Ramadan period to pray for peace, unity, and progress of the nation.

From Hassan Taiye

President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, GCON has congratulated women, particularly Nigerian women on the occasion of this year’s International Women’s Day.

In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Hon. Eseme Eyiboh, the Senate President praised Nigerian women for the sacrifices they make for families and in building the society.

Akpabio said he is a practical example of the beneficiary of the wonders of women saying mothers are the best gift God has given man.

“Today, I join the globe to celebrate our mothers, wives, sisters, daughters, colleagues, and friends who wake up each day and work to make the world a better place. Your relentless efforts can never go unnoticed.

“I am the biggest beneficiary of the love, care, compassion and sacrifice of a woman. My mother gave her all to raise me up to become what I am today.

“I remain ever grateful and appreciative of what our women and mothers go through in raising their children, supporting the family and building societies.

“I congratulate the Nigerian Woman on the auspicious occasion of this year’s International Women’s Day. I respect and cherish your strength, resilience and invaluable contributions to our nation.

“As a legislature and in consonance with the theme of this year’s celebration, “Give and Gain”, we are committed to pushing for robust investment in our womenfolk in all spheres of life, especially female participation in the economic and political processes of our nation.

“On behalf of my family, constituents, the Senate and 10th National Assembly, I congratulate all women and wish all our mothers, sisters, daughters and aunties a blessed and peaceful celebration. May your efforts never go in vain”.