•President seeks union of wills, action to build Nigeria
•We’re focused on securing nation, say service chiefs, IGP orders tight security nationwide
•FG extends public holidays to Thursday
By Our Correspondents
President Bola Tinubu and other prominent Nigerian leaders, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi, and governors, have emphasised the need for unity and love among the citizens as Muslims around the world celebrate this year’s Eid-el-fitri, being the end of 30 days Ramadan fasting.
Tinubu sought union of wills and action to build Nigeria, as the service chiefs reiterated their resolve to secure the nation.
To ensure hitch-free festivities, Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun ordered tight security across the country ahead of today’s Eid-el-fitri celebration.
The federal government extended the public holidays for this year’s Eid-el-Fitr celebration to cover tomorrow, Thursday.
Rejoicing with the Muslim Ummah at Eid-el-fitri, Tinubu said it was an auspicious occasion signifying the end of Ramadan; a hallowed season, which reflected total submission to God Almighty and to His command of sacrifice and service to humankind.
The president, according to a statement yesterday by his media adviser, Ajuri Ngelale, prayed that the supplications and sacrifices of Muslims this season and even after would receive fitting rewards from Almighty Allah.
The statement said, “President Tinubu appealed to all citizens to come together and rededicate themselves to the noble duty of building the nation,” stressing, “We are the sculptor, and Nigeria is the clay; we build it the way we desire.”
He prayed that the lessons, blessings, and joys of the season would abide with the citizenry always, while wishing Nigerians, happy Eid-el-fitri celebrations.
Atiku Abubakar
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar congratulated Muslims in the country for the successful completion of the mandatory fasting in the holy month of Ramadan.
The former vice president, in a press statement by his media office, said the lessons of the Ramadan fasting should remain abiding, even when the holy month had passed.
He stated that while this year’s Ramadan fasting was observed in a season of tough economic conditions, “the forbearance with which Nigerian Muslims adopted it is a principle that the noble Prophet Muhammed (SAW) enjoins us to live by at all times.
“For many Nigerians, who observed the mandatory Ramadan fasting this year, the reality of the harsh economic environment in the country put many families and individuals under intense pressure.
“But in the face of this daunting challenge, many people pulled through out of seeking piety. The completion of Ramadan should cause a reflection on those in positions of authority to show more compassion to the people.”
Tajudeen Abbas
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas congratulated Muslims on the successful completion of the Ramadan fasting and the celebration of the Eid-el-fitri.
Abbas, in a Sallah message through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Abdullahi Krishi, urged Muslims to internalise the lessons from the Holy Month of Ramadan.
Expressing confidence that the Almighty Allah had answered their prayers and supplications during the Holy Month, he said Muslims and other citizens should remain steadfast, determined, and patriotic for the nation to forge ahead.
The speaker enjoined Muslims to be their brothers’ keepers and render a helping hand at all times, stating that one of the lessons from the Holy Month of Ramadan is that of assistance to the needy, which every Muslim should imbibe.
Abbas, while felicitating the Islamic faithful in the country, urged them to continue to pray for Nigeria even after Ramadan, stating that a peaceful and prosperous nation equally needs prayers to sustain its blessings.
Peter Obi
Presidential candidate of Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 general election, Mr. Peter Obi, charged Nigerian Muslims to use the window availed by Sallah to seek Allah’s intervention in Nigeria’s situation.
Obi charged the people not to allow the prevailing unprecedented hardship in the country to affect their spirit of love, brotherliness and peaceful co-existence.
He said this year’s Eid-el-fitri festivities should be used to engender the spirit of oneness, stressing that citizens should re-dedicate themselves to the virtues of love, patriotism and unity for national development.
The former Anambra State governor, in a message to the Muslim faithful, stated that the two major faiths – Christianity and Islam – coming out of their fasting periods should allow the solemnness of the holy months to influence their thoughts and actions in their relationship with one another.
Obi said it was discomforting to learn about the amount of blood being shed in the country daily and asked that the situation be taken to Allah for His prompt intervention.
Babajide Sanwo-Olu
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, rejoiced with Nigerians and residents of the state, particularly the Muslim faithful, as they celebrated this year’s Eid-el-fitri.
