President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has extended goodwill to the Muslim Ummah on the occasion of Eid-el-Kabir, an event that denotes sacrifice, faith and obedience to the will of the Almighty.
 
The President called on citizens to spare a prayer for the nation for continuous peace and stability, while working according to purpose in promoting unity, peace and progress.  He also congratulated the Muslim faithful and prayed that Allah accepts their supplications and acts of obedience.
 
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, yesterday, President Tinubu enjoined Nigerians to reflect on the essence of the occasion, which bears strong meaning and significance for the nation.
 
The President emphasised that sacrifice and duty are essential ingredients to nation-building, noting that it takes collective purpose, will and action to bring about great change, acknowledging the sacrifices that Nigerians have made in the past one year as his administration sets the nation on a firm pedestal of growth and development.
 
He affirmed that the sacrifices and great expectations of citizens will not come to nought as already propitious outcomes are beginning to manifest with the economy strengthening and vibrancy returning to critical sectors.
 
The President further reassured Nigerians that his administration is prioritising their physical, social and economic security and will not relent on this noble endeavour, wishing all citizens happy Sallah celebrations.  Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, also congratulated the Muslim Ummah in the state and across Nigeria on the occasion of the 2024 Eid-el-Kabir.
 
The governor, who felicitated Muslims in a statement yesterday, gave thanks to Allah SWT for another opportunity to witness the festival. He called on Muslims to use the opportunity to rededicate themselves to the service of Allah SWT and for doing good to humanity. He equally charged them to use the occasion to make more supplications to Allah SWT for continued peace and prosperity in Nigeria and Oyo State.   He said: “Today, I felicitate my Muslim brothers and sisters on the occasion of 2024 Eid-al-Adha.
 
“It is another wonderful opportunity from Allah SWT to make sacrifices, pray and make merry. To Him belong all praises.
 
“As we celebrate, we must not lose sight of the lessons of the season.
 
“Muslims must take to heart the lesson in Quran 22:37 that; ‘Neither their meat nor blood reaches Allah. Rather, it is your piety that reaches Him.” He has subjected them to you so that you may proclaim the greatness of Allah for what He has guided you to, and give good news to the good-doers.’
 
“Therefore, I urge them to rededicate themselves to the service of Allah and to seeking the good of humanity and our society.” Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State has also congratulated the Muslim Ummah for witnessing this year’s Eid-el-Kabir festival. 
 
The governor in a goodwill message yesterday, signed by his Special Adviser on Media, Yinka Oyebode, urged Muslims to imbibe the lessons  of love and sacrifice which the season symbolises as they celebrate. 
 
He urged them to reflect on the significance of the sacrifice epitomised by the festival and to promote the virtues of Islam. Oyebanji urged the faithful to learn from Prophet Ibrahim, who surrendered to the will of the Almighty Allah by sacrificing his son, Ishmael, based on Allah’s injunction.
 
He said Prophet Ibrahim’s obedience, which was a test of faith, turned what was thought to be a loss to a great gain, noting that sacrifices, when done in good faith, produce positive results.
 
The governor, who expressed optimism that Nigeria would overcome its current challenges, urged Nigerians not to relent in their prayers for the country at this critical time in its history.
 
Speaking in the same vein, Katsina State Governor, Dikko Radda, has also called on Muslim faithful to pray for divine intervention on the security challenges facing the state and nation at large. 
 
Radda, in a Sallah message yesterday, also commended the Nigerian military for the successful operation that led to the elimination of a notorious bandit leader, Buhari Halidu, and over 30 of his accomplices. 
 
Halidu, widely known as Buharin Yadi, was neutralised during a targeted military operation spanning across Katsina and Kaduna states.  Radda commended the bravery and dedication of the Nigerian military personnel involved in the operation, adding that the military plays a vital role in restoring peace and stability in the state and region. 
 
He reiterated his administration’s commitment to support ongoing efforts to eradicate criminal elements from the state and region, even as he called for vigilance from communities in supporting the military in their operation.
 
The governor urged Muslim faithful currently performing Hajj in Saudi Arabia to offer special prayers for a safer Nigeria. 
 
“Let us join hands in prayer, beseeching Allah to bless our state and nation with His guidance, protection and blessings,” he appealed. Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has also called on Muslim Ummar in Nigeria to use the occasion of the Eid-El-Kabir celebration to reflect on the teachings of Prophet Ibrahim and strive to emulate his unwavering faith, obedience and dedication to serving the greater good.
 
In his goodwill message to all Muslims across the world and Ogun State in particular, Abiodun emphasised the importance of submitting to the Almighty God and prioritising spiritual well-being over worldly desires.  He highlighted the significance of selflessness, compassion and the willingness to make sacrifices for the sake of faith and the betterment of humanity.
 
“This special season serves as an important reminder to all adherents for total submission to the Almighty God and the need to prioritise spiritual well-being over worldly desires.
 
“It is also a period of sober reflection on the importance of selflessness, compassion, and the willingness to make sacrifices for the sake of our faith and the betterment of humanity,” he said.
 
The governor added that Sallah presents an opportunity for Muslims to gather with their families, strengthen their bonds and share in the blessings of the festive period.
 
“It is a celebration of virtues and a time to express our appreciation to Allah (SWT) for His countless favours and to seek His forgiveness and guidance.
 
“May this Eid bring us closer to our Creator, foster unity and harmony within our communities and inspire us to be beacons of compassion, generosity and righteousness.
 
“May Allah (SWT) accept our prayers, our acts of worship, and our sacrifices during this blessed time. May He shower His blessings upon us, our loved ones, and the entire Muslim ummah. Eid Mubarak!” Abiodun prayed.