•Buhari seeks support for president as Atiku, govs, others canvass love, sacrifice
•IG orders tight security nationwide
By Our Correspondents
President Bola Tinubu has felicitated with Nigerian Muslims as they join other faithful around the world to celebrate this year’s Eid-el-Kabir.
Also, yesterday, former President Muhammadu Buhari, seized the advantage of the Eid period to call on Nigerians to support the administration of his successor, Tinubu, with a view to succeeding.
At the same time, former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, and governors of the federation among other prominent leaders, have also congratulated Muslims in Nigeria and across the world on this year’s celebration of the Eid-el-Kabir festival.
This, nonetheless, the Acting Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered Assistant Inspectors-General of Police (AIGs) and Commissioners of Police in the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to ensure adequate deployment of personnel to ensure a hitch-free Eid-el-Kabir celebration.
Tinubu, in a statement titled, “We Must Multiply Our Good Deeds”, and personally signed, described Eid-el-Kabir as a festival of sacrifice and total obedience to Allah as exemplified in the exceptional action of Prophet Ibrahim.
Urging Muslim faithful to multiply good deeds with kindness to their fellow Muslims and others by helping and supporting the weak and vulnerable, he noted that he was aware of the security and economic challenges being faced by the country.
The president, however, assured the people that the problems of the nation were not insurmountable, and that he was working day and night with his team, fleshing out solutions, to reform the economy and remove all impediments to growth.
“I join Muslims in Nigeria and all over the world in observance of Eid-el-Kabir. We must thank Almighty Allah for the grace to witness another Eid. As we immerse ourselves in the joy of this moment and celebrate, let us remember those, who may not be as fortunate like us. Coming as the end of religious activities spanning the first ten days of the Islamic Month of Dhul Hijjah, Eid-el-Kabir enjoins us as Muslims to show mercy and compassion to our fellow humans.
“There is no greater sense of duty ever recorded in history outside the ennobling example of Prophet Ibrahim in offering his only son Ismail as sacrifice to Allah. The best way by which we can demonstrate this example is in how we conduct ourselves in relation to our fellow citizens and in our duties to our beloved country. We must imbibe and manifest those values inherent in Prophet Ibrahim’s life, namely; complete devotion to Allah, tolerance, patience, perseverance, selflessness, love and compassion.
“At the moment, our country is going through some challenges especially with our struggling economy and simmering security challenges. While I acknowledge all of these, I want to assure you that they are not insurmountable. I am working day and night with my team, fleshing out solutions.
“We have started with the decisions taken so far, to reform our economy and remove all impediments to growth. As we embrace the present challenges, we must face the future with vigour and Renewed Hope with the confidence that our tomorrow shall be better and brighter. I wish you all a happy Sallah celebration.”
Buhari Seeks Support for Tinubu, Says It’s Tough Leading Nigeria
Former President Muhammadu Buhari, has called on Nigerians to support the administration of Bola Tinubu, with a view to succeeding.
Buhari, in a Sallah message by his former spokesperson, Mallam Garba Shehu, described governing a country like Nigeria as the hardest challenge in life.
The ex-president stated: “In his Sallah message, former President Muhammadu Buhari wishes Nigerian Muslims a happy Eid and to those on pilgrimage, Hajj Mabrur and a safe return home.
“He said leading a country like Nigeria is one of the hardest challenges in life and urged Nigerians to fully support the Tinubu administration to succeed and that leadership is a challenging task that demands the sacrifices and support of the citizens.”
Atiku Charges Muslims on Love, Sacrifice
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has congratulated Muslims in Nigeria and across the world on this year’s celebration of the Eid-el-Kabir festival.
A press release by his Media Office yesterday enjoined Muslims in Nigeria to take a lesson of forbearance from the sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim (AS).
According to him, “The significance of the festival that we are celebrating today (Wednesday) is about the profitability of being patient with God in our affairs as human beings, and most especially, as Muslims.”