Sanwo-Olu, in an Eid-el-fitri message issued by his Special Adviser, Media and Publicity, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, enjoined Muslims in Lagos State to continue on the path of spirituality and peaceful co-existence, and remain tolerant of other religions in the state, saying Lagos is noted for religious harmony.
The governor assured Lagos residents that the economic challenges they currently faced would soon be over because of the several intervention programmes by Lagos State and the federal government.
He stated, “As we celebrate Eid-el-fitri worldwide, I want to join millions of people around the world, to wish our Muslim brothers and sisters in Lagos State and in Nigeria Eid Mubarak. We thank God for sparing our lives to witness and celebrate the 2024 Eid-el-fitri.
“Ramadan is very significant to Muslims across the world as one of the five pillars of Islam. Fasting during the month of Ramadan teaches us about abstinence from worldly pleasures, steadfastness in prayers, and total submission to the will of Allah in accordance with the Quranic injunctions.”
Douye Diri
Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, felicitated Muslim faithful in the state and across Nigeria on this year’s Eid-el-fitri.
Diri, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Alabrah, stated that the month-long Ramadan fast, which culminated in Eid-el-fitri, was a period for Muslims to reflect on the lessons of tolerance, love and sacrifice that the celebration typified.
The governor stated that as one of the key pillars of Islam, the Ramadan was important for developing the virtues of total surrender the Allah’s will in every Muslim.
He urged Muslims to pray for the peace, progress and prosperity of Bayelsa State and Nigeria.
Diri said his administration would continue to ensure peaceful co-existence in the state as it promoted the virtues of love, religious tolerance and harmony.
To ensure a hitch-free celebration, the Commissioner of Police in the state, Alonyenu Francis Idu, directed Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers (DPOs), and Heads of Tactical and Operational Teams to maintain the command’s proactive policing strategy.
In a statement by the command’s spokesman, Assistant Superintendent of Police Musa Mohammed, Idu tasked the officers to ensure absolute dominance of their respective security areas, and prevent any security breaches during and after the celebration.
Godwin Obaseki
Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, felicitated Muslims in the state on the celebration of Eid-el-fitri after the successful completion of the Ramadan fast.
In his Eid-el-fitri message, Obaseki urged Muslim faithful not to relent but intensify prayers for the country to overcome its current challenges.
The governor stated, “On behalf of the government and people of Edo State, I extend my warmest congratulations to you as we commemorate the Eid-el-fitri after the successful completion of the Ramadan fast.
“As you celebrate this joyous occasion, I urge you to sustain the lessons of sacrifice and love learnt during the Ramadan fast. We are in very difficult times, and it would take a great deal of selflessness and love to be our brothers’ keeper.
“So, I urge you to go the extra mile in extending a hand of support to friends, relatives and acquaintances as we press on.”
Dapo Abiodun
Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun advised Nigerians to have hope for a better country with prayers from both Christians and Muslims.
Abiodun commended the peaceful co-existence among the various religious bodies in the state, which had paved the way for seamless governance in the Gateway State.
Abiodun, in a statement to mark Eid-el-fitri, assured the people that with the various interventions by both the federal and state governments, Nigerians would soon come out of their current woes.
The governor recalled the various interventions his administration had made since the economic challenges began, including the latest distribution of food palliatives and the Educash, which, he said, were aimed at lessening the burden on the citizens of the state.
Abiodun acknowledged the support of religious groups to his administration, and preached love, understanding, unity and peaceful co-existence among the people of the state.
Seyi Makinde
Oyo State Governor ‘Seyi Makinde felicitated Muslim Ummah in the state on the completion of the Holy Month of Ramadan and the Eid-el-fitri celebration.
Makinde congratulated the Muslim faithful for witnessing the first day of the month of Shawwal.
He prayed to Allah to accept the worship of the Muslim Ummah as an act of Ibadah, just as he called on them to use the opportunity of the season to make more supplications to Allah over the situation of the state and the country.
The governor equally charged residents of the state to be security-conscious before, during and after the Eid-el-fitri celebrations and report any suspicion to the security agencies through the State Emergency Number, 615.
Makinde stated, “I congratulate the Muslim Ummah in Oyo State on witnessing the first day of the Shawwal and the successful completion of the Ramadan fasting. It is my prayer that God accepts their worship as Ibadah and grants answers to all their prayers.”
