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Category: Events-Festivals

  • FG orders opening of Abuja-Kaduna-Kano Road sections for Eid Travel, wishes Muslims a joyous celebration

    FG orders opening of Abuja-Kaduna-Kano Road sections for Eid Travel, wishes Muslims a joyous celebration

    ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The Federal Government has directed the immediate opening of all sections of the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano Road currently under construction to ease the movement of commuters during the Eid al-Adha festive period.

    The directive was issued by the Minister of Works, David Umahi, who instructed the contractor handling the project, Infiouest Nigeria Limited, to ensure safer and smoother travel for road users during the celebrations.

    According to a statement issued on May 25, 2026, by Francis Nwaze, Senior Special Assistant to the Minister on Media, Umahi said the government was committed to reducing travel difficulties and improving safety along the busy highway during the holiday season.

    The minister also confirmed that an earlier accident recorded along the road had been completely cleared to restore the free flow of traffic.

    He further disclosed that security agencies had been deployed to strategic locations along the highway to maintain law and order and ensure the safety of commuters throughout the festive period.

    Eid al-Adha, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, is one of the most significant celebrations in Islam. The festival commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to God before a ram was provided as a substitute.

    The celebration coincides with the annual Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia and is marked by special prayers, animal sacrifices, and the sharing of meat with family members, friends, and the less privileged.

    The festival also promotes charity, unity, gratitude, and care for vulnerable members of society.

    Meanwhile, the Federal Government had earlier declared Wednesday and Thursday as public holidays for the Eid celebrations and urged Nigerians to use the period for prayers and reflection for peace, security, and prosperity in the country.

    The government also wished Muslims across the nation a peaceful and joyous Eid al-Adha celebration.

  • Federal Government declares May 27–28 public holidays for Eid ul Adha celebration

    Federal Government declares May 27–28 public holidays for Eid ul Adha celebration

    ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The Federal Government of Nigeria has declared Wednesday, May 27, and Thursday, May 28, 2026, as public holidays to mark the Eid ul Adha celebration.

    Announcing the decision, Minister of Interior Dr Olubunmi Tunji‑Ojo extended warm greetings to Muslim faithful across Nigeria and the diaspora. In a statement signed by Dr Magdalene Ajani, Permanent Secretary, the government emphasised that Eid ul Adha is a festival of sacrifice, obedience, and compassion — values that strengthen unity and shared humanity.

    Eid al‑Adha, also known as the “Festival of Sacrifice,” is one of the most important celebrations in Islam. It commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to God’s command before God provided a ram as a substitute.

    The festival coincides with the annual Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia and is marked by special prayers, the slaughtering of animals such as rams, goats, or cows, and the sharing of meat with family, friends, and the less privileged. It also promotes charity, unity, gratitude, and care for the needy within communities.

    The government urged Nigerians to use the holiday period for prayer and reflection, seeking divine guidance for peace, security, and prosperity. It wished all Muslims a peaceful and joyous celebration.

  • HAJJ 2026: Lagos Receives Mina, Arafah tent allocation from NAHCON

    HAJJ 2026: Lagos Receives Mina, Arafah tent allocation from NAHCON

    LAGOS, Nigeria (NPA) — The Lagos State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board has received its allocation of tents in Mina and Arafah from the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) ahead of the 2026 Hajj exercise.

    The allocation exercise was conducted on Thursday in Mina and Arafah by the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NAHCON, Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf, alongside other commission officials.

    According to a statement issued by the Lagos State Government on Friday, Lagos pilgrims were allocated Tent 26 under arrangements coordinated by Mashariq Sana Al Dhahabiah Company, the approved Nigerian service provider in the Holy Land.

    Speaking after the allocation, Chairman of the Mina and Arafah Sub-Committee, Imam Engr. Shakiru Ayinde Gafar, who led the Lagos delegation, expressed satisfaction with the quality of the tents and facilities provided for pilgrims.

    He stated that the arrangement would ensure substantial comfort for Lagos pilgrims while carrying out the major Hajj rites in Mina and at the Plain of Arafat.

    According to the Hajj timetable, Lagos pilgrims are expected to depart for Mina on Sunday, May 24, ahead of the commencement of the core Hajj rites scheduled to run from Monday, 8th Dhul Hijjah to Friday, 12th Dhul Hijjah, 1447 AH, corresponding with May 25 to 29, 2026.

