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HIJRAH 1442: YOUMBAS lauds Makinde, charges him on better relationship with Islamic leaders
The Young Muslim Brothers And Sisters Of Nigeria (YOUMBAS), a prominent Muslim organisation that has been fervent in Dawah activities in Nigeria since 1974, has cleared the air on the disagreements that greeted the decision of the Oyo State government not to declare a public holiday to mark the beginning of Hijrah 1442 AH.
In a statement signed by both the Oyo State Amir and State Scribe, Alhaji Ismail Aderibigbe and Bro Sulaiman Adedotun respectively, YOUMBAS ANJAENA, a broad-based Islamic group, maintained that though the Muslim Ummah desire to have the state government continue to declare the Holiday Hijrah, dialogue and engagement, rather than confrontations and disagreements remain the more desirable option in order to engender religious tolerance and harmony in the state.
YOUMBAS used the occasion to felicitate the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria; Muhammadu Buhari; The Amir Mumini of Nigeria and Sultan of Sokoto; Sheikh Sa’ad Abubakar; The Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Edo and Delta states, Alhaji Dawud Makanjuola Akinola; The Grand Imam of Oyo State; Sheikh Abdul-Ganiyy AbuBakr Agbotomokekere; Muslim Leaders, Imams, Muslim Groups & Organisation and The Entirety Of Ummah around the nation and the world in general on the occasion of Hijrah 1442.
The organisation used the opportunity of Hijrah 1442, an occasion that symbolizes the migration of the Holy Prophet Muhammed (S.A.W) from his city of birth, Makkah to Madina based on Almighty Allah’s instruction after incessant persecution in the cause of propagation of Islam by the Kuffar of Makkah, to urge all leaders to continue to make people their major point of focus, reference and responsibilities, while seeing challenges and obstacles as means of attaining greatness.
The statement maintained that having observed the various discussions on the Hijrah Holiday in the state, YOUMBAS admonished Islamic leaders, groups and the entire Muslims in Oyo State to maintain good relationship with the Government as led by Governor Seyi Makinde and continue to promote the peace and good neighborliness with all citizens of Oyo State as ordained by Allah (SWT).
YOUMBAS referenced the words of the Prophet (S.A.W) in Hadith Bukhari where Abu Umamah (RA) narrated that Muslims should always pray and never curse their leaders – “Do not curse your leaders but invoke Allah to make them righteous for their righteousness bring about your wellbeing as well.”
The statement read: “Oyo Muslims are charged to be partakers of good governance by exploring the option of constructive criticism and efficient dialogue rather than confrontation and issuance of fatwa that are inimical to peaceful coexistence.
“This is believed to be good steps toward achieving well-designed developmental goals for the benefits of all citizens and creating environment where Islam could better be propagated and opportunities will be given to vast majority of Ummah rather than a few selfish individuals.
“It’s noteworthy that the past administration led by our late brother, Governor Abiola Ajimobi (May Allah forgive him and grant him comfort of the grave), with the aid of persuasion and dialogue not brute, in 2017, acknowledged the Hijrah Day and in 2018 declared a work free day for Hijrah Celebration, a recognition Muslims of Oyo State will like to be officially gazetted to symbolise the noble spiritual journey of the Prophet(pbuh) as ordained by Allah.
“This, we have to relate with our Amir and various leaders and further humbly engage Governor Seyi Makinde to ensure our good appraisal of his Religious Tolerance and balance actions towards the two most prominent faiths is maintained,” the statement added.
YOUMBAS, in the statement endorsed by the National President-General, who doubles as the Balogun Odo Musulumi of Yorubaland, Alhaji Abdulfattah Oloyede, frowned on Muslim groups acting beyond their brief by issuing strong political words against the Governor of Oyo State and seemingly tending to provoke people of diverse faiths to anger, saying this negates the cardinal principles of Islam and dictates of Almighty Allah SWT. The statement said: “In fact the Prophet Mohammad said: ‘Angel Jibril advised me continuously to take care of the neighbour till I thought that Allah is to make him an inheritor,’ while the Quran also advised in Quran 4:36 that Muslims should
“Serve God, and join not any partners with Him; and do good—to parents, kinsfolk, orphans, those in need, neighbors who are near, neighbors who are strangers, and the companion by your side, the way-farer (ye meet), and what your right hands possess: for God loveth not the arrogant, the vainglorious.