Mohammed Bago
Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, disclosed that some people displaced as a result of bandits and terrorist attacks in parts of the state had started returning to their ancestral homes following the restoration of peace in their localities. Bago stated this in a Sallah message to the people of the state, though he did not specify the number of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) that had returned or the communities they went back to.
In the message by his Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, Bago restated the determination of his administration to bring life to normal in all parts of the state so that the people could carry out their legitimate businesses without molestation from bandits and terrorists.
Bago declared, “This administration would not leave anything to chance in securing lives and property of our people even as some of the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) are safely returning to their ancestral homes.”
He congratulated Muslims for the completion of this year’s Ramadan and challenged them to keep the spirit even after the fasting period.
Meanwhile, Niger State Commissioner of Police, Mr Ebenezer Danmammam, directed the deployment of over 2,500 personnel, with operational assets to provide adequate security throughout the state during the Sallah celebration.
Peter Mbah
Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, congratulated the Muslim community in the state and the country on the successful completion of the Ramadan fast. Mbah urged them to continue to exhibit the lessons of Ramadan, including the virtues of love, tolerance, and perseverance, to move the state and Nigeria forward.
The governor made the assertions in his Eid-el-fitri goodwill message to the Muslim Ummah in the state. He reminded Nigerians of the need to be their brothers’ keepers.
While appreciating the Muslim community in the state for the support accorded his administration so far, Mbah pledged to be governor to all.
He restated his resolve to continue to work with every segment of Enugu society to build the state into a preferred place for investment, business, tourism and residence.
AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq
Kwara State Governor and Chairman Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF), Alhaji AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, enjoined the Muslim faithful to make the noble activities of the Holy month of Ramadan integral features of their daily lives.
AbdulRazaq said such activities were alms giving, abstinence from negativities, and good conduct.
In a statement to mark the Eid-el-fitri by the governor’s spokesman, Mr. Rafiu Ajakaye, AbdulRazaq rejoiced with the Muslim community on the occasion of the Eid-el-fitri, which marked the end of the Ramadan fast.
The governor also congratulated the leader of the faithful in Kwara, Emir of Ilorin, Dr Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, on the successful completion of the fasting period.
AbdulRazaq urged the Muslim community to unite upon goodness and avoid anything that might eat away the rewards of their fast or question their sincerity as devotees.
Sheriff Oborevwori
Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, felicitated Muslims in the state, Nigeria and all over the world, on the occasion of 2024 Eid-el-fitri.
In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, in Asaba, Oborevwori tasked every follower of Islam with incorporating the spiritual lessons of love, peace, and justice from Ramadan into their everyday lives in order to promote national harmony, peace, and progress.
The governor said, “I felicitate with all Deltans and Nigerians, especially our Muslim brothers and sisters, on the auspicious occasion of this year’s Eid-el-fitri celebrations.
“I extend my congratulations to every one of our compatriots who has completed the cleansing fast of Ramadan.
“I hope and pray that the spiritual lessons of Ramadan and the teachings of the Holy Prophet—piety, love, justice, fairness, equity, peaceful coexistence with others, tolerance, honesty, and dedication to duty – will stick with us all as we celebrate Eid-el-fitri, for the greater good of our beloved country.”
Federal Executive Council
The Federal Executive Council (FEC) rejoiced with the Muslim faithful on the successful completion of the 2024 Ramadan fast.
In a statement yesterday, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, on behalf of FEC, urged the Muslim faithful to continue to reflect on the lessons of the fasting, which included love, sacrifice, endurance, obedience and compassion.
He urged Nigerians to be optimistic in their support for President Bola Tinubu as well as continue to promote national unity, peaceful co-existence for stability, development and growth of the country.
Lanre Issa-Onilu
Director General, National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, urged Nigerians to pray for the peace of Nigeria and imbibe the virtues of selflessness, patriotism, sacrifice and good neighbourliness towards all.
Onilu made the call in an Eid-el-fitri felicitation message to the Muslim faithful at the end of the month of Ramadan, stressing that the lessons of the holy month, if imbibed, would ensure peaceful coexistence, patriotism and national development in Nigeria.