He went further to remind Muslims of the obligation to follow the noble examples of Prophets Ibrahim (AS) and Mohammed (SAW) by being kind and generous to the people around them, saying, “The scriptures on all prophets of Allah are replete with good examples of how they related with everyone during their lifetimes.
“We are also enjoined to follow the footsteps of the prophets, especially Prophet Mohammed, which means that we must live our everyday life as a sacrifice, not just for our families, but the communities where we find ourselves.”
Sanwo-Olu Urges Nigerians to Imbibe Prophet’s Sacrifice
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has rejoiced with Nigerians, especially Muslims, urging them to imbibe the lessons in the sacrifice made by Prophet Ibrahim.
He also encouraged the Muslim faithful to work with other faith for the peace, unity and progress of Nigeria.
Sanwo-Olu, in his Eid-el-Kabir message by his Media Adviser, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, congratulated Muslims in Lagos and advised them to continue on the path of spirituality and peaceful co-existence.
He also advised the Muslim faithful to draw lessons from the Prophet’s examples by eschewing tendencies that could severe the unity and stability in Nigeria.
Speaking on the significance of the Eid al-Adha, Governor Sanwo-Olu said the celebration became a symbolic event in the history of mankind, given the bountiful rewards that followed the patience and perseverance of Prophet Ibrahim, who held on tenaciously to his faith in God despite being afflicted.
“On behalf of my family and the government of Lagos State, I join millions of people around the world, to wish our Muslim brothers and sisters in the state and Nigeria a happy Eid-el-Kabir, which comes with significant lessons for mankind,” he said.
Abiodun Calls for Sacrifice, Patriotism
Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has called on Nigerians to imbibe the spirit of selflessness, sacrifice and patriotism in the quest to build a virile and economically viable country.
Abiodun, in his message to mark this year’s Eid-el-Kabir celebration, said what Nigeria needed at this critical stage of her development were sacrifices, love and unity.
According to the governor, the willingness of Abraham to sacrifice his son, Ishmael as an act of obedience to God’s command was the greatest act of obeisance, which all Nigerians must imbibe to ensure national unity and economic growth.
He said Nigeria entered a new era on May 29, with the swearing in of a new government, led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, adding that the new government was faced with critical issues of national importance.
“The significance of this celebration should not be lost on every Nigerian. The new government, led by President Bola Tinubu, has introduced measures to launch the country on the path to development.”
Mutfwang Urges Muslims to Imbibe Virtue of Sacrifice
Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has congratulated Muslims on the occasion of Eid-el Kabir celebration, urging them to imbibe the virtues of love, selflessness, and sacrifice that the festival represents.
In a goodwill message by his Director of Press and Public Affairs (DOPPA), Mr. Gyang Bere, the governor reassured the people of the state that his administration would protect the interest of all.
“I bring you warm greetings and best wishes from the government and peace-loving citizens of Plateau State as our Muslim ummah celebrate the Eid-el Kabir festival. I heartily rejoice with the Muslim Ummah on this unique occasion which is supposed to remind us of the virtues of sacrifice and total submission to the will of God Almighty.
“As we celebrate this event, I encourage all of us to devote time to reflect on the values of love, charity, and selflessness; and work towards building a more united and peaceful Plateau State. The 2023 Eid-el-Kabir celebration is of particularly great significance to us as a people, because it affords us the opportunity to invoke God’s blessings on our leaders as they strive to provide us with the qualitative leadership we desire.”
Makinde Felicitates Muslims, Seeks More Prayers for Nigeria
Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has expressed his felicitations towards the Muslim Ummah in the state and across the country on the occasion of the 2023 Eid-el-Kabir.
The governor congratulated all residents of the state on witnessing the 10th day of Dhul-Hijjah 1444 A.H., marking the 2023 Eid-el-Kabir, and prayed Allah (SWT) to accept the worship and sacrifices of the Muslim Ummah across the country.
Makinde, who appreciated the Muslims for their support and prayers during the four years of Omituntun 1.0, called on them to continue to pray for his administration, the state and Nigeria.
