The Federal Government has declared Thursday, April 11, 2024, as an additional public holiday to commemorate Eid-el-Fitr.
In a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, Aishetu Ndayako, the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, congratulated the Muslim Ummah for a successful completion of a month of spiritual rejuvenation.
The statement said, “The Federal Government has approved Thursday, April 11, 2024 as an additional public holiday to celebrate this year’s Eid-el-Fitr.
“The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, while congratulating the Muslim Ummah for a successful completion of a month of spiritual rejuvenation, reiterates President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s firm commitment to providing a safe and prosperous Nigeria for all to thrive.”
Saudi Arabia, on Monday, said the crescent of Shawwal has not been sighted, indicating that the fasting will continue on Tuesday.
It also added that the Eid-el-Fitr would hold on Wednesday, April 10 to mark the beginning of the new Islamic month.
The Federal Government had earlier Sunday declared Tuesday and Wednesday, April 9 and 10, 2024, as public holidays to mark the Eid-el-Fitr celebration.
FEDERAL GOVERNMENT EXTENDS EID-EL-FITR HOLIDAY TO THURSDAY APRIL ELEVEN
Amo Farm Joins Muslim Communities in Celebrating Eid al-Fitr
Amo Farm Sieberer Hatchery Limited has extended heartfelt greetings to Muslim communities across the country as they celebrate Eid al-Fitr, marking the joyous conclusion of the holy month of Ramadan.
Group Managing Director, Amo Farm, Dr. Ayoola Oduntan, said “The dedication and resilience displayed during Ramadan are truly inspiring. This period of self-reflection strengthens the core values of Islam, which are peace, unity, and compassion, that are essential for building a better nation for all.”
He also said as Muslims celebrate Eid al-Fitr, Amo Farm recognizes the importance of family gatherings and festive meals.
“Amo Farm remains committed to supporting the well-being of all communities and is proud to offer nutritious protein sources like the Noiler bird, a testament to its dedication to agricultural innovation. Developed through years of research, the Noiler bird empowers rural households, particularly women, with its increased egg and meat production while remaining disease-resistant.”The Noiler bird is a symbol of our commitment to empowering communities. We are proud to contribute to a future filled with peace, unity, and prosperity for all,” Dr. Oduntan stated.
In her remark, the Company’s Business Development Manager, Itoro Awala-Ale, affirmed “We understand the significance of delicious and nourishing food during Eid al-Fitr celebrations. Our high-quality poultry products, known for their protein content and delicious flavor, can be a part of your joyous celebration.”
GOVERNOR SANWO-OLU RECEIVES PELUMI NUBI, MAKES HER LAGOS TOURISM AMBASSADOR
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has named the First Black Woman to drive on a solo car ride from London to Lagos, Ms. Pelumi Nubi, as Lagos Tourism Ambassador.
Governor Sanwo-Olu also presented a house and a branded LAGRIDE vehicle with the customized number plate NUBI 9JA to the 28-year-old United Kingdom-based Nigerian adventurer.
The Governor assured the travel content creator that the Lagos State Government would write off the entire bill for her solo drive from London to Lagos.
Governor Sanwo-Olu made the announcement when Pelumi Nubi, accompanied by her parents, Prof. Timothy and Olubukola Nubi; CEO/Chairman, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, and Vice Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Prof. Folashade Ogunsola, among others, paid a courtesy visit at Lagos House, Marina.
He charged Pelumi Nubi to use her platform to showcase the rich cultural values and aesthetics of Lagos to the world, which are part of her responsibilities as Lagos Tourism Ambassador.
Governor Sanwo-Olu said President Bola Tinubu is aware that Pelumi Nubi is back in the country, and the President is willing to meet with her.
He said Lagos’ gesture to the 28-year-old Pelumi is not really about the gifts and heroic welcome given to her, but to encourage more women to break barriers and compete favourably with their male counterparts in any sphere of life.
“Your experience and journey, which lasted over 68 days, are indeed very inspirational, and you have shifted mountains. This is indeed a true African and Lagos spirit that you demonstrated. It is a true Nigerian capability that you have demonstrated, but more importantly, this is a story of Lagos no dey carry last.
