The Cross River State Government, the Edo State Deputy Governor, Dennis Idahosa, and Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State have congratulated Muslim faithful, particularly those resident in their states, on the occasion of the 2026 Eid-el-Kabir celebration, urging them to sustain the virtues of sacrifice, tolerance, love, and peaceful coexistence.
 
In a statement signed by the Cross River State Commissioner for Information, Dr Erasmus Ekpang, the state government described Eid-el-Kabir, also known as Eid-el-Adha, as the biggest religious festival in Islam and a significant reminder of total submission and obedience to the will of Allah.
 
He noted that the celebration commemorates Allah’s instruction to Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son, Ismail, as an act of faith and devotion, stressing that the festival symbolises sacrifice, steadfast belief, humility, and complete allegiance to God.
 
According to the government, Muslims should use the occasion to reflect on the exemplary life of Prophet Ibrahim by embracing good character, kindness, patience, perseverance, and devotion to Allah.

The state government further urged Muslim faithful to continue to live peacefully with adherents of other religions, emphasising that religious tolerance and mutual respect remain critical to sustaining peace and unity in society.
 
In Edo State, the Deputy Governor, Idahosa, has also urged Muslim faithful in the state not to relent on their prayers for Governor Monday Okpebholo to sustain the infrastructural drive across the state.
 
In his message of felicitation to Muslims, issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Friday Aghedo, the deputy governor also appealed for the sustenance of peace in Edo State.
 
He emphasised that the governor remains committed to delivering more dividends of democracy to the people.
 
While describing Okpebholo as an exemplary and passionate leader, Idahosa asserted that development can only take place in an atmosphere of peace.
 
Also, in the spirit of Eid-el-Kabir, Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State yesterday acknowledged that the plethora of challenges facing the country can be tackled through supplications to Almighty Allah.
 
Nwifuru, in his message to the Muslim community, urged devotees of Prophet Mohammad to, as a matter of moral urgency, pray to Allah for “peace, unity, love and social cohesion among all Nigerians.