    During the period, pilgrims will participate in key religious rites, including the standing at Mount Arafah, spending the night at Muzdalifah, and the symbolic stoning of the Jamarat.

  • Ghana declares May 27 public holiday for Eid-Ul-Adha

    Ghana declares May 27 public holiday for Eid-Ul-Adha

    ACCRA, Ghana (NPA) — The Government of Ghana has declared Wednesday, May 27, 2026, as a statutory public holiday in observance of Eid-Ul-Adha.

    The announcement was made by the Ministry of the Interior in a statement issued on Friday and signed by the Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak.

    According to the ministry, the holiday is to be observed nationwide to mark the Islamic festival of Eid-Ul-Adha.

    “The general public is hereby informed that Wednesday, 27th May 2026, marks Eid-Ul-Adha, which is a Statutory Public Holiday and should be observed as such throughout the country,” the statement said.

    Eid-Ul-Adha, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, is one of the most significant celebrations in the Islamic calendar and is observed by Muslims worldwide.

  • Ikorodu Oro Festival begins amid movement restrictions, curfew

    Ikorodu Oro Festival begins amid movement restrictions, curfew

    LAGOS, Nigeria (NPA) — The annual Ikorodu Oro Festival commenced on Thursday amid movement restrictions and curfew measures across parts of Ikorodu and surrounding communities in Lagos State.

    The traditional festival, which will run from May 14 to May 15, is a significant Yoruba cultural event involving sacred rites and spiritual cleansing of the community.

    According to a statement issued by the Ikorodu Traditional Council, residents and visitors have been advised to avoid procession routes and plan their activities carefully during the festival period.

    The council explained that daytime restrictions on movement would be enforced in several parts of Ikorodu, with businesses and public activities expected to shut down temporarily in affected areas.

    Locations expected to observe closure during the period include Dream Park and Gardens as well as several commercial and transit areas within the town.

    Areas likely to be most affected by the restrictions include Aga, Sabo, Ota-Ona, Ajina, Itunpate, Obun-Ale, Ita-Elewa, Ijomu, Isele, Ojubode, Ojogbe, Itunmaja and Ladega.

    Major roads expected to witness restrictions include Ayangburen Road, Sabo/Kokoro-Abu roads and areas around the Ikorodu Garage Roundabout.

    The traditional council also identified transit hubs such as the Lowa/Etunren axis, Sabo/Allison axis and Grammar School roads as areas residents should avoid during curfew hours.

    The festival features the revered Oro Magbo dance and other sacred traditional rites considered central to the cultural heritage of the Ikorodu people.

    Despite restrictions within the town centre, the council stated that some neighbouring communities and outer suburbs would remain generally accessible.

    These include Odogunyan, Ogijo, Ijede, Gberigbe, Agbowa and Imota.

    Alternative travel routes recommended for commuters moving between Ikorodu and other parts of Lagos include the Selewu route for travellers coming from Baiyeku and the Solebo/Olu-Odo route for those travelling from Ketu and Mile 12.

    The council further noted that local services and businesses within affected jurisdictions, including Ikorodu General Hospital, may experience temporary disruptions during the exercise.

    Female students scheduled to write examinations during the festival were advised to carefully plan their movement and avoid restricted areas.

    Authorities urged residents to remain calm, comply with directives and stay updated through local authorities for any changes or additional security advisories related to the festival activities.

  • Pope Leo XIV marks first anniversary of papacy with pilgrimage to Pompei and Naples

    Pope Leo XIV marks first anniversary of papacy with pilgrimage to Pompei and Naples

    POMPEI, Italy (NPA) — Pope Leo XIV commemorated the first anniversary of his election to the papacy with a pastoral visit to southern Italy, placing his pontificate under the protection of the Virgin Mary during celebrations in Pompei and Naples.

    In Pompei, the Holy Father celebrated Mass before an estimated 20,000 faithful gathered outside the Shrine of Our Lady of the Rosary. The date coincided with the feast of the Supplication to the Virgin, a devotion closely tied to the shrine and to St. Bartolo Longo, canonized as the “apostle of the rosary.” In his homily, Pope Leo reflected on the significance of the rosary, calling the repeated Hail Mary “an act of love” and “an invitation to joy.” He urged believers to see the prayer as a source of mercy and peace in a world scarred by war and division.

