- President calls for love, charity to the vulnerable
- Sanwo-Olu, Dangote, others pay Salah homage to Tinubu in Lagos
- Buhari calls for increased food production
President Bola Tinubu has called on Nigerians to show more care for their neighbours and extend charity to all in the spirit of Eid-el-Kabir.
Speaking with journalists after Eid-el-Kabir prayers in Lagos on Sunday, the President said some level of sacrifice will be required to move the nation forward.
“We have been told by the Chief Imam how we can follow the path of sacrifice. The sacrifice required of a good citizen. Citizenship comes with responsibilities. As citizens, what do we need to do to be committed members of our society? Yes, that is sacrifice; loving your country. Loving your neighbours. Sharing what you have with each other. And to always be thankful to Almighty God,” the President said.
In his sermon, the Chief Imam of Lagos State, Sheikh Suleiman Oluwatoyin Abou-Nolla, who led the prayers, reiterated the need for more love, sacrifice and care for the poor and the vulnerable.
“Our leaders like the late Sir Ahmadu Bello, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, Funmilayo Ransome Kuti, to mention a few, sacrificed their knowledge, wealth, sweat, and even life, to the growth and development of the country we call ours today. All their activities and actions were geared towards nation-building.
“We must therefore ensure that their sacrifices are not in vain. It is incumbent on us to follow their footsteps to ensure that this nation, Nigeria, continues to grow in leaps and bounds,” he said.
The Chief Imam of Lagos urged citizens to pray that God Almighty grant the President the strength and wisdom to deliver on his vision for a better and prosperous nation.
The President, on Sunday, hosted a special gathering to commemorate the Eid-el-Kabir celebration at his Lagos residence.
This was made known by the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu in a statement on Sunday.
The event brought together guests, including Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat, Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, Lagos State Head of Service, Bode Agoro, and renowned businessman, Aliko Dangote.
Sanwo-Olu wrote, “Today, I attended a special gathering to commemorate Eid al-Adha at HE President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s residence in Lagos.
“Also present was Deputy Governor #drobafemihamzat, Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Dr. Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa, Lagos State Head of Service, Mr. Bode Agoro and Alhaji Aliko Dangote, the President of Dangote Group.”
Buhari calls for increased food production
In the same vein, former President Muhammadu Buhari has stressed the importance of self-reliance in food production.
Speaking after attending Eid prayers with the Emir of Daura, Katsina State, Faruk Umar Faruk, Buhari lauded the efforts of Nigerians who have turned to farming to mitigate rising food prices and ensure national food security.
This was contained in a statement by his media aide, Garba Shehu.
He appealed to citizens to continue striving for self-reliance by growing and consuming locally produced food.
He said, “I am wishing everyone a Happy Sallah. May this special festival bring joy, prosperity, and wonderful health to everyone. This is not the time to relent when we see prices going up. Let us buy what is produced in the country.”
The former president highlighted the foundational work of previous administrations in creating a prosperous and stable country, urging the youth to engage actively in nation-building and to draw inspiration from the country’s founding fathers and regional leaders.
Reflecting on the large gatherings at Eid celebrations, Buhari raised concern about unchecked population growth, warning that it poses significant future challenges.
“There is a need for greater discussion and awareness about this problem, as well as a need to invest more in education and health,” he stated.
He, however, encouraged Nigerians to support each other during these times, saying, “Considering the situation in the country, and in the spirit of the Sallah, let us help one another and be our brother’s keepers. I wish everyone a happy Sallah.”
Addressing members of the National Youth Service Corps, who visited him as part of their Sallah tradition, he praised the NYSC as a vital unifying force in Nigeria.
He lauded the scheme as one of General Yakubu Gowon’s greatest achievements and called on future administrations to continue strengthening it.
To mark the occasion, Buhari gifted a cow, 10 bags of rice and cash to the NYSC members.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has also called on Nigerians to use the occasion of this year Eid-el-Kabir to demonstrate sacrifice, love and peace.
Abubakar in a statement by his media office congratulated fellow Muslim faithful on the celebration of this year’s Eid-el-Kabir festival.
He said that the celebration of Eid, as stated in the scriptures, was not merely a fanfare but an admonition to the people to have forbearance and show compassion in every situation.
“The message of Eid al-Adha is to remind ourselves about the commandment of God to show love to one another and uphold peaceful interpersonal relationships,” he said.
