Dr. Jamil Isyaku Gwamna, the Sardaunan Gombe and All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial candidate in Gombe State, has joined Muslims across Gombe State, Nigeria and beyond in celebrating Eid-ul-Maulud, commemorating the birth of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW).

In a goodwill message, Gwamna extended warm greetings to Muslim faithful and urged them to use the occasion to reflect on and emulate the exemplary life, teachings and virtues of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW).

He said the Prophet’s enduring messages of peace, compassion, patience, tolerance, justice and love for humanity should continue to guide the conduct of individuals and communities towards building a peaceful, united and progressive society.

“As we celebrate Eid-ul-Maulud, may the life, humility, compassion and peace exemplified by Prophet Muhammad (SAW) inspire us to become better people and contribute to building a kinder, more united and prosperous society.

“May this blessed occasion renew our faith, strengthen our bonds of brotherhood and unity, and fill our homes with peace, our hearts with love, and our lives with Allah’s abundant blessings.”

Gwamna further urged Muslims and all residents to sustain prayers for lasting peace and progress in Gombe State and Nigeria, particularly for an end to insecurity and other challenges confronting the nation.

He called on citizens to promote unity, mutual understanding and peaceful coexistence, stressing that collective commitment to peace and unity remains essential for the development and progress of the country.

The Sardaunan Gombe also appealed to residents to celebrate the occasion responsibly, observe necessary precautions and obey traffic rules while marking the day in their communities and neighbourhoods.

He wished Muslims a peaceful and blessed Eid-ul-Maulud celebration and prayed that Allah continues to guide the country’s leaders and citizens towards peace, unity, prosperity and progress.

By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

Singapore has announced a new financial support package that will provide each eligible Singaporean child with nearly S$70,000 (about ₦94 million) in government benefits from birth until age 17.

Prime Minister Lawrence Wong announced the S$62,000 SG Child Support Package during his National Day Rally speech on August 23, saying the government wants to make a fundamental change in how families are supported rather than simply making small adjustments to existing schemes.

The package includes a S$10,000 cash Baby Gift, S$32,000 in Child Credits, a S$5,000 Child Development Account (CDA) grant, up to S$5,000 in government CDA co-matching and a S$10,000 top-up to the child’s Post-Secondary Education Account.

When combined with existing benefits, including a S$5,000 MediSave Grant for Newborns and annual Edusave contributions, total government support will reach about S$70,000 per child. This is higher than the current S$27,500 to S$56,500 parents receive, depending on the child’s birth order.

Wong said the government would simplify the system because many parents find the existing schemes difficult to understand. He said every child would receive the same level of support, with assistance provided not only at birth but throughout the years as children grow.

The S$10,000 Baby Gift will be paid in two instalments during the first year after birth, while the S$32,000 Child Credits will provide S$2,000 annually from age one until the child turns 16. The government will also give a further S$10,000 top-up to the child’s education account when the child turns 17.

The new package is expected to benefit more than 610,000 children across 380,000 households. The measures are part of Singapore’s wider efforts to encourage more people to have children amid a declining birth rate.

Wong said the government was putting significant resources into the plans because supporting families and Singaporeans through every stage of life remains a national priority.

By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

Plateau-based Islamic cleric, Yahaya Jingir, intensified his support for the All Progressives Congress (APC) Muslim-Muslim ticket after receiving donations of N600 million from Ibrahim Masari, special adviser to President Bola Tinubu, and Governor of Yobe State, Mai Mala Buni.

A viral video of Mr Masari, an ally and SA on political affairs to Mr Tinubu, announcing the donation of ₦600 million by him and Mr Buni to Mr Jingir-led religious university project emerged on the internet on Monday.

“I, too, have given ₦300 million, and my brother, the Governor of Yobe State, has also given ₦300 million, bringing the total to ₦600 million. Give us the account details so we can transfer the money right now,” Mr Masari said.

In response to Mr Masari’s donation at the event, the cleric doubled down on campaign for a Muslim-Muslim ticket.

“So, we are very grateful, and may Allah reward you. Let me stop here,” Mr Jingir said, asking the crowd, “is the name of the university the private purse of Alhaji Sani Yahaya Jingir?”

“I want education to be established so that both Muslims and Christians can be successful,” he added.

Chanting “Muslim-Muslim” in support of the same-faith ticket to close his remarks, Mr Jingir said, “May Allah bring peace to Nigeria and peace to the Muslim world. And for those who are saying we are cheating in the name of Islam, may Allah open their eyes and guide them to Islam.”

Though the cleric claimed the donations were not to him but for a university project, it has sparked reactions on social media.

“If you are following Yahaya Jingir to shout Muslim-Muslim ticket look at this video! N600 million,” Imran Wakili, an X user said. “And you still think removal of subsidy is for you and me!”

Another X user, @MBMoralpolice said, “The man is after his bank balances to say so seems fair but when one is announcing a 300M Naira donation to your purse somehow and you are eager to take the microphone away ahead of further donations announcement, I better ask?! How Much Are You Really Worth.”

@Aliyyyou said, “Religious leaders have really got it wrong in this country. No respect, dignity or honor. Just power, money and fake faith. No difference from the politicians.”

About two weeks ago, Mr Jingir had announced support for Mr Tinubu’s same faith ticket as Nigerians head for presidential election in 2027, sparking backlash.

“I am one of those who raise the flag of Islam. I am calling on people to come and let us do Muslim-Muslim again,” Mr Jingir said.

Charging Muslims to vote for Mr Tinubu’s re-election based on the same-faith ticket to prove that Muslims outnumber Christians in Nigeria, Mr Jingir said, “So, here I am calling on you; please, everyone should get their votes ready. Let us show the world that those unbelievers who claim they outnumber us in Nigeria are lying.”