Religious

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has declared Sunday, June 14, 2026, as “Black Sunday” in honour of victims of terrorism and violent attacks across the country. The association also announced a three-day national prayer programme scheduled to hold from June 12 to June 14 as part of efforts to seek divine intervention over the country’s worsening security challenges. CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, disclosed this at the end of the National Church Denominational Leadership Summit 2026. He, however, stressed that prayers alone would not be sufficient to address the growing insecurity facing the nation, calling for concrete and decisive actions from government at all levels. Read Also: FG abolishes mandatory three-month pre-retirement leave for civil servants Ganduje, Kuku and the transformation of Nigeria’s airports NDC chairman attacked, Obi-Kwankwaso posters set ablaze in Kano According to Okoh, there is an urgent need for stronger measures to tackle terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and other forms of violent crimes threatening lives and livelihoods across Nigeria. The CAN President urged the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency on insecurity, saying the situation requires extraordinary measures to restore peace and public confidence. He also renewed calls for the establishment of state police and the decentralisation of the country’s security architecture to enable faster and more effective responses to security threats. Okoh further demanded the unconditional release of all kidnapped victims currently being held by criminal groups and called for justice to be served for victims and affected communities. The Christian leader expressed concern over the continued loss of lives and destruction of property in various parts of the country, urging security agencies to intensify efforts toward protecting citizens. He reiterated CAN’s commitment to supporting initiatives that promote peace, national unity, and security, while encouraging Christians across the country to participate in the planned prayer sessions and Black Sunday observance. The association maintained that addressing insecurity requires both spiritual commitment and practical policy actions aimed at safeguarding lives and strengthening national stability.

The Federal Government has declared Wednesday, May 27 and Thursday, May 28, 2026, as public holidays to mark this year’s Eid-el-Kabir celebration. The announcement was made on Monday by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, through a statement issued by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Magdalene Ajani. According to the statement, the declaration reflects the Federal Government’s respect for the faith, values and spiritual heritage of millions of Muslims in Nigeria observing the festival alongside the global Islamic community. Read Also: APC National Chairman’s Chief of Staff, Mustapha Bala Dawaki, Defects to NDC Former APC National Chairman Ganduje Embarks on Hajj Pilgrimage Why federal influence does not always guarantee victory at home Tunji-Ojo congratulated Muslim faithful both in Nigeria and in the diaspora, describing Eid-ul-Adha as a festival deeply rooted in sacrifice, obedience to Almighty Allah and compassion for humanity. The minister urged Nigerians to use the Sallah period to pray for peace, security and prosperity in the country. “The Federal Government urges all Nigerians to use this period for prayer and sober reflection, asking for divine guidance upon the country as it continues its pursuit of peace, security and prosperity for every citizen,” the statement read. He also called on citizens to embrace the values of brotherhood, unity, tolerance and peaceful coexistence during the festive season. The Federal Government further wished Muslims across the country a peaceful, blessed and joyous Eid-el-Kabir celebration.

Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), has declared Monday, May 18, 2026, as the first day of Zul-hijjah 1447AH. The declaration was contained in a statement issued on Sunday by the Sultanate Council Sokoto and signed by the Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, Sambo Wali Junaidu. According to the statement, the Sultan officially announced the commencement of the twelfth month of the Islamic calendar, a sacred period during which Muslims across the world perform the annual Hajj pilgrimage and prepare for the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations. Read Also: Saudi Arabia Announces 2026 Hajj and Eid al-Adha Dates The Sultanate Council called on Muslims in Nigeria and across the globe to use the holy month for prayers, sacrifice, and charitable acts aimed at promoting peace, unity, and national progress. The council also urged Muslim faithful to uphold the teachings and values of Islam while continuing to pray for stability, harmony, and development in the country. Zulhijjah remains one of the most significant months in Islam, particularly because it includes the Hajj pilgrimage and the celebration of Eid-el-Kabir, observed by millions of Muslims worldwide.

The Sultanate Council Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, in conjunction with the National Moon Sighting Committee, has declared Friday, March 20, 2026, as the first day of Shawwal 1447AH, marking the celebration of Eid-el-Fitr in Nigeria. In a statement issued on Wednesday night, the Chairman of the Committee and Wazirin Sokoto, Prof. Sambo Wali Junaidu, said no report confirming the sighting of the new moon of Shawwal was received from committees across the country on Wednesday, March 18, the 29th day of Ramadan. He stated that Thursday, March 19, would therefore be observed as the 30th day of the holy month of Ramadan. Read Also: NSE Kabuga Branch Supports Nasarawa Children’s Home, Plans Career Guidance Initiative Following the report, the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, officially declared Friday as Eid-el-Fitr. The Sultan felicitated with the Muslim Ummah in Nigeria, offering prayers for Allah’s guidance and blessings. He urged Muslims to sustain prayers for peace, unity, and national development, adding, “May Allah (SWT) accept our religious deeds.” He also wished all Muslims a peaceful and joyous Eid-el-Fitr celebration.