“For us in Lagos, we will work with your planners to see how we further celebrate you. And it is not really about you being the one celebrating; it is about the future. It is about the girl-child. It is about the power of possibilities. It is about the power of the mind. You are a complete African story that we can showcase,” Governor Sanwo-Olu said.
Responding, the visibly delighted Pelumi Nubi, who could not contain her tears of joy, appreciated Governor Sanwo-Olu and the State Government for making her Lagos Tourism Ambassador and giving her a car and a house.
She said, “Honestly, it is just amazing feelings. I wasn’t expecting this; it was just supposed to be a courtesy visit to thank the Governor for his kindness so far. So making me a Lagos Tourism Ambassador and giving me a car, house, and many more blows my mind. I am so grateful.
“Honestly, I feel so blessed as a Lagosian. I feel so blessed that I have done this London to Lagos road trip, and my sincere thanks to Governor Sanwo-Olu, President Bola Tinubu, and everyone who has made this happen. My advice to the youth, especially girls, is, Go for it.”
Nubi appreciated Nigerians, particularly Lagos residents, for supporting her and for trooping out in large numbers to welcome her at the Nigeria/Benin Republic in Seme Border in Lagos State.
She promised that the end of her solo trip would gear her up to promote the African continent, Nigeria, and Lagos, especially being the commercial nerve center of the country.
Also speaking, the CEO/Chairman, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa applauded Pelumi for her bravery and courage, noting that her car for the trip would be placed in the Lagos Museum.
She said the Nigerian Government was solidly behind her throughout the journey, which lasted for over two months.
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Prof. Folashade Ogunsola, said Pelumi is a role model to the young generation, and that was why the institution celebrated her entry into Nigeria on Sunday.
She commended Governor Sanwo-Olu and the Lagos Government for giving Pelumi a hero’s welcome, saying the University of Lagos is proud of her.
Pelumi’s father, Prof. Timothy Nubi, also appreciated President Bola Tinubu, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and all the government officials and institutions at the federal and state levels for their support during her daughter’s solo drive trip from London to Lagos.
Pelumi Nubi began her solo trip from London, the United Kingdom, on Wednesday, January 31, 2024, and arrived in Lagos, Nigeria, on Sunday, April 7, 2024.
Nubi’s road manifest from the United Kingdom took her through France and Spain in Europe and into Africa through Morocco. She drove across Mauritania, Senegal, Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, Guinea, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Mali, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Togo, Benin, and finally Lagos, Nigeria.
The 28-year-old Nubi was given a hero’s welcome at the Seme border, Badagry on Sunday by hundreds of Lagos residents, who trooped out to celebrate her courage and determination in setting a record as the first black woman to drive from London to Lagos.
EL SALVADOR TO OFFER 5000 FREE PASSPORTS TO FOREIGN SKILLED WORKERS
El Salvador President, Nayib Bukele says the Country is offering 5,000 “free passports” to highly skilled workers from abroad.
Bukele announced this in his latest attempt to boost the Country’s economy with foreign investment.
The President, in a statement posted to X, said Scientists, Engineers, Doctors, Artists, and Philosophers will be granted “full citizen status” including voting rights.
El Salvador will also help their relocation by eliminating taxes and tariffs on “moving families and assets” such as equipment, software, and intellectual property.
Bukele wrote that the group’s contributions would have a huge impact on the future of the Central American Country.
In 2021, El Salvador adopted Bitcoin as a legal tender alongside the US dollar, but the International Monetary Fund has repeatedly recommended that the Country ditch the cryptocurrency, citing risks including high volatility.
Last year, the legislative assembly approved a migration law meant to expedite citizenship to foreigners who support social and economic development programs by donating Bitcoin.
Bukele has also overseen a brutal and widely criticised crackdown on crime, which he claims has significantly improved security, but opponents say it has resulted in large-scale human rights abuses, including mass detentions and alleged torture in jails.
(CNN)
LAMATA DEPLOYS FIVE FLM BUSES TO LASU TO AMELIORATE STUDENTS TRANSPORTATION CHALLENGES
The Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority, LAMATA, has deployed five First and Last Mile (FLM) buses to the Lagos State University campus, Ojo, for use of students within the campus and its environs.
