Chairman of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), Otunba Gbenga Elegbeleye has described this year’s Muslim festival, the Eid el Adha as very significant for the league’s Muslim community.
In his message to celebrate the festival with players, coaches, match officials and fans of the Islamic faith, Elegbeleye noted that this year’s celebration would be the first in a long time to be marked while the season has been completed.
“In many seasons past, we have matches during the festival, requiring stakeholders to celebrate away from their loved ones.
“This is no longer the case this year because we are in off-season and everyone is having sufficient time to celebrate with their loved ones,” the NPFL Chairman remarked.
He was quick to clarify that the festival was not a major reason for achieving a calendar stability which aligned with European football season, but has turned out an added perk for concerned stakeholders.
“I use this medium to urge our NPFL Muslim faithful to use this period to show love to everyone but most importantly to reflect on how to contribute to the development of the league.
“Let us pray for one another, pray for the league and pray for Nigeria to provide us the enabling platform through the NPFL to flourish.
“We remain submissive to the Almighty Allah as we celebrate this year Arafat and Eid Kabir. Happy Jumat and Barka da Sallah”, Elegbeleye prayed. Elegbeleye continued.
The Federal Government declared Friday, June 6 and Monday, June 9 as public holidays to mark the Muslim festival of Eid Mubarak.
The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) also felicitated with Muslim Ummah, particularly with the sporting media and all stakeholders in the industry on the occasion of Eid-el-Kabir.
SWAN President, Mr. Isaiah Benjamin, in a Sallah message conveyed through the Association’s Secretary-General, Amb. Ikenna Okonkwo, on Friday noted that the celebration of Eid-ul-Adha reminds faithful and indeed everyone on the need to make sacrifice, unity and peaceful co-existence essential aspects of life.
He said, “As we celebrate this sacred occasion of Eid al-Adha, also known as Eid Kabir, we reflect deeply on the values of sacrifice, faith, obedience, and compassion that define this festival.
“At this time of spiritual renewal and unity, we extend our heartfelt greetings to you and your loved ones. May the blessings of Eid bring peace to your heart, prosperity to your home, and continued progress to our shared endeavours.
“Let us draw inspiration from the noble sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and embrace the spirit of giving, tolerance, and community service. As partners in truth, development, and positive storytelling, your support has been the strength behind our mission.
“May Allah accept our acts of worship, bless our homes with joy, and guide us towards greater heights.”