News
Things to abstain from during month of Ramadan
Things to abstain from during month of Ramadan
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar and is considered a holy month for Muslims worldwide.
It begins and ends with the appearance of the crescent moon. Because the Muslim calendar year is shorter than the Gregorian calendar year, Ramadan begins 10–12 days earlier each year, allowing it to fall in every season throughout a 33-year cycle.
During this time, Muslims fast from dawn until sunset, engaging in increased prayers, self-reflection, and acts of charity.
For Muslims, Ramadan is a period of introspection, communal prayer (ṣalāt) in the mosque, and recitation of the Holy Qurʾān. 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 things to abstain from during Ramadan:
1. Food and drink: Muslims fast from sunrise (Sahoor) until sunset (Iftar), abstaining from all foods and drinks.
2. Smoking and alcohol consumption: Smoking and drinking alcohol are generally discouraged during Ramadan.
3. Negative behaviour: Ramadan is a time for self-reflection and spiritual growth. Muslims are encouraged to avoid negative behaviour such as gossip, lying and arguing.
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4. Excessive entertainment: Excessive indulgence in entertainment, especially activities that may distract them from spiritual reflection, is discouraged. Instead, Muslims are encouraged to spend more time in supplication to Allah and reading the Qur’an.
5. Anger and impatience: Fasting is not just about refraining from physical needs but also about controlling one’s emotions. Muslims are advised to avoid anger, impatience, and other negative emotions.
6. Wastefulness: Being mindful of resources and avoiding wastefulness is emphasised during Ramadan. These include food, water, and other material possessions.
7. Excessive sleeping: While adequate rest is essential, excessive sleeping during the day may hinder one’s ability to engage in spiritual activities and night prayers.
8. Vain speech: Engaging in unnecessary or vain speech is discouraged. Muslims are encouraged to speak positively and avoid gossip or harmful talk.
9. Materialism: Ramadan is a time to detach from material desires and focus on spiritual well-being. Muslims are encouraged to reduce materialistic pursuits and instead engage in acts of charity and kindness.
10. Neglecting prayers: Prayer is a crucial aspect of Ramadan. Muslims are encouraged to perform the five daily prayers and engage in additional nightly prayers, such as the Tarawih.
It is important to note that the specific practices and interpretations may vary among individuals and communities, and religious scholars may provide more detailed guidance based on Islamic teachings.
Things to abstain from during month of Ramadan
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News
OAU Investigates Death of Final-Year Student as Police Begin Probe
OAU Investigates Death of Final-Year Student as Police Begin Probe
Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State, is investigating the death of a final-year student of the institution.
The student, Oluwole Oluwosegun, was studying Materials Science and Engineering at the university.
According to the university’s Public Relations Officer, Olarewaju Abiodun, the incident occurred on Tuesday afternoon at the student’s off-campus residence around the Damico area of Ooni Layout, Ile-Ife.
After receiving the report, the university’s Quick Response and Security (QRS) Team went to the location. The team also contacted the Nigeria Police, after which officers from the ‘A’ Division in Moore, Ile-Ife, joined them at the scene.
The university later took the student to its Health Centre, where a medical doctor confirmed his death.
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Police Begin Investigation
Following the incident, university authorities handed relevant information and items recovered from the scene to the police to support their investigation.
The police have since begun inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the student’s death.
Meanwhile, the university said it had informed the appropriate student affairs authorities to provide necessary follow-up, particularly regarding the welfare and emotional support of students affected by the incident.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Simeon Bamire also expressed condolences to the student’s family, friends, classmates and colleagues.
The university further encouraged students facing severe emotional distress, relationship difficulties, financial pressure or other personal challenges to seek help from trusted people and available university support services.
Professor Bamire reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to the welfare of its students and staff, stressing that no student should feel they must face overwhelming difficulties alone.
OAU Investigates Death of Final-Year Student as Police Begin Probe
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Education
Niger State Urges Local Communities to Protect Newly Completed Public Schools
Niger State Urges Local Communities to Protect Newly Completed Public Schools
Basic education officials deliver modern classrooms to help children learn safely, kicking off an ambitious statewide renovation drive.
State education leaders in Niger State are calling on neighborhood residents and parent groups to take good care of newly renovated primary schools.
On Wednesday, the head of the Niger State Universal Basic Education Board, Dr. Ibrahim A. Liman, reminded communities that public classrooms belong to everyone, warning that state funding can only make a lasting difference when local people watch over these shared spaces.
To prepare for handing over the keys, board officials visited Zango Primary School in Kontagora and Richard Lander Primary School in New Bussa. These two locations are the first to finish out of seven model schools currently under construction.

During their visits, team members inspected classrooms to make sure builders followed high safety standards, while encouraging neighbors to keep the grounds secure, tidy, and ready for pupils.
Furthermore, state officials explained that these building projects are part of a larger plan to improve early education across every community. Alongside these new classrooms, the board is starting repair work on about 400 primary schools throughout the state.
In addition to fixing desks and roofs, authorities are upgrading classroom teaching tools and supporting teachers. As a result, children across all backgrounds will have safe, welcoming spaces to learn and grow together.
Niger State Urges Local Communities to Protect Newly Completed Public Schools
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Health
Adamawa Health Officials Report 20 Deaths from Suspected Diphtheria Cases
Adamawa Health Officials Report 20 Deaths from Suspected Diphtheria Cases
Parents and caregivers are advised to seek early medical help and update childhood vaccinations as response teams expand outreach.
Health authorities in Adamawa State are responding to a diphtheria outbreak that has caused 20 deaths across 13 local government areas. Speaking on Wednesday, State Epidemiologist Jones Steven Kadabiyu confirmed that health workers have recorded 126 suspected cases throughout the state, with six patients currently receiving medical care in local hospitals.
Diphtheria is a serious bacterial illness that spreads through airborne droplets from coughing or close personal contact. It mainly affects the throat and airway, causing sore throats, mild fevers, swollen neck glands, and difficulty swallowing or breathing.
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Health officials emphasized that the biggest risk to patients has been waiting too long to visit a health center, as some families try informal remedies at home first before seeking professional medical attention.
The state government is working alongside health partners to track new cases, provide specialized antibiotics and treatments, and protect medical workers and family members.
Officials stressed that while diphtheria can affect people of any age, young children are the most vulnerable to serious complications. Parents and guardians are strongly encouraged to ensure their children are up to date on their routine vaccines and to visit the nearest clinic immediately if anyone develops throat swelling or breathing issues.
Adamawa Health Officials Report 20 Deaths from Suspected Diphtheria Cases
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