Nigerian governors have equally congratulated their respective citizens as they celebrate Eid-El-Kabir, widely regarded as the feast of sacrifice by adherents of Islam.
Among them is Lagos Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who wants Nigerians to take some lessons from prophet Ibrahim’s exemplary life by eschewing tendencies that could disturb the peace, unity and stability in the country. and keep their hopes alive and continue to work for the unity, and progress of the nation.
He urged Lagosians and Nigerians, particularly the Islamic faithful, to continue on the path of spirituality and peaceful coexistence and imbibe the lessons of the sacrifice made by the prophet Ibrahim.
Eid-al-Adha is a symbolic event in the history of mankind, given the bountiful rewards that followed the patience and perseverance of Prophet Ibrahim, who held on tenaciously to his faith in God despite being afflicted,” Sanwo-Olu said in a statement by his spokesman, Gboyega Akosile.
“The festival is a reminder to us that there will always be great rewards when we have faith and patience during trying periods, persistence in prayers, and tenacity in our beliefs.
“As we celebrate this year’s Eid-el-Kabir, I want to urge all Lagosians and Nigerians in general to be hopeful of a better future.”
He also called on Nigerians to remain steadfast and have faith in the “Renewed Hope” agenda of the President Bola Tinubu-led All Progressives Congress administration.
In neighbouring Ogun State, Governor Dapo Abiodun emphasized the importance of submitting to the almighty God and prioritizing spiritual well-being over worldly desires.
In his goodwill message, he highlighted the significance of selflessness, compassion, and the willingness to make sacrifices for the sake of faith and the betterment of humanity.
Governor Abiodun called on Muslim Ummar to use the occasion of the eid-el-kabir celebration to reflect on the teachings of the prophet Ibrahim and strive to emulate his unwavering faith, obedience and dedication to serving the greater good.
“This special season serves as an important reminder to all adherents for total submission to the Almighty God and the need to prioritize spiritual well-being over worldly desires.
“It is also a period of sober reflection on the importance of selflessness, compassion, and the willingness to make sacrifices for the sake of our faith and the betterment of humanity,” he said.
The governor added that Sallah presents an opportunity for Muslims to gather with their families, strengthen their bonds, and share in the blessings of the festive period.
Joining his colleagues, Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde also called on Muslims to use the opportunity to rededicate themselves to the service of Allah and do good to humanity.
He equally charged them to use the occasion to make more supplications to Allah for continued peace and prosperity in Nigeria and Oyo state.
“As I have always said, our administration appreciates the support and prayers of the Muslim Ummah over the last five years,” Makinde was quoted in a statement by his spokesman, Moses Alao.
“But, we desire more support and prayers because the times we are in demand that we give more; more sacrifice, more prayers and more patriotism to our state and country.
“It is my prayer that Allah will accept our worship and reward our efforts,” Mr Makinde stated.
On his part, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa felicitated the Muslim community in Ondo State as they celebrated this year’s eid-el-kabir.
The governor, in his Sallah message, prayed that this year’s celebration would bring blessings, peace and prosperity to all Muslim faithful in the state.
While assuring the Muslim faithful of the fulfillment of promises made by his administration on inclusive governance, the governor urges them to continue to give the government the necessary support.
In Ebonyi, the state governor, Francis Nwifuru, urged the Muslim faithful to maximize the Sallah period and pray for peace, progress, unity and development of Nigeria.
Governor Nwifuru prayed for Allah’s blessings to fill their lives and usher them into an era of prosperity even as he wished them a long life.
He said every security arrangement has been perfected to ensure a hitch-free Sallah celebration.
To far-away North, Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, admonishes Muslims on the imperative and value of devotion, patience, and perseverance.
He reminded Muslims of the significance and values of Eid Kabir which is anchored on selflessness, love and compassion, urging them to use the occasion to show love and care to their families, and neighbours.
He also asked them to continue to pray earnestly for the peace and progress of Kaduna State and the country in general, saying the measures being put in place to actualise his sustained agenda in the state require the collective sacrifice and perseverance in bearing the pain therefrom.
For Adamawa Governor, Ahmadu Fintiri, despite the economic hardship Nigerians are going through, there will be light at the end of the tunnel.
He enjoined Nigerians to make good use of their diversity and have faith that they will soon overcome the current harsh economic challenges.
“Let us draw strength from our diversity and our shared humanity. Let us work together to build a brighter future for all,” Fintiri said in a Salah message by his Chief Press Secretary, Humhashi Wonosikou.
