* Let’s remain faithful to God and fatherland: Kwara Gov
The political leaders said the season calls for reflection of the core values of sacrifice, hope, love, devotion, and selflessness.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu; Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen; Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau; and state governors have joined millions of Muslim faithful to celebrate this year’s Eid-Al-Adha.
In separate statements, the political leaders emphasised the importance of unity, love and hope among Nigerians.
Muslims all over the world celebrate Eid-Al-Adha otherwise known as Eid-el-Kabir, a major religious festivity to commemorate the willingness of the Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son, Ismail, as an act of obedience to Allah. The celebration is marked with the slaughtering of rams and other animals.
President Tinubu who observed his eid prayer at Dodan Barracks Lagos described the season as “a time for gratitude to Almighty Allah for His countless mercies upon us as individuals and a nation”.
He said the season calls for a reflection of the core values of sacrifice, devotion, and selflessness that signify the season.
“Eid-Al-Adha also reminds us of our responsibilities beyond faith: to show resilience, tolerance, compassion, and dedication to the progress of our beloved country.
“Though the journey has not been easy, and some doubted our direction, the resilience of public and private sector leaders, along with the steadfast support of most Nigerians, is yielding results. I assure you that the toughest days are behind us. We are entering a new era of renewed hope and prosperity that we promised two years ago.
“We may not yet be where we aspire to be, but I urge all Nigerians not to lose hope. Let us hold on to our faith and persevere. Our reforms are gaining traction, with key economic indicators now moving in a positive direction. Soon, all will feel the benefits,” the President said.
Tinubu called for prayers for front-line officers, who risk their lives for the safety and security of all.
On his part, Speaker Abbas, who is taking part in this year’s Hajj in Saudi Arabia, urged the Nigerian Muslims to pray for the country, particularly the leaders.
The Speaker also implored them to imbibe the spirit of sacrifice, which is one of the hallmarks of the Eid-Al-Adha celebrations.
While extending the admonition to all Nigerians, Speaker Abbas called for personal and collective sacrifices for the nation towards its development and growth.
He said a period like this calls for renewed commitment to the worship of Allah (SWT), noting that with unity of purpose, Nigerians can prosper.
“Through prayers, selflessness, dedication, and renewed hope, we shall overcome our challenges as a nation,” the speaker said.
Abbas, therefore, urged Nigerians to see the current socio-economic situation as a temporary sacrifice towards a prosperous country under the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
Also speaking, the Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin, rejoiced with Muslims across the country on the occasion of Eid-El-Kabir, emphasising the importance of unity among citizens.
In a statement issued to journalists on Thursday in Abuja, by his special adviser on media and publicity, Ismail Mudashir, Senator Barau urged Muslims – and indeed all Nigerians – to use the occasion to pray for peace, unity, and the country’s progress.
Senator Barau, who is also the first Deputy Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, called on Nigerians to continue praying for the well-being of the country and to offer their full support to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that the President is genuinely working toward peace and the socio-economic prosperity of the nation.
“I wish Muslims, and indeed all Nigerians, a memorable Eid-Al-Adha. This season reminds us to obey Allah’s instructions, as exemplified by Prophet Ibrahim. True Muslims should adhere to peace, tolerance, justice, and charity.
“In the spirit of this season, irrespective of our faith, let us rededicate and commit ourselves to the dreams and aspirations of building a strong, united, and economically sound country.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has demonstrated strong leadership and genuine commitment in addressing our country’s challenges. Over the past two years, he has made considerable progress in tackling security issues and stimulating the economy. By the grace of God, the fruits of these efforts will benefit all. We are on the path to prosperity,” he said.
Prayer is the key to our success: Gov Zulum
Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum urged citizens of Borno and others to use the festive period to remember the troops on the frontlines and all those who continue to sacrifice their lives for the region’s stability.
He vowed to intensify efforts to strengthen security in all resettled local government areas. He emphasised that the state government will maintain close collaboration with the federal government, the Armed Forces, and other security agencies to achieve sustainable peace.
“Prayer is the key to our success,” he remarked. “A few weeks ago, I called for a special day of prayer and fasting, which received overwhelming support. This demonstrates our collective resolve to end this conflict.”
Zulum reassured the people that his administration would not rest on its oars until security is restored in the entire state.
Let’s remain faithful to God and fatherland: Kwara Gov
Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, who is also in Saudi Arabia for Hajj 2025, extended warm congratulations to the people of the state, especially the Muslim community, on the occasion of Eid-al-Adha.
He specifically sent hearty felicitations to the Emir of Ilorin and Chairman of the State Council of Chiefs Dr. Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, CFR, on the Eid celebrations.
The Governor, in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mal Rafiu Ajakaye, urged Nigerians including Kwara citizens “to remain steadfast in their faith in God and our shared commitment to the Nigerian project”.
“Let us continue to promote peaceful coexistence, support sustainable development efforts, and reject anything that undermines the growth and unity of Nigeria, our fatherland,” he said.
The Governor said Eid-al-Adha symbolises the rewards of unwavering faith and total reliance on God, as well as the fulfillment of divine covenants — values exemplified in the lives of Prophets Ibrahim and Muhammad (peace be upon them).
“I wish everyone a blessed Eid and many more years of good health and happiness. As we celebrate, I encourage us all to continue supporting President Bola Tinubu and our administration, while staying faithful to God and the unity and collective wellbeing of our communities,” he added.
Sanwo-Olu preaches peace, love among Nigerians
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, called on residents of Lagos and Nigerians at large—particularly Muslim faithful—to embrace peace, love, and unity as they celebrate Eid-el-Kabir.
Similarly, Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, described prayer as a path to attaining growth and development in any society. He also advised the general public to pray individually and collectively for peace to reign.
The governor called on Muslims to use the Sallah period to mend some moribund relationships for the good of society.
In a message released on Thursday through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Gboyega Akosile, Governor Sanwo-Olu congratulated Muslims across Nigeria, especially in Lagos, on the occasion of Eid-al-Adha, also known as the Feast of Sacrifice.
Sanwo-Olu urged Muslims to reflect on the values of sacrifice, patience, and unwavering faith demonstrated by Prophet Ibrahim (AS), emphasizing the importance of working toward the unity, peace, and progress of Lagos State and the nation.
“On behalf of my family and the Government of Lagos State, I wish all our Muslim brothers and sisters in the State and in Nigeria a happy and peaceful Eid-el-Kabir celebration,” he said.
He noted that Eid-al-Adha holds great symbolic significance in Islam, highlighting the bountiful rewards that followed Prophet Ibrahim’s perseverance and faith in God during trying times.
“This symbolic Islamic celebration reminds us that great rewards follow patience, steadfastness, and enduring faith, especially in difficult periods.”
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