Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Thursday called on Muslims in Nigeria to imbibe the values of sacrifice, love and continue to foster unity as they join their counterparts worldwide to celebrate this year’s Eid-el-Kabir festival.
In his Sallah message signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Habib Aruna, Governor Ambode said the period of the celebration was a clarion call for Nigerians to imbibe the lessons of the season such as selfless service to God and humanity, sacrifice and sincere commitment to righteous conducts in their private and public life.
He explained that the significance of the season should be beyond the festivities, adding that as Muslims prepare to offer animal sacrifice in the prescribed days of the festival, the real essence was not in the meat or the blood of the animal but to encourage piety, self-discipline and sacrifice.
Governor Ambode therefore called on all Nigerians to exhibit these values for the good of the country and shun any act capable of heating up the polity or causing distrust among various ethnic groups in the country.
“As we celebrate this auspicious occasion, let us renew our faith in our nation and implore the Almighty God to restore to us those values that place high premium on human life, love of neighbour and sharing even as we ventilate our faith in the unity of our dear country”, the Governor said.
“This period requires more patience, fortitude, tolerance, endurance, patriotism and a greater willingness to make personal sacrifices for the good of all,” he said.
The Governor also thanked Lagosians for supporting his administration, assuring that the Government would continue to do its best to serve the people and promote fairness and mutual tolerance among the populace, irrespective of backgrounds.
While wishing all Lagosians, especially adherents of the Islamic faith a happy Eid-el-Kabir celebration, Governor Ambode enjoined Nigerians in other parts of the country to continue to be their brothers’ keeper.
Also, Governor Godwin Obaseki, in his Sallah message said, “As our Muslim brothers and sisters celebrate Eid-el-Kabir today, I offer my felicitations on behalf of the government and good people of Edo State.
“We have put in place measures to guarantee that everyone is secure in the state during the celebrations of this very significant event.
“I urge you all to rededicate yourselves to the service of Almighty Allah and continue to manifest the essence of Eid-el-Kabir, which is obedience to God’s command and the expression of love towards all.”
In the same vein, Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal of Sokoto has urged Nigerians to imbibe the spirit of godliness, charity, perseverance and spiritual intercession for the nation as the country celebrates Eid-el-Adha.
In a message to commerate this year’s Eid-el-Adha sallah celebration issued by his spokesman, Malam Imam Imam in Sokoto Thursday, Tambuwal further urged his countrymen and women to always promote acts that enhance national integration and brotherhood.
He described the Sallah period as one that honours the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son to show submission to Allah’s command.
“As we’ve read from the Glorious Qur’an, just when Ibrahim was about to kill his son Ishmael, the Almighty Allah (SWT) put a sheep in his place. As such, we Muslims use Eid ul-Adha to celebrate Prophet Ibrahim’s complete obedience to the will of Allah and as a reminder of our own willingness to make sacrifices in obedience to God,” he added.
Tambuwal assured the citizens of Sokoto of his determination to make the state a model for good governance, security of lives and property and economic prosperity.
“Our determination to make impact in critical sectors like education, health, agriculture, water supply, rural development among others remains unshaken. I assure you that this administration will continue to prioritise the welfare of the citizens. We will continue to find lasting solutions to the challenges confronting us. We will continue with practical steps to impact on the lives of our citizens. The commendations we have received from far and near will only spur us to do more,” he added.
While wishing all Nigerians, especially those of Islamic persuasion a happy sallah celebration, the Governor appealed to them to continue their prayers for total healing of President Muhammadu Buhari.
