By Johnbosco Agbakwuru

President Bola Tinubu, Vice-Presidet Kashim Shettima, former President Muhammadu Buhari, governors, Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, and others, yesterday, felicitated with Muslim faithful across the country on the celebration of Eid-el-Kabir and called for peace and sacrifice.

In their separate messages, they urged Nigerians to imbibe the teachings of Prophet Muhammadu by showing love and making sacrifices, for the peace of the nation.

Imbibe spirit of sacrifice — Tinubu urges Nigerians

In his Sallah message, President Bola Tinubu urged Nigerians to follow the path of sacrifice, be good citizens and show kindness to one another, especially during this period of economic downturn.

Speaking after observing the Eid Prayer held at the Dodan Barracks Praying Ground, Obalende, Lagos, Tinubu, stated that as part of the sacrifice, Nigerians should be committed citizens, love their country, their neighbors and share whatever they have with others which is the essence of Eid-el-Kabir.

He said that the Eid-el-Kabir symbolises sacrifice, faith and adherence to the will of the Almighty Allah.  

Tinubu, added that it is the responsibility of every Nigerian to be a very committed member of the society. “It is all about sacrifice, loving your country, loving your neighbor, sharing what we have with each other and being thankful to Almighty God that’s all,” he said.

“The essence of celebrating Eid-el Kabri is about perseverance and complete surrender to the will of Almighty Allah, our creator”. He further encouraged Nigerians to remain patient and persevere, assuring that their patience and trust in the government would be rewarding.”

VP Shettima prays for peace, bumper harvest

On his part, Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima in his short remarks after praying at Eid ground Ramat Square in Maiduguri yesterday prayed for peace and bumber harvest in this year’s cropping season.

He said: “I want to use this opportunity on behalf of the President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu to urge Nigerians to pray for peace and prosperity in the land.We have to cultivate and embrace peace, because there can never be development without peaceful co-existence. “This is farming period, therefore we also need to pray for bumber harvest”. 

Buhari makes case for increased food production 

Former President Muhammadu Buhari has appealed to all Nigerian citizens to make the country self-reliant and grow their food. 

Speaking to journalists shortly after joining Emir of Daura, Dr Faruk Umar Faruk, to observe the Eid prayer at the township Eid ground yesterday, the former president said “I am Wishing everyone a Happy Sallah. May this special festival bring joy, prosperity and wonderful health to everyone.

A statement issued by Mallam Garba Shehu, quoted Buhari as saying, “I use this occasion to make an appeal to all citizens to make Nigeria self-reliant. Let us grow our own food. We have shown that we can do it. This is not the time to relent when we see prices going up.

“Let us buy what is produced in the country. The foundation of a prosperous and stable country has been laid by successive governments, and I encourage our youth, in particular, to continue to play an active role in various nation-building efforts.

Embibe teaching of Prophet Muhammad — Emir Sanusi

On his part, the 16th Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, also called on the Muslim ummahs to imbibe the teachings of the Holy Prophet Muhammad, which emphasizes on helping the needy, especially during Eid Adha celebrations.

Sanusi II who made the call during his sermon after leading the two rakat Eid prayers at Sheikh Ahmad Tijjani Juma’at mosque in Kofar Mata, Kano, also urged the public to intensify prayers for peaceful coexistence in Kano and the nation at large.

Yusuf harps on help for needy

Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State yesterday called on Muslim ummahs to imbibe and extend hands of support or help to the needy.

According to him, “I use this occasion to call on all of us to be our brothers keepers and the spirit of giving which defines the Sallah season be exemplified by all of us. Let us share what Allah bless us with,” Governor Yusuf said.

Otu calls for unity, compassion

Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River state yesterday enjoined Muslim faithful to imbibe the values of sacrifice, unity and compassion as ingredients necessary to build a greater and prosperous Cross River State and by extension, Nigeria.

In a goodwill message released by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Linus Obogo, to mark the Id-el Kabir celebration, Governor Otu stressed the significance of the occasion, noting that “it serves as a reminder of the diverse and resilient state that everyone of us is a part of.” The governor noted that “It is a time for reflection on shared traditions and aspirations that bind us together.”

Spread love, Alia tells Muslims

 Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State yesterday in his Sallah message urged Muslim faithful to always spread the message of love, sacrifice, tolerance and unity as preached by the Holy Prophet as they commemorate this year’s Eid-el-Kabir.

The Governor in a massage by his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula described the Eid as a significant spiritual event in the Muslim Calendar and urged them to “continue to pray and support his administration and that of the President Tinubu-led Federal Government, as it strives hard to fulfil its electoral mandate to the people.

Oborevwori urges peaceful coexistence

On his part, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State  urged Nigerians, regardless of their faith or ethnic group, to keep up their peaceful coexistence and  love and care for one another. 

The Governor, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, said, “We must use the Eid-el-Kabir celebration to reflect further and pray for our country to overcome the many problems confronting it. As we work to solidify the reigns of administration throughout the nation, let’s continue to live in harmony and cooperate with all tiers of government. 

