The Honourable Minister of State for Defence, H.E. Dr. Bello Muhammed Matawalle MON has commended the ongoing onslaught by the Armed Forces of Nigeria targeted against terrorists especially in Zamfara, Sokoto, Katsina and Kaduna States pointing out that their days are numbered and that the nation would once again begin to enjoy uninterrupted peace.
This was contained in a statement signed by Henshaw Ogubike Mnipr Director ( Information and Public Relations)
The Minister praised the Nigerian Armed Forces for their precise air strikes targeted at the terrorist strongholds in Zurmi, Gusau, and Maradun Local Government Areas, which resulted in the elimination of numerous terrorists and the destruction of their infrastructure.
He commended the Armed Forces of Nigeria for the clearance exercise in Zamfara, Sokoto, Katsina and Kaduna.
“With prayers and support for our Military, very soon the Military will clear these states free from bandit attacks,” he said.
Matawalle explained that with Military precision they successfully identified and neutralized the camps of prominent terrorist figures Abdullahi Nasanda and Mallam Tukur.
“We appreciate and commend the untiring efforts of our gallant servicemen and women who participated in this operation with outmost dedication and precision,” he said.
He expressed his sincere appreciation to all personnel involved in these operations. He also commended the collaborative efforts of the nation’s Intelligent Agencies as well as the local security partners.
Furthermore, he said that the Military is in a good and strong position to win the war against insurgency and terrorism which has witnessed many terrorist leaders being killed.
While commending the Armed Forces of Nigeria, he prayed for lasting peace in our nation, Nigeria.
…honours him with the title of the “Gbobaniyi of Yorubaland”
The members of the Muslim Community in Rivers State, led by Chief Imam Babatunde Omotayo, the Chief Imam of the Rumuekini Central Mosque in Obio Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State paid a Sallah Visit today on Sir (Chief) Tony Okocha, KSC, DSSRS, JP, the Leader/Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, at the Rivers State Secretariat of the All Progressives Congress (APC), in Port Harcourt.
In his address, Chief Imam Babatunde Omotayo, thanked Almighty Allah for the gift of life, and for being the Creator and Maker of Mankind.
He expressed the gratitude of members of the Muslim Community in Rivers to the Almighty Allah for the successful celebration of the Eid- El- Fitir.
Speaking on behalf of the members of the Muslim Community in Rivers State, Chief Imam Babatunde Omotayo expressed their deep appreciation to Sir (Chief) Tony Okocha for his detribalized leadership style of the APC in Rivers State.
He congratulated Sir (Chief) Tony Okocha on his double appointment as the Chairman of the Caretaker Committee (CTC) of the Rivers APC, and as the Rivers State Representative in the Management Board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), describing it as a reward for his commitment to effective service delivery, excellence, hard work, and his result-oriented disposition.
He also extended the “special greeting” of the members of the Muslim Community in the State to Chief (Barr) Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, the immediate past Governor of Rivers State, who is the present Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), who he described as the one who laid the foundation for the unity of all those living and doing business in Rivers State, including members of the Muslim Community in the State, who are mostly non indigenes, within his time as the Executive Governor of Rivers State.
They sent their appreciation to the Honourable Minister of the FCT, His Excellency, Chief (Barr) Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, through the Leader/Chairman of the Rivers APC.
They prayed the Almighty Allah to continue to guide, protect, and increase His grace and favour on the Leader/Chairman of the APC in Rivers State, and assured him of the continuous support of members of the Muslim Community in Rivers State to his leadership of the APC in the State, and to the Honourable Minister of the FCT, Chief (Barr) Nyesom Ezenwo Wike for his accommodating nature.
The Leader of the Muslim Community further informed Sir (Chief) Tony Okocha of plans to organise a special fasting and prayer session for guidance and protection for the leadership of the Rivers APC, and for the peace and progress of Rivers State.
He added that the fasting and prayer will be held once every month, and will be concluded after a year, with a Hajj, for supplication to the Almighty Allah.
He informed the Leader/Chairman of the Rivers APC that Hajj is a pilgrimage for acceptance of prayer, describing it as a “special conduct” in Islam, and also one of the pillars of Islam, adding that any prayer made during the Hajj must be accepted by the Almighty Allah.
The highpoint of the Sallah Visit was the conferment of the title of the “Gbobaniyi of Yorubaland” on Sir (Chief) Tony Okocha by the visiting delegation of the Muslim Community in Rivers State through her leadership.
Speaking with newsmen after the Sallah Visit, Sir (Chief) Tony Okocha expressed his pleasure in meeting with members of the Muslim Community in Rivers State after the success of the Eid- El- Fitir celebration which comes to an end today in the Muslim calendar globally.
He added that normally, it is the tradition of Muslim faithfuls to pay obeisance to the government, constituted authorities, and certain individuals within this period, and that as the Leader/Chairman of the APC in Rivers State, the gesture is a show of love towards the Rivers APC, and a demonstration of their gratitude and appreciation for what they have benefitted from the system, particularly from the government of Chief (Barr) Nyesom Ezenwo Wike when he presided over the State as the Governor
The Leader/Chairman of the Rivers APC informed the visiting delegation that all of their kind words to the Honourable Minister of the FCT, Chief (Barr) Nyesom Ezenwo Wike will be delivered to him, as he is also standing in for the Honourable Minister whose unavoidable absence is as a result of a similar event hosted by him to Muslim faithfuls in the FCT, Abuja.
