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  • Jehovah’s Witnesses to use their own stored blood in medical care — Governing Body clarifies

    Jehovah’s Witnesses to use their own stored blood in medical care — Governing Body clarifies

    INTERNATIONAL (NPA) — March 21, 2026 — On Thursday, April 2, 2026, after sundown, Jehovah’s Witnesses worldwide will gather to commemorate the Memorial of Jesus’ death. This announcement was part of the Governing Body Update #2, 2026, released in a 16-minute video on jw.org. viewed by Newpost Africa on Friday.

    In the update, a member of the Governing Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses, Brother Gerrit Lösch, provided an important clarification regarding the use of a patient’s own blood in medical procedures.

    He explained that Christians obey God by following His command to abstain from blood. While Jehovah’s Witnesses are not under the Mosaic Law, the biblical directive to avoid blood remains binding. However, Lösch noted that the Bible does not specifically address the use of one’s own blood in medical or surgical care.

    As a result, each Witness must personally decide how their own blood may be handled in medical therapy or surgery. This includes routine procedures such as blood tests, as well as more complex treatments involving the temporary removal and reinfusion of blood, such as dialysis or the use of heart-lung machines.

    Brother Lösch stated:  “After much prayer and consideration of the Scriptures, the Governing Body has decided to clarify our position on the use of a patient’s own blood in medical and surgical care. Each patient must decide for himself how his own blood will be used. This includes whether to allow his blood to be removed, stored, and then given back to him.”

    He emphasised that while some Witnesses may choose to permit storage and reinfusion of their own blood, others may object. The decision is a matter of personal conscience.

    Importantly, this clarification does not alter the Witnesses’ long-standing refusal to accept transfusions of donor blood. Instead, it provides members with the freedom to decide whether to use their own stored blood for medical procedures.

  • Otti felicitates Muslims on Eid, calls for security and unity

    Otti felicitates Muslims on Eid, calls for security and unity

    UMUAHIA, NIGERIA (NPA) — March 20, 2026 — Abia State Governor Dr Alex Otti has extended warm greetings to millions of Muslim faithful across Nigeria on the occasion of Eid al‑Fitr, marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan.

    In a statement on Friday, Otti described the season as a time of joy, thanksgiving, and reflection on the values of faith, sacrifice, and compassion. He urged Nigerians to embrace the true essence of the celebration by renewing their relationship with God and promoting virtues that foster peace, unity, and security in the nation.

    The governor emphasized that under his administration, Abia State, Nigeria’s southeast, remains committed to religious freedom, fairness, and respect for all faiths — values he said form the foundation of peaceful coexistence and progress.

    “On behalf of my wife, Mrs. Priscilla Chidinma Otti, the government, and the good people of Abia State, I wish the Muslim community a joyous Eid al‑Fitr. May this season bring brighter days ahead for Nigeria,” the statement concluded.

  • Sokoto Governor pays sallah homage to Sultan, prays for lasting peace

    Sokoto Governor pays sallah homage to Sultan, prays for lasting peace

    SOKOTO, NIGERIA (NPA) — March 20, 2026 — Governor Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto of Sokoto State has paid Sallah homage to His Eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar III, at his palace as part of the Eid‑el‑Fitr celebrations marking the end of Ramadan.

    In a statement on Friday, the governor expressed deep appreciation to Islamic scholars for their dedication to Tafsir, Taraweeh, and Tahajjud throughout the holy month, noting that their efforts had greatly enriched the spiritual consciousness of the people.

    Governor Sokoto urged the faithful to sustain the virtues of Ramadan — discipline, compassion, and devotion — while continuing prayers for lasting peace, unity, and the eradication of banditry across the state. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to delivering meaningful dividends of democracy to all citizens.

    He further prayed that Allah (SWT) accept the worship of the faithful and guide them to uphold values of justice, discipline, and compassion beyond the holy month.

