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President Bola Tinubu, First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, his deputy Senator Barau Jibrin, and several state governors have joined millions of Muslim faithful across the country in celebrating this year’s Eid-el-Kabir.

In separate messages, the leaders emphasised the importance of unity, sacrifice, and compassion, calling on Nigerians to remain hopeful and committed to national progress.

Eid-el-Kabir, also known as Eid al-Adha, is a major Islamic festival commemorating Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son, Ismail, in obedience to Allah. The occasion is marked by prayers and the slaughter of rams and other animals as a symbol of devotion and generosity.

President Tinubu, in his statement, described the celebration as “a time for gratitude to Almighty Allah for His countless mercies upon us as individuals and a nation.”

He urged Nigerians to reflect on the values of sacrifice, devotion, and selflessness that define the season, while also embracing resilience, tolerance, and a shared commitment to national development.

“Though the journey has not been easy, and some doubted our direction, the resilience of public and private sector leaders, along with the steadfast support of most Nigerians, is yielding results. I assure you that the toughest days are behind us,” he said.

The president added that recent reforms are beginning to show positive outcomes, and called on citizens to remain patient and hopeful.

“We may not yet be where we aspire to be, but I urge all Nigerians not to lose hope. Let us hold on to our faith and persevere. Our reforms are gaining traction, with key economic indicators now moving in a positive direction. Soon, all will feel the benefits,” Tinubu said.

He also called for prayers for Nigeria’s frontline security personnel, who he said continue to make sacrifices for the safety of the nation.

Senator Oluremi Tinubu, in her goodwill message, congratulated Muslims on the occasion and encouraged acts of kindness and charity.

“This is a time of deep reflection on the values of sacrifice, obedience, compassion, and faith,” she said. “It is also a time to show kindness and generosity. I urge you to remember your neighbours and extend a hand of love and support, especially to the less privileged.”

Other political leaders echoed similar sentiments, urging Nigerians to use the festive period to promote peace, love, and national unity.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has dismissed growing speculation that President Bola Tinubu may sideline Vice President Kashim Shettima ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

Reacting to the rumours, the APC National Vice Chairman (South-East), Dr Ijeoma Arodiogbu, described the claims as baseless and a distraction from ongoing governance efforts.

“I’m hearing that for the first time. There’s a solid working relationship between President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima,” Arodiogbu said. “Shettima is a key asset—intelligent, focused, and deeply involved in this administration. These rumours are likely just political noise meant to create division.”

He noted that such speculation is common as election cycles approach but emphasised that both Tinubu and Shettima remain united and fully supported by the party.

Also responding, the Special Adviser to the President on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, said simply, “I am not aware, Sir,” when contacted.

The rumours surfaced shortly after President Tinubu received widespread endorsements from party leaders and elected officials as the APC’s sole presidential candidate for the 2027 general election.

The endorsement was initiated by the Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum and Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, and seconded by Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, during the APC National Summit held at the State House Banquet Hall, Abuja.

Subsequently, Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, speaking on behalf of the National Assembly, backed the endorsement, citing the President’s performance.

APC National Chairman, Dr Umar Ganduje, also affirmed the party’s position, declaring Tinubu as its sole candidate for the next presidential race.

While the endorsement was welcomed in some quarters, it also drew criticism from opposition parties and segments within the APC.

Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Umo Eno, has officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The announcement was made on Friday during a press briefing at the Government House in Uyo, the state capital.

Eno said the decision to switch parties followed three months of consultations with key stakeholders across the state. He expressed appreciation to the PDP for the support extended to him during his time in the party but noted that it was time to make what he described as a “progressive move.”

According to the governor, his defection was motivated by his admiration for President Bola Tinubu and the desire to align Akwa Ibom State with the federal government in order to secure continued developmental benefits.

“After completing the rounds of my consultation as your servant whom you have elected to serve, I have therefore decided to progressively move to the APC,” Eno stated.

“We are joining the APC today in the state’s interest and because of our critical admiration and respect for President Tinubu and to provide the needed support for Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.”

He added that the move was not from a position of weakness but of strength, and reaffirmed his commitment to serving the people of Akwa Ibom irrespective of party affiliations.

The event was attended by several APC governors, including the Chairman of the Progressives Governors Forum and Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma; Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos); Governor Dapo Abiodun (Ogun); Governor Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta); Governor Francis Nwifuru (Ebonyi); Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo); and Governor Bassey Otu (Cross River), among others.

As preparations for the Eid-el-Kabir festival intensify, ram sellers at major markets in Ogun and Lagos states have expressed concerns over low patronage, attributing it to the rising cost of rams and the prevailing economic challenges.

Traders at the Ibafo, Kara, and Agege markets, who spoke with our correspondents on Wednesday, said the high cost of transporting rams from Northern Nigeria had significantly affected their selling prices, resulting in reduced customer turnout compared to the same period last year.

At the Ibafo market, a trader, Rabiu Abubakar, lamented the poor sales, noting a sharp contrast to the previous year’s performance.

“If you were here at this time last year, you wouldn’t see people sitting idle. Sales were very impressive then, but this year, things have been slow,” he said.

According to him, rams that sold for between N150,000 and N180,000 last year now cost between N250,000 and N280,000—an increase of over 55 percent.

