President Bola Tinubu, members of the National Assembly and state governors, among others on Tuesday preached hope and called for a unified effort from all Nigerians, especially the Muslim Ummah, towards building the nation.
The country leaders in the separate messages felicitated the Muslim faithful as they marked the end of the Ramadan fasting.
The Federal Government had declared Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday as public holidays to mark the Eid-el-Fitr celebration.
The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs under the leadership of its President-General and Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, declared Wednesday as the first day of Shawwal.
President Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, conveyed Tinubu’s Eid message in a statement he signed Tuesday titled ‘President Tinubu greets the Muslim Ummah at Eid-el-Fitr, calls for a union of will and action to build the nation.’
“We are the sculptor, and Nigeria is the clay; we build it the way we desire,” Tinubu said in his maiden Eid-el-Fitr message as President.
Ngelale noted that the President “felicitates the Muslim Ummah at Eid-el-Fitr, an auspicious occasion that signifies the end of Ramadan; a hallowed season which reflects total submission to God Almighty and to His command of sacrifice and service to humankind.
“The President greets the Muslim faithful in Nigeria and all around the world, praying that their supplications and sacrifices this season and even after will receive the fitting rewards from Almighty Allah.”
Lawmakers rejoice with Muslims
The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, congratulated Muslims in Nigeria for the successful end of 30 days of Ramadan fast.
Akpabio’s congratulatory message was contained in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Hon. Eseme Eyiboh.
He said, “On behalf of my family, the people of Akwa Ibom North West Senatorial District, and indeed the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I heartily rejoice with all the Muslims in Nigeria as they join their counterparts in other parts of the world to celebrate Eid El Fitri.
“I wish all of you a peaceful and sweet celebration and pray to the Almighty God to grant your heart desires.”
He added, “I therefore ask you to pray for your leaders and the peace and unity of our dear country. I believe with your prayers, Nigeria will overcome its current challenges.”
Similarly, the Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau, rejoiced with Muslims in the country on the successful completion of the Ramadan Fast.
Senator Barau, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ismail Mudashir, prayed to Allah (SWT) to accept supplications, prayers and the good deeds of the Ummah during the blessed Month.
Senator Barau said, “I want to use this opportunity to urge the citizens to remain united and commit themselves to intense prayers for the development of our country. We should all support and pray for the president, His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to succeed in turning the fortunes of our beloved country positively,” he added.
In his message, Senator Ahmad Lawan (Yobe East) called on Nigerians to pray for the success of the nation’s Armed and Security Forces as they continue to combat the various forms of insecurity across Nigeria.
Lawan, who chairs the Senate Committee on Defence, in his Eid message, charged Muslims to sustain the lessons learnt from the holy month; and continue to pray for peace, prosperity and unity of Nigeria.
The message read in part, “As we celebrate Eid el-Fitr and mark the end of Ramadan, let us remember to keep the spirit of Ramadan alive in our hearts and minds. Let us continue to pray for our armed and security forces to succeed over the numerous security challenges confronting our dear nation.”
Similarly, in their congratulatory message, the Southern Senators Forum enjoined all Muslims to seek the face of Almighty Allah on the challenges facing the nation.
The forum stated, “Our dear nation is passing through a phase in history that requires the cooperation and understanding of all well-meaning citizens.
“The raft of reforms and policy decisions of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and the proactiveness of the National Assembly, under the dynamic leadership of His Excellency, Senator (Dr.) Godswill Akpabio, in championing laws that will ensure socio-economic stability, growth and development, are all geared towards restoring our dear nation on the path of progress.”
Also, the chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriations, Senator Solomon Adeola, congratulated faithful Islamic religion adherents.
“Let us continue to renew our hope for a secure nation and a prosperous future for the citizenry under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. I am sure our prayers during the past month while fasting will be answered in due course” he stated.
The Chairman, Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance and other Financial Institutions, who is also the Chairman, Southern Senators’ Forum, Adetokunbo Abiru, extended his heartfelt greetings to the Muslim faithful.
In a statement by his media aide, Enitan Olukotun, in Lagos on Monday, Senator Abiru, “I urge my fellow Muslim brothers and sisters to remain steadfast on the righteous path exemplified by Ramadan, and to continue fostering peace, understanding, and cooperation within our communities.
“As we rejoice in the festivities, let us also remember to fervently pray for the prosperity and well-being of our beloved nation.”
