News
Eid-el-Kabir: FEC, VC, Sultan, Others Seek National Unity
The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has felicitated Muslim faithful on the occasion of this year’s Eid-el-Kabir celebration.
FEC urged Muslims to continue to promote national unity in order to enhance growth and development in all sectors of the country’s economy.
It made this known via a statement issued by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha, last Sunday.
The statement read: “The Federal Executive Council (FEC) felicitates with the Muslim faithful on the joyous occasion of this year’s Eid-el-Kabir celebration.
“It urges the adherents to use this opportunity to continue to reflect on its lessons which include love, obedience, sacrifice and compassion among others.
“FEC, therefore, implores believers to continue to promote national unity, peaceful co-existence for stability in order to enhance growth and development in all sectors of the nation’s economy.
“It wishes Nigerians a happy and successful Eid-el-Kabir celebration.”
Similarly, the Vice Chancellor, University of Port Harcourt, Prof Owunari Georgewill, also felicitated with the Muslim community on the occasion of the 1443 AH Eid-el-Kabir festival.
In a goodwill message he personally signed in Port Harcourt, Georgewill said, “We heartily felicitate with all Muslim faithful in the University of Port Harcourt and beyond.
“As we mark this year’s festival, we would like to reiterate the significance of Sallah which is obedience to the Almighty God and sacrifice for the good of one another. We pray that these virtues are sustained during and after the festivity.
“May this celebration bring about a renewed faith, love, understanding and good neighbourliness amongst ourselves and humanity at large.
“Equally, let me use the period to thank staff and students, and indeed, the entire university community for the wonderful support this administration has enjoyed since assumption of office in July, 2021, and to reassure you all of my commitment to make a more prosperous UNIPORT by the grace of God.
“Finally, we wish to use this medium to call on all Nigerians to come together, irrespective of our religious, ethnic and political differences to contribute our own quota to the development of this country, I have no doubt that Nigeria will be the envy of other nations if we do so.
“On behalf of the University Management, I wish you all a wonderful celebration”, the VC said.
Also, the President General, Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) and Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar, urged Muslims to imbibe the spirit of forgiveness and sacrifices among one another.
Abubakar, who made the assertion in his Sallah message to Nigerians in Sokoto said, Muslims should hold on to the lessons of Eid-el-Kabir.
“We should continue to thank the Almighty Allah for His blessings and gift of life to celebrate this great moment.
“The security challenges we are facing in our country has continue to remain a source of concern and worrisome.
“As such we should use this period of worship to pray for our leaders, security agencies and the nation to prosper.
“Moreover, as leaders we will not get tired of calling on the citizens to continue to pray for our country, therefore, we should sustain more prayers for peace, unity and prosperity of Nigeria.
“Our security agencies should always be appreciated and encourage for the sustained effort and commitment to address our current situation,” he said.
The Sultan further called on Muslim Ummah in the country to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to elect leaders of their desire.
“Our PVC is the only weapon we have to elect leaders we desire, as such I urged on all Muslim who are eligible to get their voter cards to be able to vote the leaders we deserve in the country,” he said.
He appealed to politicians to be fair to Allah, and ensure peaceful electioneering processes in the country.
Abubakar appreciated the Sokoto State Government for its sustained support to the needy and vulnerable in the society.
He also appreciated security agencies for their dedication in addressing security challenges in the country.
Also reacting, the national leadership of both the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) and the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) congratulated Muslim faithful on the occasion of the Eid Muburak celebration.
Their statements were signed by the NAWOJ National President, Ladi Bala; and NUJ National President, Chris Isiguzo, in Abuja, last Saturday.
In her statement, Bala said, “While thanking God for the spiritual ceremony, NAWOJ appeals to Nigerians especially Muslims to imbibe the lessons of generosity in love, sacrifice and kindness as demonstrated by Prophet Mohammed (PBH).
“The association notes that Nigeria at this critical point more than ever before, needs divine intervention to overcome most of the challenges confronting and threatening its existence and unity.
