The Unique History of Lesotho

This article is a complete insight to Lesotho Country; background, origin, historical and Political configuration with cultural histories.

Lesotho is a country located in the southern part of Africa, and it is enclosed within the borders of South Africa, making it one of the three independent countries which are entirely surrounded by another country.

The Country covers an area of 11,583 square miles and has a population of approximately 2 million inhabitants. The country's capital city, which is also the largest city in the country, is Maseru. Previously, Lesotho was a British colony, and it was known as Basutoland. The Country gained its independence from the British on October 4th, 1966. The original inhabitants of the region where it is present-day Lesotho were the San people.

Lesotho Flag

This is the History of Lesotho:

The history of people living in the area now known as Lesotho goes back as many as 400 years. The present Lesotho (then called Basotholand during the UK colonial rule) emerged as a single polity under King Moshoeshoe I in 1822. 

Under Moshoeshoe I, Basotho joined other clans in their struggle against the Lifaqane associated with famine and the reign of Shaka Zulu from 1818 to 1828. Subsequent evolution of the state was shaped by contact with the British and Dutch colonists from Cape Colony. 

The Missionaries invited by Moshoeshoe I developed orthography and printed works in the Sesotho language between 1837 and 1855. The Country set up diplomatic channels and acquired guns for use against the encroaching Europeans and the Korana people.

Territorial conflicts with both British and Boer settlers arose periodically, including Moshoeshoe's notable victory over the Boers in the Free State–Basotho War, but the final war in 1867 with an appeal to Queen Victoria, who agreed to make Basotholand a British suzerainty.

In 1869, the British signed a treaty at Aliwal with the Boers that defined the boundaries of Basotholand and later Lesotho, which by ceding the western territories effectively reduced Moshoeshoe's kingdom to half its previous size.

The extent to which the British (UK) exerted direct control over Basotholand waxed and waned until Basotholand’s independence in October 4, 1966, when it became the Kingdom of Lesotho.

However, when the ruling Basotho National Party (BNP) lost the first post-independence general elections to the Basotho Congress Party (BCP), Leabua Jonathan refused to cede and declared himself Tona Kholo (Sesotho translation of prime minister). The BCP began an insurrection that culminated in a January 1986 military coup, that then forced the BNP out of office.

Power was transferred to King Moshoeshoe II, until then, a ceremonial monarch, but forced into exile when he lost favour with the military the following year. His son was installed as King Letsie III. 

Conditions remained tumultuous, including an August 1994 self-coup by Letsie III, until 1998 when the Lesotho Congress for Democracy (LCD) came to power in elections which were deemed fair by international observers. Despite protests from opposition parties, the Country has remained relatively stable since.

The Country forms an enclave within South Africa, bordering on three of the latter’s provinces— KwaZulu-Natal, Free State, and Eastern Cape. Like only two other independent states in the world (Vatican City and the Republic of San Marino), Lesotho is completely encircled by another country, on which it must depend for access to the outside world.

What is the meaning of Lesotho?

Interestingly, the word "Lesotho" is interpreted as "the land of the people who speak Sesotho."

Here Are Quick facts About Lesotho:

Lesotho was a former subject of the UK colonial reign, unitll October 4, 1966, the Kingdom of Lesotho attained full independence, governed by a constitutional monarchy with a bicameral Parliament. More facts are:

• Continent - Africa
• Location - Lesotho is a Country located in the Southern Africa
• Capital - Maseru
• Largest City - Maseru
• Neighboring Countries - South Africa
• Administrative divisions - 10 districts
• Area 30,355 sq km
• Population - 2067000  (2009 estimate)
• Official Language - English, Sotho language
• Currency - Lesotho loti
• GDP - $4.277 billion (2013 estimate)
• Economy - The Economy of the Country is largely dependent upon diamonds exported all over the world. Besides, it also sells water to South Africa, manufacturing, agriculture, livestock etc.

Ethnic Configuration Of Lesotho:

Due to Lesotho's long history as a unified nation, that continued even through British colonial rule, the ethnic makeup of the country is very Homogeneous.

Lesotho's ethno-linguistic structure consists almost entirely of the Basotho (singular Mosotho), a Bantu-speaking people with an estimate of 99.7 percent of the people identify as Basotho.

The  Kwena (Bakoena) are the largest subgroup of the Sotho; other Basotho subgroups include the Natal (North) Nguni, Batloung (the Tlou), Baphuthi (the Phuti), Bafokeng, Bataung (the Tau), Bats'oeneng (the tso'ene) and the Cape (South) Nguni (Thembu). Other ethnic groups include Europeans, numbering in the thousands, and several hundred Asians.

The Sotho (also known as Basotho) form the overwhelming majority of the country’s population. They were originally united by a common loyalty to the royal house of Moshoeshoe I, who founded the Sotho nation in the 19th century. 

Internally, divisions between different chiefdoms and within the royal lineage itself have had political significance, but externally a sense of Sotho nationhood and cultural unity remains strong. Lesotho is also home to a Zulu minority, a small population of Asian or mixed ancestry, and a European community that is dominated by expatriate teachers, missionaries, aid workers, technicians, and development advisers leaving Lesotho with 99.7% Basotho and 0.3% as others.

The are the Languages in Lesotho:

Sesotho (Southern Sotho) and English languages are both official. Except for English, all the main languages spoken in Lesotho are members of the Niger-Congo language family. Sotho (Sesotho), a Bantu language, is spoken by the majority of the population, though both Sotho and English are official languages in the Country. Zulu is spoken by a small but significant minority.

Phuthi, a dialect of Swati, and Xhosa are also spoken in parts of Lesotho. Sesotho,  while Afrikaans, Zulu, Xhosa and French are also spoken.

More Insight To The Ethnic Composition Of Lesotho:

At the turn of the 16th century, Lesotho was inhabited by the Sotho people who lived peacefully with the earlier inhabitants of the Khoisan people. Basotho began taking the shape of a nation when Moshoeshoe I in 1820, gathered a following from the several tribes in the region who had retreated to the northwestern part of modern-day Lesotho to avoid constant raids from the Matabele and Zulu tribes. 

Although he had limited military power, he used diplomatic means to establish his kingdom, which lasted for several years. In 1924, Mashoeshoe became the chief of the local Basotho among other tribal groups which at the time number about 40,000 people. He successfully established a good relationship with missionaries, particularly the French Catholics who established schools and missions. 

Mashoeshoe also sought advice from the missionaries on how to negotiate with Europeans. During the Great Trek of Boers in 1834, Moshoeshoe requested the protection of the British crown, which was better than annexation by the Boers. 