According to him, the continued peace and prosperity of Oyo State and the success of his government were hinged on the prayers and support of the people.
“I use this occasion to congratulate the Muslim Ummah in Oyo State and, indeed, all residents of the state on witnessing the 2023 Eid-el-Kabir. I appreciate their prayers and support over the years and call for more prayers and support as we work round the clock to improve the lives of our people and deliver sustainable development as promised during the electioneering,” he said.
Kwara Gov, Saraki Urge Nigerians to Join Hands with Govt at All Levels
Kwara State Governor and Chairman Nigeria’s Governors Forum, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has urged everyone to join hands with the government at all levels to keep the communal values of being one another’s brothers and to develop the state and the country for the benefit of all.
Also, yesterday, a former Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki urged Nigerians to continue to intensify prayers for the country.
AbdulRazaq, who stated this in Ilorin, congratulated the Muslim community on the Eid-ul-Adha festivities, saying the feast symbolised faith and total reliance on God.
He however, felicitated the pilgrims, who gathered at Mount Arafah in Saudi Arabia yesterday, a major pillar of their Hajj rites.
On his part, Saraki, who urged Nigerians to continue to intensify prayers for Nigeria, also prayed for Allah’s protection of security agents, who were on the frontlines in the defence of their country and prayed that Allah should give them victory over the negative forces arrayed against the country.
In a Sallah message from his media office, Saraki noted the significance of the Eid-El-Kabir festival as it symbolised the test of the faith of Prophet Ibrahim, who is the origin of the world’s biggest religions and urged all Muslims to borrow some of the attributes of the man known as the father of faith.
Obaseki Urges All to Rededicate to Their Creator
Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, has felicitated with Muslim faithful as the world mark the Eid-el-Kabir festivities today, urging everyone to rededicate to their creator.
“On the occasion of this auspicious celebration, I urge everyone to imbibe the lesson of sacrifice, which is the hallmark of this season. We should all endeavour to seek to have a deeper and greater responsibility to God and to humanity as we reflect on the lessons of the season.
“I enjoin everyone to rededicate ourselves to our Creator, working assiduously to sustain the virtues of patience, tolerance and love. We are in dire straits as a nation, but it is a period that demands that we work together in unison and join hands across ethno-religious inclinations for our collective progress.
“We are working closely with security authorities to ensure our Muslim faithful have a peaceful celebration,” he said.
Folarin Urges Prayer for Tinubu
A former Senate Leader, Senator Teslim Folarin, yesterday, extended his goodwill message to Muslims in Oyo State and the country as they celebrate this year’s Eid-l-Adha, urging them to pray for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the birth of Nigeria.
Folarin, in a message by his Media Aide, Comrade YSO Olaniyi, said Eid-l-Adha is a festival of love, peace, togetherness and sacrifice.
He enjoined Muslims to use the occasion to uphold the spiritual benefit of the celebration by extending a hand of charity, friendship and solidarity across all divides and imbibe the spirit of sacrifice and obedience to Almighty God as exemplified by Prophet Ibrahim and upheld by Prophet Muhammed
“Eid-l-Adha presents opportunity for us to reflect and pray for our nation, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as well as others in leadership positions so that God in his infinite mercy will continue to guide them as they steer the affairs of the country,” he said.
Oyetola Seeks Support, Prayer for Tinubu/Shettima Govt
Former governor of Osun State, Adegboyega Oyetola, has rejoiced with Muslims across the globe on the occasion of this year’s 2023 Eid-al-Adha celebration, urging prayers and support for the Bola Tinubu administration.
Oyetola, in a goodwill message personally signed by him, congratulated adherents of the Islamic faith for witnessing another Eid festival.
He implored Muslims to seize the opportunities embedded in the glorious period to intensify prayers for the success of the new administration of President Tinubu and his deputy, Senator Kashim Shettima.
Oyetola extolled the rare virtues displayed by Nigerian Muslims and adherents of other faiths in the last general election, which culminated into the emergence and continuity of the progressive government led by Tinubu.
