President Bola Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and several state governors have called on Nigerians to embrace unity, sacrifice and renewed commitment to national development as Muslims across the country celebrate Eid-el-Kabir.
In separate Sallah messages, the political leaders urged citizens to use the festive period to pray for peace, support the country’s ongoing reforms, and extend care to the less privileged, stressing that the values of sacrifice and compassion remain critical to overcoming Nigeria’s current challenges.
The President, in his Eid-el-Kabir message to Muslim faithful in Nigeria and across the world, linked the sacrifice which is at the heart of Sallah and the economic hardships Nigerians have endured under his administration’s reform programme.
He said the sacrifices of the past three years had yielded a more stable economy, adding that the country is now positioned as a preferred investment destination.
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“Just as sacrifice brings reward, I am happy that the sacrifices and efforts we have made over the past three years have yielded a more stable economy, making our country a preferred investment destination that will drive job creation and economic growth.
“The walk through the dark tunnel is over, and the light is here,” Tinubu stated.
He said he remained confident that the reforms would continue to yield improved security and greater opportunities.
On security, Tinubu acknowledged that insecurity persists in parts of the country even after significant operational successes, including the recent joint Nigeria-US elimination of the ISIS senior leader Abu-Bilal al-Manuki in the Lake Chad Basin.
“I am aware that, despite the best efforts of our security and intelligence agencies, including the recent elimination of a wanted ISIS leader, heartless terrorists and bandits still attack some communities.
“I assure you: you are neither abandoned nor forgotten. We will ultimately defeat all the forces of evil,” the President said.
He also used the message to call on religious and community leaders to pray for peace and for the country’s leadership, and to extend charity to the less privileged during the celebration.
“To our Muslim faithful, I urge you to use this sacred occasion to pray for our country, for peace in our communities, and for wisdom for those in leadership.
“Let us pray that those who commit crimes among us may rethink and abandon their evil ways, or face the full weight of the law,” he said.
Akpabio, and Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, called on Nigerians to support Tinubu and pray for peace, unity and national stability.
Akpabio, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Eseme Eyiboh, congratulated Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima and Muslim faithful on the occasion of the Islamic festival.
“This sacred occasion reminds us of Prophet Ibrahim’s unwavering faith, obedience, and willingness to sacrifice for the sake of Almighty Allah.
“These timeless virtues of devotion, selflessness and submission to divine will are values our nation desperately needs today.
“May the lessons of sacrifice, compassion, and generosity that define this season strengthen your faith and bring peace to your homes,” the statement read.
The Senate President urged Nigerians to use the period for sober reflection and fervent prayers for the country, particularly for troops battling insecurity and farmers affected by violence.
Akpabio also appealed to citizens to remain patient and hopeful, stressing that the sacrifices being made under the current administration would ultimately yield positive results.
Similarly, Barau, who also serves as First Deputy Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, urged Nigerians to continue supporting Tinubu’s administration, saying the President remained committed to addressing the country’s challenges.
In a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ismail Mudashir, the Deputy Senate President called on Muslims to embrace the values of sacrifice, charity, justice and tolerance.
He also urged Nigerians to remember the poor and vulnerable during the Sallah celebration and to pray for peace, stability and prosperity in the country.
“With sustained efforts and the support of all Nigerians, we are confident that the nation will achieve greater stability and prosperity,” he said.
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, congratulated Muslims in Lagos and across Nigeria and urged them to uphold the values of sacrifice, peace, and unity.
In a statement released on Tuesday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Gboyega Akosile, the governor said the festival should serve as a reminder of the importance of faith, patience, and communal harmony.
“This symbolic Islamic festival is a reminder to us that there will always be great rewards when we have abiding faith and patience in trying periods, with persistence in prayers, and tenacity in our belief,” he said.
The governor also urged residents to embrace the lessons of sacrifice beyond religious observance, stressing its importance for national development.
