By Our Reporters

At the Eid prayers in Abuja, President Tinubu urged Nigerians to pray fervently for the military and security agencies who are risking their lives to protect the nation from terrorism and banditry.

Tinubu, after observing the Eid-al-Adha prayers at the Eid Ground in Dodan Barracks, Lagos, reiterated the importance of sacrifice, unity, and brotherhood during this sacred season.

“We should remember to pray and give to those who are very vulnerable in the spirit of the season, which is sacrifice. We must unite, remain our brothers’ keeper, and give to our neighbours. We should show love to everyone,” he said.

Highlighting the sacrifices of the troops, President Tinubu added, “We must also pray hard for our troops to keep us safe. They are making sacrifices in the challenges that we face from terrorism and banditry today. We must pray for them specifically, remember their sacrifices, and continue to behave well as citizens.”

The Chief Imam of Lagos State, Suleiman Oluwatoyin Abu-Nola, who led the prayers, reminded worshippers of the significance of sacrifice exemplified by Prophet Abraham.

Key government officials and dignitaries prayer attended the Eid.

Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume and Head of the Civil Service of the Federation Didi Walson-Jack, also called for reflection, unity, and dedication to national progress.

In a separate message, Akume, said this year’s celebration is particularly significant as it coincides with the second anniversary of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, marking an important milestone in Nigeria’s democratic journey.

The SGF highlighted the profound lessons from the life of Prophet Ibrahim, emphasising faith, sacrifice, obedience, and reliance on Allah’s will. He called on Nigerians to use this festive period to reflect deeply on values such as peace, unity, compassion, and patriotism.

On her part, Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, encouraged integrity and dedication among Civil Servants.

While conveying her warm Eid greetings to civil servants and their families, she reminded them of their shared responsibility to serve the nation with humility, integrity and renewed commitment.

Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, while felicitating with the Muslim faithful, charged them to always wear tolerance like a cloth, and spread love, sacrifice and unity, noting that those are the binding principles of their faith and the only means of getting to their destination, which is God.

The governor stressed that there will be more growth and development in the country if the Muslims and Christians see themselves as one, and choose to live together in peace and unity as Nigerians.

He urged the Muslim faithful in the state and country to continue to pray and support the current administration both in the state and federal level, noting that the APC led government is striving hard to fulfil its electoral mandate to the people, expressing optimism that the state and country will surely become better.

In his own message, Osun State governor, Ademola Adeleke, promised to reward the sacrifices of Osun people with further good governance deliveries.

In a statement by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, on Friday, Adeleke who congratulated Muslims in the state and beyond for the spiritual renewal that the moment offers, noted that faith in Allah can overcome any challenges and create a path for a lifelong benefits.

Noting the value for sacrifices and devotion which Allah conveyed to mankind through Prophet Ibrahim (ASW) and his son, Prophet Ismail (ASW), Adeleke tasked the faithful to use this sacred moment to renew their commitment to help those in distress and support efforts that elevates communities.

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, in his message, emphasised the profound values that Eid-al-Adha represents. He highlighted the spirit of sacrifice and faith exemplified by Prophet Ibrahim (AS) as a guiding principle for all.

The minister also praised the Muslim community in the FCT for their significant contributions to peace and coexistence within the territory. “Your values and sense of community are integral to our shared progress,” he noted.

According to him, under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, the FCT Administration has made notable strides in infrastructure, security, and social welfare.

In her message, Mrs Oluremi Tinubu, emphasised the importance of sacrifice, obedience, compassion and faith during the festival.

“This is a time of deep reflection on the values of sacrifice, obedience, compassion, and faith. It is also a time to show kindness and generosity,” the First Lady said. She urged Nigerians to remember their neighbours and extend love and support, especially to the less privileged.

Executive Chairman of Origin Tech Group, Prince S J Samuel, while congratulating Muslims, urged them to uphold and embody the Prophet’s timeless virtues of peace, kindness, humility, and selflessness, especially in their daily interactions.

He called on the Muslim Ummah to seize this spiritual moment to pray for enduring peace, love, and unity in our collective pursuit of building a stronger, more prosperous Nigeria.

Also, technology company, Globacom, while congratulating Nigerian Muslims, urged them to use the celebration to pray for the country’s economic progress. In a goodwill message released in Lagos, Globacom encouraged Muslims to reflect on the values of peace, unity, and development, as taught by Prophet Muhammed. The company also called on Muslims to continue living up to the tenets of their faith through acts of charity, peaceful coexistence, and obedience to the Holy Quran.

While felicitating the Nigerian Muslim community, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, said the special festival, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, reminds all Nigerians of the faith and obedience shown by Abraham (Prophet Ibrahim), and it teaches about sacrifice, love, and kindness values shared by Christians and Muslims alike. He maintained that Eid-el-Kabir is a time to come together with family and friends, share meals, and care for one another, adding that it is also a time to spread joy and build unity in the communities.

Edo State governor, Monday Okpebholo, Friday, extended his heartfelt felicitations to Muslim faithful in Edo State, Nigeria, and across the globe.

In a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, the governor emphasised the profound significance of Eid al-Adha, a festival that symbolizes sacrifice, obedience, and devotion to Almighty Allah.

He urged Muslims to reflect on the core lessons of the celebration, which include compassion, generosity, and submission to the will of God.

“As we commemorate Eid al-Adha, let us be reminded of the spirit of sacrifice exemplified by Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham). This significant occasion calls for us to deepen our faith, uphold the virtues of peaceful coexistence, and extend a hand of fellowship to our neighbours, irrespective of their religious beliefs”, Governor Okpebholo said.

Ebonyi State governor, Francis Nwifuru, urged Muslims to continue to uphold virtues of tolerance, mutual respect, and peaceful coexistence that are essential for the unity and progress of the  state and the nation.

In his goodwill message on the occasion of this year’s Eid-al-adha celebration, Nwifuru who views the season as a season characterised by deep reflection, sacrifice, gratitude, and renewed devotion to the values of peace, compassion, and unity, called on Muslim ummahs to remain solitarily confined to Allah’s dictates in a time like this.

Chairman of Enugu State Traditional Rulers Council, HRM Igwe Samuel Asadu (Igwe Ogadagidi), has felicitated Muslims in the state and across Nigeria, urging unity, love and selflessness.

In a message, Igwe Asadu, who is the traditional ruler of Edem-Ani Ogwugwu Ancient Kingdom in Nsukka Local Government Area, extended warm wishes to the Muslim community in Enugu State, and across the nation, celebrating the enduring values of sacrifice, obedience, and faith embodied by the festival.

The royal father called on Muslims to remain steadfast and resilient in the face of economic challenges, noting that Enugu State under Governor Peter Mbah’s administration is emerging stronger and that the future holds a lot of hope.