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Katsina State Governor, Aminu Masari, on Tuesday afternoon broke down in tears while presenting the 2023 budget estimate to legislators on the floor of the state House of Assembly.
The budget estimate is the last Masari would be presenting to the house, as he would be vacating office when he completes his second tenure next year.
He is the first state governor to rule the state on the platform of the All Progressive Congress (APC), with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) having governed the state from 1999 to 2015.
Masari, who was initially composed while presenting the budget estimate titled Budget of Transition, however, broke down towards the end of his speech.
He said he would miss the cordial relationship his government had with the house, even as he commended the support he enjoyed from members of the business community during his seven-plus years as governor.
“I will not hesitate to express my sincere appreciation to the people of Katsina State for giving us the opportunity to serve them for eight years.
I am sure our performance in the first four years must have encouraged you to elect the APC for another term of four years.
“Alhamdulillah, we did not fail in our responsibilities to improve your lives and the condition of your livelihood within the available resources.
“My appreciation also goes to the Honourable Members of the State House of Assembly for their support and co-operation.
“Indeed, one of the things I will never forget is the cordial and brotherly relationship with Honourable Members of the State House of Assembly.
“Our common goal is to serve our people, as such the Honourable House considers and gives expeditious consideration on issues we forwarded to them, especially the annual budget estimates.
“Mr. Speaker, Honourable Members of the State Assembly, I hereby wish to categorically state that I will miss this excellent working relationship.
I hope that the same treatment will be accorded to the incoming administration.
“As I always mention, no government can succeed without a functional, dynamic and robust judiciary.
The Judicial arm of Government has within my tenure as Governor of Katsina State came up with so many initiatives to address our security challenges.
“I therefore wish to thank the State Judiciary for the support and initiatives that contribute greatly in the successes we recorded as Government of Katsina State.
“Similarly, my appreciation goes to Their Royal Highnesses the Emir of Katsina and Daura as well as other Traditional Rulers in Katsina and Daura Emirates for their support and fatherly advice on issues affecting the people of Katsina State.
“I wish to express our gratitude to Allah (SWT) for the safe return of His Royal Highness the Emir of Katsina, Alhaji (Dr) Abdulmumini Kabir Usman, CFR from a medical trip abroad.
We pray for his long life and prosperity.
“In addition, I wish to acknowledge the contributions, support and co-operation of the Business Community, our elders, the Ulamas, Students, the Press, Professional Bodies and other Non-Governmental Organizations for their support and encouragement.
“Recently, our Party, the APC conducted Primary Elections during which Candidates for various positions emerged.
Prior to the elections, we organized prayer sessions and prayed to Allah to select the best Candidates for the people of Katsina.
“Alhamdulillah, our prayers were answered and the best Candidates emerged in all the elective positions.
I wish to call on all those that lost to accept the will of Allah and try their luck next time.
“As the 2023 elections draw nearer, I wish to call on the people of Katsina State to elect APC Candidates at all levels for continuation of the people oriented projects, programmes and policies the APC Governments at all levels are implementing.
“I am confident enough that what transpired during the 2015 and 2019 elections during which APC Candidates won at all levels in Katsina State and indeed the Federal Government will repeat itself in the 2023 Elections Insha Allah.
”
An Abuja-based Islamic cleric, Sheikh Yahya Al-Yolawi, has urged Muslims to emulate the virtues of the noble Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him).
Al-Yolawi, gave the advice while delivering his Juma’at sermon entitled: “Lessons from Life of the Prophet (Peace be upon): 35 life-changing lessons to every Muslim,” on Friday in Abuja.
The cleric said Prophet Muhammad taught love, kindness and compassion to his people and was seen to be the most loving, and compassionate of all of them.
Al-Yolawi said the Holy Qur’an mentioned the kind and gentle behavior of Prophet Muhammad, adding, ”there were many instances that showed his kindness and gentleness, especially to the weak and the poor.
He said: ” If there is any personality that has lived on the face of this earth who was complete in every regard and the life of whom can serve as a inspiration of guidance for people of every walk of life, that personality would undeniably be the personality of Prophet Muhammad.
” Muslims follow him because of him being the Prophet as their religion and those who do not follow Islam also hold him at a higher stand when it comes to human character.