Leader of the LAMATA team, Adebisi Olabisi, who was on campus to handed over the buses to the University management on Monday, said the buses were delivered in response to a formal request by the 31st Lagos State University Students Union, LASUSU Executives.
Olabisi said the buses would be operated by LAMATA and accessible to students using the Lagos State Travel Card also known as Cowry Card.
Acting Dean, Students Affairs Division, Dr. Abiodun Fatai-Abatan, while presenting the buses to the Acting VC, Prof. Olufunso Omobitan and other members of management said the vehicles were aimed at easing the transportation challenges sometimes faced by students.
The Acting VC, Prof. Olufunsho Omobitan, in a brief remark, appreciated the Management of LAMATA for acceding to the student’s request while urging the end users (students) to make the best use of the vehicles. He also thanked the Oniba of Iba Kingdom, HRM. Oba Sulaimon Adeshina Raji-Ashade for his role in facilitating the deployment of the vehicles.
Prof. Omobitan went on to hand over the buses to the students’ leaders represented by the 34th LASUSU President, Comrade Haroun Tobun, and Speaker of the Students Parliamentary Council, Rt. Hon. Haleemah Hassan, in front of the Babatunde Raji Fashola Senate Building, main campus, Ojo.
Blacktalker can report that more buses are expected to be deployed to the University in subsequent phases of the project.
Thousands of Worshippers Gather for SCOAN 3 Days Spiritual Revival
Thousands of worshippers have gathered at a three day spiritual revival for Synagogue Church Of All Nations SCOAN in enthusiasm, ecstasy, walking, crying, rolling, and moving around in different ways of the spiritual resort as conducive for individual’s ability to pour out their hearts and supplications to God in a serene, cool, composed, calm and collected atmospheric conditions where nature and the spirit of man.
The intensive programme which also ran through the nights was of marathon prayers and fasting as directed by the Holy Spirit for those who have the grace to participate.
For the three days, the SCOAN Prayer Mountain, located at Agodo, Egbe Ikotun in Lagos was turned into a “Wailing Wall” reminiscence of the “Waling Wall” in Jerusalem where faithful adherents pay 24/7 to God.
SCOAN’s leader, Pastor Evelyn Joshua in welcoming and congratulating the participants stated tersely: “we are not in this Mountain on our own, we are here today and for the three days at God’s command for our revival. Heaven is aware that you are here and because the heaven is aware of your presence, your case is settled. This is the day the Lord has made, we will rejoice and be glad in it. His word says ‘come’ and you have come. We are therefore here to fulfill all righteousness, it’s done”!
The event also witnessed an enduring biblical interactive rigorius teaching with the theme: OBEDIENCE TO GOD in which the biblical prophet Jonah was thoroughly dissected for worshippers to learn that God’s will is adamantine; you must unconditionally be obedience to God’s instructions because you cannot hide from Him.
The revival which also brings restoration was a huge success as people joyously in high spirits filed out of the Mountain singing and praising ‘God of Abraham, God of Isaac, God of Jacob and God of TBJoshua in Jesus name for His great and marvelous deeds in their lives.
LAMATA DEPLOYS FIVE FLM BUSES TO LASU TO AMELIORATE STUDENTS TRANSPORTATION CHALLENGES
The Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority, LAMATA, has deployed five First and Last Mile (FLM) buses to the Lagos State University campus, Ojo, for use of students within the campus and its environs.
Leader of the LAMATA team, Adebisi Olabisi, who was on campus to handed over the buses to the University management on Monday, said the buses were delivered in response to a formal request by the 31st Lagos State University Students Union, LASUSU Executives.
Olabisi said the buses would be operated by LAMATA and accessible to students using the Lagos State Travel Card also known as Cowry Card.
Acting Dean, Students Affairs Division, Dr. Abiodun Fatai-Abatan, while presenting the buses to the Acting VC, Prof. Olufunso Omobitan and other members of management said the vehicles were aimed at easing the transportation challenges sometimes faced by students.
The Acting VC, Prof. Olufunsho Omobitan, in a brief remark, appreciated the Management of LAMATA for acceding to the student’s request while urging the end users (students) to make the best use of the vehicles. He also thanked the Oniba of Iba Kingdom, HRM. Oba Sulaimon Adeshina Raji-Ashade for his role in facilitating the deployment of the vehicles.