  • Peter Obi rejoices with Muslims on Eid, calls for unity and compassion

    Peter Obi rejoices with Muslims on Eid, calls for unity and compassion

    ABUJA, NIGERIA (NPA) — March 20, 2026 — Mr. Peter Obi, chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has extended warm Eid-el-Fitr greetings to Nigerian Muslims, urging them to carry forward the spirit of Ramadan beyond the 30-day fast.

    In a statement on Friday, Obi congratulated the faithful on the successful completion of Ramadan — a month defined by faith, sacrifice, discipline, and compassion. He rejoiced with them on the blessed occasion of Eid, emphasizing that the lessons of love, humility, generosity, and unity should continue to guide the nation.

    The former Governor of Anambra State and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate called on citizens to embody kindness, support the vulnerable, and work collectively for peace, justice, and progress, especially “in these trying times for Nigeria.”

    Obi prayed that Almighty Allah accepts the worship of the faithful, forgives shortcomings, and grants Nigeria abundant blessings, security, and prosperity.

  • Governor Mbah sends Eid greetings, calls for nationwide unity 

    Governor Mbah sends Eid greetings, calls for nationwide unity 

    ENUGU, NIGERIA (NPA) — March 20, 2026 — Enugu State Governor, Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, has extended heartfelt Eid-el-Fitr greetings to the Muslim Ummah in Enugu and across Nigeria, celebrating the successful completion of Ramadan. He prayed for joy in every home and renewed hope in every heart, urging collective resolve to build the Nigeria of our dreams.

    Mbah described Ramadan as a sacred season of sacrifice, discipline, and deep spiritual reflection, noting that its lessons embody the rebirth Nigerians fervently desire. He called on citizens to sustain the virtues of patience, charity, and self-denial, stressing that these values can inspire unity, progress, and resilience in the face of national challenges.

    The governor further emphasized the importance of brotherhood, compassion, and shared humanity, urging that the spirit of Ramadan should usher in a new era of peace and prosperity. In a statement on Friday, he reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to building an inclusive society where every citizen, regardless of religious or ethnic background, can thrive and contribute meaningfully to a shared future.

  • Soludo extends Eid greetings, calls for unity and progress in Anambra

    Soludo extends Eid greetings, calls for unity and progress in Anambra

    AWKA, NIGERIA (NPA) — March 20, 2026 — Anambra State Governor, Professor Charles Soludo, has extended warm Eid-el-Fitr greetings to Muslim brothers and sisters in Anambra State and across Nigeria.

    Recently inaugurated for a second term, Soludo rejoiced with the faithful as they marked the successful completion of Ramadan, a period of reflection, sacrifice, and devotion. He praised their resilience and spiritual discipline, urging the sustenance of virtues such as patience, charity, and self-denial, while continuing to pray for peace, progress, and unity in Anambra and the nation at large.

    In a statement on Friday, the governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to promoting religious harmony, tolerance, and mutual respect, and called on citizens of all faiths to join hands with his government in building a society where everyone can coexist peacefully and contribute to collective growth.

    Soludo’s first tenure recorded landmark milestones, including Nigeria’s largest state budget, urban renewal in Okpoko, infrastructure expansion, improved security, healthcare and education reforms, economic diversification, and environmental management. The Professor of Economics and former Central Bank of Nigeria Governor described these achievements as Anambra’s “return to winning ways.”

  • Tinubu felicitates Muslims on Eid, urges renewed commitment to nation

    Tinubu felicitates Muslims on Eid, urges renewed commitment to nation

    ABUJA, NIGERIA (NPA) — March 20, 2026 — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has extended warm felicitations to Muslims across Nigeria on the occasion of Eid-el-Fitr, calling for renewed dedication to the nation and humanity.

    The President urged Nigerian Muslims to uphold the noble teachings of Ramadan, which emphasize piety, empathy, and unity, and to carry these virtues beyond the holy month.

    “We have a lot to draw from the noble lessons of Ramadan, especially at a time like this. We must continue to abide by the virtues of piety, selflessness, perseverance, kindness, and compassion beyond this period,” Tinubu said.

    In a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Tinubu further encouraged Muslim faithful to extend kindness to the needy of all faiths, as a demonstration of unity and camaraderie.

