As the Muslim community celebrates Eid-el-Kabir, prominent Nigerian leaders, including President Bola Tinubu, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, House of Representatives Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, and various state governors, have extended warm wishes to Muslims across the country.
The Nigerian Hajj Commission (NAHCON) also joined in the celebrations, offering special prayers for President Tinubu and the nation on Arafat Day.
Eid-el-Kabir, which honors Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son, is a significant event in the Islamic calendar. In their messages, the leaders emphasized the importance of sacrifice, obedience, and generosity, urging Muslims to embody these virtues in their daily lives to promote unity, peace, and progress in Nigeria. They also prayed for the country’s prosperity, security, and stability.
President Tinubu, through his spokesman Chief Ajuri Ngelale, encouraged Nigerians to reflect on the essence of the occasion. He stressed that sacrifice and duty are essential for nation-building and called for collective purpose and action to bring about significant change. Tinubu urged citizens to pray for the nation’s continuous unity, peace, progress, and stability.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar described the occasion as “a celebration of God’s love and mercy to mankind.” He called on Nigerians, especially those in authority, to embrace compassion, love, and sacrifice, drawing lessons from Prophet Ibrahim. Atiku emphasized the importance of trust in God and extending compassion to the vulnerable.
Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, encouraged Nigerian Muslims to draw strength from Prophet Ibrahim’s teachings amid ongoing hardships. He highlighted the importance of faith, courage, and willingness to sacrifice for the greater good, urging people to be sources of hope and support.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio noted that Eid-el-Kabir signifies sacrifice and joy, advising Nigerians to make necessary sacrifices for a better future. He acknowledged the struggles many face and appealed for patience, assuring that better days are ahead.
Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin urged Muslims to demonstrate the true spirit of the season by reaching out to the needy and seeking Allah’s grace for the country’s peace, unity, security, and prosperity. House Speaker Abbas Tajudeen called for total submission to higher authority, sacrifice, and charity, urging Nigerians to be their brother’s keeper.
Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu reminded people that sacrifice is central to the celebrations and encouraged them to avoid selfishness, embodying Prophet Mohammed’s teachings of moral excellence and compassion.
Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki emphasized perseverance, good neighborliness, and sacrifice for a progressive society. He called for virtues that promote peace, unity, and sacrifice, reflecting on the nation’s current state.
Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq urged Muslims to reflect on Hajj’s lessons and related virtues like patience, sacrifice, and faith in God. Ogun State Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun highlighted the significance of selflessness, compassion, and willingness to sacrifice for faith and humanity’s betterment.
Katsina State Governor Dikko Radda called for celebration with compassion and selflessness, focusing on strengthening community bonds. Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu urged continued spirituality, peaceful coexistence, and adherence to Prophet Ibrahim’s teachings.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) encouraged Muslims to strengthen their dependence on God’s mercies and reinforce unity, love, respect, and patriotism.
Meanwhile, at Arafat, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) offered prayers for Nigeria and President Tinubu’s administration. Scholars from the Ulama Committee of NAHCON prayed against insecurity and for national unity and economic development.
