The Ashipa Central Mosque, Ayobo on Saturday, March 15 played host to eminent Islamic and community leaders. The event that attracted the dignitaries was the maiden edition of the Sakirat Atanda Annual Ramadan Lecture, one of the cardinal programmes of the barely one- year-old organization.

Fittingly, the programme started with fidau prayer in memory of the late Sakirat Atanda.

The Imam of the mosque, Alhaji Abdullahi recalled how the late Sakirat Atanda lived a life of piety as a God-fearing person who took her religious duties seriously. He narrated how she contributed to the development of the mosque and made life easier for mosque officials, including himself.

According to the Imam, the Foundation stands as sadakatul jahiriya, a good work that does not have an end or any limits.

“The late Sakirat made her mark while alive, either in mosque circles or in the community, he said. “After a person’s death, there are some good works that still benefit the deceased. This Foundation stands as a continuation of the good works that the deceased was doing while alive.”

The lmam told the gathering that though the lecture is the first public outing of the Foundation, he was aware it has been working quietly to support the indigent over the last one year.

*Mr Layi Atanda

In his welcome speech, Mr Waheed Layi Atanda, Chairman of the Foundation, said the Foundation arose out of a need to give meaning to the lessons learnt through the life of his late.

He narrated how the deceased battled with health challenges for years – before and after kidney replacement operation before she finally died on Thursday, May 30, 2024.

“The management of her illness exposed the family to the challenges of managing chronic diseases,” Atanda said. “This Foundation stands as a beacon of hope for those battling kidney disease and other chronic diseases. The Foundation hopes to support those suffering from kidney disease and those supporting them.”

Atanda, who said he late wife’s life was a testament to resilience, said her memory lives on through the foundation.

As part of its activities over the last one year, the Foundation has donated four wheelchairs to LASUTH and has made donations to orphanages as well as supporting the Ashipa Central Mosque.

*Members of the Club ’20’ Erin Osun at the lecture

Sheikh Dr Abdullateef Shekoni, the Deputy Registrar at the Lagos State University (LASU) and National Missioner of ISMUF, was the guest lecturer.

In his lecture titled ‘Life after death,” Shekoni said no human could truly comprehend the secret behind the reality of God.

*guests at the programme

He noted that the establishment of the Foundation is a demonstration of the strong bond between the late Sakirat and her husband.

“If the deceased had worked against the husband, he would not have established a foundation in her memory,” he said, adding that all of us have a specified time to live. “It is up to each to decide what people would say after he or she is gone. God will never be unjust to anyone.”

*Leaders of the Ashipa Central Mosque at the event

The lecturer said when things are going wrong in any society, questions should be asked of the political leaders and the religious leaders, especially on how the alfas carry out their duty to call the attention of the leaders to the state of things.

He also stated that every life will experience the vicissitude of life. “Everyone is on the pathway to death and every life will experience joy and sadness,” he said. “As people gather in groups, so will they disperse for one reason or the other. Everything done by every human is noted and they will answer for it before God.”

The lecturer advised that couples must learn to tolerate their partners because no one is perfect. He admonished wives to be especially tolerant of their husbands and worship God through their husband’s. Husband’s he said, must also live up to their responsibility and take care of their wives.

Saying there is nothing God cannot do, he advised that we should never give up on one another. He said a bad child could grow up to be a pillar of the family and a discarded wife could be a savior of her husband. The needed virtue is patience, prayers and forbearance, he said.

Launch of the Foundation

*Cheque presentation to one of the beneficiaries by Alhaji Ayodeji Adigun

The formal launch for the Foundation was led by Asiwaju of Erin Osun, Alhaji Hassan Alao, supported by Alhaji Ayodeji Adigun and Alhaji Moruf Agboola.

According to Alhaji Alao, the Foundation was initiated during the 8th day fidau of the late Sakirat Atanda. He praised the managers of the Foundation for the work done since, saying the Foundation has done well since it was established. He therefore called for support for the work of the foundation because the smooth running of a Foundation depend on availability of funds. Individuals present at the lecture made pledges of varying sums to support the Foundation

After the launch, financial support grants were presented to some beneficiaries. The presentation was done by the main launcher, Alhaji Ayodeji Adigun.

