ABUJA – Eminent Nigerians, including President Bola Tinubu, the leadership of the National Assembly, governors, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, among others, have preached unity and called for prayers as Muslims mark the end of the Ramadan fasting.
Muslims in Nigeria, on Sunday, joined their counterparts across the globe to celebrate Eid-el-Fitr, marking the end of the Ramadan fasting.
This comes as the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, heightened security measures nationwide to ensure peaceful and hitch-free Eid-el-Fitr celebrations. Egbetokun said the NPF had deployed officers to strategic locations, including Eid prayer grounds, recreational centres, and other public spaces, to strengthen security.
Speaking on Sunday at the Eid Prayer Ground in Abuja, the President said, “We give thanks to Almighty Allah. We saw the beginning of Ramadan. We started together and ended together in good health and happiness.
“We said prayers for our country and all our people; we should continue the good deeds as taught by the holy month of Ramadan, care for the vulnerable, the orphans, and the less privileged; everything that we have observed, we should not revert to the path that is not acceptable with the teaching of this month. That’s what I pray for.”
At the National Eid Prayer Ground along the Airport Road, Tinubu joined fellow Muslims to observe the Eid-el-Fitr prayers marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan.
The President, who arrived minutes before 9am, was received by Vice President Kashim Shettima, the Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, and the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.
President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, hailed the Muslim faithful on the occasion of Eid-el-Fitri, as he urged them to pray for the unity of the country.
In a congratulatory message issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Eseme Eyiboh, in Abuja, Akpabio appealed to the Muslim faithful to pray and work for the unity of the country.
“As you celebrate the end of Ramadan and mark the occasion of Eid-el-Fitri, I send you my warmest felicitations on behalf of my family, constituents, the 10th Senate and the entire National Assembly.
“May this joyous occasion bring you peace, happiness, and spiritual renewal. May the blessings of Allah be upon you and your loved ones. As we celebrate, let us remember the values of compassion, kindness, and generosity that define the spirit of Ramadan,” he said.
The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Abubakar, called on Nigerians to remain united, offer prayers, and support their leaders in fostering national growth and development.
Speaking on Sunday at his palace, shortly after the Eid-El-Fitr prayers, the Sultan said, “As a nation, we must continue to pray for peace, stability, and the well-being of our leaders. Without unity and support, meaningful progress becomes difficult.
The Sultan urged citizens to pray fervently for the nation’s stability, as he commended security forces for their efforts.
“Our leaders are trying their best, and while we must hold them accountable, it should be done with respect and sincerity, not baseless condemnation,” he added.
Niger State Governor, Mohammed Bago, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, reminded Muslims of the teachings of the Quran and Hadith, which emphasised peace, love, discipline, and humility.
He pointed out that the worship of Allah is not limited to Ramadan but is a lifelong commitment.
The governor called on Muslims to use the period to also pray for enduring peace in Nigeria as a whole and Niger State in particular, as well as all the leaders to continue to serve humanity selflessly.
Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, urged Muslims to sustain the lessons and virtues learnt during Ramadan, including compassion, tolerance, and unity.
“I urge Muslims to sustain the lessons and virtues learnt during Ramadan, including compassion, tolerance, and unity, and to continue to live in peace and harmony with their fellow citizens of all faiths,” the statement read.
Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, in his goodwill message on Sunday, said, “Ramadan is a time when hearts are softened, generosity overflows and acts of kindness illuminate the path of the less privileged in our society.
“It reminds us that true wealth is not in material possessions but in the compassion and love we extend to one another.”
His Enugu State counterpart, Peter Mbah, added, “I congratulate our Muslim brethren on the successful journey of faith, sacrifice, and charity throughout the holy month of Ramadan and rejoice with them on the occasion of Eid-el-Fitr.
“It is my prayer that the virtues of faith, peace, love, mercy, tolerance, and sacrifice imbibed during the Ramadan fasting shall continue to enrich and underline our individual lives and bonding as one people.”
Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State, in a state-wide broadcast lamented that the challenges of insecurity over the years, particularly the menace of banditry.
He, however, maintained that his administration was working to restore peace and allow people to go about their normal businesses unhindered.
“Our administration remains fully committed to restoring security and ensuring that every citizen can live without fear,” he said.
Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, in his Eid-el-Fitr in a statement made available to newsmen in the state by his Chief Press Secretary, Ahmed Idris, said, “Fasting in the month of Ramadan is not only restricted to abstinence from eating, drinking, smoking and sexual intercourse, but it also entails being modest, humble, and exhibiting good character.
“As Muslims, we need to put into practice the lessons we have learnt from this holy month by being kind to one another, tolerating, accommodating, and extending hands of fellowship to the orphans, less privileged, downtrodden and vulnerable members of the society,” the governor stated.
Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Ebenezer Adeniyan, urged the Islamic faithful in the state to continue to embody the virtues of patience, love, compassion, and self-discipline cultivated during Ramadan.
He said, “I urge you to continue to embody the virtues of patience, love, compassion, and self-discipline cultivated during Ramadan.
“As we celebrate this season with you, may Allah shower His countless blessings upon you and your loved ones. Happy Eid-el-Fitr celebration.”
Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State appealed for prayers for the state’s continued peace, progress, and development, acknowledging the challenges faced by the state and its people.
“Eid-el-Fitr is a time for increased charity and generosity, sharing food, love, time, and respect with the poor and needy.
“As we celebrate with family, friends, and neighbours, please spare a thought for our dear state and pray for continued peace, progress, and development,” he said on his Facebook page.
