Barka da Sallah: A day of prayers, calls for sacrifice

DEPUTY Governor of Lagos State, Mrs. Oluranti Adebule, yesterday joined other Muslim faithful and prominent Nigerians including the former governors of Lagos, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and Mr. Babatunde Fashola, to observe the Eid el-Kabir prayers at Dodan Barracks, Obalende.

The Deputy Governor admonished Lagosians to use the occasion to reflect on the lessons of self-sacrifice and the observance of law and order. She urged Lagosians to continue to support the state government in its effort to move the state forward.

As early as 9am yesterday, faithful trickled in to various pr‎aying grounds across the metropolis to observe the prayers and rites. The clerics at various prayer grounds said the celebration calls for sober reflections and provides an opportunity to pray for peace and stability in the country.

At the Oluwanisola Estate in Ajah, home of foremost industrialist and chairman of Eleganza, Alhaji Rasak Okoya, faithful trooped in their hundreds to felicitate with the business mogul, friends and families.

Speaking with newsmen after offering prayers to celebrate Sallah, Okoya called on Nigerians to support the present administration in its effort to make the country a better place.

“I call on Nigerians to be patient with President Muhammadu Buhari and support him in his efforts to sanitise and stabilize the country. We all pray for peace and an end to the current Boko Haram insurgency in the northeast region. Insha Allah, our security forces will prevail and bring the insurgents to surrender,” he said.

It was, however, a low-keyed celebration across the state, which many faithful blamed on current economic realities and paucity of funds.