In 1868, to Busotoland was given British protection and the land borders have remained unchanged to this day as it was established in 1869.

Who are the San People in Lesotho?

The San people are also known as the Bushmen and they are part of the Khoisan tribes, who lived as hunters and gatherers in the greater region of Southern Africa. The San people occupied regions where it is currently part of Lesotho, Namibia, Botswana, Zambia, Angola, Zimbabwe, and South Africa. 

The remnants of the ancient San people are found mainly in Botswana. Rock art and stone tools believed to have been the works of the San people are found in different parts in the greater southern part of Africa and date back to about 70,000 years ago making them by far the oldest known art in Africa. 

The San people were nomads, and they moved seasonally to different areas based on the availability of resources such as water, edible plants, and game animals. As of 2010, the population of the San people in Botswana was estimated to be between 50,000 and 60,000. 

Between the 1950s and 1980s, the San people have changed their lifestyle and adopted farming as a way of life because of the government programs of modernization.

Who are the Sotho People?

The Sotho ethnic group is by far the largest in Lesotho accounting for more than 99.7% of the country's population. They are part of the Bantu ethnic group who occupy the larger part of South Africa and are currently found in Lesotho and South Africa.

The Sotho people speak the Sesotho language. It is believed that the Basotho people have lived in the region starting from the 5th century and they are thought to be closely related to other Bantus in the Southern part of Africa. The identity of modern Lesotho was established following the accomplished diplomacy of King Moshoeshoe I, who manage to gather different clans that belonged to the Sotho-Tswana from different parts in South Africa in the 19th century.

The majority of the Basotho people today inhabit South Africa particularly in the Orange Free State which was previously part of the kingdom of Moshoeshoe and is now Lesotho.

Who are the Kwena People?

Kwena people are a subgroup of the Sotho ethnic group and they are found in Lesotho and parts of South Africa. Originally the Kwena people inhabited the Orange Free State, Bantustan, South Africa, and Basutoland, which later became Lesotho. 

In the past, the Kwena people practiced agriculture, and even today they still practice subsistence agriculture as a way of livelihood, and some of the crops they cultivate include sorghum, corn, potatoes, vegetables, and fruits among others.

Who are the Nguni Ethnic Group?

The Nguni ethnic group is another sub-ethnic group of the larger Basotho ethnicity. Nguni people are predominantly in the southern part of Africa and they speak Nguni languages. 

Nguni people include the Phuthi, Hlubi, Swati, Ndebele, Zulu, and Xhosa. The Phuthi and Hlubi people are in Lesotho and other parts in South Africa.

The Swati people are found in Eswatini and South Africa, while the Xhosa and Ndebele are predominantly in South Africa and Zimbabwe.

i. The Phuthi People

Phuthi is part of the Nguni speaking people, and they speak Phuthi language. They inhabit the southern part of Lesotho and areas of South Africa.

The Phuthi language is closely related to Swati or the Siswati language which is spoken mainly in Swaziland and South Africa's province of Mpumalanga. The language has been heavily influenced by the neighboring languages of Xhosa and Sesotho.

ii. The Hlubi People

The Hlubi or the AmaHlubi is part of the Nguni ethnic group who live in the Southern part of Lesotho, and they are also found in South Africa.

The Hlubi people are believed to have originated from Kenya and believed to be closely related to the Samburu ethnic group in Kenya as well as the Shubi ethnic group of Tanzania, who live mainly in Kagera.

The dialect of the Hlubi people is closely related to the Swazi language, which is one of the tekela languages in the Nguni branch and belong to the Niger-Congo family language. 

The Hlubi language is one of the endangered languages because only the elderly can speak the language.

Lesotho Atlas | image credit: Google

These are the other People In Lesotho:

Other people in Lesotho include the Zulu, who are the minority in the country.  There is also a small population of Asian or mixed ancestry. The European community is also found in Lesotho.

Here is a Quick Snap At The Ethnic Configuration Of Lesotho

1. Sotho - 99.7%

2. Europeans, Asians, and other 0.3%

The Religion in Lesotho:

There is no way we talk about the Ethnic configuration of Lesotho without adding the Religions Praticed in the Country.

Christianity is the dominant religion in Lesotho, which is estimated to be more than 95 per cent Christian. The 2021 Department of State report found Protestants outnumbered Catholics. 

Non-Christian religions represent only 1.5% of the population, and those of no religion is 3.5%. non-Christian people primarily subscribe to traditional African religions, with an insignificant (< 0.2%) minor presence of Islam, Judaism and Asian religions.

The Type Of Government In Pratice In Lesotho:

The Country is a constitutional monarchy, with the King as Head of State, an elected Prime Minister as Head of Government, and a dual legal system consisting of traditional customary law and the common law. Succession to the throne of Lesotho is regulated by the Council of Chiefs

The System of Government And Sharing of Political Powers in Lesotho:

Executive Arm: Politics of Lesotho takes place in a framework of a parliamentary representative democratic constitutional monarchy, whereby the Prime Minister of Lesotho is the head of government, and of a multi-party system. 

Executive power is exercised by the government. Legislative power is vested in both the government and the two chambers of Parliament; the Senate and the National Assembly. It should be noted that the  Judiciary is independent of the executive and the legislature.

The Lesotho Government is a constitutional monarchy. The current Prime Minister, Sam Matekane, is head of government and has executive authority. The King serves a largely ceremonial function; he no longer possesses any executive authority and is proscribed from actively participating in political initiatives.

According to the constitution, the leader of the majority party in the assembly automatically becomes prime minister; the monarch is hereditary, but, under the terms of the constitution which came into effect after the March 1993 election, the monarch is a "living symbol of national unity" with no executive or legislative powers. 

Under traditional law, the college of chiefs has the power to determine who is next in the line of succession to the throne, who shall serve as regent in the event that the successor is not of mature age, and may even depose the monarch.

Legislative Arm; Two Chambers/Dual Legislature/Bicameral Legislature.

The Parliament has two chambers. The National Assembly has 120 members, elected for a five-year term, 80 in single-seat constituencies and 40 by proportional representation. The Senate has 33 nominated members.

National legislature:

Bicameral parliament; 80 members of the National Assembly (the lower house) are elected on a constituency basis according to the terms of the 1993 constitution, and 40 members are elected by proportional representation; the Senate (the upper house) consists of 33 non-elected members, 11 of whom are nominated by the king on the advice of the prime minister, plus the 22 principal chiefs of Lesotho

Political Party Structure/System/Types In Lesotho:

Lesotho Party - political organisations were legalised in May 1991. The Country operates a multiparty type and most of them could be grouped as ideological Party system as they often have different ideologies each followed.

