Governors felicitated the Muslim faithful yesterday on the celebration of Eid-el-Fitr, a festival that marks the end of the Holy Month of Ramadan.

The Federal Executive Council (FEC), ministers and National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu also  sent good wishes to the adherents of Islamic religion.

In their separate messages, the governors, FEC, ministers and Ribadu admonished  Muslims and other Nigerians to imbibe the spirit of peace, unity and tolerance.

They said these attributes were fundamental not only for self-actualisation but for national development.

The governors are Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti), Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo), Moses Okpebholo (Edo), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), Duoye Diri (Bayelsa),   AbdulRahman AbdulRazaz (Kwara) and  Ahmed Ododo (Kogi).

Others are governors  Peter Mbah (Enugu), Chukwuma Soludo (Anambra), Francis Nwifuru (Ebonyi), Abdullahi Sule (Nasarawa),  Ahmadu Fintiri (Adamawa), Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau), Hycinth Alia (Benue), Umaru Bago (Niger) and Inuwa Yahaya (Gombe).

Governor  AbdulRazaq called on   ‘’all Kwarans and other  Nigerians’’ to imbibe the lessons of Ramadan in the intervening months’’ and  be ‘’our brothers’ keepers.’’

He further advised   them to ‘’be peaceful in our conduct, and pray for peace and stability of Kwara State and Nigeria at large.”

The governor made the appeals when a delegation of the state government joined the Muslim community to observe the Eid prayers in Ilorin, the state capital.

He also called on the people to continue their for the Tinubu administration.

 “With your support, Mr President and the Governor are going to lead us to the promised land,”  said AbdulRazaq, who is away in Saudi Arabia for the Lesser Hajj.

Emir of Ilorin Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari congratulated all sons and daughters of the Emirate and the people of the state for the successful completion of the Ramadan.

Mutfwang urged the Muslim faithful to continue offering prayers for peace, unity, and progress of both the state and the nation.

He commended the resilience, devotion, and discipline exhibited by Muslims throughout Ramadan.

Mutfwang described the holy month as a time of deep reflection, spiritual renewal, and moral fortification.

“Ramadan is a time when hearts are softened, generosity overflows and acts of kindness illuminate the path of the less privileged in our society. It reminds us that true wealth is not in material possessions but in the compassion and love we extend to one another,” the governor said.

He added: “This season of sacrifice and self-denial has imparted invaluable lessons, shaping our character and reinforcing our faith. I encourage you to sustain the spirit of prayer and intercession for continued peace and prosperity in our dear state and country.

“I am particularly pleased that Plateau State is fast reclaiming its reputation as a symbol of peace and a prime destination for tourism. The time has come, and the time is now, for us to unite in purpose, speak with one voice, and embark on a progressive journey toward the Plateau of our dreams.”

Governor Alia urged Muslims to promote peace and unity in their communities as they celebrate Eid-el-Fitr.

Alia described peace as a necessary tool for the growth and development of the society.

He said:“Your responsibility to humanity, service, and community development plays a significant part in fostering conformity and harmony among our diversified populace.

“On this occasion of the Eid-el-Fitr celebration, I urge you to spread love, bountiful grace, happiness, and prosperity among your communities.

“Use this celebration to also inject into yourselves the doctrines that encourage peace, tolerance, and mutual respect.” 

Fintiri   pledged to continue working to promote peace and tranquility in communities, state and country at large.

Fintiri therefore urged residents of the state to continue to live with the legacy of the month of Ramadan.

“We will continue as a government to ensure that we work on the peace and tranquillity among our communities in the state and country at large

“I urge our people to continue to co-exist and respect each other to continue to enjoy the dividend of Democracy,”  he said.

Also, Governor  Yahaya urged Nigerians to imbibe the spirit of forgiveness and promote national unity and peaceful coexistence in the country.

He also enjoined Nigerians, especially Muslims,  to use the occasion to strengthen bonds of brotherhood and foster an atmosphere of love and understanding.

The governor said: “As we mark the successful completion of Ramadan, I encourage all of us to uphold the virtues of tolerance, forgiveness and selflessness that the Holy month has taught us.

“Let us continue to live in peace with one another irrespective of our religious, ethnic or political differences.” 

Governor Bago called on the people of the state to live by loving and tolerating one another and appreciating God for the opportunity to witness the sacred month and celebrate Eid-el-Fitr.

 Bago encouraged them not to allow the gains acquired in the month of Ramadan to go in vain but to sustain its teachings by cleansing their souls. 

The governor also equally appealed to the people to be steadfast in prayers to overcome insecurity challenges.  

Also, Governor  Sule enjoined Muslims to remain obedient to the teachings of the Almighty. He  also called on the people to unite for the continued development of the state. 

The governor expressed gratitude to Allah for granting him the opportunity to witness the conclusion of another Ramadan. 

“First and foremost, let me join everyone in thanking Allah for allowing us to witness the end of another Ramadan. So many people would have wished to be in the position that we are today, in good health, but unfortunately, they couldn’t. We must thank God Almighty for this privilege and pray He grants us long life to witness more Ramadans,” he said.

In Abeokuta, Governor Abiodun said there was no doubt that Ramadan enriched the country spiritually.

He thanked Muslims for committing the nation to the hands of Almighty Allah (SWT) in prayers and supplications while undertaking acts of charity during the period.