“Before we can sincerely help the needy, fight poverty, and strengthen our bonds in the Muslim community, we have to first understand our duty to our neighbors by not being vainglorious or judgemental.
“Muslim organisations should stop arrogating the power of Almighty Allah SWT to themselves by believing they have any power to determine the future of leaders but should constantly pray that Allah make us all partakers in the betterment of our people. It is important that we are sufficiently conscious of the words of The Prophet (SAW) that counsel Ummah to always live as if the next second isn’t guaranteed.”
Similarly, the Islamic group appreciated Governor Makinde on the composition of the state Executive Council, Government Boards and Parastatals, as well as Caretaker Chairmen and members.
This was as the organisation appreciated the Governor’s painstaking attention, which it said ensured a successful 2019 Hajj within the short period, as well as the massive renovation of the Ibadan Central Mosque to a befitting standard before the last Eid Adha, Governor Makinde’s usual personal gifts to the Ummah during the Ramadan & recent Eid, the on-going construction of the new Adogba Mosque from his personal purse and his good efforts at providing a more befitting Muslim Burial Ground, among many others.
The organisation said it believes that Governor Makinde will continue to ensure justice and equity between Muslims and Christians, calling on the Governor to continue to see Oyo State Muslims as partners in the course of taking Oyo State to greater heights and not as antagonists “like some selfish Munafiqun will want the generality of Oyo people and Nigerians tag Ummah!”
The group beseeched Almighty Allah (SWT) to continue to grant Governments at all levels guidance towards making life better for people and for the world to be cleansed of the COVID-19 pandemic presently ravaging the air all around the globe.
The lawmaker representing Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Engr. Aderemi Oseni, has mourned the death of a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State and former member of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon. Akeem Abimbola Oladipupo, popularly known as Able, describing his demise as a painful loss to the progressive family.
Oladipupo, who represented Ibadan North-West Constituency in the Oyo State House of Assembly, was widely regarded as a grassroots politician and committed party loyalist until his passing.
Oseni, who is also the Chairman, House Committee on Federal Roads Maintenance Agency and the APC candidate for Oyo South Senatorial District, said the late politician’s death had created a vacuum within the party and among those who benefitted from his unwavering commitment to public service.
In a condolence statement issued on Monday by his Media Aide, Idowu Ayodele, and made available to journalists in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, the federal lawmaker described the late Oladipupo as a dependable progressive, humble political actor and loyal party stalwart whose impact would remain indelible.
He said the deceased dedicated his life to serving humanity, strengthening the progressive movement and supporting the aspirations of many at the grassroots.
Oseni said, “The death of Hon. Akeem Abimbola Oladipupo (Able) came to me as a rude shock. Oyo State and the progressive family have indeed lost a committed, loyal and selfless leader whose passion for service, humility and dedication to the people stood him out.
“He was not just a politician but a bridge-builder, a dependable ally and a grassroots mobiliser who believed strongly in the ideals of our great party. His contributions to the growth of the APC in Oyo State and his service to humanity will remain unforgettable.”
The APC senatorial candidate noted that the late former lawmaker remained steadfast in promoting peace, unity and political development, adding that his simplicity and accessibility endeared him to many across political divides.
According to Oseni, the late politician’s legacy of service and sacrifice would continue to inspire younger politicians and party faithful.
He, however, urged members of the APC, associates and family members of the deceased to take solace in the remarkable life he lived and the positive impact he made during his lifetime.
Oseni also prayed for the repose of the deceased’s soul and for God to grant his family the fortitude to bear the painful loss.
State governors have proposed a new national minimum wage of N100,000 for Nigerian workers as part of efforts to cushion them from the biting effects of inflation and the rising cost of living.
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State, who is also the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), disclosed the proposal on Saturday in a post by the state government’s official Facebook page. He said the move aims to improve workers’ welfare while ensuring that government finances remain sustainable.
“State governments recognise the urgent need to improve workers’ welfare in response to the current economic realities facing Nigerians,” AbdulRazaq said.