The ruling coalition consists of four parties: the All Basotho Convention (ABC), the Alliance of Democrats (AD), the Basotho National Party (BNP) and the Reformed Congress of Lesotho (RCL).

The main opposition parties are the Democratic Congress (DC), the Lesotho Congress for Democracy (LCD) and the Movement for Economic Change (MEC). A total of 30 parties contested the 2017 election, and seven seats in parliament are occupied by smaller organisations.

This is a Snap shot to Lesotho Political Structure:

• Form of Government - Parliamentary
• System of Government - Constitutional Monarchy
• Party type - Multiparty
• Legal system - Based on Roman-Dutch law

Here are the record of Coups in Lesotho;

The Military Coups in Lesotho can be grouped into Three Categories; The 1970 Lesotho coup d'état was a self-coup that took place in Lesotho on 30th January, 1970, led by Prime Minister Leabua Jonathan.

It led to the assumption of dictatorial powers by Prime Minister Jonathan, who held the office since 1965. The coup was triggered by the victory of the opposition Basutoland Congress Party (BCP, led by Ntsu Mokhehle) over the ruling Basotholand National Party (BNP, led by Jonathan) in the general election.

Snap shot into the 1970 Lesotho coup d'état

• Type - Self-coup
• Cause - Electoral defeat of the ruling BNP in the general election
• Motive - Annulment of the general election
• Organised by - Leabua Jonathan
• Participants - Government of Lesotho
• Outcome - Coup succeeds

Prime Minister Jonathan declared a state of emergency, annulled the general election, dissolved parliament and suspended the constitution.

King Moshoeshoe II temporarily exiled from 5 June to 5 December 1970 after showing his disapproval of the actions; with Queen 'Mamohato serving as Regent.

Jonathan himself was deposed in the 1986 coup d'état, led by General Justin Lekhanya.

1986 Lesotho coup d'état

The 1986 Lesotho coup d'état was a military coup that took place in Lesotho on 20th January, 1986, led by General Justin Lekhanya. It led to the deposition of Prime Minister Leabua Jonathan, who held the office since 1965 and assumed dictatorial powers in the 1970 coup d'état, after the general election was annulled.

Snap shot into 1986 Lesotho coup d'état:

• Type - Military coup
• Motive - Regime change
• Target - State House, Maseru
• Organised by - Justin Lekhanya
• Participants -  Lesotho Defence Force (faction)
• Outcome - Coup succeeds

Overthrow of authoritarian BNP government of Prime Minister Jonathan. The establishment of military rule under the Military Council headed by General Lekhanya.

Deposition of King Moshoeshoe II in favour of his son Letsie III in 1990.

General Lekhanya announced the creation of the Military Council, which would exercise all executive and legislative powers in the name of King Moshoeshoe II. Eventually, a power struggle developed between Lekhanya and the King, with the latter being forced into exile in the United Kingdom in February 1990, and officially dethroned in December of that year.  Lekhanya himself was deposed in the 1991 coup d'état, led by Colonel Elias Phisoana Ramaema.

1991 Lesotho coup d'état:

The 1991 Lesotho coup d'état was a military coup that took place in Lesotho on 30th April, 1991, led by Colonel Elias Phisoana Ramaema. It led to the resignation of Prime Minister General Justin Lekhanya, who held the office since the 1986 coup d'état.

Snap Shot into the 1991 Lesotho coup d'état:

• Type - Military coup
• Motive - Regime change
• Target - State House, Maseru
• Organised by - Elias Phisoana Ramaema
• Participants -  Lesotho Defence Force (faction)
• Outcome - Coup succeeds

Overthrow of military government of Prime Minister Lekhanya. Colonel Ramaema assumed the leadership of the Military Council.

Thereafter, Multi-party general election was held in 1993, and King Moshoeshoe II was restored to the throne in 1995.

Colonel Ramaena besieged the government and forced Prime Minister Lekhanya to resign. During Ramaena's two years in power, a new constitution restoring the powers of the Parliament was adopted.

Multi-party general election was held on 27 March 1993, with the assistance of the Secretariat of the Commonwealth of Nations, at the request of the government. Finally, the exiled King Moshoeshoe II, who was dethroned by General Lekhanya in 1990 was restored to the throne on 25 January 1995. 

This  is the Civil War History of Lesotho:

Though, there is not really obvious Civil war in Lesotho, but due to the fact that many tribes comes together to form Lesotho, the Country, at some extent experienced war with neighboring tribes and other States. It should also be noted that the Britain played some roles in some of the wars. The Wars are grouped into three.

Basotho (Now Lesotho) Wars 1858 - 1868

The three Basotho Wars (1858-68) and the formation of Lesotho (Background Knowledge)

The conflict between the Basotho people and White settlers in what is now the Free State/ Lesotho area, consisted of three wars (1858- 68). The purpose of these three wars was the

Maintenance of Territorial Rights in the area between the Caledon and Orange Rivers; from present day Wepener to Zastron, and the area north of the Caledon River, which includes present day Harrismith and the area further westwards.

The Basotho wars were preceded by the mass migration of several Nguni groups. This migration occurred during the reign of the Zulu King Shaka, who conquered several Nguni groups, which were absorbed into the Zulu kingdom. Other Nguni tribes fled and settled in other areas during this time - which is known as the Mfecane period.

Mfecane - Zulu name, also known as the Difaqane or Lifaqane in Sesotho), is an African expression which means something like "the crushing" or "scattering". It describes a period of widespread chaos and disturbance in southern Africa during the period between 1815 and about 1840.

In 1818, King Moshoeshoe, who was the son of the chief of the Bakotela branch of the Koena/Kwena (Crocodile) clan, helped to gain power over smaller fugitive and displaced clans. In 1820, Moshoeshoe became chief of a larger unit of Southern Sotho groups, who had fallen under his centralized authority due to competition for resources, which was intensified by a drought.

This competition for resources caused these larger groups to seek protection from other marauding groups, and Moshoeshoe and his people retreated to the mountain fortress of Thaba Bosiu in 1824. Moshoeshoe gave assistance to his defeated enemies by giving them land, which led to the establishment of the Basotho nation.

In the late 1820s, a group of Kora (a group of Khoikhoi settlers also known as the Korana) and Dutch speaking people of mixed descent arrived in the vicinity of Moshoeshoe's kingdom. As they were mounted on horseback and armed with guns, the Basotho retreated. This also led to Moshoeshoe deciding to arm his people and give them horses.

