Mohammed Uwais, former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), has passed away at the age of 88. His d+ath was confirmed early Friday by Kayode Ajulo, Ondo State’s attorney general.

Born in Zaria, Kaduna State, Uwais became a Supreme Court justice at just 43 & went on to serve as CJN from 1995 to 2006 — the second-longest tenure in Nigeria’s history. After his retirement, he chaired the Electoral Reform Committee under President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua.

The committee’s landmark 2008 report called for an independent electoral body & introduced forward-thinking recommendations such as electronic voting & result transmission.

Tributes have poured in for the respected jurist. Human rights advocate Chidi Odinkalu described Uwais as “a truly good man” & “a mentor.” Ajulo praised him as “a beacon of integrity” who “transformed the judiciary and championed democratic reforms.” Justice Uwais leaves behind a legacy of legal excellence, reform & unwavering service to Nigeria.

Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has assured the residents of the state that their sacrifices will not go unrewarded.

This assurance was contained in Governor Adeleke’s Eid-el-Kabir message signed by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, on Friday in Osogbo.

Governor Adeleke, who congratulated Muslims in the state and beyond for the spiritual renewal that the moment offers, called for a deep reflection on the way that faith in Allah can overcome any challenges and create a path for lifelong benefits.

The governor also tasked the Muslim faithful to use this sacred moment to renew their commitment to help those in distress and support efforts that elevate communities.

Recognising the value of sacrifices and devotion which God conveyed to mankind through Prophet Ibrahim, ASW, and his son, Prophet Ismail, ASW, he said, “When Allah asked Prophet Ibrahim, ASW, to sacrifice his son, Prophet Ismail, ASW, he didn’t look back and pushed ahead to carry out the instruction. It was unusual, and that total submission to the will of Allah, which Prophet Ibrahim, ASW, demonstrated, didn’t go unrewarded.”

He also said, “Eid-Il-Kabir is a celebration of faith and the bountiful rewards that come with sacrifices. It is also a moment to reflect on the lessons of devotion and its power to overcome the pains of the moment and ensure a future that is full of excitement.

“Osun is blessed to have people of firm resolve for progress. Through perseverance, resourcefulness, and commitment for growth, Osun people have sided with our genuine efforts at transforming lives and building hopes for a better future.

“As a government, we are taking initiatives that will reward the faith of the people in our administration, alleviating past disappointments with visible and impactful deliverables. I call for sustained support and prayer for our administration in our continued drive to make Osun the envy of other places not just in Nigeria, but across Africa.”

On his part, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, called for reflection on the values of sacrifice, faith, and unity that define the season.

In a goodwill message made available by his Special Adviser, Dr. Bolaji Akinola, on Friday, Oyetola, who is the immediate past Governor of Osun State and leader of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in the state, described Eid el-Kabir as a time of deep spiritual significance, rooted in the legacy of total submission to the will of Allah.

“Eid al-Adha reminds us of Prophet Ibrahim’s unwavering obedience and devotion to God. It is a sacred time to renew our faith, extend compassion to others, and rededicate ourselves to service, both to God and to humanity,” the Minister stated.

While commending the resilience and industrious spirit of the residents of the state, Oyetola urged citizens across religious and political divides to use the season to foster harmony, mutual respect, and collective progress in the state.

He paid special tribute to APC members, leaders, and loyalists in the state, acknowledging their steadfast commitment to the ideals of the party.

“I salute the dedication of our APC family in Osun. Your loyalty, perseverance, and unwavering belief in the progressive vision of our great party are deeply appreciated. Let this celebration be a moment of reflection, a call to deepen our unity, and a recommitment to the noble cause of building a greater Osun and a stronger Nigeria,” he said.

Oyetola also emphasised the importance of reaching out to the needy and upholding the social values that Islam promotes during Eid, noting that sacrifice is not only symbolic but practical through acts of kindness, generosity, and community support.

The Minister prayed for peace and progress across the state and nation, asking Allah to accept the sacrifices of the faithful and grant leaders the wisdom to guide with integrity and compassion.

Some yet-to-be-identified assailants have attacked the office of vigilante operatives in the Umunze community, Orumba South Local Government Area of Anambra State.

It was gathered that during the attack that was carried out in the early hours of Thursday, the hoodlums set about five operational vehicles and some parts of the building housing the security operatives ablaze.

An eyewitness around the scene said, “The hoodlums invaded the premises in the early hours of Thursday and started shooting indiscriminately. The matter got escalated when the security operatives, in an attempt to resist the gunmen during the gun duel recorded a fatal injury on one of the security operatives.

“About five operational vehicles were set ablaze, and some parts of the security office also got burnt by the hoodlums, who later fled the scene before the arrival of the police-led joint security force.”

When contacted on Thursday, the spokesman for the Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the development and said the Police-led Joint Security Force had taken over the scene.