Sir (Chief) Tony Okocha thanked and congratulated the members of the Muslim Community in Rivers State for fasting effectively, efficiently, and profusely to pray for the Nigerian Nation State, and for the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and to pray for the prosperity and well being of Nigeria.
He expressed his delight on the large turnout, describing it as a show of love, as according to him, “someone who doesn’t love you won’t come to your house.”
The Leader/Chairman of the Rivers APC concluded by saying that the Sallah Visit by the members of the Muslim Community in Rivers State is a real show of organic and real support to the APC as a political party in Rivers State.
Amb. Vincent Gbosi, Special Assistant on Media to the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Rivers State.
The Honourable Minister of Defense, H. E. Muhammed Badaru Abubakar, CON, mni was at his home town, Babaru where he celebrated the Eid Mubarak and observed the Eid-Fitr Prayer.
This was contained in a statement signed by Henshaw Ogubike Mnipr Director Information and Public Relations, Ministry of Defence.
The ancient quiet town was turned into celebration mood because their political father in the person of Minister of Defence, H.E. Muhammed Badaru Abubakar was in town to observe and celebrate the Eid Mubarak.
Prominent amongst those that paid Sallah homage to him at his residence included the Executive Governor of Jigawa State, H. E. Mallam Umar A Namadi fca, the Speaker Jigawa State House of Assembly Rt Hon Haruna Aliyu Dangyatun Kayaddan Dutse ,Jigawa State APC Leader ,Alhaji Isa Gerawa and Chief of Staff to the Governor, Senator Mustapha Makama Kiyawa and other political stewart of the State.
Celebrating the Eid Mubarak and observing the Eid-Fitr Prayer together, they all prayed for H.E. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR for Allah’s guidance and protection as well as the Honourable Minister of Defence, H.E. Muhammed Badaru Abubakar CON, mni to be able to overcome the security challenges bedeviling the country.
Furthermore, they prayed for peace and tranquility to prevail in Jigawa State and Nigeria in general.
The Honourable Minister of Defence, H.E. Muhammed Badaru Abubakar, CON, has observed Eid el Fitr Sallah celebration at his home town Babura, headquarters of Babura Local Government Area of Jigawa state to mark the end of the holy Month of Ramadán.
While celebrating the end of Ramadan, he prayed for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR for a successful tenure and also prayed for peace, joy and love for all Muslim faithfuls around Nigeria and the entire world.
He called on all Nigerians irrespective of their faith to show love to one another as a mark of Holy Ramadan.
Mallam Inuwa Bala led the eid El Fitr congregational prayer at Babura Gabas Eid prayer ground .
The Imam on his part, prayed for peace, unity and prosperity for the Local Government, State and the country at large.
The Minister received party Stewarts, illustrious sons of the communities and other Muslim faithfuls who paid Him Sallah homage at his private residence in Babura town of Jigawa State.
President Bola Tinubu participated in the Eid-el-Fitr prayers alongside fellow Muslims at Dodan Barracks in Lagos State on Wednesday, as revealed in photos shared on the official X handle of the Nigerian President.
Following the prayers, led by the Chief Imam of Lagos State, Sheikh Sulaiman Oluwatoyin Abou-Nolla, President Tinubu urged Nigerians to uphold their faith in his government and remain patriotic citizens.
In a statement posted on his X handle, President Tinubu emphasized the importance of continuing to exhibit the values of sacrifice and resilience beyond Ramadan, calling on Muslims to extend these virtues in their daily lives.
“The resilience and sacrifice that we have shown and made during these months should be preserved. Be a kind and cheerful giver,” President Tinubu remarked.
He further stressed the need for Nigerians to prioritize their love for the country, stating, “We must love our country more than any other country, because that is the only one we have.”
President Tinubu also reaffirmed the significance of protecting the integrity of the government and leadership, assuring Nigerians that the Renewed Hope Agenda is thriving and encouraging them to maintain hope for the nation’s development.
“The Renewed Hope Agenda is alive, well and fine, and Nigerians should continue to be very hopeful. Without hope, there is no salvation. Without hope, there is no development. Without hope, there is no life. Eid Mubarak,” he concluded.
Former President Muhammadu Buhari, in his Eid message, echoed the call for unity among Nigerians, emphasizing the pivotal moment for democracy and urging citizens to support leaders at all levels.
Barrister Nyesom Wike, in his Eid-el-Fitr message to residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has emphasized the importance of unity, harmony, and supplication for the nation’s leaders and its citizens.
Reflecting on the spirit of togetherness observed during Ramadan, Wike underscored the significance of embracing diversity and working towards common goals for the betterment of the FCT and Nigeria as a whole.
Highlighting the FCT’s role as a beacon of diversity, tolerance, and harmony, Wike called on residents to reaffirm their commitment to building a society where every individual is valued and respected.
