During the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations, governors and community leaders in Nigeria stressed the importance of sacrifice through acts of charity and kindness to foster peace and progress in the nation.
Muslims gathered at various Eid grounds to mark the occasion, which commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s obedience to Allah’s command to sacrifice his son.
In Ilorin, the capital of Kwara State, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, joined worshippers in offering prayers for continuous peace in the country.
Governor AbdulRazaq prayed for lasting peace, unity, and progress in Kwara and Nigeria, urging citizens to come together and strive for a better nation.
“My prayer for Nigeria is unity, peace, and progress,” Governor AbdulRazaq shared, emphasizing the need for unity and progress in the country.
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, encouraged Muslims to promote tolerance, sacrifice, and perseverance during the festive period, reflecting the values exemplified by Prophet Ibrahim.
Similarly, Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Yahaya, called on leaders to embrace the festival’s lessons of sacrifice and obedience for the benefit of the people, emphasizing the universal significance of Eid-el-Kabir.
In Delta State, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori urged Muslims to embody the principles of selflessness demonstrated by Prophet Mohammed, promoting a spirit of sacrifice, love, and harmony.
Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, called for love, unity, and sacrifice to propel the nation toward progress, highlighting the importance of collective efforts in overcoming challenges.
Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed, emphasized the need for self-reflection and spiritual growth during Eid-el-Kabir, advocating for peaceful co-existence and interpersonal relationships.
Governor Usman Ododo of Kogi State reaffirmed his commitment to securing lives and property, vowing to maintain a safe environment against criminal activities.
Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, called on Muslims to embrace love, peace, and patriotism, underscoring his administration’s dedication to non-discrimination and peaceful co-existence among all Nigerians.
The Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba Adeyemo Adejugbe, offered prayers on Sunday for a blessed, peaceful, prosperous, and safe Eid-el-Kabir for all Nigerians. He emphasized the importance of fostering peaceful co-existence and progress in the country through this celebration.
Emphasizing that the current challenges facing the nation are conquerable through the collective prayers of its people, Oba Adejugbe urged citizens to be kind and supportive of the weak and vulnerable in society.
Reflecting on the story of Prophet Ibrahim and his unwavering faith, Dr. Bukola Saraki, the President of the 8th Senate and former Governor of Kwara State, highlighted the lessons of faith, obedience, and sacrifice. He stressed the significance of these virtues, especially in the face of Nigeria’s current economic realities.
Urging Nigerians to pray fervently for the nation and its leaders, Saraki called on Allah to guide them towards decisions that promote prosperity, peace, and development.
Similarly, Senator Saliu Mustapha, representing Kwara Central in the National Assembly, praised Muslims during the Eid-el-Kabir celebration and emphasized the importance of values such as sacrifice, obedience, and faith exemplified by Prophet Ibrahim.
Senator Ireti Kingibe from the Federal Capital Territory extended warm wishes to Nigerians, particularly Muslims, on Eid-el-Kabir. She urged leaders to emulate the virtues of sacrifice embodied by Prophet Ibrahim and called for bridging the gap between the rich and the poor in society.
Former House of Representatives member, Shina Peller, advocated for kindness and peaceful co-existence among Nigerian Muslims and individuals of other faiths. He emphasized the importance of goodwill, compassion, and unity in the diverse Nigerian populace.
Dr. Muhammad Idris, the Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Almajiri and Out-of-School Children’s Education, highlighted the necessity of renewed dedication to educating all children in the country, especially those out of school. He praised efforts to address the challenges faced by Almajiri and out-of-school children in Nigeria.
The Muslim community in Anambra State, represented by Sarkin Hausa of Awka, Alhaji Haruna Garuba, and Alhaji Gidado Sidikki from Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, called for peaceful co-existence in the region. They emphasized reflection, prayer for harmony, and living in harmony with host communities.
The celebration of Eid-al-Adha signifies Prophet Ibrahim’s obedience to Allah by being willing to sacrifice his son, Isma’il. It serves as a reminder to Muslims of submission to the will of Allah and the importance of gratitude and forgiveness amidst challenges and insecurities.