“I implore everyone of you to ensure that, as we rejoice, let us all learn to be our brothers’ keeper by promoting peaceful coexistence amongst people of different tribes and religious beliefs.”

Imbibe lessons of sacrifice — Adeleke tells Nigerians

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke has called on Muslims to imbibe the lessons of sacrifice which eid-el-adha teaches.

In a congratulatory message to Muslim faithful in the state, he said, “Let us use this period to uphold the spiritual benefit of the celebration by sharing love and togetherness across all divides, while not forgetting to seek the face of Allah for continous peace and progress of Osun state and Nigeria as a whole.

“As a government, we are taking the lead on sacrifice in order to bring about a better situation for the people as exemplified by Prophet Ibrahim (ASW), and I urge the people to exercise this same attitude so as to achieve a better condition in the social, economic, and political landscape of not just Osun state but also Nigeria. 

Mbah harps on love, 

sacrifice

Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah in his sallah message, noted that the present socio-economic challenges would ultimately abate through the collective sacrifice and commitment to nation-building by all Nigerians.

He said, “I extend warm greetings to our Muslim brothers and sisters in Enugu State in particular and across the nation on this occasion of Eid el-Kabir.

“As we celebrate, let us also reflect on and imbibe the essence of sacrifice, charity, love, service, peace, unity, humility, and submission to the command of God that this occasion represents.

Nwifuru calls for prayer, peace, progress

Governor of Ebonyi State, Francis Nwifuru in his message urged the Muslim Ummah to maximize the Sallah period and pray for peace, progress, unity, and development of Nigeria.

The governor in a statement by his Chief press secretary, Dr Monday Uzor said,“May I on behalf of the Government and people of Ebonyi State wish all our Muslim Brothers and Sisters Barka de Sallah”.

AbdulRazaq prays for peace, progress

Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq yesterday prayed  that Allah should make peace, unity, and progress permanent features of the state and Nigeria, urging citizens to unite and work for a better country.

In a short interview after observing the Eid prayers, in Ilorin on Sunday, the Governor said: “Yesterday, the Amirul Hajj for Kwara, Senator Ibrahim Yahaya Oloriegbe, reached out to me from the Holy land and asked for my prayer points. I said my prayer for Nigeria is unity, peace, and progress. 

“Today, my message is same: unity, peace, and progress. For those of us who have seen today, we say AlhamduliLlaah. For those who have departed, we say may Allaah grant them Al-jannah Firdaus.”

Makinde preaches cohesion 

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State in his Sallah message yesterday  urged Nigerians to remain committed to the growth and development of the nation and emphasized  the importance of cohesion and unity during this period of celebration.

Speaking on the Eid-el-Kabir celebration in Ibadan, Makinde, who was represented by his deputy, Bayo Lawal, acknowledged the challenges that the nation has faced in recent times, but urged citizens to use the holiday as a reminder of the strength of Nigeria when united.

He said: “Eid-el-Kabir is a time to reflect on the virtues of sacrifice, kindness, and mercy, all of which are essential to building a thriving nation. Let us use this holiday as an opportunity to reaffirm our dedication to the growth and development of Nigeria.”

Idris harps on sustained prayers, unity, respect for authorities 

Kebbi State Governor, Dr Nasir Gwandu on his part, called on  people to sustain fervent prayers for lasting peace and unity to the state and Nigeria in general.

He said: “We also need to pray for the even socio-economic development of our own dear state and the nation. We are also fully committed to consolidating our myriad  achievements recorded in the last one year.

“We will remain unwaveringly committed to fulfilling our own side of the social contract with the people of Kebbi State. Our modest achievements recorded so far would not have been possible without the routine support and prayers from all the cross sections of the people of the state.

Mutfwang calls for fervent prayers for peace, unity 

Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang on his part, urged Muslims to devote time to reflect deeply on the virtues of love, peace, charity, tolerance, and commitment to peaceful co-existence in Plateau and Nigeria.

He said: “I heartily rejoice with the Muslim Ummah on this unique occasion which reminds us of the virtues of sacrifice and total submission to the will of God Almighty. As we celebrate this event, I encourage all of us to devote time to reflect on the values of love, charity, and selflessness and walk towards building a more united and peaceful Plateau State.”

Let’s unite for a better Nigeria — CAN  President

The President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, yesterday called for unity and peace among Nigerians, urging citizens to embrace sacrifice, obedience, and faith.

In a statement, Okoh said, “As Muslims all over the world celebrate Eid-el-Kabir, a festival symbolizing sacrifice, obedience, and faith, I urge all Nigerians to embody these values in our daily lives. Let us set aside our differences and heed the call for unity and peace.

“Our nation is in dire need of God’s mercy, peace, and unity. Let us unite in love, forgiveness, and reconciliation. Let us pray for divine intervention in our security, economic, and political struggles.” 

*Olasunkanmi Akoni, Peter Duru, Demola Akinyemi, Luminous Jannamike, Ndahi Marama, Bashir Bello, Shina Abubakar, Ochuko Akuopha & Marie-Therese Nanlong also contributed to this report.

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