The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has said the Eid-el Fitr festival will hold tomorrow (Thursday).
It asked Muslims in the country to observe Ramadan fast today (Wednesday).
The NSCIA, which made the clarifications in a statement in Abuja, said the crescent has not been sighted to end Ramadan fast.
The statement was signed by the Deputy Secretary-General, of NSCIA, Prof. Salisu Shehu.
The NSCIA said: “The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) – under the leadership of its President-General and Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, Alh. Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, CFR, mni – wishes to inform the Nigerian Muslim Ummah that there was no proven report of the sighting of the crescent of Shawwal, 1442 AH on the 29th of Ramadan, 1442 AH.
FCTA Bans Eid Prayer at National Prayer Ground
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has banned Muslim worshippers from converging at the National Prayer ground along the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua Expressway (Airport Road) for the end of Ramadan fasting Eid prayers.
The decision was taken on Monday at a meeting that took place between the Minister of the FCT Malam Muhammad Musa Bello and a delegation from the FCT League of Imams Initiative led by its Chairman, Imam Tajudeen M.B Adigun, to discuss the modalities of holding Eid prayers for the upcoming Eid-el-Fitr celebrations.
In a statement signed yesterday by FCT spokesman, Anthony Ogunleye, all worshippers are enjoined to hold Eid prayers outdoors within the premises of their neighborhood Juma’at mosques.
The minister said the decision was taken to prevent a possible third wave of COVID-19 as is being witnessed in some countries across the world.
Makinde Calls for Prayers to End Insecurity
Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has congratulated Muslims in Oyo State and across the country, on the completion of the Ramadan fast and the celebration of Eid-el-Fitri.
Makinde said it was a thing of joy that Muslims and non-Muslims have witnessed another celebration of Eid-el-Fitri, calling for prayers to end insecurity in the country.
A statement by his Chief Press Secretary Mr. Taiwo Adisa, the governor enjoined Muslim faithful in the state and Nigerians to reflect the spiritual benefits of Ramadan, which include love, peace and justice in their daily living and through this, contribute to the development of the nation.
He equally called on all Muslims not to depart from their good ways exhibited during the 30 days of spiritual exercise, which, he said, had drawn them closer to almighty Allah (SWT) with a lot of lessons learnt in the process.
Ortom Urges Nigerians to Pray for Peace, Security
As Muslims celebrate this year’s Eid-el-Fitr, Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State has called for sustained prayers to end insecurity in parts of the country.
The governor in a statement by his Press Secretary, Mr. Terver Akase, believes that with prayers and commitment on the part of government and the people, the wave of killings, kidnappings, herdsmen attacks and banditry will be surmounted.
He said the peace, security and unity of the country must be placed above personal and sectional interests, as keeping Nigeria safe and united is a task for all its citizens.
The governor urged Muslims in the state to promote the values and lessons of Ramadan such as piety, generosity, peaceful coexistence and justice.
Uzodimma Salutes Muslims, Urges Prayer for Nigeria
Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, has called on the Muslim community to devote their time to praying for the unity of Nigeria, particularly in the face of current challenges posed by insecurity that threatens her oneness.
Felicitating the Muslims for successfully completing their Ramadan Fast, Uzodimma also admonished them to reflect deeply on the teachings of Prophet Mohammed as they concern love for one another and peaceful coexistence.
The governor recalled that the Covid-19 pandemic which is still ravaging parts of the globe, including Nigeria, and the threat of insecurity in different parts of the country, clearly test the resilience, dedication, patience and self-sacrifice of Muslims as true believers in the teachings of Prophet Mohammed.
He then advised them to hold tenaciously to those positive attributes which their faith espouses.