The arrival of White settlers in the area, due to the Great Trek, was initially useful to Moshoeshoe, as the settlers created a buffer between the Basotho and the Kora. These White settlers (known as Boers) crossed the Orange River from the Cape Colony in the mid-1820s. Although these settlers allegedly asked for this permission to settle there, they later claimed it - despite Moshoeshoe's view that he had lent it to them. 

In 1845, a treaty was signed, which recognised White settlement in the area; however no boundaries were drawn between the area of White settlement and Moshoeshoe's kingdom. This dispute led to inevitable border clashes and a discernible boundary became necessary.

The British, who then controlled the area between the Orange and Vaal Rivers (the Orange River Sovereignty) eventually proclaimed the Warden line (after Major Warden). This line divided territory between British territory and the Basotho under Moshoeshoe, and stretched from Cornetspruit and the Orange River through Vechtkop to Jammerbergdrift on the Caledon.

The Warden line caused much resentment, as the fertile Caledon River Valley served as a vital area in terms of agriculture for both the British and the Basotho. This border line was therefore not acceptable to Moshoeshoe, and hostility followed, which led to conflict between the Basotho and the British, who were defeated by Moshoeshoe at the battle of Viervoet in 1851. 

In 1851, Moshoeshoe also offered Andries Pretorius an alliance against the British in the sovereignty.

As punishment to the Basotho, Sir George Cathcart then brought troops to the Mohokane River, and Moshoeshoe was ordered to pay a fine. When he did not pay the fine in full, a battle broke out on the Berea Plateau in 1852, where the British suffered heavy losses due to the armed Basotho cavalry. This sealed the fate of the sovereignty, even though Cathcart was initially in favour of withdrawal.

In 1854, the cost of maintaining the sovereignty became too much for the British and they therefore handed over the territory to the Boers through the signing of the Sand River Convention. The Boers therefore claimed the land beyond the Caledon River, naming it the Republic of the Orange Free State.

This began further conflict over land and undefined boundaries with the Basotho, who regarded themselves as the rightful owners, and who continued to use the land for grazing.

This is the summary of First Basotho War:

Further conflict occurred after JN Boshof; President of the OFS, and Moshoeshoe discussed issues of armed conflict and cattle rustling. However, these discussions only led to Boshof declaring war on the Basotho on 19 March 1858 (also stated as 22 March 1858). The Basotho were formidable opponents, and the Boers suffered substantial losses, as they were unable to penetrate the Basotho mountain stronghold of Thaba Bosiu (also called Thaba Bosigo). This war is also known as the First Basotho War or the WAR of SENEKAL (sometimes spelt Senegal).

During this war, the Boers also destroyed many mission stations in the Basotho kingdom, as they blamed them for educating and instilling a sense of pride among the Basotho. These mission stations had been set up by missionaries from the Paris Evangelical Society, who arrived at Thaba Bosiu in 1833. They had helped to unite the Basotho under Moshoeshoe, and were the first to write the Sesotho language.  

This is the summary of the Second Basotho War (Seqiti War):

After this war an uneasy peace followed. J.H Brand, who replaced Boshoff, took initiative and negotiated with Moshoeshoe, who objected that the frontier was not clear. However, hostilities re-surfaced, and President Brand believed that the OFS should use its military superiority against the Basotho.

Moshoeshoe had also realized his precarious position, and had applied for British protection from Sir Philip Wodehouse, a new commissioner who had arrived in the Cape in 1861.

The Warden Line had then been reaffirmed, and although the Basotho were given time to withdraw, attacks continued later nonetheless. In 1865, the Orange Free State launched the Second Basotho War known in Sesotho as the Seqiti War. The word seqiti refers to the sound made by the new cannon the Boers used to crush the Basotho strongholds, mainly in the present day Free State province.

The Free State army then began to seize cattle and destroy crops, and two attempts were then made to storm Moshoeshoe's stronghold at Thaba Bosiu, where Commandant Wepener was killed.

Moshoeshoe was then compelled to accept the peace of Thaba Bosiu on 11 April 1866, due an exhaustion of Basotho food supplies. Moshoeshoe's son Molapo had also allegedly concluded a separate peace treaty.

Moshoeshoe then renewed entreaties for British protection after a short armistice. This was because due to the fact that the Free State Government was late in allocating land, the Basotho slowly advanced over the border line, and further tensions mounted. The Free State Government began to raise an armed force, which was aggravated by the murder of two Whites in Ladybrand in June 1867.

This is the summary of the Third Basotho War:

Brand demanded the hand over of the murderers, but Moshoeshoe stated that he had not agreed to the frontier line of 1866, and therefore the events had not occurred on Free State territory. In July 1867, the third war between the Free State and the Basotho in ten years began, and Boer forces overran Moshoeshoe's land and conquered all the land except the impregnable fortress of Thaba Bosiu.

The Free State forces had achieved great military success, and Moshoeshoe was compelled to ask for British assistance. Basutoland was then annexed on 12 March 1868, after Governor Wodehouse received instructions to negotiate with Moshoeshoe for the recognition of the Basotho as British subjects.

On the 12 March 1868, the British parliament declared the Basotho Kingdom a British protectorate. The Orange Free State was forced to discontinue the war if it was not to raise trouble with the British Empire.

In February 1869, the boundaries of present day Lesotho (previously Basutoland) were then drawn up according to the Convention of Aliwal-North. This convention gave the Conquered Territory to the Free State, and the boundary line was moved further south to Langeberg. No further armed conflict between the Free State and the Basotho took place after this.

As a result, King Moshoeshoe was able to save his kingdom from being overrun by the Boers. King Moshoeshoe died two years in 1870, after the end of war, and was buried at the summit of Thaba Bosiu.

Biography of Muhammad Ali Pate

Muhammad Ali Pate, he is the current Minister of Health in Nigeria. Ali Pate took over from former health Minister - Dr. Osagie Ehanire.

Muhammad Ali Pate? Muhammad Ali Pate is the current Minister of Health under the Bola Tinubu led Administration. His appointment surfaced August 15, 2023 alongside names of other Ministerial nominees. This article is the complete biography of Mohammad Ali Pate, current Nigeria health Minister.

Muhammad Ali Pate CON was born on 6 September 1968; he is a Nigerian physician and politician who is Professor of the Practice of Public Health Leadership in the Department of Global Health and Population at Harvard University.

He formerly served as the Global Director for Health, Nutrition and Population and Director of the Global Financing Facility for Women, Children and Adolescents (GFF) at the World Bank Group.  Pate is also the former Minister of State for Health in Nigeria.

