Ramadan: CAN urges Muslims to pray for peace, spiritual growth

The Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 Northern states and Federal Capital, Rev. John Hayab has urged all Muslims to use the month of Ramadan to pray for peace, joy and spiritual growth in the country. In a statement made available to DAILY POST on Saturday, Hayab said, “This special
Ramadan: CAN urges Muslims to pray for peace, spiritual growth

The Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 Northern states and Federal Capital, Rev. John Hayab has urged all Muslims to use the month of Ramadan to pray for peace, joy and spiritual growth in the country.

In a statement made available to DAILY POST on Saturday, Hayab said, “This special time is not only an opportunity for reflection and devotion but also a chance to strengthen the bonds of community and friendship.

“May your fasts be accepted, your prayers answered, and your hearts be filled with appreciation for the blessings in your lives.

He equally urged them to embrace the spirit of giving and compassion, supporting one another as they journey through the sacred time.

According to the chairman, “I hope that Ramadan brings you closer to your loved ones and inspires moments of gratitude and joy. Wishing you a Ramadan Mubarak full of divine blessings and serenity.

“May we use this fasting season to strengthen our unity for Nation building through constructive and honest interfaith dialogue.”

Ramadan: CAN urges Muslims to pray for peace, spiritual growth

Ramadan: CAN urges Muslims to pray for peace, spiritual growth

The Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 Northern states and Federal Capital, Rev. John Hayab has urged all Muslims to use the month of Ramadan to pray for peace, joy and spiritual growth in the country. In a statement made available to DAILY POST on Saturday, Hayab said, “This special
Ramadan: CAN urges Muslims to pray for peace, spiritual growth

The Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 Northern states and Federal Capital, Rev. John Hayab has urged all Muslims to use the month of Ramadan to pray for peace, joy and spiritual growth in the country.

In a statement made available to DAILY POST on Saturday, Hayab said, “This special time is not only an opportunity for reflection and devotion but also a chance to strengthen the bonds of community and friendship.

“May your fasts be accepted, your prayers answered, and your hearts be filled with appreciation for the blessings in your lives.

He equally urged them to embrace the spirit of giving and compassion, supporting one another as they journey through the sacred time.

According to the chairman, “I hope that Ramadan brings you closer to your loved ones and inspires moments of gratitude and joy. Wishing you a Ramadan Mubarak full of divine blessings and serenity.

“May we use this fasting season to strengthen our unity for Nation building through constructive and honest interfaith dialogue.”

Ramadan: CAN urges Muslims to pray for peace, spiritual growth

Ceasefire: Hamas rejects Israel’s move to extend first phase

The Palestinian militant group Hamas on Saturday rejected Israel’s plan of extending the first phase of the ceasefire instead of proceeding to the second phase as originally planned, calling it unacceptable. According to Hamas spokesperson, Hazem Qassem, no talks were being held for a second ceasefire phase even as the first phase is due to
Ceasefire: Hamas rejects Israel’s move to extend first phase

The Palestinian militant group Hamas on Saturday rejected Israel’s plan of extending the first phase of the ceasefire instead of proceeding to the second phase as originally planned, calling it unacceptable.

According to Hamas spokesperson, Hazem Qassem, no talks were being held for a second ceasefire phase even as the first phase is due to expire on Saturday.

Qassem said Israel bears the responsibility for not starting second phase negotiations, accusing it of wanting to recover the remaining captives from Gaza while retaining the possibility of resuming the war.

This is coming a day after Hamas urged Israel to move onto the second phase, confirming its full commitment to implementing all the terms of the agreement in all its stages and details.

Egypt’s state information service said on Friday that officials from Israel joined mediators from Qatar and the United States in Cairo on Thursday for intensive discussions.

However, those negotiations apparently bore no fruit.

Talks over the second phase of the ceasefire are meant to negotiate a comprehensive end to the fighting in Gaza, including the return of all remaining captives and the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from the territory.

Israel said there are 59 captives remaining in Gaza, 24 of whom are still believed to be alive.

It could be recalled that Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar told reporters on Thursday that they were ready to extend the framework of phase one in return for the release of more hostages.

Ceasefire: Hamas rejects Israel’s move to extend first phase

US plans emergency $3bn Israel arms deal amid truce concerns

The Pentagon on Friday revealed that the US State Department has okayed the potential sale of nearly $3 billion worth of bombs, demolition kits and other weaponry to Israel. It was gathered that these were notified to Congress on Friday afternoon on an emergency basis. The process is said to sidestep a long-standing practice of
US plans emergency $3bn Israel arms deal amid truce concerns

The Pentagon on Friday revealed that the US State Department has okayed the potential sale of nearly $3 billion worth of bombs, demolition kits and other weaponry to Israel.

