The Sultan of Sokoto, Alahaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, has urged the Muslim Ummah to offer fervent prayers for Nigeria today, which falls on Arafat Day.
He said the prayers would attract divine solutions to the myriad of challenges facing the country.
The Sultan said this in a statement yesterday by the Secretary-General of Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), Prof. Khalid Aliyu.
He said: “In this sacred month of Dhul-Hijjah, we are calling on Nigerian Muslims to rededicate themselves to good virtues and fervent prayers on the Day of Arafat on Thursday.”
According to him, the Day of Arafat is considered one of the most beloved days to Allah, and fasting on this day is believed to expiate sins of the previous and coming years.
Abubakar cited some of the current challenges facing Nigeria, including the resurgence of Boko Haram insurgents’ attacks in the Northeast and banditry attacks in the Northwest and parts of the Northcentral.
The Sultan implored the Muslims to fervently pray for Allah’s intervention to enable Nigeria overcome this and other challenges.
Also, some ram sellers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) yesterday attributed the high cost of the animal to insecurity and low supply from the Northwest.
The traders, in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) during a market survey in Abuja, said the low supply was also due to the closure of Nigeria’s borders.
A livestock dealer at the Dei-Dei livestock market, Malam Ahmed Mai-Samari, told NAN that rams supply to major cities was far below expectations compared to last year, especially from neighbouring countries.
“You know we mostly get these animals from Niger and other nearby countries that share borders with us in the North, especially the moderately sized ones.
“Now, we have to rely solely on local supply, from household livestock farmers, which is limited.
“Many traders have even left the business for more profitable ventures,” he said.
Mai-Samari, stressed that the price of rams had doubled compared to last year’s.
He added: “A ram that sold for N200,000 in 2024 now goes for N400,000. Only the rich can afford it now.
“Prices vary, depending on size: smaller rams cost between N150,000 and N190,000; medium ones go for N200,000 to N250,000, while large rams range from N350,000 to as much as N1 million.”
A similar scenario played out in Osun State and other states.
The Chairman of Ram Sellers’ Association at Odo-Ogbe Market in Ile-Ife, Osun State, Alhaji Akeem Salahudeen, complained of low patronage, attributing it to high cost of rams and the economy situation in the country.
Salahudeen told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) yesterday in Ile-Ife that the big sized ram, which was sold between N550,000 and N620,000 last year, are now sold at the rate of N800,000 to N1.2 million.
Also, the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has announced additional train services for the Lagos-Ibadan route and a special festive operation on the Warri-Itakpe corridor.
The corporation said the arrangement is part of its efforts to accommodate increased passenger traffic during the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations.
According to the NRC, an extra trip has been added to the Lagos-Ibadan Train Service (LITS) for today.
The revised Thursday schedule is as follows:
•Lagos to Ibadan: 8:00 a.m; 1:55 p.m. Additional trip: 4:00 p.m.
Ibadan to Lagos: 8:00 a.m; 11:03 a.m. Additional trip: 4:46 p.m.
The NRC said this is a revised departure time from the original 4:00 p.m.
Besides the Lagos-Ibadan service, the NRC said it will operate a special train on the Warri-Itakpe route, which is normally reserved for routine maintenance on Thursdays.
The management has rescheduled maintenance operations on the corridor to Sunday, June 8, to accommodate this special service.
Also, the Abuja-Kaduna Train Service (AKTS) will continue to run on its regular schedule, with additional coaches attached to cater to the increased passenger volume expected during the festive period.
The Managing Director, Dr. Kayode Opeifa, assured passengers of a seamless travel experience and reiterated the corporation’s commitment to efficient and customer-oriented service delivery.
Also, the Saudi Arabia Chief of General Staff, Lt.-Gen. Fayyadh Al-Ruwaili, has expressed the readiness of Armed Forces to respond to any breach of security during this year’s Hajj operations in Makka, Saudi Arabia.
Following Minister of Defence, Prince Khalid bin Salman’s directives, Al-Ruwaili reviewed the Air Forces group at Arafat Airport.
He said the Air Force offered advanced air support, including surveillance, reconnaissance, and airspace security over the Holy Sites.
The Naval Forces secure the seaports, handle suspicious materials, and support rescue efforts with diving teams and specialised units.
For health services, the Ministry of Defence has rolled out a comprehensive medical plan for pilgrims in 36 health centres.
They have a capacity exceeding 1,040 beds and supported by over 1,790 healthcare personnel.