 

Former Minister of State for Health (In office 14 July 2011 – 23 July 2013)

• Born: 6 September 1968 (age 54)
• Origin: Misau, Nigeria
• Alma mater: Ahmadu Bello University|Duke University|University College London

 

Muhammad Ali Pate was born in the Misau local government area of Bauchi State in Nigeria and was raised in the north of the country. He is the son of a fulani herdsman.

He is also the first in his family to complete a secondary school education, Pate graduated from high school to enter the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) medical school in Kaduna State, Nigeria. He graduated from ABU and moved to Gambia where he worked in rural hospitals for a few years. He was then a fellow in infectious diseases at the University of Rochester Medical Center in the United States.  He is an American Board-Certified Medical Doctor in both Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases, with an MBA (Health Sector Concentration) from Duke University USA. Prior to this, he studied at the University College London. He also has a Masters in Health System Management from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, UK.

On Tuesday, October 11, 2022, Pate, along with Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, and Amina J. Mohammed were conferred with Nigeria's national honours. Pate was conferred with Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON).

Earlier in 2019, Pate was appointed Julio Frenk Professor of Public Health Leadership at the Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health. Pate was also the former Minister of Health in Nigeria. His appointment in July 2011 followed his role as the executive director of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency in Abuja. He resigned as Nigeria's Minister of State for Health effective 24 July 2013 to take up the position of Professor in Duke University's Global Health Institute, USA. He is formerly the chief executive officer of Big Win Philanthropy and an adjunct professor of Global Health of the Duke University Global Health Institute.

 

Read: Biography of Odunlade Adekola

On September 1, 2021, Pate returned to Harvard University as a Julio Frenk Professor of the Practice of Public Health Leadership at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.

Also In February 2023, Muhammad Ali Pate was appointed Chief Executive Officer of GAVI, the Vaccine Alliance, which works to provide vaccines in low-income countries.

Muhammad Pate is happily married to his heartthrob, and has four daughters and two sons. He resides in Northern Nigeria . He is a practicing Muslim. 

Muhammad Pate, a professor and expert in internal medicine and infectious diseases.

An announcement by the global vaccine alliance, Gavi, on 26 June of Mr Pate’s decision to withdraw his acceptance of appointment as its Chief Executive Officer (CEO) gave a strong indication of what was coming.

Mr Pate’s reason for his decision was also a clear pointer. Having earlier been scheduled to assume office as GAVI’s CEO on 3 August, he informed the global organisation that “he has taken an incredibly difficult decision to accept a request to return and contribute to his home country, Nigeria.”

Muhammad Ali Pate CON is active on social media. You can connect with him via his official handles on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and X.

Opinion: How To Know When Children Started Having Sex

This article provides insight to romance among teens and how to know when Children started having Sex.

This purpose of this documented opinion a to provide an in-depth analysis to the subject of discussion and to have holistic views on the topic.

Opinion pull on how teen S@x

Sexual activity, which usually comes with s@xual intercourse has been one of the topics taking the centre stage for years, with more focus on the Children at their younger age who are already into such act.

For a young child of age 11 to 20, getting involved into s@xual activities is becoming more rampant in the World of today; though, there are still some of them in that age bracket that are still undefiled.

It is, to some extent believed that s@xual activities should come up only among Adults and couples, with less from those within age 11 to 20 (they are classified as Children for the purpose of this article). The age 11-20 bracket are still believed to be under the care of their Parents, so when such happens among the children, there are always some changes in the Childrens' characters, especially to their parents and society.

Here are the signs to see when Children start having sexual intercourse:

Is rudeness also a sign? What are other signs to notice? Daily News Report sampled opinions on some signs to watch out for, to know if a child has started having s@x.

Ms. Tomi said, "it is normal for most adolescent girls to exhibit rudeness at some point. It's a most confusing transitional stage of a child's Life. So not all rudeness is signs of sexual indulgence."

"As a matter of fact, many are not even rude when they have tasted it. They become more friendly, happy, always in high spirit and willing to voluntarily help out at home. This is particularly so for girls."

"Others become extremely secretive, distant and withdrawn. In all, there is no exact and proven sign to know."

While sharing his own experience when he was at the age bracket, Mr. Nathaniel said, "Most times for tennagers, they begin to develop unnecessary guts, they may have little or no respect for their superiors, always mindful of their looks; I mean their body and appearance anywhere and they are secretive.

"They beginning to be disrespectful and happy over something that is supposed to bring anger. I was once in that shoes."

Ms. Tomi added that, "The best thing is, try as a parent or guardian or as an elder to build a non-judgemental relationship with your kids, wards or younger ones, so they can always confide in you when stuff happens. That's the only way to know for sure."

Read: Biography of Summy Smart Francis

Mrs. Evelyn, a-29-year old Lady shared her own opinion, which took her down memory lane. "Please, don't associate rudeness or outings with sex. I was once a victim of this. It is very normal for teenagers to rebel, the most destructive stage is the adolescent stage, I could remember that teachers, neighbors and my mom used to think that I had started having sex cos I was mostly in the company of boys, meanwhile I hated the thought of having boyfriend at such tender age. 

"Those days I was addressed as prostitutes, I never had a boyfriend, still I got to the university 5 years later. It was when we did a program in church that time, they said all virgins should come outside, that was when my parents and neighbors believed that I was a virgin. Stop associating adolescent hormone or rudeness to having sex."

In response to Mrs. Evelyn, Mrs. Sandra frowns on why her Pastor will call out Virgins. "I totally understand where you are going, but that your Pastor needs to understand that virginity doesn't mean someone is righteous. There are virgins that have not had a man penetrate them, but they've experienced all sorts of sexual pleasures.

"Virginity shouldn't even be a show off. So in order words, it's only the prayers of the Virgins that came out that will get to God's ears. It's a church, everybody should pray."

Mr. Frank, a pure and applied Psychologist gave more insights to the topic. According to him, he said it requires one to have an understanding of it, without only believing that rudeness, outing, secrecy, stubbornness, etc., are signs of s@xual engagement. He called those "trait in adolescents." 

While giving clues to some of the signs, he said, "Their body will be sweeting them most times, wanting to have Sex. Often smiling and doing some sexy moves each time they see the opposite gender. They lack respect at some point though, especially to their parents and elders. You will notice they start dressing neatly and always clean. When you send them errands, they will make sure thier legs are neat. Always laughing out loud unnecessarily. They also stay longer on calls, especially to their opposite Gender."