NSCDC Deploys 40,000 Personnel for Eid Celebration
Forty thousand (40,000) personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have been deployed nationwide to allow for a hitch-free Eid-el-kabir celebration.
A statement by the spokesman of the Corps, Olusola Odumosu, stated that the deployment was ordered by the Commandant General (CG) of NSCDC), Dr. Ahmed Audi.
According to him, Audi directed the deployment of 40,000 personnel nationwide, including those deployed for protection of Critical National Assets and Infrastructure and joint operations.
He said the CG charged all heads of formation to leave no stone unturned in ensuring effective security coverage of the country.
Odumosu also said the CG urged his men to increase their level of vigilance and be highly sensitive to their environment especially during this festive period to avoid unpleasant surprises from the enemies of the country.
“You must be on top of your game, be very vigilant and highly sensitive to your environment because we are not going to take chances,” the CG was quoted assaying, charging various Commands to be proactive to achieve greater results.
Senators Greet Muslims, Canvass Support for Tinubu
Senators across party lines and from different geopolitical zones, have felicitated with Muslim faithful in the country on the occasion of the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations and prayed to the Almighty Allah to accept their sacrifices.
They also urged them to support the President Bola Tinubu administration in its determination to address the social and economic crisis confronting the nation.
Senators Sani Musa (Niger East), Opeyemi Bamidele, (Ekiti Central), Godiya Akwashiki (Nasarawa North), Ali Ndume, (Borno South), Abdulfatai Buhari (Oyo North), and Jimoh Ibrahim, (Ondo South) authored a statement to this effect.
The federal lawmakers admonished privileged Muslims to remember the less-privileged members of the society by extending hands of friendship to them on this occasion.
Musa specifically remembered victims of bandit attacks in his senatorial district and commiserated with them once again.
Bamidele charged Nigerians to shed the toga of religious intolerance and extremism and unite solidly behind the administration of President Tinubu to actualise Nigeria’s greatness.
Other senators expressed confidence and hope that the nation would witness drastic change with the new administration led by Tinubu.
Nasarawa Speaker Urges Prayers for Tinubu’s Success
Speaker of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, Ibrahim Balarabe Abdullahi, yesterday, advocated fervent prayers for the success of the new administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
In a statement by his Press Secretary, Jibrin Gwamna, the speaker urged citizens of the state to pray and support Governor Abdullahi Sule and other leaders at all levels to succeed on the task ahead of them.
The speaker, who is the African representative at the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA), underscored the significance of the festival of sacrifice the world over, hence the need for the period to be used for sober reflections through love, understanding and sacrifice.
He therefore, urged believers to use the period to strengthen their relationship with God and fellow humaneness, especially the need for the well to do to support the less privileged in the society to give them a sense of belonging.
Governor Bago Promises New Niger State
Governor Mohammed Umar Bago of Niger State has promised the people a new state in reverence to the Eid-el-Kabir celebration.
Bago in a message assured the people of the state that his administration would work assiduously to achieve “A New Niger State, where peace, unity, growth and development will be the order of the day as captured in his administration’s policy thrust.”
He therefore, urged the residents of the state to continue to support his administration’s policy thrust which covered “security, education, Science and Technology, Agriculture, Healthcare, Commerce, Tourism, Infrastructure, Women and Youth development among others”
In the statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, the governor appealed to the people of the state to, despite the economic difficulties partly caused by the removal of fuel subsidy, show understanding and confidence in the present administration at all levels because efforts were being made to roll out palliatives to cushion the effects of the fuel subsidy removal.
Radda Advocate Inter-religious Harmony
Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umar Radda, has advocated the need for inter-religious harmony and peaceful co-existence among Nigerians.
In his Eid-el-Kabir message by his Chief Press Secretary, Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed, the governor said inter-religious harmony would foster peace, love and true brotherhood among Nigerians.