“It is, therefore, important for Muslims to use the occasion of the Eid-el-Fitri celebration to pray to God concerning most of the national issues for a peaceful and United Nigeria.
“NAWOJ notes with concern the neglect of family values by many parents for the pursuit of wealth, hence the unacceptable negative behaviours in some children.
“NAWOJ, therefore, appeal to parents particularly mothers to pay more attention to their children and wards by instilling the needed and proper values and fear of God in them for a better Nigeria.
“The association equally pray God to release the blessings of Eid Muburak upon all our Muslim Ummah and lead Nigeria to a peaceful and successful 2023 General Election”.
In his Salah message, Isiguzo said, “The National Secretariat of Nigeria Union of Journalists extends its warmest wishes to all Muslims in the country on this solemn festival of Eid.
“We pray that the blessings of Almighty Allah will fill your lives with peace, joy and good health. Barka Da Sallah!
“We advise all Muslim faithful to act upon the commandments of Allah, and also about the duties they have to perform to become good Muslims.
“At these hard times, we urge all Muslims to imbibe the lessons of Eid-Al-Adha celebrations which encourage them to forgive, give, share and care for one another.
“Just like Prophet Ibrahim did, when he believed God, took control of his life, and guaranteed his heart desires; same way if we can trust God Almighty, He is going to take care of us.
“While encouraging cohesion and peaceful coexistence, we should all remember that Islam appreciates diversity in the society, and thus, the need for respect and tolerance among Muslims and between Muslims and non-Muslims alike.
“We charge all Nigerians to learn the habit of doing good at all times to promote peaceful coexistence in the country”.
The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress Christian Leaders Forum has expressed strong confidence in the capacity of All Progressives Congress (All Progressives Congress) candidates in the state to deliver effective governance if elected into office in the coming elections.
The State Coordinator of the forum, Archbishop Lucky Aroh, made this known during a breakfast and thanksgiving meeting held in Port Harcourt, where leaders gathered to pray for the stability of the party and the safety of its candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.According to him, the meeting was convened to seek divine intervention for peace, unity, and security among APC candidates across Rivers State.
“Today we are praying for APC stability in Rivers State and the security of our candidates that have been elected to contest the 2027 elections. It is a breakfast meeting,” Aroh said.
He further expressed optimism that the party’s candidates would not disappoint the people if entrusted with leadership responsibilities.
“They will not fail when elected into office. We are here as fathers of the land to let them know, and I must tell you the truth that these are the authentic people that will do well in Rivers State,” he added.
Speaking earlier, the National Chairman of the forum, Professor Olanrewaju Abraham, commended the Rivers State chapter for organizing the programme, noting that the national body of the forum believes strongly in the power of prayer.
He stated that political leadership provides an opportunity to influence society positively, including advancing moral and spiritual values, while expressing confidence that APC candidates at all levels would emerge victorious in the upcoming elections.
Also speaking, the Rivers State Women Leader of the APC, Hon. Darling Amadi, praised the forum for its commitment to prayers for peace, stability, and the protection of party candidates.
Represented by the Deputy Women Leader of the party in the state, she described the initiative as commendable and urged other political and support groups within the party to emulate the gesture in promoting unity and stability.
By: John Bibor, Menebe Emmanuel & Fortune Paibi
Prominent businessman and philanthropist, Elder Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, was celebrated in grand style as he marked his 70th birthday anniversary, with distinguished Nigerians, business leaders, and golf enthusiasts gathering to honour his remarkable contributions to society.
The colourful celebration took place at the Port Harcourt Golf Club, where friends, associates, and well-wishers converged to pay tribute to the revered elder statesman.
Chairman of the occasion, High Chief (Dr.) Ikenna Okafor, described the celebrant as a detribalised Nigerian whose generosity, humility, and commitment to humanity have earned him admiration across different communities and backgrounds.