    Before the Mass, the pope visited the shrine and greeted the sick and people with disabilities. He also met members of the “Temple of Charity,” a local organization assisting those in hardship, underscoring the Church’s mission of compassion.

    Later in the day, Pope Leo traveled by helicopter to Naples, where he visited the Cathedral of the Assumption of Mary. There, he prayed before the relic of St. Januarius, blessing the faithful gathered in the packed chapel. Addressing priests, religious, and laypeople, he called for a shift from “pastoral maintenance” to “missionary pastoral ministry,” urging the Church to engage directly with the realities of inequality, youth unemployment, and fragile family life.

    At Piazza del Plebiscito, where authorities estimated 50,000 people were present, the pope delivered a message centered on peace and justice. He described peace as beginning in the human heart and expanding outward to neighborhoods, cities, and nations. He also highlighted the “Neapolitan paradox” — a city experiencing booming tourism yet struggling with deep social divides and organized crime.

    Pope Leo encouraged collaboration among institutions, the Church, and civil society to protect children, confront hardship, and restore Naples’ vocation as a “capital of humanity and hope.”

  • NNPC/Renaissance JV flags off Vision First Plus health outreach in Ogoniland

    NNPC/Renaissance JV flags off Vision First Plus health outreach in Ogoniland

    RIVERS STATE, Nigeria (NPA) — The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) and its partners — Renaissance, TotalEnergies, and AENR Joint Venture, operated by Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited — have launched the B-Dere Vision First Plus (Vision First + Health-In-Motion) Programme at the Model Primary Health Care Centre in B-Dere Community, Gokana Local Government Area of Rivers State.

    The four-day outreach, held from May 5 to May 8, 2026, was delivered in collaboration with the Rivers State Ministry of Health and the Kolmarg Eyesight Foundation. Hundreds of residents turned out to access free medical services, including eye screening, consultations and surgeries, provision of reading glasses, dental care, cancer screening, laboratory testing, health education, treatment of chronic and minor ailments, and distribution of insecticide-treated nets.

    During the flag-off ceremony, Nkechi Anaedobe, Head of Business Services at NUIMS, NNPC Ltd., joined Dr. Vincent Nwachukwu, Director of Medical Services at the Rivers State Ministry of Health, to present wellness packs to community members.

    The programme is part of NNPC Ltd.’s commitment to expanding access to quality healthcare in host communities and building sustainable partnerships with state institutions and credible non-profits.

  • Over 9,000 Nigerian pilgrims arrive Madinah for 2026 Hajj — NAHCON

    Over 9,000 Nigerian pilgrims arrive Madinah for 2026 Hajj — NAHCON

    ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) —The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) says more than 9,000 Nigerian pilgrims have so far arrived in Madinah following the commencement of the 2026 Hajj airlift operations.

    According to NAHCON officials in Saudi Arabia, the pilgrims were transported through multiple flights since the inaugural airlift began on Sunday.

    Saudi authorities had approved 50,000 Nigerian pilgrims for the 2026 Hajj exercise.

    The pilgrims are expected to spend about four days in Madinah before proceeding to Makkah for the main pilgrimage rites.

    NAHCON disclosed that the inaugural flight, operated by UMZA Aviation as flight UMZ3501, transported 473 pilgrims from Kogi State to Madinah, comprising 296 males and 177 females.

    This was followed by a Flynas flight conveying 418 pilgrims from Kebbi State, including 259 males and 159 females.

    Another MaxAir flight airlifted 560 pilgrims from Nasarawa State, made up of 381 males and 179 females.

    On Monday, an Air Peace flight departed Lagos with 315 pilgrims from Oyo State, comprising 155 males and 160 females.

    A separate Flynas flight also departed Kebbi to Madinah with 427 pilgrims and two officials onboard.

    Similarly, UMZA Aviation transported 480 pilgrims from Jigawa State, while MaxAir conveyed 411 pilgrims from Gombe State to Madinah.

    NAHCON further confirmed the successful transportation of additional pilgrims from Nasarawa, Jigawa, Osun, Gombe, Kwara, Plateau, and Kebbi states as the airlift operations continue.

    Meanwhile, the Chairman of NAHCON, Ambassador Abdullahi Usman, assured stakeholders of the commission’s commitment to the welfare and safety of Nigerian pilgrims throughout the Hajj exercise.

