Two years after the world’s biggest lockdown to slow the COVID-19 pandemic, the traditional Sallah homage to the President by residents of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja returns to the Aso Rock Villa.
These were the words of Mr. Femi Adesina, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, in a statement issued and dated April 29, 2022 and copy sent to The DEFENDER.
Although this is a sign of the return to normalcy as infection rates fall to their lowest, Adesina said, those coming on invitation are still required to wear face masks and undergo the linear Covid-19 test at the State House Conference Centre to obtain a negative test result as condition for admittance to the event.
“President Muhammadu Buhari will receive the visitors, numbering about 100 at the New State House Banquet Hall at 3:00pm on Sallah Day, (Sunday or Monday), itself to be determined by moon sighting to be announced by Islamic authorities in the country.
The DEFENDER reports that Sultan of Sokoto and President-General Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, night of same day Saturday had confirmed that new moon were not sighted anywhere in the country and so Sallah day will be Monday May 2, 2022 being Shawwal 1, 1443AH.
Invited Guests for the event, led by Muhammed Musa Bello, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) include the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and the Head of Service, the Senator and House members from the territory, leadership of the FCT Judiciary, Members of the Cabinet, Service Chiefs and heads of security agencies, Muslim and Christian leaderships in the FCT, Council Chairmen, Traditional Rulers and others who received invitations as listed on the manifest.