*Members of the Erin Progressive Union at the event

Following the sighting of the crescent moon on Friday evening, the holy month of Ramadan, the 9th month of the Islamic Hijri calendar, will begin on March 1, Saturday.

The crescent sighting was observed across the Kingdom in observatories including Sudair and Tumair.

The Supreme Court on Thursday called on all Muslims in Saudi Arabia to sight the Ramadan crescent on Friday evening.

The court has said anyone who sights the Ramadan crescent with their eyes or through binoculars should notify the nearest court to their location and record their testimony there, or contact the nearest center so that they can be directed to the nearest court.

Saudi Arabia’s moon sighting committee usually observes the moon in the days leading up to the expected start date of Ramadan, but they have encouraged other Muslims who wish to sight the moon to do so as well.

During Ramadan, Muslims refrain from eating and drinking from sunrise to sunset as part of the Islamic ritual that aims to encourage patience, charity, and community welfare.

It is the month of blessing in which the Holy Qur’an was revealed to Prophet Muhammad. Month-long fasting, from dawn to dusk, is one of the five pillars of Islam.

On the auspicious occasion of Ramadan, Muslims mark a turning point of their life where they aim to improve their spirituality, break bad habits instead of putting them on pause, supplicate, heal, give charity, sleep less, pray more and increase imaan – or faith – during this month of forgiveness.

Depression is a prevalent mental health condition affecting millions of people all over the world. There are several types, including marital depression, health depression, occupational depression, financial depression, mental depression, religion depression and psychological depression.

According to several researches, depression is one of the most common mental disorders in most country,. For instance, according the US National Institute of Mental HEALTH, in 2021, an estimated 21 million adults in the U.S. experienced at least one major depressive episode, representing 8.3% of the adult population.

The prevalence is notably higher among women (10.3%) compared to men (6.2%). Fair enough, because it is the United States where medical facilities and so many other amenities are put in place strategically to combat this societal ill.

But in Africa, the reverse is the case. A lot of women suffer this societal menace to their peril. Most women who are supposed to be the umbrella of their homes or families are wasting away daily and, if care is not taken and this issue be taken seriously, I am so so afraid that so many things will go wrong. There are rising instances of suicides, even among the young. We also have increasing incidences of either party in a marriage killing the other party.

I am concerned because daily, this figure keeps soaring high and if diligence with almost care is not applied, a great number of our women will continue to die untimely and we all know the consequences.
For individuals seeking solace, Christianity offers spiritual resources that can complement both orthodox and traditional treatments for depression. Engaging in regular prayers, meditation, and worship can provide a sense of peace and connection, potentially alleviating feelings of isolation and despair.

The Scripture offers messages of hope and comfort. For instance, Psalm 46 declared that God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be. Also Psalm 34:17-18 emphasizes God’s closeness to the brokenhearted, providing reassurance during times of distress.

Community support is another significant aspect of the Christian faith. Participating in church activities fosters a sense of belonging and offers opportunities to share burdens with empathetic individuals. This communal involvement can counteract the isolation often associated with depression.

However, it’s crucial to address misconceptions within some Christian communities regarding depression. Depression is a complex condition influenced by various factors, including biological, psychological, and environmental elements. Recognizing that experiencing depression does not equate to a lack of faith is essential.

Seeking professional medical help, alongside spiritual guidance, is a balanced approach. As highlighted by the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA), integrating faith with evidence-based treatments can be beneficial.

In summary, while Christianity provides spiritual tools and community support that can aid in managing depression, it should complement, not replace, professional medical care.

Individuals are encouraged to seek comprehensive treatment plans that address both their spiritual and mental health needs.

There is a need for URGENT HELP and the help is not far away from those courageous enough to speak out and reach out for support.

*Pastor Mrs Eniola Olaide Sarah is a counselor and faith leader

The election which was held yesterday, Thursday, February 06 was conducted at the National Headquarters of the Church in Lagos.

According to the results of election as presented by the Chief Returning Officer, Pastor David Ajibade, Pastor Oladele emerged victorious with 388 votes, while Pastor Jude O. D Ekele came distant second having garnered 196 votes.

Pastor E. U. Johnson from Akwa-Ibom State Territory, was also elected as Vice-President with 297 votes, defeating his close contestant Pastor Prof N.E. George who polled 278 votes.