Governors felicitate Muslims
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Suleiman Olanrewaju, prayed to Allah to accept the worship of the Muslim Ummah.
Makinde said, “I congratulate the Muslim Ummah in the state on witnessing the 1st Day of the Shawwal and the successful completion of the Ramadan fasting. It is my prayer that God accepts their worship as Ibadah and grants answers to all their prayers. I want to call on all Muslims and all residents to continue to make supplications for the country and the state.
“Let me also use this opportunity to charge the state residents to be watchful and vigilant before, during and after the Eid-el-Fitri celebrations.”
Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, in a statement signed by his Chief press secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye, congratulated the leader of the Muslim faithful in Kwara, the Emir of Ilorin, Dr Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari on the successful completion of the fasting period.
He urged the community to unite and avoid anything that may eat away the rewards of their fast or question their sincerity as devotees.
Similarly, former Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Professor Ali Ahmad, congratulated the Muslim faithful worldwide.
In his felicitation statement, issued by his media office’s spokesperson, Steve Makinde, in Ilorin on Tuesday, the former speaker said, “As we complete the 30-day fasting, I congratulate the Muslim Ummah on the occasion of the 2024 Eid-ul-Fitr celebration. While the Holy month of Ramadan is all about drawing oneself closer to Almighty Allah and bringing out the best in the life of the believers, I urge our brothers and sisters to imbibe the spirit of solidarity and deepen the acts of charity, and universal love.”
The Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, admonished Nigerians to have hope for a better Nigeria with prayers from both Christians and Muslims.
Governor Abiodun, in a statement to mark the Eid-el-Fitri celebrations, said, “I extend my warmest congratulations to our Muslim brothers and sisters on the occasion of the celebrations of Eid-el-Fitri. May this significant celebration of Ramadan’s end bring you and your families abundant blessings, love, peace, and unity.
“Let us take a moment to reflect on the lessons learned throughout the holy month of Ramadan and allow the spirit of Eid to guide our actions towards compassion, kindness, and understanding. Together, may we continue to build a thriving community where everyone feels valued and included.”
Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, felicitated Muslims in the state and the country in general on the celebration of Eid-El-Fitri, which marks the completion of the Ramadan fast.
The governor said, “It is only when peace reigns that Muslims and adherents of other religions can contribute meaningfully to the socio-economic development of the country.
“The holy month of Ramadan symbolises love, self-denial and sacrifice. As such, Muslims must sacrifice all their personal interests to seek truth and justice as the holy Quran teaches.”
Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr Hyacinth Alia, advised Muslims all over the country to uphold the lessons of kindness, forgiveness and sacrifice that the month of Ramadan teaches.
A statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Kula Tersoo, read in part, “Governor Alia advises Muslims Ummah to uphold the lessons of kindness, forgiveness and sacrifice which the month of Ramadan teaches and also pray for peace and development of Benue State.
“The Governor identifies insecurity and the unstable economy as major challenges standing against the speedy development of Nigeria and the state, calling on Muslims to always remember to put the state at the centre of their prayers.”
Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, also urged the Muslim faithful to continue to intercede in prayer for his administration, calling for unity and peaceful coexistence among residents of the state.
A release by Adeleke’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, on Tuesday, partly read, “Congratulations to my Muslim brethren for seeing yet another eid-el-fitr celebration. In the last 30 days, we have fasted and prayed for ourselves, family and our nation.
“I want to urge you all to keep praying for us, pray for our administration, prayers are never too much and the Yoruba people will always say what is already good needs prayer and the one that is yet to be, also needs prayer.”
Meanwhile, an ex-governorship aspirant on the platform of the People’s Democratic Party in the state, Dotun Babayemi, has advised that the lessons learnt during the month-long Ramadan period must not be allowed to be in vain by Muslims.
The Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, congratulated the Muslim community in the state as they celebrated Eid-el-fitr today.
The Governor, in his message to the Muslim community in the state, through his Chief Press Secretary, Ebenezer Adeniyan, said, “As the crescent moon appears, bringing to an end the holy month of Ramadan, I rejoice with our Muslim brothers and sisters on this year’s Eid-el-Fitr and urge them to also use this celebration to reflect on the lessons of Ramadan.
“As we celebrate with you, may Allah shower His countless blessings upon you and your loved ones. Happy Eid-el-Fitr celebration!”