Prof. Omobitan went on to hand over the buses to the students’ leaders represented by the 34th LASUSU President, Comrade Haroun Tobun, and Speaker of the Students Parliamentary Council, Rt. Hon. Haleemah Hassan, in front of the Babatunde Raji Fashola Senate Building, main campus, Ojo.
Blacktalker can report that more buses are expected to be deployed to the University in subsequent phases of the project.
EID EL FITRI: WAPA Commissioner Felicitates Muslims, Calls for Peaceful Co-existence in Lagos State
Lagos State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, WAPA, Hon. Bolaji Cecilia Dada, has felicitated all Muslim faithful and good people of Lagos, wishing them a peaceful and joyful Eid el Fitri.
Speaking in her office in Alausa, on Monday 8th April 2024, she urged women to reflect on Ramadan lessons of compassion, unity, mutual respect and reflect on the teachings of the holy prophet.
Hon. Dada also admonished the women of Lagos State to remember the most vulnerable and poor among them.
The WAPA Commissioner expressed hopes the holy season would ensure peace prevail everywhere.
EID-EL-FITRI: LAWMA URGES RESIDENTS TO EMBRACE CLEAN ENVIRONMENT
The Lagos Waste Management Authority, LAWMA has urged residents to embrace and make a clean environment a permanent habit that goes beyond occasions and festivities.
Managing Director/CEO of LAWMA, Muyiwa Gbadegesin made the call statement issued to congratulate Muslim faithful on completing the Ramadan Fast, culminating in the celebration of this year’s Eid-el-Fitri.
Gbadegesin noted that personal hygiene and environmental cleanliness formed integral teachings of Islam that should become permanent features of daily living beyond the Ramadan period.
He said: “Islam teaches cleanliness at the personal level, at home and the environment. Islam abhors filth and dirtiness anywhere around us. I appeal that we make this great teaching a permanent feature of our daily lives and living. Whatever we put into the environment is what it will give back. Therefore, let us maintain good hygiene at the domestic front as well as the larger environment for our good”.
While wishing Muslims happy celebrations, he implored residents to shun reckless waste disposal at street corners, road medians, sidewalks, black spots, and other unauthorised locations, warning that LAWMA enforcement personnel had been mobilised to apprehend defaulters for immediate prosecution.
Gbadegesin assured that PSP operators would continue to work optimally, while the agency would provide backup services in areas that require such, urging motorists to drive with caution and to ensure the safety of sanitation workers on major roads during the festivities.
He also appealed to residents to contact LAWMA customer care, to report service gaps for quick intervention.
Margaret Omolara Sekumade Celebrates 60th Birthday with Grandeur
Margaret Omolara Sekumade marked her 60th birthday celebration in a ceremony that was nothing short of a grand affair, fitting for a woman of her stature and impact. Held at the prestigious Elite Banqueting Suite in Slough, United Kingdom, the event brought together a diverse array of dignitaries, friends, and well-wishers from various spheres of life.
The evening was filled with joyous festivities, reflecting the deep admiration and respect held for Mrs. Sekumade. Renowned for her devotion to God and humanity, her birthday served as a testament to her compassionate spirit and the countless lives she has touched.
Tributes poured in throughout the evening, highlighting Mrs. Sekumade’s achievements and the positive influence she has had over the years.
Pastor Olalekan Sekumade, the love of her life, described his wife as very dedicated and loyal to her goals; full of goodness and unwavering love to see people around her happy; continuous display of hospitality; a very good cook; excellent communicator; very respectful and the image maker of the family.
In her own speech, Mrs. Sekumade expressed deep gratitude for the love and support she has received, reaffirming her commitment to serving God and humanity. Her words resonated deeply with all in attendance, inspiring them to join her in making a difference in the world.
Guests were treated to a lavish affair, indulging in delectable meals, assorted drinks, and live music that set the tone for an unforgettable night. The well-adorned hall created a warm and inviting atmosphere, fostering laughter, camaraderie, and cherished memories.
As the night came to a close, it was clear that Margaret Omolara Sekumade’s 60th birthday celebration had left an indelible mark on all who were present. It was a fitting tribute to a remarkable woman, characterized by elegance, warmth, and glamour, and it will surely be remembered for years to come.