In the race for the position of National Secretary, Pastor Prof. Benjamin Fakae from the Maritime Territory emerged winner after polling 323 votes to defeat Pastor I.B. Zorzor, who garnered 155 votes.

Pastor Prof B.B. Fakae was a former Rector of the Rivers State Polytechnic, Bori, before he later became the Vice-Chancellor of the Rivers State University of Science and Technology (RSUST), Port Harcourt.

Pastor Dr. Isaac G. Awotanmi of LAWNA Territory was also victories having been elected as the new Deputy National Secretary, after securing 301 votes to triumph over Pastor Dr. Titus O. Akinbami, who polled 171 votes.

Pastor O.A. Nyong from Cross Rivers State Territory emerged victorious in the race for National Finance Secretary, garnering 304 votes to defeat Pastor W. U. Ikpi, who got 134 votes.

However, Pastor S.A. Ogu from LAWNA Territory was nominated as the National Deputy Finance Secretary.

The election result was announced by the incumbent President of the church, Pastor S.E. Igwe who is set for retirement.

It was gathered that the newly elected leaders would be officially inducted in August 2025.

Welcoming the election result, the President-elect of the church Pastor Oladele appreciated the incumbentt leadership of the church for laying exemplary leadership.

He said: “We want to appreciate our father, the National President whose his exemplary leadership we are all benefitting from. Our father the Vice-President/LAWNA Territorial Chairman, we appreciate you so much. All National officers and all the NEC members, we thank you and we appreciate you all. We want to tell our fathers that we shall humbly learn from them. We shall patiently submit ourselves for their Christ-like mind to be poured into us before we assumed office.

“May I say this to the fathers whom we contest together that there is no victor and there is vanquish. We have not won and you have not lost. We are the same, we need you, we need to cooperate together, the Church must move forward, and we are one. So, I thank you and I thank our fathers. God bless you all.”

The incumbent leadership of the church began operation on the 30th of July 2017.

The extension was made public by the Board Secretary, Mr. Saheed Onipede, in a statement released by the Public Affairs Officer, Taofeek Lawal, on Wednesday.

According to him, the decision to extend the deadline was reached at a zoom meeting between NAHCON, States Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards and other stakeholders on Tuesday, over appeals on behalf of intending pilgrims who were unable to complete their registration on time.

He urged those who falls into this category to take advantage of the extension to complete the Hajj fare of N8.7 million on or before the new deadline.

He added that the meeting also encouraged intending pilgrims who can afford the Hajj fare excluding the $500 Basic Travel Allowance (BTA) to proceed with their payment while sourcing for their BTA separately.

Onipede stated that the extension would give room for the Islamic faithfuls to actualize their dreams of performing the spiritual obligation in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

While congratulating those who have completed their payment and submitted their forms for other official processes and procedures, the Board’s scribe urged those who are yet to complete theirs to approach any commercial bank and raise a Bank draft in favour of Lagos State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board and submit same with their forms and valid International passports on or before the new deadline.

He assured them that the State Muslim Board would take their welfare and comfort in the holy land as priority, stressing that the administration of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu and his deputy, Dr. Kadri Obfemi Hamzat is committed to ensuring that they actualize their dreams of performing a blissful, acceptable and rewarding Hajj exercise seamlessly.

Recall that the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) in conjunction with the States Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards, private tour operators and other stakeholders, in January, arrived at N8,784, 085 as the Hajj for states in the southern zone of the country after securing the approval of the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Its President, Alhaji Rasaki Oladejo, said the Arbitration and the Shariah Court of Appeal, just like the Customary Court of Appeal are provided for in the 1999 Constitution (as amended) of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

He added that Section 275 confirmed the legality of both initiatives.

Alhaji Oladejo expressed worried over the “unnecessary noise; misinformation and unfounded allegations credited to the non-Muslims on the establishment Independent Shariah Arbitration Panel in some parts of the region. The leadership of the umbrella body for Muslims in the southwest is more disturbed that some high personalities in the region including traditional rulers and senior state government law officials were at the forefront of misleading the public on the issue of Independent Shariah Arbitration Panel.

“We expect that with the intervention of the number one Muslim body in the country, the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) on the matter, it ought to have been laid to rest.

“Unfortunately, rather than heed to the caution of the NSCIA, some people went to abuse the head of the Muslims in the country, His Eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto/President-General of NSCIA, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, CFR, mni.