On his part, the Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, felicitated with Muslims in Edo.
In his Eid-El Fitr message, Obaseki urged the Muslim faithful not to relent but to intensify prayers for the nation to overcome its current challenges.
Obaseki said, “As you celebrate this joyous occasion, I urge you to sustain the lessons of sacrifice and love learnt during the Ramadan fast. We are in very difficult times, and it would take a great deal of selflessness and love to be our brothers’ keeper. So, I urge you to go the extra mile in extending a hand of support to friends, relatives and acquaintances as we press on.”
Obi, Atiku, PDP congratulate Muslims
The Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, Peter Obi, urged Muslims to use the Eid-el-Fitr period to seek Allah’s intervention in the current situation facing the country.
Obi stated this in a statement issued by his Spokesperson, Dr Yunusa Tanko, on Tuesday, said, “The two major faiths Christianity and Islam coming out of their fasting period should allow the solemnity of the holy months to influence their thoughts and actions in relating with one another and thinking about the future of the country.
“It’s discomforting, the amount of blood being shed in this country daily and asked that the situation be taken to Allah for his prompt intervention.
“Our economy is already under severe stress, the currency is losing value daily, and unemployment and inflation are rising.”
Also, the acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Ambassador Umar Iliya Damagum, in a statement signed by his Senior Special Assistant, Hon Yusuf Dingyadi, enjoined Muslims to reflect on the Ramadan fasting lessons.
Damagun said, “We must forgive with sincerity of hope to one another in order to move ahead with committed efforts of building respect and dignity towards having a peaceful united Nigeria.”
The party chairman emphasised that Nigerians were in dire need of security, protection and guidance on their survival not bad governance and insensitive administrative decisions that are still making life difficult to an ordinary Nigerian
The 2023 presidential candidate of the PDP, Atiku Abubakar, congratulated Muslims in the country.
In a press release from his office on Tuesday, the ex-Vice President emphasised that the teachings of Ramadan fasting should continue to endure beyond the conclusion of the holy month.
The statement read in part, “He also noted that while this year’s Ramadan fasting was observed in a season of tough economic conditions, the forbearance with which Nigerian Muslims adopted it is a principle that the noble Prophet Muhammed (SAW) enjoins us to live by at all times.
“For many Nigerians who observed the mandatory Ramadan fasting this year, the reality of the harsh economic environment in the country put many families and individuals under intense pressure.
“But in the face of this daunting challenge, many people pulled through out of seeking piety. The completion of Ramadan should cause a reflection on those in positions of authority to show more compassion to the people.”
The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission, Rev Stephen Adegbite, urged Muslims in the country to foster inter-faith harmony, peace and love.
Adegbite made the call in a press release, signed by the Deputy Director and Head of Media and Public Relations, Celestine Toruka, on Tuesday, where he commended the Muslim Ummah on the successful completion of the fasting in the holy month of Ramadan.
The statement said Bishop Adegbite “emphasised the importance of continuing to uphold Nigeria and its leaders in prayer. He also urged Muslims to pray for the success of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Federal Government led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and to view the government as partners in progress”.
The NCPC boss also warned against anything that would undermine the nation’s interest “so that together we can all reap the dividends of democracy.”
Fayemi preach peace, tolerance
The immediate-past Governor of Ekiti State, Dr Kayode Fayemi, extended warm greetings to the Nigerian Muslim community on the Eid-el-Fitr celebrations.
According to a statement by Head, Fayemi Media Office in Abuja, Mallam Ahmad Sajoh, the former governor said the Eid-el-Fitr did not only signify the end of the month-long Ramadan fasting but embodied the spirit of unity, compassion and generosity.
He said, “During Ramadan, Muslims around the world demonstrated discipline, devotion, and resilience in observing their religious obligations. This commitment to faith is a source of inspiration and evidence of the strength of the human spirit.
“The Eid-el-Fitr celebration is a time to rejoice in the blessings of God and to reflect on the lessons of Ramadan and an opportunity to strengthen the bonds of unity, love, and brotherhood among all Nigerians, regardless of religious or ethnic differences.
‘’As we celebrate this occasion, let us remember those less fortunate and extend a hand of generosity and kindness to them. Let us also rededicate ourselves to the values of peace, tolerance, and understanding.”