“We are actively engaging with the Federal Government and organised labour to arrive at a wage structure that is fair to workers and sustainable for government finances.”
The NGF chairman explained that ongoing discussions are focused on balancing the need to boost workers’ purchasing power with the capacity of governments to deliver essential public services and development projects.
“The goal is to improve the living conditions of workers while ensuring that states can continue to meet their obligations and sustain projects that directly impact citizens,” he added.
The proposed N100,000 minimum wage is expected to intensify national debates on salaries, inflation, and broader economic reforms as Nigerians continue to contend with rising food prices, transportation costs, and other living expenses.
Currently, Nigeria’s statutory minimum wage stands at N70,000 per month. Some states, including Lagos, Rivers, and Imo, are already paying above the national benchmark to support workers amid the country’s economic challenges.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has continued to call for a comprehensive review of salaries, insisting that workers deserve a living wage that reflects present-day economic realities rather than merely guaranteeing survival.
The average retail price paid by consumers for Premium Motor Spirit, popularly known as petrol, rose to N1,532.93 per litre in April 2026, representing a 23.69 per cent increase compared to the N1,239.33 recorded in the corresponding period of 2025, findings by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) have shown.
The sharp rise in petrol prices came amid mounting inflationary pressure and worsening living costs, with Nigerians grappling with soaring transportation and food expenses that have continued to shrink household purchasing power.
The NBS disclosed this in its Premium Motor Spirit (Petrol) Price Watch for April 2026, released on Friday.
The report further showed that on a month-on-month basis, petrol prices rose by 18.97 per cent from N1,288.54 recorded in March 2026, underscoring persistent volatility in the downstream petroleum market.
A breakdown of prices across states revealed that Yobe recorded the highest average retail price for petrol at N1,599.05 per litre during the review period.
Edo and Bauchi followed closely with average prices of N1,595.74 and N1,589.07, respectively.
However, Niger residents paid the least for petrol at an average of N1,403.89 per litre, while Sokoto and Katsina recorded N1,404.16 and N1,406.28 respectively.
At the zonal level, the South-South recorded the highest average retail price at N1,566.76 per litre, while the North-West posted the lowest at N1,508.81.
The latest petrol price increase comes as millions of Nigerians continue to battle the ripple effects of rising inflation, with higher energy costs worsening transportation fares and the prices of essential commodities.
Similarly, the NBS said the average retail price for refilling a 5kg cylinder of Liquefied Petroleum Gas, also known as cooking gas, rose by 13.73 per cent month-on-month to N8,706.93 in April 2026 from N7,655.73 recorded in March.
On a year-on-year basis, the price increased by 10.42 per cent from N7,885.60 recorded in April 2025.
Lagos recorded the highest average price for refilling a 5kg cylinder at N9,745.10, followed by Nasarawa at N9,451.70 and Bayelsa at N9,422.74.
In contrast, Anambra recorded the lowest average price at N7,204.76, while Ondo and Ogun followed with N7,239.49 and N7,825.75, respectively.
At the regional level, the North-West recorded the highest average retail price for refilling a 5kg cylinder at N9,025.07, followed by the North-East at N8,847.16, while the South-East posted the lowest average price at N8,224.37.
Also, the average retail price for refilling a 12.5kg cylinder of cooking gas increased by 13.89 per cent month-on-month to N22,382.20 in April 2026 from N19,652.83 in March.
Compared to April 2025, the price rose by 10.43 per cent from N20,268.06.
According to the NBS LPG Price Watch for April, Katsina recorded the highest average retail price for refilling a 12.5kg cylinder at N25,596.71, followed by Kogi at N24,558.25 and Gombe at N24,438.97.
Ogun recorded the lowest average price at N19,564.36, while Bauchi and Anambra followed at N20,178.87 and N20,511.90 respectively.
The North-West recorded the highest zonal average retail price for refilling a 12.5kg cylinder at N23,276.95, followed by the North-Central at N22,865.29, while the South-East posted the lowest average at N21,060.92.
The latest figures signal growing pressure on household energy costs, raising concerns over the implications for inflation and the cost of living in the coming months.
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