Mr. Edward added that, "Teenage starts from 13 and ends at 18. When a child around this age bracket starts having sexual relationship which is emotionally attached, they get withdrawn from there normal playfulness, they get more excited relating with adults and adult issues.

"Whenever you send them for an errand, they will wash their legs, change clothes and rub powder on the face. Those are my own signs though. But, certainly the level of neatness increases and some of them become more bigger in body sizes."

He also listed some of the possible signs as thus: "Lack of concentration, become conscious of vital parts of his or her body, starts concentrating more on her looks (mostly girls), sneaking around and lying to cover up, becoming rude at times, some of them also assume the position of an adult, rapid development of some vital parts of her body like breast..etc.. some of them could also be distracted in their Education and may start having low marks from school's test and exams.

"Privacy demand will also come in. They always want privacy and to be alone in the house.

They become withdrawn from parents so as to avoid unnecessary suspicion and questions. The girls will stop opening their body in front of their mum."

Adding her own points, Mrs. Adetola said S@x education is very important for the children, before they learn it from someone else, which she said could be terrible most of the time.

She however listed some of the signs, which she said are latest signs to watchout for nowadays. 

"You will discover the young male having so much interest in female and always wanting or interested in gist linking to female, he no longer want to feel like a child and will want to prove he is grown-up, he is an adult now and can take care of himself. In some instances, he can equates himself with those far ahead of him.

"For the female, the boldness she begins to exhibit, She now looks at a man right in the eyes without fear like she used to be, disrespect may set in between her and her equals from opposite sex, the terms she uses to greet may change to e.g- 'guy, how far, xup dear', in fact, the way she looks at older men without fear is more of the signs to watch out for these days."

Onions: Health Benefits and Nutritions

Is eating raw Onion good|What are the benefits of Onions|What is the healthiest Onion to eat|Which is better Onion or Garlic

All these questions are answered in our article. Onion is more of a fruit, it is a monocotyledonous plant (Allium cepa), allied to garlic, used as vegetable and spice. The onion may not be everyone’s favorite vegetable, but making use of it is very beneficial. 

The next time you peel onions and start crying, just think of all the great health benefits you are getting. They contain lots of fiber and antioxidants.

Onions contains nutrients like:

1. Vitamins B and C,

2  Sulphur,

3  Iron,

4. Potassium,

5. Phosphorous,

6. Calcium, and 

7. Manganese.

Each 100 grams of onion contains about 45 calories.

White Onions

Though, peeling onions could make years roll down your eyes, but tears keep the eyes in great condition, by acting as a lubricant that also helps to kill bacteria and toxins. Without tears, our eyes would just not function at all.

How to Reduce tears while peeling Onions: 

1. Turning on the overhead ventilator on your cooker, if your work surface is nearby. This can redirect the tear jerking enzyme (allyl sulphate) away from your tear ducts

2. Another trick is to freeze the onions for about 15 minutes before you start chopping or dicing them. Though, doing this will make it harder to cut.

Is eating raw onions good?

Yes, but the cooked ones are much more better

Is Onion better than Garlic?

Yes, Onions are more nutritious than Garlic when utilized well.

Eating red onions also have more nutritional values than the white one.

Red Onions

Here are 7 benefits of Onions:

1. Reduces bad Cholesterol:

Studies at the Chinese University of Hong Kong show that onions (especially the red ones) can help reduce the level of harmful cholesterol. Studies also show that consuming half a raw onion daily can help to raise the good HDL cholesterol by 30%. Chives, garlic, and shallots are also effective. They all come from the Allium group and work hand-in-hand.

2. Increases Your Supply of Glutathione:

Glutathione is one of the most important antioxidants needed our your body. Our bodies produce even more of it by eating lots of onions and also other vegetables, such as fruits, cauliflower and broccoli. This antioxidant can ward off cancer and heart disease. 

3. May Helps Keep Blood Sugar under Control: 

Onions contain allyl propyl disulphide (oil of onion). This oil acts in a way similar to how insulin helps balance blood sugar levels. Some researchers said it helps to reduce blood glucose level in the body system.

4. Stops Cold in their Tracks:

What do the Roman Emperor Nero and President George Washington got in common? Both men were absolutely convinced that the best way to stop a cold and developing sore throat was to eat an onion Vitamin C is the responsible culprit.

5. Onions are Rich in Quercetin

It has been established in medical circles that the quercetin flavonoid is essential in helping to ward off, or cure, the following troublesome health conditions:

i. Blood clots

ii. Bronchitis

iii. Hay fever

iv. Diabetes

V. Asthma

6. Onions may Help Prevent Cancer:

One of the most common cancers among men affects the prostate gland. Studies published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute show that regular consumption of the allium family type of vegetable (shallots, garlic, and onions) may help to reduce the incidence of prostate cancer. Similar studies show that stomach and breast cancer rates may also be cut by eating onions.

7. Helps to Maintain Brain Health:

Memory loss is one of the rising mental issue around the world currently. Who isn’t worried about memory loss and brain acuity?Studies show that the consumption of onions can help when the brain is damaged by a stroke or a clot. It seems to play an important role in our mental health.

Now that you already know some of the unique benefits of Onions, utilize them properly for your own benefits, as health is wealth.

History of Nigeria; Independence and Facts

This article is the complete history of Nigeria. It centres on the Country's biography, pre-colonialism, colonialism, independence, republic, ethnic groups, and political setting

History of Nigeria's Independence day:

Independence day in Nigeria is a day to commemorate the freedom, but partial freedom of Nigeria from the powerful hands of colonialism. 

Before we go further, be informed that the day is always a free day as the Federal Government declares such day as a work-free day. 

Independence Day is celebrated in Nigeria, at every First of October, yearly. Should the day fall on weekends- i.e Saturday/Sunday, the Federal Government, through the office of the Interior Minister shall shift the Public Holiday to the following working day- Monday.

Take for instance, the 2022 Independence day falls on Saturday, 1, 2022, the Federal government, through the Interior Minister- Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola declared Monday as public holiday for Nigerians to mark the Independence day.

Daily News Report's Editor-In-Chief, takes you through the scenarios and FAQs surrounding Pre and post Independence of Nigeria

What does The 1960  Independence day Signify in Nigeria?

Nigeria got her Independence in 1960 and thus celebrate it yearly on October 1. The 1960 independence celebrates the Country’s Independence from British rule which occurred in 1960. Though, the 1960 Independence only gained partial freedom to Nigerians because Queen Elizabeth II was still the head of Government then, while She controls Nigeria with a Prime Minister- Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa.

