Author: Lawal AbdulSalam Olawale

Ogun State Sector Commander of Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) yesterday, March 6, decorated the newly promoted senior officers with their new ranks.

The ceremony was conducted at the Command’s Special Marshals’ Hall with the attendance of Sector Commander, CC Anthony Uga; senior officers of the Command; Ogun State Coordinator of Special Marshals, Elder Solomon Adeniyi and Vice Chancellor Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta (FUNAB).

Saudi Arabia announces that the crescent for Ramaḍān has been sighted and Tarawīh prayers will begin in the two Holy Mosques after Isha prayers.

The first fast will begin on Monday 11th March 2024

While Ramadan is regarded as a sacred and spiritually significant month, some Muslims may unavoidably make some mistakes due to various reasons.

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar and is considered a holy month for Muslims worldwide.

It is a period of introspection, communal prayer (Salāt) in the mosque, and recitation of the Holy Qurān.

It is believed that Allah forgives the past sins of those who diligently observe fasting and prayer in this Holy month.

In this piece, PUNCH Online highlights some common mistakes that Muslims may make during Ramadan:

1. Skipping Sahoor: Some individuals might skip Sahoor (pre-dawn meal), thinking it will make fasting easier. However, Sahoor is essential for providing the energy and hydration needed to endure the day.

2. Overeating during Iftar: It’s common for people to overindulge in foods and drinks when breaking their fasts, which contradicts the principles of moderation and self-discipline.

. Neglecting spiritual reflection: Ramadan is not just about abstaining from food; it is also a time for increased spiritual reflection, prayer, and self-improvement. Some individuals may focus solely on the physical aspects of fasting and neglect the spiritual aspects.

4. Excessive spending on iftar and suhoor: Some may overspend on lavish meals during Iftar and Suhoor, missing the opportunity to prioritise simplicity and contribute more to charitable causes.

. Not prioritising prayers: Ramadan is a time for increased prayer and connection with Allah. Neglecting or rushing through daily prayers, including the Tarawih (night prayers), is a common mistake.

6. Engaging in negative behaviour: Ramadan encourages positive behaviour and self-discipline. Engaging in gossip, arguments, or negative actions goes against the spirit of the holy month.

7. Focusing solely on physical acts of worship: While physical acts such as fasting are crucial, neglecting the intellectual and spiritual aspects of worship such as understanding and reflecting on the teachings of the Qur’an, can be a mistake.

8. Not seeking forgiveness and repentance: Ramadan is an opportunity for self-purification and seeking forgiveness. Some individuals may overlook the importance of repentance and seeking forgiveness for past mistakes.

9. Not planning time effectively: Poor time management can lead to missed opportunities for spiritual activities. Planning the day effectively allows individuals to balance work, worship, and other responsibilities.

. Neglecting acts of charity and kindness: Ramadan emphasises generosity and helping the needy. Neglecting acts of charity, kindness, and community service is a common oversight.

It’s important to remember that everyone is human and is prone to mistakes. The most important thing, however, is to be aware of these potential pitfalls and strive for self-improvement and spiritual growth during the period of Ramadan.

Seeking forgiveness, showing kindness, and making a conscious effort to obey the principles of this Holy month can help individuals seamlessly navigate the month of Ramadan better.

BREAKING

Anthony Joshua knocks out Francis Ngannou in second round.

“AJ’s win as a “never- say-never, the I-can-do-spirit of Nigerians

anywhere in the world’ – Hon. Dr. Abike Dabiri-Erewa OON, Chairman/CEO of NiDCOM.

Congratulations AJ

The Chairman/CEO, of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has reiterated that a successfully developed Nigeria needs the strong and dynamic collaboration of its government, as well as, Nigerians, home and in the Diaspora.

Dabiri-Erewa stated this in Abuja at a book launch by a Nigerian-UK-based author and Property magnet, Mr. Yemi Edun, titled: “The Number One Mission”, Nigeria High Commission in the UK.

According to the statement signed by Gabriel Odu, of the Media, Public Relations and Protocols Unit, NIDCOM; she speaks, “Nigeria is judged through the actions of Nigerians living in host countries abroad, which is why the Federal Government, through the Commission, mandates Diasporas to be good Ambassadors of the country; excel in whatever field of endeavor and always remember home, and giving back to their country, Nigeria.

The author, Yemi Edun said curiosity led him to write a story about the history and lifestyle of Nigerians living in the UK, including the consulate.

Mr. Edun noted that in the course of the research of his book, he came across interesting stories to celebrate Nigeria. He asserted that more of such histories should be published to applaud the country.

He stated that as a way of giving back to the community, proceeds from the Book will be channeled toward charity and empowerment of the indigent.

Mr Yemi Edun is a Nigerian Diaspora based in the UK for over 30 years. He is the CEO of Daniel Ford International. He is s property and acquisition expert.

