As Muslims across Nigeria celebrated Eid-el-Fitr, marking the end of Ramadan, leaders from various states and the federal level extended greetings, emphasizing unity, love, and charity, while addressing ongoing national and local issues. The festivities coincided with significant events, including security operations, health updates, and political reflections.
In Ekiti State, Governor Biodun Oyebanji congratulated Muslims in a message delivered by his Special Adviser on Media, Yinka Oyebode, stating, “On behalf of the Government, I congratulate the Muslim Ummah on the Eid-el-Fitri celebration, and pray that Almighty Allah will accept our prayers, grant all our heart desires and preserve our lives to witness many more celebrations.” He urged sustained spirituality and care for the needy, noting, “Prayers by the faithful are needed for the state and the country more than ever for God’s blessings and for greater level of peace and prosperity.”
In Abuja, FCT Police Commissioner Wale Ajao, who recently assumed his role, greeted Muslims via spokesperson SP Josephine Adeh, saying, “May this festive season bring happiness, prosperity, and abundant blessings to all.” He encouraged residents to uphold Ramadan’s values of love and unity while remaining vigilant amid his efforts to curb crime in the capital.
Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, in a statement by Chief Press Secretary Ebenezer Adeniyan, remarked, “As you mark the end of this sacred month, I rejoice with you on this year’s Eid-el-Fitr and urge you to use this celebration to reflect on the lessons of Ramadan.” He added, “I urge you to continue to embody the virtues of patience, love, compassion, and self-discipline cultivated during Ramadan,” emphasizing religious harmony.
Ebonyi Governor Francis Nwifuru urged Muslims to extend kindness, stating, “As we mark this joyous day, let us remain steadfast in our commitment to peace, tolerance, and mutual respect,” and highlighted Ramadan’s lessons, saying, “It reminds us of the values of patience, compassion, and generosity that Islam teaches.”
From Asaba, Chief Imam Alhaji Yinusa Adekola of Federal College of Education Central Mosque cautioned leaders, including President Bola Tinubu, saying, “God in His wisdom has provided our leaders with the paraphernalia of power to do the needful, to meet the needs of the people but if they failed to do all these God will query them on Judgement day, and they may even died mysteriously so they should do what is right now.” He noted, “Wisdom is not a prerogative of anybody, we must continue to pray for them (leaders) to do what is right because the way things are now, there is serious hunger in the country, unemployment is very high hence the crime rate is high too.”
Osun Governor Ademola Adeleke, via spokesperson Olawale Rasheed, said, “In praise to Allah subhanawatahallah, I rejoice with Osun Muslim Ummah for the grace of witnessing the conclusion of this year’s Holy month of Ramadan. The 29-day of fasting is Allah’s way of bringing us closer to Him in worship and impressing on us the significance of charity.” He urged, “It is my earnest wish for the celebration to be done in modest, and that we must extend hands of giving to families struggling with ends meet so as to let the wind of the joyful moment spread to their homes too.”
In Kano, Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II led prayers at Kofar-Matta Eid ground, trekking 800 meters from his palace. Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf joined, saying, “As we celebrate this joyous occasion, I wish to take this opportunity to urge all of us to hold fast to the lesson of Ramadan. Let us continue to demonstrate love, Kindness, and unity in our daily interactions. The spirit of sacrifice and selflessness should be our guide.” Security was tight amid a ban on Sallah Durbar, following tensions over a rival event planned by former Emir Aminu Ado Bayero, which was later canceled.
Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, represented by Deputy Yakubu Garba, spoke at Minna Eid ground, urging, “Residents to be their brothers’ keeper by extending hands of fellowship and kindness especially to the vulnerable ones in the Society.” He led officials to pay homage to former President Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida.
President Tinubu, at Abuja’s National Eid Prayer Ground, said, “We should continue the good deeds as taught during the Holy month of Ramadan: care for the vulnerable, the orphans and the less privileged,” adding, “Everything that we have observed, we should not revert to the path that is not acceptable to the teachings of this month.” Imam Abdulkadir Salman Sholagberu preached, “We must continue to cooperate in righteousness. During the Fast, we showed love to one another; we cared for people in need, we extended charity, and our country was peaceful. Why should we return to rancour after Ramadan.”
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