It was the 1963 Republic that gave Nigeria total Independence from the power of the British government. This era marks the original freedom, as Nigerians now gained total dominance of their Country and territory, that was when Nigeria started running Presidential system of Government. The first Executive President of Nigeria was Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe.

What is the meaning of Independence day | What Happens On Independence Day?

The government of Nigeria celebrates this holiday annually. The President’s address to the public marks the beginning of the festivities, this is broadcasted LIVE on Radios and Television Nationwide, anchored by the NIgerian Television Authority (NTA). Among what the President will say is to felicitate with Nigerians on the day and give updates on the current situations and positions of the Country.

The Nigerian Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the workforce, national education services and all parastals do celebrate this day with the Public (Nigerians). Offices, Schools and markets will close on this day and the citizens take to the street or stadium, dressed in green and white to celebrate. The President is moved to Eagle's Square to open the Celebration as military officers, workers and Students engage in parades and matchpast. This process also happes across the Thirsty-Six States of the Federation.

This is the History of Nigeria's  Independence Day:

The birth of Nigeria came from the 1914 amalgamation by Sir. Lord Lugard, where Southern Protectorate (South and Lagos colony) was merged with the Northern Nigeria Protectorate in 1914 to create the Colony and Protectorate of Nigeria.

 British Authorities sitting with A Monarch and Nigerians during the colonial Era.

Image credit: Getty Image

This is the British Colonial style | How it looses in Africa:

After the merger, In 1950, the British Empire begins to lose its power grip over Africa as  many territories in Africa were calling for independence already. In 1956, Anthony Enahoro called for the self Independence of Nigeria from the British government, though the North rejected it and this led to various arguments.

With the agitations and awareness from Nigerians' top Nationalist- Sir Herbert Marculay, and others llike Dr. Azikiwe, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Sir Ahmadu Bello and others, coupled with the help of newspaper and elites in Nigeria and diasporas, The Brirish Government agreed and granted Independence to Nigeria on October 1, 1960, thus becoming the Federation of Nigeria. 

First Premier of the Western Region- Chief Obafemi Awolowo having a handshake with Queen Elizabeth II, during her visit to Nigeria.

Image credit: Getty Image

Upon getting Independence, a new constitution was established with an elected prime minister and a ceremonial head of state. Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, who was previously the Governor-General was the first President. Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa continued to serve as the prime minister, a position he had held since 1957.

In the quest to gain full autonomy, on June 1961, the Northern part of the Trust Territory of the Cameroons joined the Northern region of Nigeria and in October, the Southern Cameroons united with the Republic of Cameroon to form the Federal Republic of Cameroon. Also, On October 1, 1963, Nigeria became a republic as a sovereign State, with Dr. Azikiwe as President of the Country.

Sequence Of Nigeria Independence Story:

In 1850s, the British Government establish their presence in Lagos, making Lagos the crown colony, where the British resides.

What led to British arrival into Nigeria?

The era was during an industrial revolution in Europe, so in the quest for resources and manpower, the British stumbled on Africa.

Colonialism | Colonialism Book | Queen Elizabeth II

What are the roles Queen Elizabeth II played in the Colonization of Nigeria?

Queen Elizabeth II was the British Monarch then and as Britain colonized Africa, she is definitely part of those giving instructions to the Colonial Masters on what to do.

After the Queen Elizabeth II death, there seem to be this harsh tone coming from Citizens in the African Countries. Records show that the Britain "stole"  so much resources from the colonized African Countries, engaged them into slavery, while many Africans died during the course.

Definition of Slavery | Slavery abolish | Africa slavery:

Does slavery start from the British government?

Historical facts surfaced that African Kings, Queens and elites were already engaging in slavery of their people before the advent of the British Government. What played out there was that the British took advantage of what they met (slavery), bribed the African leaders and make use of them to rule their subjects through what is called "indirect rule". After Queen Elizabeth II death, there are calls for Britain to return "Stolen" Gems, Diamonds and other resources back to the real owners.

Queen Elizabeth II was  born in London, 21st April, 1926 and her death was announced by Backingham Palace on Thursday, September 8, 2022.

Credit: BBC News

The amalgamation of Nigeria:

1861—1914: The Colony and Protectorate of Nigeria was done.

October 1, 1960 marks the official Independance which was granted to Nigeria, as Journalist Flora Shaw suggested the name- Nigeria, which was coined due to the Country's nearness to River Niger.

Here are quick historical facts about Nigeria:

Seventh-most populous Country in the World, with more than 200 million people.

The population is divided to roughly 250 ethnic groups, while religion is divided into three: Christian, Muslims and African Traditional Religion.

This is the Demography of Nigeria | This is the current estimatesd Population growth in Nigeria:

Nigeria is located in the West Africa, alongside Ghana, Senegal, and co. The population of Nigeria is over 200 Million, and predicted to grow more higher than China in coming years.

Read: Health Benefits of Fruits in 2025

This is the Language in Nigeria | Lingua franca in Nigeria:

English Language is the official language of Nigeria, with many other dialects accounting to over 520 Languages; majorly grouped into three:

1. Yoruba
2. Igbo
3. Hausa

Colour code of Nigeria flag;

Green and White is NIgeria's colour code.

What are the Importance of Independence Day in Nigeria:

The Nigeria Independence day is so important and unique because it marks the beginning of an era.

We May Be Pushed To Invade Niger — US Tells Coup plotters

The United States of America has warned the Niger junta that America may be pushed to be involved militarily if the country’s military rulers do not return to constitutional order.

US Troops

The US acting Deputy Secretary, Victoria Nuland, in a special briefing on Niger disclosed this via a teleconference on Tuesday.

She noted, “…There is still a lot of motion here on many sides with regard to where the governance situation will go.

“So we will be watching that closely and there are a number of regional meetings coming up and consultations with allies and partners that we need to make.

“So we’ll be watching the situation, but we understand our legal responsibilities and I explained those very clearly to the guys (Niger junta) who were responsible for this and that it is not our desire to go there, but they may push us to that point, and we asked them to be prudent in that regard and to hear our offer to try to work with them to solve this diplomatically and return to constitutional order.”

Blood Circle - Components, Types and Importance to the Body System

What is Blood? 

Blood is a specialized bodily fluid that circulates through the circulatory system of humans and many other animals. It is composed of various components, including cells, plasma, and proteins, all suspended in a liquid matrix.

