Nigerian Muslims have joined their counterparts worldwide to celebrate the Eid-el-Kabir, also known as the festival of sacrifice, the second of two great Muslim festivals.
For many Muslims, Eid-el-Kabir marks the culmination of the hajj and is celebrated by Muslims throughout the world.
It is also to commemorate Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to a command from God.
The period is observed with Eid prayers, charity, social gatherings, festive meals, gift sharing and so much more.
Tinubu Calls For Sacrifice
In his Eid message, President Bola Tinubu urged Nigerians to reflect on the essence of the occasion of Eid-el-Kabir, which bears strong meaning and significance for the nation.
Tinubu stressed that sacrifice and duty are essential ingredients to nation-building, noting that it takes collective purpose, will, and action to bring about great change.
He wants the citizens 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.
“The President acknowledges the sacrifices that Nigerians have made in the past year as his administration sets the nation on a firm pedestal of growth and development,” a Saturday statement by presidential spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale, read.
“President Tinubu affirms 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.
While congratulating the Muslim faithful and praying that Allah accepts their supplications and acts of obedience, the President reassured Nigerians that his administration is prioritizing their physical, social, and economic security and will not relent on this noble endeavour.
Nigerian governors also congratulated their respective citizens as they celebrate Eid-el-Adha, widely regarded as the feast of sacrifice by adherents of Islam.
For Lagos Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Nigerians should take some lessons from prophet Ibrahim’s exemplary life by eschewing tendencies that could disturb the peace, unity and stability in the country. and keep their hopes alive and continue to work for the unity, and progress of the nation.
He urged Lagosians and Nigerians, particularly the Islamic faithful, to continue on the path of spirituality and peaceful coexistence and imbibe the lessons of the sacrifice made by the prophet Ibrahim.
“Eid-al-Adha is 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,” Sanwo-Olu said in a statement by his spokesman, Gboyega Akosile.
“The festival is a reminder to us that there will always be great rewards when we have faith and patience during trying periods, persistence in prayers, and tenacity in our beliefs.
“As we celebrate this year’s Eid-el-Kabir, I want to urge all Lagosians and Nigerians in general to be hopeful of a better future.”
He also called on Nigerians to remain steadfast and have faith in the “Renewed Hope” agenda of the President Bola Tinubu-led All Progressives Congress (APC) administration.
Peoplesmind