These actions of abusing people in the leadership position on the basis of erroneous perception are distasteful and uncivilised.”

According to the MUSWEN president, respected individuals and institutions who are against the establishment of the Shariah Panel should to seek proper understanding of the matter to avoid lending their voices ignorantly.

He said: “Shariah panel is a committee of Islamic scholars set up by Muslims to settle marriage and inheritance disputes. The Panels also use mosques as venues. They are not courts. They are voluntary platforms designed solely for the resolution of civil disputes among consenting Muslims. As said, it was to fill the inexplicable vacuum created by the failure of the political elite in Southwest to establish Shariah Courts, as allowed by the Nigerian Constitution, despite the huge population of Muslims in the region.

“The public should know and understand that the essence of Shariah Arbitration Panel is to provide a peaceful platform for conflict resolution, fostering unity, understanding, and adherence to Islamic ethics. The panelists aim to interpret Allah’s injunctions and provide guidance based on Shariah principles. It has nothing to do with unwilling Muslims and non-Muslims whatsoever.”

Alhaji Oladejo called on the state governors in the region, traditional rulers, community leaders and all other groups to always seek proper understanding of anything that has to do with Islam and consult the leadership of the MUSWEN before taking actions.

“As said by the NSCIA, MUSWEN strongly supports the establishment of Independent Shariah Arbitration Panel in Ekiti State for the purpose so intended, especially where the Muslims in the state have been denied their constitutional right to a Shariah Court of Appeal as obtains in all the states of the South-Western Nigeria.

“In fact, such Shari’ah Arbitration Panels have existed in some southwest states without creating any furore. These panels do not have any power of enforcement. They are only meant for Muslims who would prefer their family matters be resolved according to the dictates of Islam. The panel in Oyo State has flourished for over 20 years. The panels also exist in Osun and Lagos states. We must stress that the existence of these panels have helped the government in reducing marriage breakdowns, which might have bloated the army of vulnerable children. MUSWEN did not find any legal justification, therefore, for the unnecessary alarm and unwarranted resistance with establishment of Shari’ah Panel in Ekiti State.

“While others are enjoying their constitutional rights, Muslims, too, should not be denied their constitutional rights.”

Since reports of the establishment of the panels came out recently, the governors of Ekiti, Oyo and Ogun have publicly vowed not to permit the sittings.

Recently the Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba Adeyemo Adejugbe also forbid members of the Shariah panel sitting in a mosque at Ado Ekiti, the Ekiti State Capital from holding any further deliberations.

The Ekiti State Government, in a statement made available to reporters by the state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dayo Apata (SAN), said the legal structure in the state did not recognise a Sharia Court or Sharia Arbitration Panel.

He said that the legal structure (i.e. Customary Court, Customary Court of Appeal and High Court) had been handling issues relating to Islamic, Christian and traditional marriages and inheritance without rancour or agitation.

The NSCIA however stated its displeasure with the governors’ decisions through a statement on Wednesday signed by its deputy national legal adviser, Haroun Eze.

The council, led by the Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar, said the controversy was unwarranted, saying Muslims deserve the right to be allowed to live and practise their religion without persecution in any part of Nigeria.

“The most recent of this is the development emanating from Ekiti State where the efforts of the Muslim community to set up an Independent Shariah (Arbitration) Panel was met with unwarranted resistance and objections from both political and traditional quarters.

“This is coming barely a few weeks after the announcement on the inauguration of a Shariah panel in Oyo State generated unnecessary anxiety, thereby leading to its indefinite postponement”, the NSCIA lamented.

The NSCIA, in the statement titled ‘Live and let live’, said the independent panel is voluntary and meant to fill a vacuum in the legal system in the South-west.

“The Independent Arbitration Panel, which is a voluntary platform designed solely for the resolution of civil and marital disputes among consenting Muslims, was to fill the inexplicable vacuum created by the failure of the political elite in South-Western Nigeria to establish Shariah Courts, as allowed by the Nigerian Constitution, in South-Western states, despite the huge population of Muslims in the region.

“This and other cases, such as the denial of the rights of female students to wear the Hijab despite a Supreme Court judgement, are nothing but calculated attempts to prevent Muslims in the region from practising their faith”, the NSCIA stated.