The main components of blood include:

1. Red Blood Cells (Erythrocytes): These cells are the most abundant and give blood its red color. Their primary function is to carry oxygen from the lungs to tissues throughout the body. Red blood cells contain hemoglobin, a protein that binds with oxygen and enables its transport.
2. White Blood Cells (Leukocytes): These cells play a crucial role in the body's immune system. They help defend against infections and diseases by identifying and eliminating pathogens, producing antibodies, and coordinating immune responses. There are different types of white blood cells, each with specific functions.
3. Platelets (Thrombocytes): Platelets are cell fragments involved in blood clotting. When a blood vessel is damaged, platelets aggregate at the site to form a clot, preventing excessive bleeding and promoting wound healing.
4. Plasma: Plasma is the liquid component of blood, making up about 55% of its total volume. It is a yellowish fluid that consists mostly of water, electrolytes (such as sodium and potassium), hormones, waste products, nutrients, and proteins.
5. Proteins: Blood contains various proteins, including albumin, globulins, and fibrinogen. Albumin helps maintain the osmotic balance and transports substances like hormones and fatty acids. Globulins are involved in immune responses. Fibrinogen is essential for blood clotting, as it converts to fibrin, forming a mesh-like structure that helps seal wounds.

The composition of blood can vary slightly depending on the individual's age, health, and specific conditions. Blood serves vital functions in the body, including oxygen and nutrient transport, waste removal, immune defense, and maintaining homeostasis.

Photo: Blood lines | Image credit: Getty Images

Why Blood is important to the Body

Blood is a vital component of the human body and plays several crucial roles in maintaining overall health and functioning. Here are some reasons why blood is important for the body system:

• Oxygen Transport: Blood carries oxygen from the lungs to all the cells in the body. Oxygen is necessary for cellular respiration, a process that generates energy for various bodily functions. Red blood cells contain a protein called hemoglobin that binds with oxygen and transports it throughout the body.
• Nutrient Delivery: Blood transports nutrients, such as glucose, amino acids, fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals, to different tissues and organs. These nutrients are essential for growth, repair, and the normal functioning of cells.
• Waste Removal: Blood carries metabolic waste products, such as carbon dioxide, urea, and other toxins, away from cells and organs to be eliminated from the body. The circulatory system transports these waste products to organs like the lungs, kidneys, and liver for filtration and excretion.
• Immune Response: Blood contains white blood cells (leukocytes) that are integral to the body's immune system. They help defend against infections, diseases, and foreign invaders by identifying and destroying pathogens, producing antibodies, and coordinating immune responses.
• Temperature Regulation: Blood helps regulate body temperature. When the body overheats, blood vessels in the skin dilate, allowing heat to be released through the skin in a process called vasodilation. In contrast, when the body is cold, blood vessels constrict to conserve heat, known as vasoconstriction.
• pH Balance and Homeostasis: Blood helps maintain the body's pH balance, keeping it within a narrow range for optimal functioning. It contains buffers that prevent sudden changes in acidity or alkalinity. Blood also plays a crucial role in maintaining overall homeostasis by regulating fluid balance, electrolyte levels, and hormone distribution.
• Clotting and Wound Healing: Platelets, a type of blood cell, are responsible for clot formation, which prevents excessive bleeding when blood vessels are damaged. The clotting process, known as coagulation, involves a series of complex reactions that lead to the formation of a fibrin clot. This process is vital for wound healing and preventing infections.

These are just a few examples of the importance of blood in the body system. Blood is a dynamic and intricate medium that supports various physiological processes, making it essential for overall health and survival.

New Man Movement Announce Winners of Gospel Writing Contest

Organizers of the yearly New Man Gospel Writing Contest have officially announced the winners of the 2023 edition of the Gospel contest.

Photo: President of The New Man Movement, Mr. Nelson Vincent Ayomitunde

In an official press release on the organisation’s Website, which was made available to Daily News Report, the President of the New Man Movement, Mr Nelson Vincent Ayomitunde expressed his gratitude to God for the successful completion of the 2023 edition of the Gospel Writing contest.

According to the press release, the winners of the 2023 edition of the contest are - Teriba Korede Michael (Poetry Category), Jude Mark Samuel (Prose Category), Iheme Favour Chioma (Article Category) and Lois Ayomide Olusegun (Drama Category).

While congratulating the winners, Mr Nelson Vincent appreciated the efforts of the writers in the contest from putting pen to paper, down to the online website voting stage by the shortlisted entries. He also commended the skill, exemplary choice of words and the overall adherence of the writers to the theme of the contest.

The 2023 contest which was themed “Unashamed of the Gospel” was inspired by Scriptures in Romans 1:16 and collected submissions from across Nigeria between 31st January, 2023 and 1st March, 2023.

Since it’s launch in 2017, the New Man Gospel Writing Contest has been a yearly project organised by the New Man Movement. Today, the writing contest has evolved to recognise the efforts and excellence of Christian writers and creatives, show them to the world and ultimately preach the gospel of Christ through creative writing.

Fasting: Sultan Declares Thursday 1st Ramadan 1444AH

Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, the Sultan of Sokoto and President General, Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), has declared Thursday, March 23, as the first day of the Ramadan 1444 AH in Nigeria.

Abubakar announced the sighting of the new crescent in Sokoto on Wednesday in a radio and television broadcast.

He said the new moon was sighted in different parts of the country and that reports of the moon sighting were received from Muslim leaders and organisations from across the country.

“After due verification and authentication by the national moon sighting committee and states committees’ confirmation, as well as routine scrutiny, I hereby announce the sighting of the new moon of Ramadan signifying the end of Sha’aban 1444 AH.

”In accordance with Islamic law, Muslims are to commence fasting on Thursday accordingly,” he declared.

The sultan however urged Muslim faithful to devote themselves fully to the worship of Allah throughout the holy month, urging them to use the period to pray for the progress, peace and prosperity of the nation.

“We have chosen leaders that will take the affairs of our country and States in some months to come, we should continue to pray for them in order to be able to redeem their promises to us.

“No one should maltreat anyone or cause destruction that will affect our relationships, especially against those perceived to be political opponents.

“Elections have come and gone and winners have emerged as destined by God, so let every Muslim reconcile in the spirit of brotherhood, love, peace and unity.

“Islam was built on five pillars, and peace, unity and brotherhood among Muslims were basic and fundamental ingredients to strengthen the religion.

”We should not break relationships because of politics. We should live peacefully with one another irrespective of religious and tribal differences,” Abubakar said.

The Sultan also called on wealthy individuals to assist the poor and stressed the need for increased religious tolerance and brotherhood in Nigeria.

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar in which Muslim faithful observe one month fast.

Fasting in the month of Ramadan is a compulsory religious obligation for all adult Muslims.