”
Al-Yolawi described Prophet Muhammad as the epitome of good manners, saying, ”every action that he undertook in life represented the highest morals and manners that a person could exhibit.
”He was an ideal being in terms of manners and ethics, the likes of which the world has not seen.
” As one of His companions notes about His manners; the Prophet did not swear at anyone, nor was he rude, nor did he curse anyone.
”If He desired to reprimand someone, he would say; what is wrong with him, may dust be cast in his face.
”
The cleric said Prophet Muhammad was as selfless as a person could be in life, adding that all his undertakings and motives were just to fulfill the order of Allah ( SWT).
Al-Yolawi added: “And He did not undertake any action out of His personal desire and will.
He lived every day of His life for the sake of Allah and everything which He did was for the Almighty.
” The extent of His selflessness can be seen from the example of His preaching in the valley of Taif, where people lead naughty children to throw stones at Him while
”He was preaching.
He had to run for His life and He was all covered in blood.
” But still He did not complain to Allah about Him, rather one of His companions narrates; the Prophet resembled a Prophet who was harmed by His people.
”He wiped the blood from His face and said: ‘O God!
Forgive my people, for they know not.
”
Al-Yolawi also tasked Muslims on generosity, adding that generosity was another hallmark of the personality of Prophet Muhammad.
The cleric said: ” He was the most generous person there could ever be.
He preferred others over Himself and always fulfilled the needs of anyone who came to Him to ask for something.
” His generosity was something that Muslims should aspire to and spread the examples of His generosity to other people as well so that the world could become a better place.
” Prophet Muhammad was very caring of the rights of the women and commanded His followers to give special treatment to women by giving them respect and equal rights that they ought to have.
”
NewsSourceCredit: NAN
Gov. Mai Mala Buni of Yobe has expressed shock and sorrow over the boat mishap in Jumbam, Tarmuwa Local Government Area of the state.
Buni made this known in a statement by his Director-General Press and Media Affairs, Alhaji Mamman Mohammed, in Damaturu on Saturday.
He said the incident occurred on Saturday afternoon when two passenger boats bound for Babbangida weekly market capsized in a flood wave.
The governor said two bodies were so far recovered, while an unascertained number of passengers were still missing.
Buni directed relevant agencies in the state to commence intensive search for the remaining victims.
He described the accident as sad, unfortunate and devastating, and prayed for the safe rescue of the remaining passengers.
He advised people traveling by road or water to always be cautious.
The governor direct those living along waterways to move to higher grounds for their safety.
“The heavy rains and floods usually come from far and unannounced; we should always be on the watch out and avoid dangerous waterways,” he said.
Buni prayed to Allah (SWT) to protect the people of the state, their properties, livestock and farmlands against the increasing menace of flood.
NewsSourceCredit: NAN
The Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN) on Sunday appealed to Muslims to be agents of positive change towards building a brighter future Nigeria in the new Islamic calendar.
Malam Nafi’u Kabiru, the Amir of MSSN, Kebbi State chapter, made the appeal while interacting with newsmen on the commencement of the new Islamic year, 1444 After Hijra (AH) in Birnin Kebbi.
The News Agency of Nigeria recalls that Saturday (July 30, 2022) was declared as 1st Muharram, 1444 AH, meaning the first day of the new Islamic year by the Sultanate Council following the citing of the new crescent moon.
Kabiru said the call became imperative in view of the fact that every citizen had a role to contribute to a brand new Nigeria, saying “therefore, as a Muslim, we must be good ambassadors of the religion towards building a virile, sound and brighter nation”.
He advised Nigerians to sincerely repent and seek divine intervention to get out of current security challenges bedevelling the entire country.
Kabir said: “I want to urge Muslims and non-Muslims alike to sincerely repent to Allah and continue to pray for His merciful intervention on the ravaging insecurity, uncommon inflation, abject poverty and other unfortunate circumstances that engulfed the nation.
“What we are experiencing currently in Nigeria may be as a result of our sins, ungratefulness and atrocities.
“Therefore, we need to sincerely repent, submit ourselves to Almighty Allah, seek for His mercies and bounties because He is ever ready to listen to our prayers and grant all our demands.
”
The Amir also admonished Muslims to come out en mass to exercise their civic rights during the upcoming general election and encouraged them to elect the right candidate of their choice.