He echoed the principles of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, emphasizing its focus on infrastructure development, healthcare, education, security, and economic empowerment.
Proud of the progress achieved under the Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly in security, infrastructure provision, and administrative reforms, Wike commended the contributions of residents towards building a vibrant and resilient FCT.
As the nation celebrates Eid el-Fitr, Wike urged residents to celebrate responsibly and remain vigilant about security concerns.
He extended warm greetings to the Muslim Ummah, expressing hope for the fulfillment of their supplications to Almighty Allah.
Wike emphasized the values of compassion, generosity, and unity inherent in Islam, urging Nigerians to incorporate these principles into their daily lives beyond the holy month of Ramadan.
In conclusion, Wike wished residents a joyous Eid-el-Fitr celebration and encouraged them to continue fostering unity, compassion, and tolerance in their communities.
His message serves as a reminder of the importance of unity and harmony in building a stronger, more prosperous Nigeria.
The Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Muhammed Matawalle, has prayed for Allah’s blessings for for H.E. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, Muslim faithfuls, the gallant Armed Forces of Nigeria and Nigeria in general.
Matawalle made this solemn prayer as the month of Ramadan comes to a close.
He said: “I felicitate and extend my heartfelt wishes of peace, joy and spiritual fulfillment to all Nigerians and our gallant Armed Forces.”
Furthermore, he admonished all Nigerians to learn from the lessons and reward of this sacred time as a platform of guidance towards unity, compassion, righteousness and to unite us as one Nigeria.
“As we prepare to celebrate this Eid, may Allah’s blessings shower upon us all, bring prosperity and happiness to our nation,” he said.
The Honourable Minister of Defence, H.E. Mohammed Badaru Abubakar,CON, has commemorated with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, Armed Forces of Nigeria, Muslim faithfuls and the entire Nigerians as the world marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan.
This was contained in a Press statement signed by Henshaw Ogubike Mnipr, Director ( Information and Public Relations), Ministry of Defence.
He extended his heartfelt wishes of peace, blessings and spiritual upliftment to all Nigerians and specially commend members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
Exhorting their commitment to nation building he said: “May the patience, sacrifices and the good deeds of the month inspire us to uphold good virtues of empathy, brotherhood and resilience.
He called for a peaceful coexistence amongst all Nigerians pointing out that in togetherness we will persevere and strive for a more peaceful, united and prosperous Nigeria.
In his inaugural Eid-el-Fitr message as President, Bola Tinubu has called for a collective effort from all Nigerians, particularly the Muslim Ummah, to contribute towards the nation’s development and prosperity. Emphasizing the role of citizens as architects of Nigeria’s future, President Tinubu urged unity of purpose and action in shaping the destiny of the nation.
The President’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, conveyed President Tinubu’s Eid message, highlighting the significance of Eid-el-Fitr as a time of reflection, submission to God Almighty, and service to humanity. President Tinubu extended heartfelt felicitations to the Muslim Ummah, both in Nigeria and worldwide, praying for their supplications and sacrifices to be rewarded by Almighty Allah.
During an iftar gathering with Nigeria’s leaders of thought and conscience, President Tinubu reiterated his appeal for unity and collective effort in nation-building. He emphasized that Nigerians hold the power to shape the destiny of the nation, likening the country to clay and its citizens to sculptors who mold its future according to their desires.
President Tinubu’s message encapsulated the spirit of Eid-el-Fitr, urging citizens to rededicate themselves to the noble duty of nation-building. He expressed hope that the lessons, blessings, and joys of the season would endure, fostering unity, progress, and prosperity for all Nigerians.
In conclusion, President Bola Tinubu’s Eid-el-Fitr message resonates as a call to action for unity, cooperation, and collective responsibility in shaping Nigeria’s future. As the nation celebrates this auspicious occasion, his words serve as a reminder of the transformative power of unity and the shared responsibility of all citizens in building a better, brighter Nigeria.
In a bid to restore the International Conference Centre (ICC) to its former glory, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Barr. Nyesom Wike has ordered the immediate cancellation of all events scheduled at the facility for the next eight months.
This comes after a thorough inspection by the Minister, who expressed dismay over its dilapidated state.
Wike’s visit revealed neglect under the previous management, leading to swift action, including revoking the former contractors’ contract and entrusting the renovation project to Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, the original builders of the ICC.
“We cannot continue to be embarrassed in this way,” emphasized Wike, stressing the urgency of rehabilitation to meet international standards.
Consequently, all bookings for events at the ICC have been cancelled to facilitate the renovation process, with Julius Berger tasked with completing the renovations within seven to eight months.
While refraining from initiating probes into the previous management’s handling of the ICC, Wike issued a stern warning to the new Managing Director of the Abuja Investment Company Limited (AICL), tasked with overseeing the ICC, emphasizing the need for accountability and efficiency.
“I’m not here to probe anybody,” clarified Wike, affirming his confidence in the MD’s capabilities while stressing the imperative of delivering a world-class ICC for the nation.
These decisive actions signal a commitment to revitalizing the ICC and reaffirming its status as a premier venue for international events in the nation’s capital.