    He urged pilgrims to conduct themselves with humility and discipline while in the Holy Land.

    Vice President Kashim Shettima also charged the pilgrims to uphold values that would positively reflect Nigeria’s image on the global stage.

    “You are ambassadors of Nigeria. You carry with you the image of our nation and the dignity of our people,” Shettima said.

    “Let your conduct reflect discipline, humility, patience, and integrity.”

    The Vice President described the pilgrimage as a sacred responsibility shared between the government and citizens, assuring that authorities would continue working to guarantee the safety, dignity, and seamless movement of all Nigerian pilgrims during the exercise.

    “Our duty is to ensure that every pilgrim undertakes this journey without avoidable hardship, needless anxiety, or preventable setback,” he added.

  • Guðbrandsson, Abou Jamous named laureates of 31st Council of Europe North-South Prize

    Guðbrandsson, Abou Jamous named laureates of 31st Council of Europe North-South Prize

    STRASBOURG, France (NPA) — The jury of the North-South Centre of the Council of Europe has announced Bragi Guðbrandsson and Rami Abou Jamous as laureates of the 31st edition of the North-South Prize of the Council of Europe, in recognition of their exceptional contributions to human rights, democracy, and intercultural dialogue.

    The award, established in 1995, honours individuals and institutions from both the Global North and South who have demonstrated sustained commitment to strengthening human rights, the rule of law, and international solidarity. Previous recipients include former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev, former Irish President Mary Robinson, musician Bob Geldof, and singer Peter Gabriel, reflecting the prize’s long-standing tradition of recognising global figures who influence peace and social justice.

    Bragi Guðbrandsson, a distinguished children’s rights advocate, was recognised for his pioneering work in child protection systems across Europe and beyond, particularly his development of the Barnahus (“Children’s House”) model, which has reshaped how justice systems respond to cases involving violence and sexual abuse against children. His leadership within international human rights frameworks, including collaborations with the Council of Europe and the United Nations, has helped establish stronger, more child-sensitive justice practices and reinforced global standards in child protection.

    Rami Abou Jamous, a renowned war correspondent, was awarded for his courageous and independent journalism from conflict zones, especially his reporting from Gaza, where he has documented the realities of life under war in extremely dangerous conditions. The jury highlighted his contribution to advancing North-South dialogue through frontline reporting and his role in amplifying the voices of civilians affected by conflict, underscoring the risks faced by journalists working in active war zones.

    The award ceremony is scheduled to take place on 19 May at noon (1pm CET) at the Portuguese Parliament in Lisbon, and will be presided over by Speaker José Pedro Aguiar-Branco, with the presentation made by Portuguese President António José Seguro in the presence of senior Council of Europe officials and distinguished guests.

    Organisers noted that this year’s edition carries added significance, coinciding with the 40th anniversary of Portugal’s accession to the Council of Europe, a milestone reflecting decades of democratic engagement within the institution.

  • Governor Uzodimma felicitates fathers on 2026 Father’s Day, says government improving lives

    Governor Uzodimma felicitates fathers on 2026 Father’s Day, says government improving lives

    OWERRI, Nigeria (NPA) — Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma, has extended warm felicitations to fathers in the southeastern state and across Nigeria on the occasion of the 2026 Father’s Day celebration.

    “I extend my warm felicitations to our fathers in Imo State and across Nigeria as we commemorate the 2026 Father’s Day. This occasion rightly honors the noble task of fatherhood in building, nurturing, and sustaining our society,” the governor said.

    He noted that as heads of families, fathers have consistently demonstrated remarkable dedication, responsibility, and commitment to shaping a better and more stable society.

    Uzodimma’s tribute comes at a time when fathers are confronted with the herculean task of providing for their families amidst spiraling inflation and its attendant consequences, including high costs of food, rent, school fees, medical care, and other essentials, which have stretched many to breaking point.

    The governor prayed that God continues to grant fathers strength, wisdom, and grace to carry out their responsibilities with greater impact. “Your role remains indispensable in fostering values that strengthen both family and nation,” he said.

    He further noted that the reforms, policies, and programs of his administration are focused on driving economic growth and improving the quality of life for the people. “These efforts complement your enduring contributions toward building the society we all desire,” Uzodimma added.