The governor averred that the festival should reawaken Nigerians’ brotherhood spirit irrespective of their religious and ideological creeds.
He admonished Muslims in Katsina and other parts of the country to steadfastly pray for national unity, peace and integration, saying, “We must see each other as one.”
Abbas, Kalu Greet Muslims, Seek Prayers, Patriotism
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas and his deputy, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, have congratulated Muslims on the occasion of this year’s Eid-el-Kabir, urging Nigerians to pray for the unity, peace and progress of the country.
The duo in separate Sallah message urged the citizens to particularly use the occasion to pray for the success of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, while calling for their spiritual and moral support for all elected and appointed leaders nationwide.
Abass, in his statement, enjoined citizens to emulate Prophet Ibrahim’s obedience to the Almighty Allah, by making sacrifices towards the development and growth of Nigeria. He noted that the prosperity of the country was a joint task, and called on all citizens to remain united in the face of challenges.
Kalu, on his part, stressed the need for the citizens of the country to show more love, patriotism, respect for each other, and as well as engage in fervent prayers, saying the citizens should remain patriotic and peace-loving while praying for the tranquility and prosperity of Nigeria.
Yahaya: Imbibe Spirit of Sacrifice, Obedience
Gombe State Governor, Alhaji Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, has felicitated with the Muslim Ummah in the state and across the world on the celebration of this year’s Eid-el-Kabir, with a call on them to imbibe the spirit of sacrifice, obedience and tolerance.
The governor, in his Sallah message, stressed the need to continue to supplicate to the will of Allah in all situations, and enjoined Muslims to sustain their prayers for the peace, security and prosperity of the state as well as the nation at large, especially the new dispensation.
Yahaya, who doubles as the Chairman of Northern States Governors’ Forum, urged the Muslim ummah to use the occasion to extend hands of support and show love and good neighbourliness as exemplified by Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and upheld by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
SGF Fetes Ummahs, Prays for Successful Eid celebration
Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, has felicitated with Nigerians, particularly, the Muslim faithful on the occasion of this year’s Eid-El-Kabir celebration.
The SGF, in a statement by the Director Information Office of the Secretary General of the Federation (OSGF), Willie Bassey, urged Muslims to use the period of the celebration to reflect on the purpose and lessons of the Eid-El-kabir which include sacrifice, love, charity and piety among others for peaceful coexistence and harmonious relationship with one another.
He also enjoined Nigerians to continue to pray for the success of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration as he works to deliver on the Renewed Hope Agenda for the unity and sustainable national growth and development.
IG Orders Tight Security Nationwide
The Acting Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered Assistant Inspectors-General of Police (AIGs) and Commissioners of Police in the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to ensure adequate deployment of personnel to ensure a hitch-free Eid-el-Kabir celebration.
The IG assured the general public of sustained efforts by the force to tackle crimes and criminalities as well as improve public safety and security across the country.
A statement by Force Headquarters said the IG gave the assurance while charging Commissioners of Police in all the 36 States of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and their supervisory Assistant Inspectors-General of Police (AIGs), to configure the security architecture in their Areas of Responsibility (AoR) for robust and responsive policing ahead of the Eid-el-Kabir celebration, which starts today to ensure adequate security for the citizenry throughout the festivities and beyond.
“The IGP particularly directed the Zonal AIGs and state command CPs to deploy human and other operational assets to carry out confidence building and crime prevention patrols on major highways, residential and industrial areas, vulnerable points, places of worship, other places of public resort and around all critical national infrastructure devoid of harassment and extortion,” it said.
The IG also warned that personnel deployed must be disciplined, professional, respect the fundamental rights of the citizens, and fulfill their responsibilities with all sense of decorum and alertness.
While congratulating Muslim Faithful in the country on the occasion of Eid-el-Kabir celebration, he restated that the force would harness all available assets including relevant groups, associations, sectors, and synergise with other security agencies to boost its service delivery and stabilise general security within the nation.
“The IGP wishes all Muslims a happy and peaceful Sallah celebration,” he said.
