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• Obi asks Muslims to seek Allah’s intervention to end challenges • Katsina extends holidays to Friday
From Olanrewaju Lawal, From Fred Ezeh, Abuja, Olanrewaju Lawal, Birnin Kebbi, Agaju Madugba, Katsina, Lateef Dada, Osogbo with agency reports
President Bola Tinubu has appealed to all Nigerians to come together and rededicate themselves to the noble duty of building the nation.
The appeal is contained in his message to the Muslim Ummah on the occasion of the Eid-el-Fitr celebrations which is held at the end of Ramadan – the month of fasting.
In the text of the message, the president said the citizens “are the sculptor and Nigeria is the clay; we build it the way we desire.”
Tinubu felicitated with Muslim Ummah and prayed that their supplications and sacrifices in the season and even after, would receive rewards from Almighty Allah.
While wishing Nigerians Happy Eid-el-Fitr, the President also prayed that the lessons, blessings and the joys of the season abide with them always.
CAN preaches peace, unity
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has urged Muslim faithful to use the occasion to have a deep reflection and spiritual renewal, even as he preached for peace, unity and tolerance, among Nigerians irrespective of religion and trust.
CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, in a message, yesterday, said Eid-el-Fitri celebration holds significant importance not only for Muslim compatriots but for the entire nation. It serves as a reminder of the values of compassion, humility, and generosity that form the foundation of our shared humanity.
“In the midst of diverse challenges facing our nation, it is imperative that we draw inspiration from the essence of Eid-el-Fitri to foster peace, harmony, and progress in our society. The lessons of Eid-el-Fitri resonate strongly in our quest for a more peaceful and prosperous Nigeria.
“As we witness the breaking of the fast and the exchange of goodwill among friends and neighbours, let us be reminded of the power of empathy, forgiveness, and understanding in building bridges across religious and cultural divides. It’s time to reflect on our common aspirations for a society where justice, equality, and respect for one another prevail.”
The CAN president thus called on leaders at all levels of governance to embody moral rectitude and ethical leadership in their service to the nation, insisting that leadership guided by integrity, accountability, and selflessness is essential in steering Nigeria towards a path of sustainable development and unity.
•Akpabio urges continued prayers
In a congratulatory message, Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, urged Muslim faithful to continue to offer prayers for peace, unity and prosperity of Nigeria.
He noted that Islam is a religion of peace and, if its adherents go to God in prayers with sincerity, He will surely answer.
He urged Muslim faithfuls to always propagate the peace that Islam preached as well as the love and care for the less privileged that Prophet Muhammad exemplified
“I ask you to pray for your leaders and the peace and unity of our dear country; I believe with your prayers, Nigeria will overcome its current challenges.” he said.
•Obi: Seek Allah’s intervention
The presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Mr. Peter Obi, charged Muslim faithful to use the window availed by Sallah to seek for Allah’s intervention toward ending Nigeria’s security challenges.
In a statement by his spokesperson, Dr. Yunusa Tanko in Onitsha, he urged the people not to allow the prevailing challenges in the country to affect their spirit of love, and peaceful co-existence.
“The people should use the 2024 Eid-el-fitr festivities to engender the spirit of oneness and also re-dedicate themselves to the virtues of love, patriotism and unity for the desired national development.
“The two major faiths Christianity and Islam coming out of their fasting period should allow the solemnity of the holy months to influence their thoughts and actions in relating with one another and thinking about the future of the country.
“An intense prayer for our dear country has become necessary more than ever before, as our nationhood is in dire need of divine intervention to survive.
“Our economy is already under severe stress, the currency is losing value daily, unemployment and inflation rising,” he added.
He implored the people not to despair and miss the essence and meaning of festivity and the divine succour associated with it.
Obi added that there was light at the end of every tunnel, as a new Nigeria was possible.
•Katsina extends holidays to Friday
Katsina State government has extended the holidays to Friday, declaring April 12 as work-free day.
The Federal Government had earlier proclaimed three days of public holidays which began on Tuesday and would end on Thursday, April 11, 2024, for celebration of activities marking the end of the month-long Muslim Ramadan fasting.
The Katsina government explained in a statement on Tuesday that the decision to declare Friday work-free day followed “the good gesture of the Federal Government for extending Eid-el-Fitr public holidays to Thursday 11th of this month.”
The statement signed by the Commissioner for Information, Dr. Bala Salisu Zango, said: “Governor Dikko Radda’s government has also taken this step to enable workers in the state to fully enjoy the Eid-el- Fitr Sallah celebration with their families.”
