As Muslims across Nigeria mark Eid-el-Fitr, political and religious leaders have urged citizens to uphold the values of charity, compassion, and national unity.
They emphasized the importance of continued prayers and collective efforts toward peace and national development.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, speaking after Eid prayers at the Abuja National Eid Prayer Ground, called on Nigerians to extend the spirit of Ramadan beyond the fasting period.
“We should thank Almighty Allah for allowing us to start and end Ramadan in good health and happiness. We must continue the good deeds of caring for the vulnerable and avoid reverting to unacceptable ways,” Tinubu said.
The Chief Imam of the National Mosque, Abuja, Dr. Abdulkadir Salman Sholagberu, led the prayers and urged Muslims to maintain the virtues of love, charity, and righteousness beyond Ramadan.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the need for prayers for Nigeria’s unity.
“As we celebrate, let us remember the values of compassion, kindness, and generosity that define Ramadan. May we uphold these values daily and work toward our nation’s unity,” Akpabio said in a statement by his media aide, Eseme Eyiboh.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar stressed the need for leaders to prioritize citizens’ well-being, especially in difficult economic times.
“Ramadan came at a time of economic hardship. Leaders must ensure interventions that sustain people’s welfare beyond Ramadan,” Atiku said.
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, urged Nigerians to reflect on the lessons of fasting, including steadfastness, charity, and tolerance, while also calling for prayers for President Tinubu’s administration and national harmony.
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The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), through its President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, extended greetings to Muslims and emphasized the shared values between Christianity and Islam. Okoh also condemned recent security challenges, including the mob killing of 16 northern hunters in Edo State, and called for justice.
“This extrajudicial killing is a grievous violation of human rights. The government must take decisive action to uphold the rule of law and protect all citizens,” Okoh said, urging interfaith cooperation for national unity.
Governors call for perseverance, religious harmony
State governors also used the occasion to encourage perseverance, religious harmony, and national development.
Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum called for continuous prayers for peace and prosperity, while Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu reaffirmed his commitment to fostering religious harmony.
“In Lagos, we are committed to fostering harmony across faiths and cultures. Let us continue to embrace the values of generosity and community,” Sanwo-Olu said.
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun praised Muslims for their perseverance and acts of charity. Abiodun expressed optimism for a positive turnaround in Nigeria’s economic and security situation.
The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Akinloye Owolabi Olakulehin, warned against religious intolerance and discrimination, advocating for peace and unity among Nigerians.
Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang, Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji, and Anambra State Governor Prof. Charles Soludo all highlighted the importance of compassion, tolerance, and national unity in their Eid messages.
Sokoto State Governor Ahmed Aliyu commended philanthropists for supporting the poor during Ramadan, emphasizing selflessness, generosity, and religious harmony.
Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal called on Muslims to continue embodying patience, love, and self-discipline beyond Ramadan, stressing the need for collective efforts to address challenges.
Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State reassured all residents of fairness and equity, emphasizing that his administration would not discriminate based on religion or ethnicity. Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo and Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori also urged Muslims to sustain the values of Ramadan and work towards unity.
Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, in a message shared on his X handle, acknowledged the spiritual renewal brought by Ramadan and emphasized the need for continued sacrifice, discipline, and love.
Religious leaders, including the Chief Imam of Ado-Ekiti, Alhaji Jamiu Kewulere, encouraged Muslims to extend kindness beyond their community and uphold moral values.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) also urged Nigerians to embrace love, unity, and justice in their daily lives.
Across the country, Eid prayers were held peacefully. In Borno and Kwara States, large congregations gathered for prayers with security personnel ensuring order.
Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf called for patience and support for the less privileged while pledging justice for Kano indigenes recently killed in Edo State.
