Eid-el-kabir: Governors felicitate Muslims, urge prayers, unity
Governors yesterday extended warm greetings to the Muslim faithful as they joined their colleagues across the world in celebrating this year’s Eid-el-Adha.
Eid-ul-Adha or Bakrid is one of the two main festivals in Islam to commemorate the devotion and submission of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to Allah’s will. It is marked with prayers, animal sacrifice, charity, social gatherings, festive meals and gift-giving.
In their separate messages, the governors called on the adherents of Islam to embrace peace, unity and love as exemplified by Prophet Ibrahim, who complied with Allah’s directive to sacrifice his son, Ishmael.
The governors include Babajide Sanwo-Olu(Lagos), Dapo Abiodun(Ogun), Seyi Makinde(Oyo), Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti) Dikko Radda (Katsina) and Bala Mohammed (Bauchi).
In Lagos, Governor Sanwo-Olu urged Lagos residents and other Nigerians to continue on the path of spirituality and peaceful co-existence.
He also advised Muslims in the state to imbibe the lessons of the sacrifice made by Prophet Ibrahim and work for the unity and progress of the state and Nigeria as a whole.
These appeals were contained in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Gboyega Akosile.
He said: “On behalf of my family and the government of Lagos State, I wish all our Muslim brothers and sisters in the State and Nigeria a happy and peaceful Eid-el-Kabir celebration.
“Eid-al-Adha is a symbolic event in the history of mankind, particularly for Muslims, 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.
“This symbolic Islamic celebration is a reminder to us that there will always be great rewards when we have abiding faith and patience in trying periods; persistence in prayers and tenacity in our beliefs.’’
Sanwo-Olu charged Lagosians to eschew tendencies that could disturb the growth, development, progress, peace, unity and stability of the state and country.
Sanwo-Olu’s counterpart in Ogun, Governor Abiodun, encouraged the Muslim faithful to embrace selflessness and compassion, which are the key teachings of Islam.
He noted in a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade, that Eid highlights the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son in obedience to God’s command.
The governor said, “On this special occasion, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all Muslims as we observe Eid-el-Adha. This celebration is not only a time for joy and festivity but also a moment for reflection on the values of sacrifice, love, and generosity.
“As we gather with family and friends, let us remember those in need and extend our hands to help them. The true essence of Eid lies in our ability to share our blessings with others.”
The governor highlighted the role of unity and harmony among all religious adherents in the state, noting that Eid-el-Adha serves as a reminder of the importance of coming together to foster peace and understanding among all citizens.
“Let us celebrate responsibly, ensuring that we protect ourselves and our loved ones while enjoying the joy of Eid,” he added.
Governor Oyebanji, in a message by his Special Adviser on Media, Yinka Oyebode, highlighted the significance of Eid-el-Kabir as a festival of sacrifice and joy for the Muslim faithful.
He congratulated them for witnessing another Eid, noting that sacrifice was ‘’the price to pay for victory, fulfilment, success, profit and joy as shown in the story of Ibrahim’s obedience to the command of Allah to sacrifice his son Ishmael with a ram slaughtered in his stead.
The governor also enjoined them to imbibe the core lesson of Eid-el-Kabir -Kabir, which is total submission to the will of the Almighty Allah, which, according to him, brings rewards.
He equally emphasised the need for collective efforts in the task of developing Ekiti, describing the Muslim community as an important partner in taking the state to a higher pedestal of development.
Also, Governor Makinde called for increased prayers for the state and Nigerian leaders. He described Eid al-Adha as a blessed and glorious festival through which Muslims worship Allah.
The governor advised them to show complete dedication to him(Allah), and to pray to God to accept and reward the sacrifices of all worshippers.
Makinde appreciated the Muslim Ummah for their unrelenting support for his administration and their constant prayers
He said: “I want to congratulate my Muslim brothers and sisters in Oyo State and across the world on witnessing the Eid-el-Kabir 2025.
“Eid al-Adha is one glorious festival and an opportunity for Muslim faithful to demonstrate their dedication to God through prayers and sacrifice.
“Let me also add that our government, their government, will continue to put the interests of the people of the state first.
“Again, I urge all Muslims and all residents of the state to be watchful and alert during the festivities, as security is a responsibility for everyone. If anyone sees something, they should say something, and the government will do something.’’
In his message, Radda also charged residents of the state, especially Muslims, to use the period to show acts of kindness to one another, reflect and pray.
Highlighting the significance of Eid al-Adha, he noted that its inherent value is rooted in faith, sacrifice, and obedience to Allah’s will.
The governor implored pilgrims observing Arafat rites in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, to remember the state in their prayers.
He said: “Eid is about sacrifice and kindness. A small act of kindness can go a long way.
‘’This year’s Eid comes at the start of the rainy season — a lifeline for our farmers. I pray for good rains and a rich harvest. Agriculture is the heartbeat of our economy. I urge our citizens to take advantage of our farming and business support programmes under the Building Your Future agenda.”
In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mukhtar Gidado, Governor Mohammed described Eid-el-Kabir as a period of deep spiritual reflection, symbolising sacrifice, obedience, compassion, and unwavering faith.
“As we mark this important festival, I urge all citizens to reflect on the virtues of Prophet Ibrahim and imbibe the spirit of selflessness and love for one another,” he said.