Kabiru prayed to Allah (SWT) to select the best amongst the presidential candidates who would foster national unity and work assiduously for the masses as well as growth and development of Nigeria.
NewsSourceCredit: NAN
Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has urged Muslim faithful in the state and the nation at large, to uphold religious tolerance and harmony at all times.
Makinde, in a congratulatory message to all Muslims on the celebration of Eid-el-Kabir, also known as the festival of sacrifice, urged them to reflect on the essence of the important festival.
According to a statement in Ibadan issued on Friday by Mr Taiwo Adisa, his Chief Press Secretary, Makinde admonished Muslim faithful to lay aside all forms of religious, ethnic and tribal sentiments.
This, the governor said was imperative in the interest of unity, peace, progress and prosperity of the state and the country at large.
Makinde said that with the Eid-el-Kabir, the Almighty Allah (SWT) “is teaching humanity about the virtues of total submission to His will and human beings must learn to put God first in all situations.”
He said: “The Eid-el-Kabir presents an opportunity for us to reflect on the faith, with which Ibrahim (Abraham) willingly agreed to sacrifice his only son and was set to let go of his prized asset, just in obedience to the command of Allah (SWT).”
Makinde also extended his congratulations to the state pilgrims, who are participating in the 2022 Hajj, wishing them a successful performance of their religious obligations and a safe return home.
He reiterated his administration’s commitment to the socioeconomic transformation and the infrastructure revolution of the state in line with the Roadmap for Accelerated Development of Oyo State, 2019-2023.
The governor pledged to continue to make life more meaningful for all residents of the state.
“On our part, we have undertaken to continue to make life more meaningful for the people of Oyo State, through policies and programmes that are godly and humane,” the governor said.
NewsSourceCredit: NAN
Gov. Mai Mala Buni of Yobe has commiserated with the families of the five people who died from building collapse, following heavy rainstorm in Damaturu on Monday.
Buni said this in a statement issued by the Director-General, Press and Media Affairs to the Governor, Mamman Mohammed.
The governor, who described the incident as sad and unfortunate, however, said that it was an act of Allah.
“It is very sad loosing the victims in this very unfortunate natural disaster, but that is the decreed time by the Almighty.
“We pray to Allah (SWT) to forgive their shortcomings and grant their families the fortitude to bear the loss,” he said.
He also sympathised with those who sustained injuries and prayed for their quick recovery.
The governor directed the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) to ensure treatment of those who sustained injuries and provide the victims with emergency relief materials to cushion their hardship.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that a heavy rainstorm had, on Monday, claimed the lives of five people, while over 40 others sustained injuries, in Damaturu.
The affected areas were: Waziri Ibrahim Extension, Abbari Extension, NayiNawa, Pompomari, House of Assembly quarters, Gujba Road and Maisandari quarters.
(NAN)
The Council of Maritime Transport Unions and Associations (COMTUA) on Monday prayed that the exemplary sacrifices made by Islamic faithfuls during the holy month would translate to lasting legacy in the country.
The President of COMTUA, Mr Adeyinka Aroyewun, in his Eid-el-Fitr greetings, said that the legacy should be capable of catapulting the country to a dawn of economic growth, social justice, peace and stability.
“COMTUA heartily rejoices with the entire Nigerian Muslim Ummah on the occasion of this year’s Eid-el-Fitr.
“As the Ramadan fasting season formally came to an end with the announcement of Sallah holidays, we in COMTUA, hereby congratulate all Nigerian Muslims for successfully completing their 30-days fasting in total submission and obedience to Allah (SWT).
“We pray that Almighty Allah accepts all these supplications and His divine blessings and mercies shall continue to envelop our dear nation.
“May his mercies ensure that security replaces insecurity and prosperity chases away poverty, food availability and security supplants the current shortages,” he said.
(NAN)
Gov. Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State has vowed to fish out perpetrators of communal clashes which resulted to the lost of lives and destruction of properties at Gudum Hausawa community in the outskirts of Bauchi metropolis.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the state government earlier confirmed that three persons lost their lives, many injured and houses torched in the April 26 disturbances in the area.
Mohammed, in a Sallah message, on Monday, warned that the perpetrators of the crisis would be dealt with in accordance with the law, adding that some of them had been arrested.