It was gathered that these were notified to Congress on Friday afternoon on an emergency basis.

The process is said to sidestep a long-standing practice of giving the chairs and ranking members of the House Foreign Affairs and Senate Foreign Relations Committees the opportunity to review the sale and ask for more information before making a formal notification to Congress.

The sales, according to report, included 35,529 general-purpose bomb bodies for 2,000-pound bombs and 4,000 bunker-busting 2,000-pound bombs made by General Dynamics.

According to the Pentagon, deliveries would begin in 2026, adding that there is a possibility that a portion of the procurement will come from US stock, which could mean immediate delivery for some of the weapons.

A second package, valued at $675 million, consisted of five thousand 1,000-pound bombs and corresponding kits is said to help guide the dumb bombs.

Additionally, a third notification consisted of $295 million worth of Caterpillar D9 bulldozers.

The announcements on Friday marked the second time this month the Trump administration has declared an emergency to quickly approve weapons sales to Israel.

Recall that the Trump administration on Monday rescinded a Biden-era order that required it to report potential violations of international law involving US-supplied weapons by allies, including Israel.

US plans emergency $3bn Israel arms deal amid truce concerns

Trump, Zelenskiy clash divides US Republicans, reduces aid prospects

A White House clash between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and President Donald Trump divided the Republicans and dimmed prospects that Congress will approve any further aid for Kyiv in its war with Russia. Some Republicans who had long backed Ukraine blasted Zelenskiy after Friday’s exchange, in which Trump and Vice President JD Vance criticised the
Trump, Zelenskiy clash divides US Republicans, reduces aid prospects

A White House clash between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and President Donald Trump divided the Republicans and dimmed prospects that Congress will approve any further aid for Kyiv in its war with Russia.

Some Republicans who had long backed Ukraine blasted Zelenskiy after Friday’s exchange, in which Trump and Vice President JD Vance criticised the Ukrainian leader before the world’s media, accusing him of disrespect.

Senator Lindsey Graham asked Zelenskiy to change his tune or resign, a few hours after attending a friendly meeting between Zelenskiy and a dozen senators.

“What I saw in the Oval Office was disrespectful, and I don’t know if we can ever do business with Zelenskiy again.

“He either needs to resign and send somebody over that we can do business with, or he needs to change,” Graham, a close Trump ally, said.

Also in a post on X, Senator Bill Hagerty of Tennessee, who was ambassador to Japan during Trump’s first term, said the United States of America will no longer be taken for granted.

Meanwhile, as most Republicans rallied behind Trump and Vance, some joined Democrats in defending Ukraine.

New York Representative Mike Lawler, in a post on X, described the Oval Office meeting a missed opportunity for both the United States and Ukraine an agreement that would undoubtedly result in stronger economic and security cooperation.

On his part, Representative Don Bacon, a moderate Republican from Nebraska, threw his support behind Kyiv.

“A bad day for America’s foreign policy. Ukraine wants independence, free markets and rule of law. It wants to be part of the West. Russia hates us and our Western values. We should be clear that we stand for freedom,” he said in a statement.

Recall that Zelenskiy was in Washington to sign an agreement to jointly develop Ukraine’s rich natural resources with the United States.

He had seen the meeting with Trump and Vance as an opportunity to persuade the US not to take side with Russian President Vladimir Putin in his war with Moscow’s smaller neighbor.

Instead, Zelenskiy was told to leave and the agreement was left unsigned.

Trump, Zelenskiy clash divides US Republicans, reduces aid prospects

Atiku’s aide faults Akpabio’s wife over comment on Natasha

Phrank Shaibu, media aide to the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar, has berated Unoma Akpabio, wife of Senate President Godswill Akpabio, over her comment regarding the sexual harassment allegations against her husband. PUNCH Online reports that the lawmaker representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, while appearing on Arise TV
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Phrank Shaibu, media aide to the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar, has berated Unoma Akpabio, wife of Senate President Godswill Akpabio, over her comment regarding the sexual harassment allegations against her husband. PUNCH Online reports that the lawmaker representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, while appearing on Arise TV

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FRSC, NUPENG partner to tackle tanker crashes in Anambra