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, described the feast as a season that calls on everyone, irrespective of faith, to have a deep reflection on the values of sacrifice, compassion, generosity, and unity.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by his Chief Press Secretary, Onwuka Nzeshi, he expressed gratitude to the Muslim community for its contributions to the peace, economic growth, and social harmony of Rivers State.
“As you gather with family, friends, and neighbours to share meals and offer prayers, I urge you to extend hands of kindness to the less privileged in our midst. Let the spirit of sacrifice that defines this festival inspire us to give more, forgive more, and love more.
“On this sacred occasion, I pray that Almighty Allah accepts your sacrifices, forgives your shortcomings, and grants you and your families peace, good health, and abundant blessings,” he said.
Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, while felicitating Muslims in Delta State and across Nigeria, urged them to offer special prayers for peace, unity, and the development of the nation.
In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, the governor called on Muslim faithful to embrace the spirit of sacrifice, compassion, and selflessness which the Eid-el-Kabir celebration symbolises.
He also urged Nigerians to remain committed to serving humanity by sacrificing their time and resources in devotion to Allah and in support of one another, especially during challenging times.
The governor expressed optimism that with unity, prayers, and collective commitment to nation-building, Nigeria would continue to make progress in peace, security, and sustainable development.
Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, called for the peace and progress of the state and the country at large.
In a statement he personally signed and made available to our correspondent on Tuesday, he said, “The Eid-el-Adha, the festival of sacrifice, reminds us of Prophet Ibrahim’s unwavering faith, obedience, and willingness to submit to the will of Allah.”
He urged the Muslim faithful to use the celebration to pray for the continued peace and progress of the state and Nigeria at large, and to extend a hand of generosity to the less privileged.
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, in a congratulatory message by his Special Adviser on Media, Sulaimon Olarenwaju, called on the Muslim Ummah in the state to use the opportunity of the Eid-el-Kabir to pray more for the state, Nigeria and the leaders.
He also called for prayers for the government as it continued the effort to rescue abducted Oriire Local Government teachers and pupils.
“I also want to charge all residents of the state to be vigilant during and after the Sallah festival, as it has become quite important for everyone to be more security-conscious than ever before as the country battles banditry and kidnapping,” he said.
He reassured that his administration would continue to serve the interests of the people and remain on the trajectory of securing the state and its people.
Yilwatda celebrates Muslims
The National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress, Prof Nentawe Yilwatda, congratulated the Muslim faithful in the country, as he described the occasion as a sacred festival of faith, sacrifice, obedience, love and devotion to Almighty Allah.
He also called on the Muslim community to support the ongoing reforms of President Tinubu’s administration.
Yilwatda, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Information Strategy, Abimbola Tooki, noted that Eid el-Kabir remains one of the most significant celebrations in Islam, symbolising the virtues of selflessness, unity, compassion, tolerance and total submission to the will of God, as exemplified by Prophet Ibrahim.
He said the spiritual lessons of the celebration are highly relevant to Nigeria at this critical stage of national development, stressing that sacrifice, patience, perseverance and collective responsibility are essential ingredients needed to build a stronger, more united and prosperous nation.
He urged Nigerians, particularly the Muslim Ummah, to continue to promote peaceful coexistence, national unity and harmony across ethnic, religious and political lines, adding that the Sallah celebration should further strengthen the bonds of love, understanding and brotherhood among citizens.
Prof Yilwatda also called on the Muslim community and Nigerians at large to continue to support Tinubu and his ongoing reforms aimed at repositioning the country for sustainable economic growth, improved infrastructure, national security, job creation and long-term prosperity.
He expressed confidence that under Tinubu’s leadership, Nigeria will emerge stronger, more resilient and economically competitive among the comity of nations.
Kalu urges patience
Former Abia State governor and senator representing Abia North Senatorial District, Orji Uzor Kalu, called on Nigerians to remain hopeful and supportive of the ongoing economic reforms introduced by the Tinubu administration.