Aside from real estate, Mr. Edun is into Finance, Philanthropy, and Social Impact. He was listed in the 2021 Most Influential Black People in the UK.

This is the third edition of the launch; previous ones were held in London and Lagos

Akintoye Benson, an aide to the chairman of the Lagos State Park and Garages Management, Musiliu Akinsanya, aka MC Oluomo, has reportedly died.

Benson, who was seen in a wrecked vehicle in a viral video, was said to have died in an auto crash on Third Mainland Bridge on Thursday night.

Confirming his death, a friend of the deceased, Ogunseye Vincent, wrote on his Facebook page that the late Benson was a vibrant man with high hopes and vision.

“The news of your passing came to me as a rude shock. You were a vibrant man with high hopes and vision.

Though the memory we shared remains forever, I take solace in the trust that Olodumare will grant your soul a peaceful rest. Sail well to eternity, Comrade Akintoye Benson (Baba Ogun),” he added.

Until his death, Benson was the chairman of the Tricycle Owners and Operators Association of Nigeria (TOOAN) Zone H.

Efforts to reach Akinsanya for a comment proved abortive as his phone could not be reached as of the time of filing this report.

Gunmen have reportedly killed five police officers on Friday in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State capital.

Sources said the unfortunate incident occurred around 5:am at Ebyia bridge, along Hilltop/Nwoke road.

, a retired army officer, and 15 others have been reportedly killed by suspected armed herdsmen in Thursday evening attack on Wandor, Mbaikyor community in the Mbalom Council Ward of Gwer East Local Government Area, LGA, of Benue State.

The invaders were also reported to have razed over 50 houses, huts, farmlands and food barns in 11 settlements in the attack.

The latest attack came about six years after a similar attack by armed herdsmen on St. Ignatius Catholic Church, Ukpor Parish, Mbalom Gwer East LGA claimed the lives of two Catholic priests and 17 parishioners.

A survivor of the attack who spoke on condition of anonymity said the well armed marauders numbering about 40 stormed the community at about 7pm and opened fire on the locals who were taken unawares.

Confirming the development, the Caretaker Chairman of Gwer East LGA, Mrs. Comfort Agbo said “at the moment there is relative peace in Wandor community. 16 bodies have so far been recovered. Two were injured and are receiving treatment.

“Those who attacked and killed my people are suspected armed herdsmen. The security operatives are currently moving the bodies to the mortuary.”

When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer, Superintendent, SP, Catherine Anene who confirmed the development said the Police Commissioner was on his way to the scene of the attack for on-the-spot assessment.

The Benue State Deputy Governor, Dr. Sam Ode was said to have also led a delegation to the community.

Gunmen have attacked two commercial banks in Anyigba, Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State, killing one security officer and one civilian during the operation.

According to a video that has gone viral on social media, the incident happened at approximately five o’clock in the evening on Thursday.

Eyewitness accounts also indicated that there were sporadic shootings while the operation lasted.

The robbers on entering the town, first attacked the police station along Anyigba -Idah road and killed a policeman who was simply identified as Idoko.

The source said that the slain policeman had just been transferred to the station, and hailed from Iyale, a neighbouring town in the same local government area.

Also killed in the attack, according to the source, is a man, popularly known as Alagama who sells petty items at the roundabout in Anyigba, a few metres from the scene of the incident. He was said to have been killed by a stray bullet during the operation.

The eyewitness further stated that the gunmen followed the bullion truck to their Anyigba headquarters, where they disabled the security measures before removing all of the cash.

Another gang, also purportedly belonging to the hoodlums, broke into the town’s First Bank and stole an undisclosed sum of money.

Meanwhile, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of Kogi State Police Command, SP William Aya, is yet to confirm the development

Four yet-to-be-identified students of the Kwara State University (KWASU), Malete, in Moro local government area of the state, have been arrested by the police for allegedly beating a fellow student to death.

Vanguard Correspondent reliably gathered that though the students were arrested on Wednesday, the incident happened penultimate week in one of the private hostels outside the university premises.

was gathered that the students descended on the deceased student, whose name could not be ascertained as of press time, for allegedly filming them without their consent.

The victim was said to be recording the four students who were reportedly in a discussion when one of them spotted him.

The four students consequently approached him to know why he was filming them without their consent, to which he couldn’t offer any ‘reasonable explanation’. Afterwards, the four enraged students pounced on him for his action.

A student who craved anonymity told Vanguard correspondent that “the victim later died from the severity of the beating meted out to him by the students.”

When contacted, the State Police Public Relations officer, Toun Ejire-Adeyemi (DSP), confirmed the incident to our reporter late Thursday night.

According to her, “The alleged culprits were four, but I cannot confirm their names now. They have been arrested while an investigation is still ongoing over the matter,” she said.