The Federal Road Safety Corps, Anambra State Command, has expressed its readiness to partner with the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers towards finding lasting solutions to tanker accidents and associated fatalities in the state. The Sector Commander, Corps Commander Joyce Alexander, who gave the assurance while hosting NUPENG executives, emphasised the importance
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The Federal Road Safety Corps, Anambra State Command, has expressed its readiness to partner with the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers towards finding lasting solutions to tanker accidents and associated fatalities in the state. The Sector Commander, Corps Commander Joyce Alexander, who gave the assurance while hosting NUPENG executives, emphasised the importance

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Kaduna church distributes grains to Muslims to support fasting

The Church of Christ Evangelical and Life Intercessory Ministry in Sabon Tasha, Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State, has distributed grains to over 1,000 underprivileged Muslims and Islamic schools. Speaking to journalists after the distribution, the church’s General Overseer, Pastor Dr. Yohanna Buru, emphasized that the initiative aims to promote peaceful coexistence and religious
Kaduna church distributes grains to Muslims to support fasting

The Church of Christ Evangelical and Life Intercessory Ministry in Sabon Tasha, Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State, has distributed grains to over 1,000 underprivileged Muslims and Islamic schools.

Speaking to journalists after the distribution, the church’s General Overseer, Pastor Dr. Yohanna Buru, emphasized that the initiative aims to promote peaceful coexistence and religious harmony in the region.

He noted that the church has consistently provided food items to less privileged Muslims during Ramadan for nearly two decades.

“This gesture is also in appreciation of Hajiya Ramatu Tijjani, a Muslim woman who regularly supports our widows and orphans with food, cash, and clothing during Christian festivities like Christmas, New Year, and Easter,” Pastor Buru said.

He disclosed that this year, the church had procured 30 bags of maize and millet, with plans to continue distribution to ensure that more underprivileged Muslims can observe Ramadan without hardship.

Beyond food distribution, Pastor Buru urged traders to avoid excessive price hikes during the fasting period. He also revealed that he had mobilized 30 volunteer pastors and imams for a week-long awareness campaign, encouraging fair pricing in local markets.

One of the beneficiaries, Mallam Hassan Lawal, a leader of the Association of Persons Living with Disabilities in Kaduna, expressed appreciation for the church’s kindness. Similarly, Mallam Tukur Zubairu, head of the Kaduna State Blind Persons Association, commended the church’s continuous support for Muslims during Ramadan.

The initiative, which has been running for 19 years across five northern states, continues to foster unity and interfaith understanding in the region.

Kaduna church distributes grains to Muslims to support fasting

Ukraine should be heard, not forgotten – Zelenskiy

President Volodymyr Zelenskiy of Ukraine on Saturday said it is very important that his country’s plight is heard and not forgotten. Zelenskiy said this in a social media post alongside footage of a meeting with the Ukrainian community in Washington a day after a heated White House meeting with US President Donald Trump “It is
Ukraine should be heard, not forgotten – Zelenskiy

President Volodymyr Zelenskiy of Ukraine on Saturday said it is very important that his country’s plight is heard and not forgotten.

Zelenskiy said this in a social media post alongside footage of a meeting with the Ukrainian community in Washington a day after a heated White House meeting with US President Donald Trump

“It is very important for us that Ukraine is heard and that no one forgets about it, neither during the war nor after.

“It is important for people in Ukraine to know that they are not alone, that their interests are represented in every country, in every corner of the world,” he said.

The Ukrainian leader had seen the Oval Office meeting on Friday with Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance as a chance to win more support for Kyiv’s war effort against Russia.

However the meeting descended into acrimony and drove relations with Kyiv’s most important wartime ally to a new low.

Ukraine should be heard, not forgotten – Zelenskiy

Russia vs Ukraine: Norway mulls raising financial support for Ukraine

Norway’s Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere on Saturday said the Norwegian government will soon ask that parliament increases its financial backing for Ukraine. Stoere said they would go back to parliament in the near future with a proposal to increase the support Norway’s parliament had late last year agreed to support Ukraine with 35 billion
Russia vs Ukraine: Norway mulls raising financial support for Ukraine

Norway’s Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere on Saturday said the Norwegian government will soon ask that parliament increases its financial backing for Ukraine.

Stoere said they would go back to parliament in the near future with a proposal to increase the support

Norway’s parliament had late last year agreed to support Ukraine with 35 billion Norwegian crowns ($3.12 billion) in 2025 and a total of 155 billion Norwegian crowns in the years from 2023 to 2030.

The prime minister will meet with European leaders and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy in London on Sunday.

It could be recalled that Zelenskiy’s meeting with US President Donald Trump ended in chaos on Friday.

This was after the two leaders clashed in an extraordinary exchange before the world’s media at the White House over the war with Russia.

Russia vs Ukraine: Norway mulls raising financial support for Ukraine

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