•Mbah urges love, tolerance, unity
Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, has congratulated the Muslim Ummah in the state and the nation on the successful completion of the Ramadan Fast, urging 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 also reiterated his resolve to invest every fibre in him to work for the total development and turnaround of the state and peaceful co-existence of its people.
In his goodwill message to the Muslim Ummah in the state, reminding Nigerians also of the need to be their brother’s keeper.
While also appreciating the Muslim community in the state for the total support accorded to his administration so far, Dr. Mbah pledged to be governor to all, restating 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 living.
“The virtues of self-sacrifice, love, peace, unity, leniency, and kindness to all, which the Islamic faith stands for, are critical values in our collective effort to move our state and nation forward.
“Therefore, I urge our Muslim brothers and sisters to continue to uphold these virtues as we collectively build the Enugu State and Nigeria of our dreams,” he said.
The governor also enjoined the people of the state and Nigerians to be hopeful and prayerful amid present socio-economic challenges, saying he was confident that things would turn around for the nation.
•Makinde calls for more prayers
Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has called on Muslims to use the opportunity of the season to make more supplications to Allah SWT over the situation of the state and the country.
He equally charged residents of the state to be security-conscious before, during and after the Eid-el-Fitri celebrations and report any suspicion to security agencies through the State Emergency Number, 615.
He said: “I congratulate the Muslim Ummah in Oyo State on witnessing the 1st 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.
“I want to call on all Muslims and all residents to continue to make supplications for the country and Oyo State.
“As an administration, we have been doing all we can to address the challenges facing our people and to stimulate the economy of the state. At this critical period, that should be the focus of all leaders at all levels of government.
“But I also know that after we all might have done all we can, it is imperative to continue to hand over our affairs to God Almighty, who is able to turn difficult situations around. Let me also use this opportunity to charge Oyo State residents to be watchful and vigilant before, during and after the Eid-el-Fitri celebrations.
“Please, be security-conscious and report any suspicion with regards to security to the security agencies through the Oyo State Emergency Number, 615.”
• Diri: Reflect on lessons
Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has challenged Muslims to reflect on the lessons of tolerance, love and sacrifice that the Eid-el-Kabir celebration typifies.
He stated that as one of the key pillars of Islam, Ramadan was important for developing the virtues of self-renunciation in every true Muslim.
While felicitating with adherents of the Islamic faith, he urged them to pray for the peace, progress and prosperity of Bayelsa State and Nigeria.
Governor Diri said his administration will continue to ensure peaceful co-existence in the state as it promotes the virtues of love, religious tolerance and harmony.
He added that the government’s commitment to peace and the security of lives and property has fostered harmony between adherents of the different faiths in order to build a prosperous state for everyone to realise their dreams.
•Edo, Kebbi govs harp on love, unity
Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has urged Muslim faithful not to relent in their prayers for the nation to overcome its current challenges.
“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.”
In his message, Kebbi State Governor, Dr.Nasir Idris, stressed the need for people in the state and the entire Nigeria to engage in acts that would strengthen permanent peace and unity in the country.
He said peace remained the most veritable foundation for socio-economic development in the nation.
He also called on the people to sustain fervent prayers for the prevalence of security, tranquillity and prosperity in the state and nationwide.
Governor Idris reaffirmed the resolve of his administration to continue to bring succour to all communities in the state to enhance their wellbeing.
He restated that the ongoing free distribution of assorted grains as palliatives to the people of the state would be sustained in the bid to make life more easier and gainful to them.
According to him, in order to mitigate the hardship of the people of the state due to the present economic situation, the government has bought assorted grains of more than N12 billion and distributed them free to all communities.
Keep praying for us – Adeleke
Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has urged Muslims faithful to keep praying for his administration.
“I want to urge you all to keep praying for us, pray for our administration, prayers are never too much and the Yoruba people will always say what is already good needs prayer and the one that is yet to be, also needs prayer. Lets also make sure that now and beyond, we live in unity because united we stand and divided we fall,” Adeleke said.
•Adeola seeks prayers
Chairman, Senate Committee on Appropriation, Olamilekan Adeola, has urged Muslim faithful to use the occasion of Eid-el-fitr to pray for the nation’s progress and solutions to its present challenges.
“Let us continue to renew our hope for a secure nation and a prosperous future under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu.
“I pray that our prayers during the past month are answered,” he said.
Adeola, who noted that nation-building was a collective responsibility, called on Muslims and adherents of other faiths to support efforts at birthing a new Nigeria.