    The President also tasked Muslim leaders to use the occasion to offer prayers for peace, prosperity, and stability to prevail across the country.

  • Gbajabiamila visits Tinubu for Eid, reviews UK state visit highlights

    Gbajabiamila visits Tinubu for Eid, reviews UK state visit highlights

    ABUJA, NIGERIA (NPA) — March 20, 2026 — Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, has paid homege to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to celebrate the Eid festivities, following the end of the holy month of Ramadan.

    In a post on X on Friday, Gbajabiamila revealed that he also used the occasion to review video clips from President Tinubu’s recent state visit to the United Kingdom, alongside discussions on other state matters after Eid prayers.

    Gbajabiamila noted that President Tinubu expressed appreciation to Nigerians who turned out in large numbers to honour their country during the historic visit. The former Speaker of the House of Representatives thanked God for the successful completion of Ramadan and prayed for peace in all households and across the nation.

    Tinubu’s UK visit secured a £747 million agreement for the refurbishment of two major ports in Lagos State, a landmark deal aimed at boosting trade, strengthening economic relations, and expanding cooperation between both countries. 

    The agreement followed Tinubu’s meeting with UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer at Downing Street, marking the first official visit by a Nigerian leader to Britain in nearly four decades. Tinubu described the visit as “very thrilling and significant,” noting Nigeria’s ongoing economic reforms and the importance of deepening bilateral collaboration.

  • Governor Okpebholo extends Eid greetings, calls for unity and progress in Edo

    Governor Okpebholo extends Eid greetings, calls for unity and progress in Edo

    BENIN CITY, NIGERIA (NPA) — March 20, 2026 — The Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has extended his warmest greetings to Muslims in Edo State and across Nigeria as they celebrate Eid al-Fitr, commending their devotion, discipline, and acts of sacrifice during the holy month of Ramadan.

    The governor noted that these values not only strengthen society but also amplify compassion, tolerance, and unity—qualities he described as essential for building a harmonious and prosperous state.

    Okpebholo urged citizens to carry these virtues forward, stressing that the state government remains committed to fostering peace, driving development, and ensuring that Edo continues to thrive as a beacon of progress.

    In a statement released on Friday, the governor called on residents to celebrate the Eid in peace, show love to one another, and remain steadfast in their collective commitment to building a better Edo State together. He emphasised that the spirit of Ramadan should inspire renewed dedication to justice, fairness, and mutual respect, which are vital for sustainable growth and stability.

  • APC Chairman Yilwatda extends Eid felicitations to Nigerians, praises Tinubu’s leadership

    APC Chairman Yilwatda extends Eid felicitations to Nigerians, praises Tinubu’s leadership

    ABUJA, NIGERIA (NPA) — March 20, 2026 — The National Chairman of Nigeria’s ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nentawe G. Yilwatda, has extended warm felicitations to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR), Vice President Kashim Shettima (GCON), members of the Federal Executive Council, the National Assembly, the APC National Working Committee, and Muslims across Nigeria on the occasion of Eid al-Fitr.

    Yilwatda described Ramadan as more than a period of abstinence, calling it a sacred journey of the soul—a time of reflection, sacrifice, discipline, compassion, and renewed devotion to Almighty Allah. He emphasised that the values of faith, patience, and selflessness are not only spiritual virtues but also essential for nation-building.

    In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Communications Strategy, Abimbola Tooki, on March 19, 2026, the APC Chairman urged Nigerians to carry forward the lessons of Ramadan into daily life by embracing unity, extending kindness, and upholding justice and fairness.

    He commended President Tinubu for his steadfast leadership and resilience, noting that his administration has taken bold steps to reposition Nigeria for sustainable growth, economic stability, and national cohesion.

    “Leadership, especially in times of transformation, requires courage and vision,” Yilwatda said. “I urge all Nigerians to continue to support the President in his quest to build a stronger and more prosperous country.”

    He further prayed for Almighty Allah to bless Nigeria’s armed forces and security agencies with courage and success in safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty, and to heal the land, unite the people, and restore hope in the hearts of every citizen.