The NSCIA said the arbitration and the Shariah Court of Appeal, just like the Customary Court of Appeal (which all of them have), are provided for in the 1999 Constitution (Section 275), confirming the legality of both initiatives.

“The NSCIA strongly supports the establishment of Independent Shariah Arbitration Panel in Ekiti and Oyo States for the purpose so intended, especially where the Muslims in the states have been denied their constitutional right to a Shariah Court of Appeal in all the states of South-Western Nigeria.

“The Council cannot find any legal justification for the unnecessary alarm and unwarranted resistance. All the states in the North have Shariah Courts, and some, in addition, have Customary Courts.

“The Council calls on governors and traditional authorities in the southern part of the country, particularly the South-West, to ensure that the constitutional rights of Muslims are preserved and protected.

“While others are allowed to live, Muslims should also be let live”, the statement said.

Amir Ajala, a known leader of faith, community mobiliser, spiritual and moral compass for several thousand of his followers in Lagos and other parts of the country, passed away peacefully on Thursday evening.

Sanwo-Olu, in a statement issued on Friday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, described the death of the Muslim cleric as a big loss to Lagos State, happening at a time when the government is working with people of means to help in the reorientation of the youths.

The Governor said the late Amir Ajala left an indelible mark on the Muslim community and his followers across the world, and he would be sorely missed.

“On behalf of my family, the people, and the Government of Lagos State, I commiserate with the immediate family, friends, associates, and the entire Muslim community over the passing of an Islamic cleric, Shaykh Qamar-ud-Deen Jumah Ajala, popularly known as Amir Ajala.

“I pray that Allah grants the repose of the late Shaykh Qamar-ud-Deen Jumah Ajala, Aljannah Firdaus, and grants the deceased family, friends, associates, and loved ones, as well as the Muslim community, the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.”

In a statement dated January 16 and jointly signed by the Bishop of Warri Diocese, Most Rev. Anthony Ovayero Ewherido, and the Chancellor/Notary, Very Rev. Fr. Clement Abobo, the Church disclosed that Oghenerukevwe had previously sought to be released from all canonical duties within the Roman Catholic Church.

However, while the Church was processing his request, the Reverend Father proceeded to wed Ms. Dora Chichah at the Streams of Joy Church in Dallas, USA, just a month later.

The statement, titled “Decree of Suspension,” formally announced the decision, emphasizing that Oghenerukevwe’s actions were contrary to the vows and obligations of the priesthood.

The statement read: “On November 30, 2024, Rev. Fr. Daniel Okanatotor Oghenerukevwe, who has been out of active ministry and without any official assignment in the United States of America, contacted me with a request to be released from all canonical obligations and responsibilities associated with Holy Orders within the Roman Catholic Church.

“The Diocese of Warri reached out to Fr. Oghenerukevwe, requesting the submission of documents required to initiate the process. However, on December 29, 2024, Fr. Oghenerukevwe entered into marriage with Ms. Dora Chichah at the Streams of Joy Church in Dallas, USA. Footage of this marriage has been widely circulated on social media.

“By this action, Rev. Fr. Daniel Okanatotor Oghenerukevwe has incurred a Latae Sententiae suspension in accordance with the provisions of Canon 1394 §1, and I, Most Rev. Anthony Ovayero Ewherido, Bishop of Warri, do hereby officially decree that he is suspended from the exercise of sacred ministry.

“As such, he is prohibited from presenting himself as a priest of the Catholic Diocese of Warri in any capacity. All canonical implications associated with this suspension take immediate effect (cf. Can. 1333). He retains the right to petition for the revocation or amendment of this decree following Canon 1734 §1 whenever he demonstrates a willingness to reform.

“May God grant him the grace to reflect on this situation and guide him on the path of reconciliation. Given at the Mother of Perpetual Help Chancery, Warri Diocese, on this 16th day of January 2025.”

While sharing his testimony at Pastor Poju Oyemade’s World Faith Believers Convention (WOFBEC), Bassey explained that he received a phone call from Reverend Merrie Turner, who had been praying when God instructed her to invite Bassey to “release His glory over the United States.”

Reverend Turner’s words to Bassey were: “I was in prayer, and the Lord says to me to send for you to come release the glory of God over our Nation.”

This invitation has led to Bassey’s upcoming ministry at the prestigious event in Washington, DC. where he will join other faith leaders and dignitaries to offer prayers and worship for the president and government.