The governor called on all residents of the state to use the season as an opportunity to promote mutual respect and unity among all, irrespective of religious, ethnic, or political differences.
The governor emphasised that Bauchi State is a collective heritage whose development depends on the shared responsibility of its people.
Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike also rejoiced with Muslims on the occasion.
He commended the Muslim community in the FCT for their ‘’enduring contributions to the growth and peaceful coexistence within our territory.’’
Describing their ‘’ values and sense of community’’ as ‘’integral to our shared progress,’’ Wike said President Bola Tinubu was working tirelessly to ease the ‘’burdens of all.’’
He said, “Under the Renewed Hope Agenda of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, our administration has been working tirelessly to ease the burdens faced by our people.
‘’We have made commendable progress in infrastructure development, security enhancement, and social welfare interventions. These efforts are all aimed at improving the quality of life for every resident of the FCT.”
Also, Ekiti State former Governor Kayode Fayemi described the celebration as a period of spiritual reflection, gratitude, and commitment to the values that define the Islamic faith.
He, however, called for moderation in the celebrations
“Let us balance our festivities with empathy and kindness towards those less fortunate. While we celebrate, let us do so with consciousness of the challenges many of our compatriots are facing,’’ Fayemi said.
All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman Abdullahi Umar Ganduje called on Muslims in the country to imbibe the spirit of sacrifice and charity as typified in the lifestyle of Prophet Ibrahim.
Ganduje, in a statement yesterday by his Chief Press Secretary, Edwin Olofu, rejoiced with the Muslim Ummah worldwide on the occasion of this year’s Eid.
He charged them to reflect on the essence of the session, which teaches the importance of sacrifice, obedience to divine command, and the spirit of giving.
The APC chairman described Eid-el-Kabir as a significant reminder of the unwavering faith of Prophet Ibrahim and his willingness to submit to the will of Almighty Allah.
Ganduje said: “As we mark this sacred festival, I call on all Muslims to reflect on the essence of Eid-el-Kabir, which teaches us the importance of sacrifice, obedience to divine command, and the spirit of giving.
‘’Let us use this period to show kindness to our neighbours, extend a helping hand to the less privileged, and promote unity and peace in our communities.”
He further charged Nigerians to remain steadfast in prayers for the peace, stability, and prosperity of the country.
Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Gen. Christopher Musa has urged Nigerians to cooperate with the government and the military to build a peaceful, prosperous and secure country.
Ge, Musa also urged members of the Armed Forces to continue to make sacrifices for ‘’our dear nation.’’
He said this in a message to members of the Armed Forces on the occasion of Eid-el-Kabir
The CDS acknowledged the troops’ unwavering service, resilience, and sacrifice in defending the country.
He said: “The essence of Eid-el-Kabir is that of wholesome sacrifice, as such, let’s continue to make unending sacrifices that will prosper our dear nation.
“To the troops on the frontlines safeguarding our communities, maritime domain and borders, your courage and commitment continue to inspire hope and confidence in the hearts of all Nigerians. You are an embodiment of patriotism, and your sacrifice will never go unrecognised.”
Gen. Musa reassured that the Armed Forces remained committed to protecting Nigeria’s sovereignty and supporting civil authorities in peace maintenance.
The CDS said he was committed to enhancing joint operations, improving welfare, investing in training, and leveraging technology to address modern security challenges.
Charging Nigerians to understand that security is a shared responsibility, Gen. Musa said their support remained ‘’vital to national security.
The Police Service Commission (PSC) has urged Muslim faithful to embody the virtues of faith, obedience, sacrifice and compassion.
The commission, in a statement by its Head, Press and Public Relations, Ikechukwu Ani, said the virtues were fundamental to building a peaceful and just society.
It said: “This sacred celebration reminds us of the virtues of faith, obedience, sacrifice, and compassion, which are fundamental to building a peaceful and just society.
“As we commemorate this festival, let us renew our commitment to unity, tolerance, and the pursuit of the common good.”
The commission commended Muslim officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force for their dedication and service to the nation.
It said: “Your sacrifices in ensuring the safety and security of our communities will not go unnoticed.
“May this Eid bring peace, prosperity, and renewed hope to our country. Let us continue to work together to uphold the principles of justice, fairness, and service to humanity.’’
Controller-General of the Federal Fire Service (FFS), Abdulganiyu Jaji, has listed things that must be handled with care while meals for the Eid celebration are being prepared.
Jaji said the advice was necessary to avert fire incidents.
Among the things listed by him are roasting animals in kitchens, overfilling of frying pots/pans with oil and wrong placement of gas cylinders.
He said: “Cooking is at the heart of our Eid celebrations, but it’s also where most domestic fire accidents begin. During festivals like Eid al-Adha, the risks increase as families prepare larger meals at different hours of the day.
‘’Roasting of animals, a cherished Sallah tradition, should be done in open spaces and gas cylinders must be placed outside the kitchen at all times.”
The Fire Service chief congratulated Muslims on the festival and urged them to ensure that their
homes are equipped with fire extinguishers, fire blankets and smoke detectors.
He also reminded them and other Nigerians of the need to turn off electrical appliances, stoves and gas cookers before stepping out of their homes.
“We may be ready to respond at any time,” Jaji said, “but what we truly want is for Nigerians to stay safe and avoid emergencies altogether.”