He said Eid-el-fitri was an opportunity to demonstrate and entrench the virtues of patience, self-control, and sobriety taught by Ramadan, stressing, “Ramadan is a month-long religious obligation with far longer social and national benefits.”
All Progressives Congress
All Progressives Congress (APC) called on Muslims to continue to lead lives that exemplified humility, love, kindness, charity and forgiveness.
National Publicity Secretary of APC, Felix Morka, in a statement yesterday, rejoiced with Muslims on the occasion of Eid el-fitri.
He stated, “Eid el-fitri is the breaking of the month-long fasting, marking the official end of Ramadan, which recalls the revealing of the Quran to Prophet Muhammad.
“The sunrise-to-sunset fast leading to this celebration is usually characterised by repentance, supplications, piety, charity, spiritual upliftment and total devotion to Allah.
“As we celebrate, we urge our Muslim faithful to continue to lead lives that exemplify such timeless virtues as self-denial, more prayers for humility, love, kindness, charity and forgiveness. We call for prayers for the nation’s unity, security and progress.”
Peoples Democratic Party
Acting National Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ambassador Umar Iliya Damagum, felicitated the Muslim faithful on the occasion of Eid-el-fitri.
Damagun, in his congratulatory statement, signed by his senior special assistant, Hon. Yusuf Dingyadi, enjoined Muslims to reflect the Ramadan fasting lessons of virtues, sympathy, and brotherhood in their lives, as well as continue prayers for national growth and stability.
Advising the faithful to discourage all forms of criminal activities and other social vices in society, Damagun appealed to parents and guardians to continue to discharge their God-given responsibilities to their children and wards
According to him, “Ramadan is a holy month, which is a period that teaches pity for the less fortunate and devotion to Almighty God for guidance, forgiveness, and blessings. It is practised for 30 days through fasting and prayers.”
Christian Association of Nigeria
President of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Archbishop Daniel Okoh, called for unity and peace among the citizens, in the spirit of the season.
Okoh made the call in a statement he personally signed, titled, “Eid-el-fitri: Let’s Stand United in Peace.”
Okoh said in the midst of diverse challenges facing the country, the Eid-el-fitri celebration held significant importance of unity and understanding across religious lines. He emphasised the shared values of compassion and humility for national progress.
The CAN president called on Nigeria leaders to prioritise integrity and accountability, and champion ethical governance for sustainable development and national unity.
“As the Muslim community marks the end of Ramadan, a period of fasting, reflection, and spiritual renewal, we join in recognising the significance of this day and express our solidarity,” Okoh stated.
Solomon Adeola
Chairman, Senate Committee on Appropriations, Senator Solomon Adeola, congratulated Muslims on the successful conclusion of the tasking and spiritually purifying religious exercise.
Adeola, who is senator for Ogun West on the platform of APC, sent his message in a statement by his media adviser, Chief Kayode Odunaro.
In the message to his Muslim constituents and other Nigerians, Adeola prayed that Almighty Allah would answer the supplication of adherents as presented in the month of Ramadan.
He appealed to Nigerians to continue in the spiritual lessons of Ramadan and the injunctions of Holy Prophets on self-denial, love, peaceful co-existence, fairness and justice in their daily lives and relations with people.
We’re Focused on Securing Nigeria, Say Service Chiefs, IGP Orders Tight Security
Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, yesterday, called on the Armed Forces of Nigeria to remain committed to the security of the country.
That was as Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Taoreed Lagbaja, declared that securing the nation against all forms of threats, internal and external, remained a duty the armed forces was bound to perform and service “we must render to our fatherland”.
They spoke as the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, ordered tight security nationwide as Muslims across the country celebrated Eid-el-fitri.
The Department of State Services (DSS) called on the citizenry to be security conscious as well as report suspicious activities to the security and law enforcement organisations.
A statement personally signed by the defence chief called on troops deployed across all theatres of operation to remain disciplined, resilient, patriotic, and courageous in their service to our great nation.
Musa stated, “I call upon our troops deployed across all theatres of operation to remain disciplined, resilient, patriotic, and courageous in their service to our great nation.
“Your sacrifices and unwavering dedication to safeguarding Nigeria are deeply appreciated. We recognise the sacrifices you make, sometimes at great personal cost, to ensure the peace and security of our nation.”