According to Dr. Okafor, Pa Osagwe-Ogo’s impact on society and the development of his community remains unparalleled. He noted that members of the golfing community are proud to be associated with a father figure who consistently promotes the welfare and well-being of those around him.
He further stated that the history and growth of the Port Harcourt Golf Club cannot be told without acknowledging the significant role played by the celebrant, whose wisdom, encouragement, and leadership have helped sustain the club over the years.
“We are here to celebrate a man who has impacted humanity positively, a peace-loving individual and an epitome of hope for the younger generation. We pray to emulate his virtues. Today, we celebrate a bridge-builder, a trailblazer, and an iconic leader whose life continues to inspire many,” Dr. Okafor said.
He expressed delight at the large turnout of guests from various walks of life, describing it as a testament to the respect and affection Pa Osagwe-Ogo commands within and beyond Rivers State.
In his response, the celebrant, Pa Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, expressed profound gratitude to God for preserving his life and granting him the privilege of attaining the milestone age of 70.
He also thanked members of the Port Harcourt Golf Club, family members, friends, and associates for identifying with him during the celebration and for their unwavering support over the years.
The event featured the cutting of the birthday cake, presentation of awards to deserving members of the club, goodwill messages, and moments of celebration among guests.
The ceremony was attended by notable personalities from the business community, the golfing fraternity, and other sectors, all of whom joined in celebrating the life and legacy of the respected elder statesman.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and the Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Information and Communications, Dr. Honour Kuru Sirawoo, have been honoured with awards of recognition in connection with the 2026 Democracy Day celebrations held in Port Harcourt.
The awards, which formed part of activities marking Nigeria’s Democracy Day on June 12, were formally presented on Tuesday at the Ministry of Information and Communications in Port Harcourt.
Presenting the awards was Hon. Abdul Hameed Oladipupo Alli, popularly known as “Mr. Nigeria,” Publisher of Asiwaju Trumpet Magazine and Achievers World International Magazine.
Governor Fubara was recognised for his efforts in sustaining peace, stability, and a conducive political atmospherJohn Bibor / Menebe Emmanuel / Fortune Paibie in Rivers State. The organisers noted that his administration has fostered harmony and strengthened civic participation across the state.
Dr. Sirawoo, on the other hand, was honoured for his exemplary administrative leadership and significant contributions to effective information management within the Ministry of Information and Communications.
Representing Dr. Sirawoo at the presentation ceremony, Dr. Christian Davies received the award on his behalf and expressed gratitude for the recognition. He described the honour as a reflection of Dr. Sirawoo’s unwavering commitment to professionalism, excellence, and dedicated public service.
Dr. Davies assured the organisers that the award would be formally conveyed to the Permanent Secretary.
The event also featured the presentation of commemorative publications highlighting major governance and civic milestones in Rivers State, including Easter celebrations, Workers’ Day activities, the Governor’s third anniversary in office, and Democracy Day programmes.
Organisers of the awards commended the Rivers State administration for what they described as sustained peace, political stability, and improved civic engagement, noting that these achievements have contributed significantly to the state’s continued development.
By: Jessica Sambol
-
Niger Delta17 hours agoWarri Airport Manager Disputes Air Peace Bird Strike Claim
-
News20 hours agoNigeria Won’t Surrender Any Territory To Criminals -Tinubu
-
News20 hours agoFG Begins Trial Of Over 600 Terrorism Suspects
-
Rivers17 hours ago79th IAUE Inaugural Lecture: Prof Anero Advoctes Tuition-Free Education For Children
-
Politics16 hours agoParties’ Deregistration: How Justice Lifu Overruled Appeal Court Justices
-
Politics16 hours agoADC: Okonkwo Rejects Amaechi As Presidential Running Mate, Withdraws Support
-
Politics17 hours ago
2027: Rivers PFN To Mobilise 600,000 Votes
-
Politics16 hours ago2027: Tinubu’s Projects Give APC Edge In South East – Yilwatda