Nigerian Muslims on Sunday thronged various prayer grounds across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja to observe the Eid-el-Fitr celebration together with millions of others around the world
This follows the announcement by the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, on Saturday evening that the crescent moon for Shawwal 1446 AH had been sighted.
Muslim News gathered that the sighting of the moon from various locations across the country brings an end to the 29-day Ramadan fast in Nigeria.
Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu joined the Muslim faithful at the National Eid Prayer Ground in Abuja to observe the two-unit congregational Eid prayer.
He was received by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, among other senior government officials, who were already on seat before the President’s arrival.
The prayer at the National Eid Prayer Ground Abuja was led by Sheikh Abdulkadir Salman Sholagberu, one of the Imams of the National Mosque Abuja and Mallam Ubandoma of Ilorin Emirate.
Speaking after the Eid prayers, President Tinubu called on Nigerians to uphold the virtues of love, compassion and charity, particularly towards the vulnerable.
He also emphasised the importance of maintaining the values cultivated during the holy month.
“We should give thanks to the Almighty Allah. We saw the beginning; we started together and ended together in good health and happiness, in prayers for our country and all our people,” Tinubu stated.
He urged Nigerians not to abandon the lessons of Ramadan but to continue acts of kindness and selflessness.
Lagos Deputy Gov tasks Muslims on compassion, togetherness
The Eid prayers also held simultaneously in different states of the country. In Lagos, the Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, joined other Muslims at the Dodan Barracks Prayer Ground where the Chief Imam of Lagos, Sheikh Suleiman Abou-Nolla urged Muslims to carry forward the lessons of the holy month.
Dr. Hamzat encouraged Muslims to continue practicing compassion and empathy, ensuring that the spirit of Ramadan extended beyond the fasting period.
He explained that the essence of fasting, as stated in the Holy Qur’an, was for piety, worship, and belief in God’s statements and books, also highlighted that the Qur’an emphasised compassion and empathy toward fellow human beings.
Imam Suleiman Abou-Nolla urged the faithful to cultivate togetherness, seeking to become better Muslims, citizens, and human beings, just as he emphasised the importance of unity, discipline, and patience.
Let’s be our brothers’ keepers, Kwara govt tells Muslims amid peaceful eid
In Kwara, a section of the Muslim community gathered at the Ilorin Central Prayer Ground for the Eid-el-Fitr prayers. The prayer was led by the Chief Imam of Ilorin Sheikh Muhammad Bashir Solihu.
A delegation led by Majority Leader of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Hon. Abdulkadir Oba Magaji, represented Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq at the central prayer ground.
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, who usually leads the delegation, is away in Saudi Arabia to perform the Lesser Hajj.
“We urge all Kwarans and Nigerians to imbibe the lessons of Ramadan in the intervening months. We should be our brothers’ keepers, be peaceful in our conduct, and pray for peace and stability of Kwara State and Nigeria at large,” Oba Magaji told reporters after the prayers.
Magaji called for continued support of Nigerians for the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor AbdulRazaq, saying: “with your support, Mr. President and the Governor are going to lead us to the promising land.”
The Emir congratulated all sons and daughters of the Emirate and the people of the state for the successful completion of fasting and a peaceful eld.
He prayed for the safe return of Governor AbdulRazaq from the holy land, and commended the administration’s giant strides and the commitment to peace.
Gov Zulum reaffirms commitment to safety, security
Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, also extended his heartfelt congratulations to Muslims in the state on the successful completion of the Ramadan fast.
Governor Zulum, who is currently in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, for the Lesser Hajj, described the month of Ramadan as a time of Allah’s boundless mercy that strengthens the spiritual well-being of the faithful. He urged Muslims to embrace the spirit of sacrifice, righteousness, and charity, particularly in helping those in need.
In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Dauda Iliya, Governor Zulum reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to prioritising the security, safety, and well-being of the people of Borno State.
This resolve is reflected in the recent distribution of operational vehicles and motorcycles to security agencies aimed at bolstering surveillance and maintaining law and order throughout the state.
“I assure the good people of Borno that my administration will continue to invest in the security sector, rebuild communities, resettle internally displaced persons and refugees, and provide livelihoods for the betterment of all our citizens,” the Governor emphasised.
Governor Zulum also called on the people of Borno to remain vigilant and to cooperate with security forces in their collective efforts to rid the state of insurgency and other criminal activities.
Kano, Niger govs call for unity
Governors Abba Yusuf of Kano State and Mohammed Bago of Niger State, who prayed at different locations in their respective states, extended their heartfelt felicitations, urging citizens to uphold the values of peace, unity, and justice.
In a statement by his spokesperson, Sunusi DawakinTofa, Yusuf called on Muslims to sustain the virtues of patience, compassion, and unity cultivated during Ramadan.
He emphasized the need for continued sacrifice and selflessness, urging citizens to “support the less privileged and promote harmony in their communities.”
Similarly, Mohammed Bago, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary Bologi Ibrahim, congratulated Muslims worldwide on the successful completion of Ramadan and the Eid-el-Fitr celebrations.
He reminded them that the teachings of the Quran and Hadith are “centred on peace, love, discipline, and humility,” emphasizing that “the worship of Allah is not only observed during Ramadan fast but for lifelong.”
Muslim News reports that the Eid-el-Fitr was also observed today in several Muslim countries of the world, including Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Turkey, Qatar, among others.
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