Kalu made the call in his Salah message to Muslim faithful and Nigerians at large on Tuesday, stating that the measures, though painful, were necessary for the country’s long-term stability, economic growth and overall prosperity.
The former Senate Chief Whip urged citizens not to lose faith in the country, stressing, “Patience, unity and collective sacrifice are necessary to reposition the nation’s economy.”
According to him, the current reforms being implemented by the Federal Government were aimed at laying a strong foundation for a better and more prosperous Nigeria.
“The reforms may be painful today, but they are for good reasons and in the overall interest of Nigerians.
“I appeal to citizens to remain patient and supportive of the government as efforts are being made to rebuild the economy and secure a better future for all,” he said.
Yayi felicitates
The senator representing Ogun West and the 2027 governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress in Ogun State, Solomon Adeola, popularly called Yayi, enjoined all Muslim faithful in the country to pray for peace and the consolidation of the gains of the Renewed Hope Agenda of Tinubu’s administration.
In a statement issued on his behalf by his Special Adviser on Media, Chief Kayode Odunaro, on Tuesday, Yayi said a strict adherence to the teachings of Islam in the areas of sacrifice, love, brotherliness, piousness and peaceful coexistence will significantly assist in building on the gains of the Renewed Hope Agenda.
He explained that “As the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu prepares to mark its third year in office, the nation needs security, peace, understanding and sacrifices to consolidate and deepen ongoing reformist development initiatives of Renewed Hope Agenda.
“With acclaimed positive indicators of escaping total collapse of the economy and achievements in socio-economic gains expected to continue trickling down to the masses, the President certainly needs more support and prayers to take our dear country to higher heights.”
Olubadan, Alaafin urge caution
The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, in a statement released by his media aide, Adeola Oloko, urged the residents to be security conscious during the Eid-el-Kabir festival celebration.
According to him, “Watching one’s back entails being security-conscious of one’s environment at all times, while celebrating the exemplary life of Holy Prophet Ibrahim, who offered his son, Ismail, as a sacrifice to God.
“Although the occasion calls for merriment, we need to celebrate it prayerfully and soberly, bearing in mind the challenges facing Nigeria, such as insecurity.”
Ladoja, who described Eid-el-kabir as a very spiritually significant festival in the Islamic calendar, urged Muslims to use the occasion to pray for the peace, prosperity and security of Nigeria, especially with regard to the forthcoming elections.
He decried the spate of banditry, especially the recent kidnapping of students at Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, and asked the Muslim faithful to crown the efforts of the stakeholders in getting the captives released on time.
The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, in his message through the Director of Media and Publicity, Bode Durojaiye, noted that the crux of religion, as revealed by Allah (God) to all of His Messengers and Prophets, is unconditional acceptance of, and unreserved submission to directives coming from Him; that is, the doing of God’s will on earth, as it is in Heaven by the angels, who do not disobey Him .
He said, “The various threats to security bedevilling our society and the resultant implications of these for the economy are nothing but results of a lack of consciousness of ultimate accountability to God, especially in the life to come.
“This is also true of the mistrust that hinders cordiality among our various ethnic and religious groups.
“What we need, as a nation, are sincere, concerted and sustained efforts towards propagating the kind of God-consciousness demonstrated by Prophet Ibrahim.
“It will surely guarantee for our nation and for us as individuals a lasting solution to all the challenges confronting us. Our life here will be much more peaceful, trouble-free, and the Hereafter eternally glorious.”
The Oyo State APC governorship candidate, Sharafadeen Alli, in a statement, urged residents to imbibe the virtues of sacrifice, obedience, love and peaceful coexistence as exemplified by Prophet Ibrahim.
He said that Eid-el-Kabir remained a season of sober reflection, compassion and renewed commitment to humanity, urging Nigerians to remain hopeful despite prevailing challenges.
Alli, who is the current senator representing Oyo South Senatorial District in the National Assembly, further called on Muslims and other residents to continue to support one another and promote unity for the progress, harmony and stability of Oyo State and Nigeria at large.