“We cannot sell at a loss. We are pricing based on our cost, which is much higher this year due to the increase in prices from the North,” he added.

Another trader, Sabo Sheu, echoed Rabiu’s sentiments, highlighting transportation costs as a major factor contributing to the hike in prices.

He explained that the cost of moving livestock from the North to the Southwest had significantly increased, further compounding the pricing challenges and discouraging buyers.

A pilgrim from Kano State, Shu’aibu Jibrin, has died in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, just 24 hours before the commencement of the 2025 Hajj rites.

The incident was confirmed by the spokesperson of the Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board, Malam Suleiman Dederi, who said Jibrin passed away on Tuesday following a sudden illness.

A relative of the deceased, Sama’uddin Aliyu Kadawa, who is also in Makkah for the pilgrimage, confirmed the development to journalists. He explained that Jibrin was initially admitted to King Abdulazeez Hospital after falling ill and was discharged after showing signs of recovery.

“Unfortunately, his condition deteriorated again yesterday. He was rushed back to the hospital, but despite efforts by Nigerian doctors and the hospital’s medical team, he died around 2:50 a.m.,” Aliyu said.

He added that the late Jibrin was a farmer from Gargai in Bebeji Local Government Area of Kano State and had a history of ulcer and hypertension. According to Saudi medical personnel, the cause of death was cardiac arrest and heart failure.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Wednesday arraigned two suspected illegal miners before Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke at the Federal High Court in Lagos.

The suspects were brought before the court by the Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the EFCC on a five-count charge bordering on unlawful possession and exportation of mineral resources.

One of the charges read: “That you, Zhang Hong Lin, Gao Pei Hai, and Gao Pei Yu (at large), sometime in 2025 in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honorable Court, conspired between yourselves and with intent to defraud the Federal Government of Nigeria of the revenue accruing therefrom and without the permission of the appropriate authority, engaged in the exportation of ‘Mica products, copper bearing and lithium bearing mineral resources’ out of Nigeria, and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 8 (a) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act, 1983 and punishable under Section 8 of the same Act.”

The defendants pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Following their plea, prosecution counsel Bilkisu Buhari requested a trial date and urged the court to remand the defendants in a correctional facility.

Defence counsel Jeremiah Okoro, however, asked the court to allow his clients remain in EFCC custody pending the determination of their bail application.

Justice Aneke declined the request and ordered that the defendants be remanded in a correctional centre. The case was adjourned to July 4, 2025, for trial.

The EFCC had arrested the two Chinese nationals on May 9, 2025, along with six Nigerians, over the alleged illegal mining activities in the Ogere area of Ogun State.

The Department of State Services (DSS) has approached the Federal High Court in Abuja seeking to stop former presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Professor Pat Utomi, from organizing rallies in relation to a pending suit over his alleged plan to establish a shadow government.

In a fresh application filed on Wednesday, the DSS, through its counsel Akinlolu Kehinde (SAN), asked the court to restrain Utomi and his associates from making public statements or staging rallies concerning the proposed shadow government.

The agency stated that intelligence reports indicate Utomi, who is currently outside the country, intends to return on June 6 to embark on roadshows and rallies under the pretext of exercising freedom of speech and association.

The DSS alleged that the planned activities are aimed at inciting public unrest in pursuit of the formation of an alternative government or cabinet.

The development is connected to an earlier suit instituted by the DSS against Utomi, challenging the legality of his purported plans. The case, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/937/2025, seeks a declaration that the move is unconstitutional and represents an attempt to usurp the powers of the current administration.

Justice James Omotosho has scheduled the matter for hearing on June 25.

President Bola Tinubu has awarded the national honour of Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR) to Microsoft co-founder and philanthropist, Bill Gates, in recognition of his contributions to global health and development.

The honour was conferred on Tuesday in Lagos during Gates’ official visit to Nigeria, where he is engaging with key stakeholders on improving the country’s primary healthcare system and advancing innovation.

Images from the ceremony show President Tinubu presenting the medal to Gates, with business magnate Aliko Dangote in attendance.

Gates, who serves as the chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, is leading discussions with federal and state leaders on collaborative efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s health infrastructure. His itinerary also includes participation in the Goalkeepers Nigeria event, which highlights Africa’s innovation landscape, as well as meetings with scientists and partners involved in artificial intelligence and health-focused solutions.

The visit underscores Gates’ continued commitment to Nigeria’s development through strategic partnerships and philanthropic investment.

The Controller General of Corrections, Sylvester Nwakuche, has directed all Zonal Coordinators, State Command Controllers, and heads of training institutions to strengthen security at custodial centres nationwide or face disciplinary action.

The directive was issued during an emergency virtual strategy session held on Tuesday to evaluate and reinforce the security of correctional facilities in preparation for the upcoming festive period.

In a statement signed by the spokesperson of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Umar Abubakar, Nwakuche emphasized the need for proactive security measures, warning that lapses would not be tolerated.

“This is not just about concrete walls and iron bars, it’s about trust, duty, and the safety of every Nigerian,” the Controller General said during the meeting.

The statement noted that the session provided a platform for senior officers to share concerns, present progress reports, and receive feedback. While commending ongoing efforts, Nwakuche called for increased innovation, vigilance, and accountability across all commands.