He enjoined the Muslim faithful to uphold the lessons of Ramadan towards solving personal, communal and national problems.
This, he said, would further deepen personal discipline, family values, love of one another and personal relationship with God.
While congratulating the Muslim faithful on the occasion of this year’s Eid-el-Fitr, Mohammed said that the Ramadan fas was observed amidst grueling social, economic, political and security challenges besetting the nation.
He noted that this year’s Eid is therefore highly significant.
“While the Eid should be marked by the usual fanfare and merriment, the more enduring positive impact should be demonstrated in our utterances and actions.
“In the way we relate with Allah (SWT), our fellow Muslim faithful, adherents of other faith, and our willingness to emulate Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) by sacrificing for others, particularly the less privileged in our society.
“As a government, we will not relent in our drive to ensure continuous peaceful coexistence among the heterogeneous ethnic and religious groups in the state.
“I appeal for your continued understanding, cooperation and support towards the realisation of this noble objective.
“Let me reassure you that we are mindful of the economic difficulties being experienced by the people of the state, which is a national problem.
“While the government is doing everything possible to ameliorate the situation through various strategies such as targeted empowerment, massive infrastructural development, creation of an investment-friendly environment and capacity building.
“I urge you to see it as a temporary setback,” he said. (
(NAN)
Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, has felicitated the Muslim Ummah in the state and across Nigeria, on the occasion of the Eid-el-Fitri festivities.
A statement issued on Sunday in Ibadan by Mr Taiwo Adisa, Chief Press Secretary to the governor, quoted Makinde as calling on the Muslims to sustain prayers for the state and its leaders.
He congratulated Muslim faithful on witnessing the end of the Ramadan and prayed that Allah would accept their worship.and keep them all alive and healthy to witness the next Ramadan.
The governor added, “though the Ramadan season is over, Muslim faithful must continue to practise the lessons that the Holy Month taught us all by remaining close to Allah SWT and submitting to His will.
“Residents of the state also should continue to pray for our government and support its programmes and policies, which are geared towards repositioning the state.
“I also want to charge them that though the Ramadan is over, their commitment to the ideals of prayers, selflessness and service should not wane, as these are values that can make our society a better place.
“Please, do not relent in your prayers for Oyo State and its leadership and your support for our administration.
“We believe that it is in doing these that we all can derive joy and bring about a better Oyo State.”
(NAN)
The Nigerian Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, Amb. Ibrahim Alhussaini, has marked one year as Nigeria’s Ambassador to the country on Tuesday.
The News Agency of Nigeria ( NAN) also reports that the envoy used the occasion to host some members of the Nigerian community,including students, and members of the diplomatic corps to breaking of fast at his residence in Rabat.
This is contained in a statement from the Chancery, Embassy of Nigeria , Rabat, Morocco, issued to NAN on Wednesday, in Abuja.
The Ambassador conveyed the greetings of President Muhammadu Buhari and urged Nigerians and friends of Nigeria, to continue to pray for peace and stability in the country, as well as the peaceful conduct of the 2023 general elections.
Alhussaini informed the gathering that this year’s month of Ramadan coincided with one year of his assumption of duties as Nigeria’s envoy to Morocco.
He thanked the Almighty Allah,SWT, and President Muhammadu Buhari, as well as His Majesty, King Mohammed VI, of the Kingdom of Morocco, as well as expressing gratitude to all the Embassy staff for their maximum cooperation in the discharge of his duties.
The Envoy also thanked the people of Morocco for their hospitality and friendliness.
This, he said, reflected not only in the excellent relationship between the President and the King, but between the nationals of both countries.
The local staff of the Mission presented the Ambassador with presents, thanking him for his good Leadership.
In his one year as Nigeria’s Envoy to Morocco, Alhussaini received several awards in recognition of his service, including Life Time Achievement Award by the Nigerian students in Morocco ( NISAM), Sardauna Students Association in Morocco, as well as Best Performing African Ambassador of the year 2021, by King Mohammed VI. Others were the Award of Excellence by AlQurawiyyan University in the City of Fez, while the Ambassador was also among the six Ambassadors awarded with a Medal of the American Legation in Tangier by the United States ( US), in the Kingdom of Morocco.( NAN) (
Source Credit: NAN
