Senate President Godswill Akpabio has enjoined Muslims not to lose the essence of Eid-el-Kabir celebration, “which underscores submission to the will of the Almighty God and importance of sacrifice in daily life.”

In a Sallah message, yesterday, Akpabio rejoiced with President Bola Tinubu on marking the first Eid-el-Kabir as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. He also congratulated Vice President Kashim Shettima and Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila.

He appealed to fellow Nigerians “to look at the larger picture of expected outcomes, be patient with the new government, and give it their full support to take Nigeria out of the woods.”

He praised the resilience and patriotism of Nigerians in the face of current challenges facing the nation, promising that the 10th National Assembly will “ensure inclusivity, fairness and justice through legislations.”

On his part, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, urged Muslim faithful to use the celebration in reflecting on lessons such as sacrifice, love and peaceful coexistence. He also enjoined Nigerians to pray for success of the Tinubu administration as it works hard to deliver the Renewed Hope Agenda for unity and sustainable growth and development.

Former Vice President of Nigeria and presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in the 2023 general elections, Atiku Abubakar, also congratulated Muslims in a statement signed by his media office.

“The significance of the festival we are celebrating is about the profitability of being patient with God in our affairs as human beings, and most especially, as Muslims,” Atiku was quoted as having said.

He added: “The scriptures on all prophets of Allah are replete with good examples of how they related with everyone during their lifetime. We are also enjoined to follow the footsteps of the prophets, especially Prophet Mohammed, which means that we must live our everyday life as a sacrifice, not just for our families, but the communities where we find ourselves.”

Former Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, while congratulating Muslims, urged them to continue to pray to Allah to intervene in affairs of the country by restoring peace, unity, prosperity, security and development.

“I use this occasion to call on Nigerians to also continue to pray for our country. We need to continue to request our creator to turn things around for the better in Nigeria. We need God to help us conquer our economic, political, social and security challenges.

“I also urge our countrymen and women to demonstrate faith by ensuring that those who are privileged come to the aid of the less privileged and ensure that many people across the country can celebrate Sallah in a joyous mood and with food in their households,” he said.”

Former governor of Ekiti State and Chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, also extended felicitations to Muslims.

He said: “At this point, more than at any other in our country’s history, we require collaborative efforts of all Nigerians to overcome serious challenges of development. It is my hope and prayers that our Muslim brothers and sisters, in the spirit of the Salah celebration, will work across faith and community lines to help our country achieve goals of peace, unity and other developmental targets.”

Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) urged Muslims to imbibe values of sacrifice, love and obedience, which Eid-el-Kabir represents.

In a statement, CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, said: “We believe that Nigeria is stronger when we all work together and respect each other’s faiths and beliefs. CAN wishes to felicitate with our Muslim brothers and sisters on the occasion of Eid-el-Kabir. We join them in commemorating the values of sacrifice, love and obedience that it represents. Once again, we wish our Muslim brothers and sisters a happy celebration and pray that Almighty God will continue to bless our nation with peace, unity and prosperity.”

Ogun State governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, called on Nigerians to imbibe the spirit of selflessness, sacrifice and patriotism in the quest to build a virile and economically viable country.

Abiodun, in his message, said what Nigeria needs at this critical stage of her development is sacrifices, love and unity, adding: “The significance of this celebration should not be lost on every Nigerian. The new government, led by President Bola Tinubu, has introduced measures to launch the country on path to development. Some of these measures, including withdrawal of fuel subsidy, which are meant to curb wastages, require the sacrifice and cooperation of every citizen to make them work.”

He congratulated Muslims, urging them to follow examples of sacrifice and penitence laid down by Prophet Abraham.

His Enugu State counterpart, Dr. Peter Mbah, while felicitating with Muslim faithful, called on them and other Nigerians to make uncommon sacrifices for development of the country.

He urged them to sustain the spirit of the Sallah celebration, which encapsulates peace, love, unity, progress, neighbourliness, development and nation-building, even as he promised that his administration would be inclusive, encourage religious harmony and forge a common front for wellness of the society.