Lagbaja, said, “For our colleagues who, due to operational commitments, are unable to join their family members and loved ones to celebrate this year’s Eid-el-fitri, be assured that the nation appreciates your sacrifice and service and I salute your sense of duty and dedication.”
Egbetokun ordered tight security nationwide as Muslims across the country celebrated Eid-el-fitri. He said the directive was in a bid to ensure the safety and security of all citizens.
The police statement said, “The IGP reaffirms ongoing efforts to combat crime and enhance public safety nationwide as Commissioners of Police (CPs) and tactical commanders across all states, as well as the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), along with their supervisory Assistant Inspectors General of Police (AIGs), were tasked to intensify security measures in anticipation of the Eid-el-fitri festivities.”
The IGP directed supervisory AIGs and their respective CPs to ensure the thorough deployment of officers and resources to critical locations, particularly Eid prayer grounds and recreational centres, in order to instil confidence among citizens and fun seekers alike.
Equally, Bauchi Police Command said it had deployed personnel and other things required for watertight security across the state before, during and after the Eid-el-fitri celebration in the state.
The command said it was committed to providing adequate security at praying environments across the state to ensure crime-free festivities, stressing that the protection of lives and property is of utmost priority to the police.
The police gave the assurance via a press statement by the Command Public Relations Officer, SP Ahmed Mohammed Wakil, Anipr, and made available to journalists in Bauchi.
NSCDC, FRSC Deploy 4, 470 Personnel
About 3,500 personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Kwara State have been deployed to various strategic locations in the state for the Eid-el-fitri celebrations.
In a statement by the command’s Public Relations Officer, Mr. Ayoola Michael Sola, the civil defence corps said, “The deployment will spread across every corner of the state, with special attention to areas at high risk of criminal activities, such as black spots, flash points, vulnerable targets, and places known for frequent criminal activities.”
It said the personnel had been assigned the critical duties of preserving peace, averting disturbances, and swiftly addressing any security issues that might emerge before, during, and after the Sallah festivities.
Kogi CP, NSCDC Commandant Assure of Adequate Security
The Commissioner of Police, Kogi State Command, CP Bethrand Onuoha, assured the people of Kogi State of adequate security of lives and property before, during and after the Eid-el-fitri celebrations. This was contained in a press statement by the Command’s Police Public Relations officer, William Aya.
The Commissioner of Police ordered water-tight security across the state before, during, and after the celebrations.
He further charged all the Divisional Police Officers as well as their Supervisory Area Commanders, Tactical and Operational Commanders to beef up security within their Area of Responsibilities
Kogi State Command of NSCDC disclosed the deployment of a total of 1,700 officers and men of the state command to provide security during this year’s Eid-el-fitri celebration across the state.
The State Commandant, Paul Igwebuike, in a statement by its Public Relations Officer, DSC Abdullahi Aliyu, said the deployment was in line with the Commandant General, Ahmed Abubakar Audi’s directive to ensure a hitch-free celebration across the country.
Taraba ALGON
Taraba State chapter of Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), enjoined the Muslim faithful across the country to extend the goodwill and brotherliness they exhibited during the period of fasting beyond Ramadan.
Chairman of ALGON in the state, Alhaji. Dr Aminu Hassan, who made the appeal in a statement, also urged Muslms to recommit themselves to peaceful coexistence with adherents of other religious faiths.
Hassan, who is also National Welfare Officer of ALGON, stated that Ramadan was a period of self-reflection, devotion and renewal of faith and a time when they exhibited acts of charity to fellow humans.
FG Extends Public Holidays to Thursday
The federal government extended the public holidays for this year’s Eid-el-fitri celebration to cover tomorrow, Thursday.
It had earlier declared Tuesday and Wednesday public holidays for the celebration, but added Thursday, making it three days declared for the end of Ramadan celebration.
That was disclosed in a press statement by Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, Dr Aishetu Ndayako, yesterday.
The statement read, “The federal government has approved Thursday 11, April, 2024 as an additional public holiday to celebrate this year’s Eid -el-fitri.
“The Honourable Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, while congratulating the Muslim Ummah for the successful completion of the month of spiritual rejuvenation, reiterated President Bola Tinubu’s firm commitment to providing a safe and prosperous Nigeria for all to thrive.”
