In the spirit of the Eid al-Adha celebration, Nigerian leaders have joined Muslims all over the world to thank Allah for witnessing another celebration.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who is observing his first Eid al-Adha as president, joined other Muslim faithful in the Eid prayers at the Obalende Eid prayer Ground at Dodan Barracks, Victoria Island Lagos.
“I join Muslims in Nigeria and all over the world in observance of Eid-el-Kabir and in thanking Almighty Allah for the grace to witness another Eid. I wish you all a happy Sallah.” President Tinubu stated
President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio extends warm greetings to Muslims nationwide. He encourages them to uphold the fundamental principles of this occasion, namely love, obedience, and perseverance, as they partake in the festivities.
The senate President while assuring Nigerians, emphasized that all levels of government are diligently addressing the current economic hardship faced by the masses due to the removal of fuel subsidy.
He stated, “Under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, the administration is collaborating with relevant agencies to restore the nation to a path of prosperity and greatness.”
Akpabio, urging Nigerians to continue praying for the country’s leadership, expressed, “Regardless of political, religious, or ethnic affiliations, the leadership of this country requires prayers and support, as economic hardship affects everyone indiscriminately. It is a time for collective efforts to overcome this situation and benefit Nigerians at home and abroad.”
Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Labour Party, also urged Nigerians not to forget to use the Eid Kabir festivity to engender oneness.
In a statement, Obi said, “Every faithful patriot must continue to serve God and country selflessly. Let us use this year’s Eid-el-Kabir festivities to engender the spirit of oneness and also re-dedicate ourselves to the virtues of love, patriotism, and unity for the desired national development.”
Former vice president and presidential candidate of the PDP in the last election, Atiku Abubakar, also congratulated Muslims in Nigeria and across the world on this year’s celebration of the Eid-el-Kabir festival.
In a statement, Abubakar pointed out the significance of the celebration and urged Muslims to be patient with God.
He said, “I urge and remind Muslims of the obligation to follow the noble examples of Prophets Ibrahim (AS) and Mohammed (SAW) by being kind and generous to the people around them. The scriptures on all prophets of Allah are replete with good examples of how they related with everyone during their lifetimes.
“We are also enjoined to follow the footsteps of the prophets, especially Prophet Mohammed, which means that we must live our everyday life as a sacrifice, not just for our families but the communities where we find ourselves.
“Nigeria is currently in need of prayers. We must continue to ask God Almighty to show His blessings upon the country and elevate Nigeria to a path of peace, harmony, and prosperity.”
The Eid al-Adha celebration is one of the most important holidays in the Islamic calendar. It commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son Ismail (Ishmael) as an act of obedience to God’s command.
The holiday is a time for Muslims to come together to celebrate their faith, to show their gratitude to God, and to share their good fortune with others. It is also a time for reflection and introspection, as Muslims consider the meaning of sacrifice and its importance in their lives.