Sultan Calls for Fervent Prayers as Nigeria Marks Arafat Day Amid Rising Ram Prices and Festive Railway Boosts

As Muslims around the world mark the sacred Day of Arafat today, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, has called on the Nigerian Muslim community to intensify prayers for the nation’s peace and progress. The Sultan, who also serves as President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), made this appeal in a statement released by the Secretary-General of Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), Prof. Khalid Aliyu.

According to the Sultan, the Day of Arafat — one of the most revered days in Islam — presents a unique opportunity for spiritual reflection and supplication. He urged Muslims across the country to take advantage of the day’s divine significance to pray for an end to the challenges plaguing Nigeria.

“In this sacred month of Dhul-Hijjah, we are calling on Nigerian Muslims to rededicate themselves to good virtues and fervent prayers on the Day of Arafat,” the Sultan said.

He also reminded the faithful of the spiritual benefits of fasting on Arafat Day, saying it is a day Allah deeply cherishes, and one that offers a chance to atone for sins committed in the past and coming years.

The Sultan specifically highlighted ongoing security challenges — including renewed Boko Haram activity in the Northeast, rampant banditry in the Northwest, and unrest in the Northcentral region — as reasons why collective prayers are urgently needed.

Ram Prices Skyrocket Amid Insecurity and Border Closures

Meanwhile, preparations for Eid-el-Kabir celebrations have been met with frustration as ram sellers across Nigeria report skyrocketing prices due to insecurity and supply shortages.

In Abuja, traders at the Dei-Dei livestock market told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that insecurity in the North and the closure of Nigeria’s borders have severely impacted ram supply, leading to price hikes and low patronage.

“We mostly get these animals from Niger and other neighbouring countries. But with border closures, we’ve had to rely on local farmers, and their supply is limited,” said Malam Ahmed Mai-Samari, a livestock dealer.

Mai-Samari revealed that a ram which sold for ₦200,000 last year now costs ₦400,000 or more, pricing many ordinary Nigerians out of the festive tradition.

Prices vary by size:

Small rams: ₦150,000 – ₦190,000

Medium rams: ₦200,000 – ₦250,000

Large rams: ₦350,000 – ₦1,000,000

In Osun State, the story is no different. The Chairman of the Ram Sellers’ Association at Odo-Ogbe Market in Ile-Ife, Alhaji Akeem Salahudeen, said ram prices have soared to record levels, with some large rams now going for as much as ₦1.2 million.

NRC Boosts Train Services for Festive Rush

In response to the expected surge in travel during the Eid festivities, the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has announced additional train services and a special festive operation.

The Lagos-Ibadan Train Service (LITS) has been expanded with an extra trip today to ease passenger flow. The revised schedule is as follows:

Lagos to Ibadan:

8:00 a.m

1:55 p.m

New trip: 4:00 p.m

Ibadan to Lagos:

8:00 a.m

11:03 a.m

New trip: 4:46 p.m

The NRC has also activated a special service on the Warri-Itakpe corridor, which is usually closed on Thursdays for maintenance. Maintenance has now been moved to Sunday, June 8, to make room for the added demand.

The Abuja-Kaduna Train Service (AKTS) remains on its regular schedule, but with extra coaches to accommodate the anticipated increase in passengers.

Managing Director Dr. Kayode Opeifa assured Nigerians of a seamless travel experience and reiterated the corporation’s commitment to reliable, customer-focused services during and beyond the festive period.

Saudi Authorities Bolster Hajj Security

Meanwhile, in Saudi Arabia, where Nigerian pilgrims are observing Hajj, Lt.-Gen. Fayyadh Al-Ruwaili, Chief of the General Staff of the Saudi Armed Forces, has reaffirmed the Kingdom’s readiness to ensure a secure and peaceful Hajj experience.

Following directives from the Minister of Defence, Prince Khalid bin Salman, Al-Ruwaili reviewed the Air Force deployment at Arafat Airport. He confirmed that advanced surveillance, reconnaissance, and airspace security systems are in place to safeguard the holy sites.

A Call for Unity, Safety, and Faith

As the sacred Arafat Day coincides with the height of Eid preparations and growing economic challenges, the Sultan’s call for national prayers comes at a critical time. With insecurity, inflation, and transportation woes pressing heavily on the populace, Nigerians are being encouraged to not only reflect but also to unite — in prayer, patience, and purpose — for a better future.