 The governor, who acknowledged the negative impacts of security and economy on Muslims and other Nigerians, expressed hope that there would be positive changes with their prayers and renewed commitment to national development. 

His words: I celebrate all our Muslim brothers and sisters on this great day of Eid-il-Fitr.

“I acknowledge the fact that your prayers and charitable giving (Sadaqah) in the past month have been made against the backdrop of various national challenges, and with your continued support, I believe that these challenges will be surmounted. There is no doubt that we shall witness the divine dividends of your prayers going forward.

“Eid-il-Fitr offers us an opportunity to renew our bond of love with one another as a community, state  and country.’’

Governor Oyebanji, in   his goodwill message,   stressed  the need for Muslims to  maintain the level of spirituality that characterised the Ramadan all through the year.

He also admonished them  put the teachings of the holy month to good use in all their  undertakings and     continue to live in love, peace  and harmony with one another as brothers and sisters.

While describing Ramadan as a season of discipline and sacrifice, the governor said that prayers were needed for the state and the country more than ever.

He urged adherents of all religions in the state to join the government in promoting peace and orderliness which are necessary conditions for sustainable growth and development.

Oyebanji’s counterpart in Oyo State, Makinde enjoined Nigerians not to be discouraged by the current challenges in the country but to be assured that tough times won’t last for too long.

He told top government officials, council chairmen,  party and Muslim leaders who visited him that the injection of roughly N24 billion into the state’s economy every month was the reason the state was on a progressive trajectory.

A former governor of the state and Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland  Rasidi Ladoja led a delegation that included   Senator  Sharafadeen Alli. 

 Deputy Governor  Bayo Lawal in company with the National Deputy Chairman (South) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)  Taofeek Arapaja; Commissioner for Culture and Tourism,  Wasiu Olatunbosun;  Commissioner for Special Duties,  Faosat Sanni were the party leaders  in attendance.

Makinde   informed the visitors that the N24 billion was different from the various forms of investment in the state by the private sector.

He recounted that in the past, people of different political parties could not attend   Eid prayers together because of political differences, a situation which he said has been reversed since his administration came to power.

“It is my prayer that Oyo State will never go back to those periods again. If we are patient, all that we all wanted, God will do it for us all.’’

Also, Governor  Aiyedatiwa implored Muslims to rekindle their commitment to unite and love their fellow residents.

 He congratulated Muslims for completing the holy month of Ramadan, which he described as a period dedicated to fasting, prayer, reflection, and community service.

The governor said: “As you mark the end of this sacred month, I rejoice with you on this year’s Eid-el-Fitr and urge you to use this celebration to reflect on the lessons of Ramadan.

“I urge you to continue to embody the virtues of patience, love, compassion, and self-discipline cultivated during Ramadan.

“As we celebrate this season with you, may Allah shower His countless blessings upon you and your loved ones. Happy Eid-el-Fitr celebration.” 

Aiyedatiwa prayed that the celebration would bring blessings, peace and prosperity for all Muslim faithful, expressing optimism for a sustained peaceful coexistence in the state.

Governor   Okpebholo of Edo State, who urged  Muslims to imbibe the spirit of unity and tolerance,  commended them for their steadfastness, piety, and sacrifice throughout Ramadan.

He acknowledged the spiritual discipline, acts of charity, and prayers offered by them during the sacred month, emphasising their positive impact on the moral fabric of the society.

The governor also advised them to sustain the lessons and virtues learned during the month.

“On behalf of the government and good people of Edo, I heartily congratulate our Muslim brothers and sisters on the joyous occasion of Eid-el-Fitr.

“Your dedication and devotion during Ramadan have been truly inspiring,’’ Okpebholo said.

Okpebholo’s colleague in Delta, Governor  Oborevwori described  Eid-el-Fitr as a time of thanksgiving, compassion and unity among Muslims and the entire society.

He urged adherents of Islam to sustain the virtues of love, peace, and self-discipline exemplified during the holy month of Ramadan.

The governor lauded the Muslims for their contributions to the development and peaceful coexistence in the state.

He assured them of his administration’s commitment to fostering religious harmony and inclusivity.

The governor said: “As you mark this auspicious occasion, I urge you all to reflect on the lessons of Ramadan and continue to uphold the values of patience, sacrifice, and mutual understanding.

“Our state and nation need these virtues now more than ever. “

In Yenagoa,  Governor   Diri   said the end of the month-long fasting and the celebration of Eid-el-Fitri is a period to reflect on the lessons of sacrifice, tolerance and love that the feast epitomises.

Diri  noted that as one of the key pillars of Islam, fasting during Ramadan was important for developing the virtues of self-abnegation and tolerance in every Muslim.

He urged adherents of the Islamic faith not to relent in their prayers for the peace, progress and prosperity of Bayelsa State and the nation.

Governor    Ododo  on his part   charged Muslims to use the lessons of Ramadan   to foster unity and peace among the diverse ethnic groups in the state.

He gave the advice at the  Muhammadu  Buhari Square,  Lokoja where he joined other Muslims in the state to observe prayers marking the end of Ramadan.  

The governor  charged Muslims  to continue to reflect on the lessons of compassion, peace and  progress learnt during the period   in the interest of development of the state.

“My message as they celebrate Eid-El-Fitir is for people to continue to reflect on the lesson of compassion, lesson of peace and lesson of progress,”  Ododo said.

Soludo of Anambra State  canvassed peace and unity among all   groups in the country as they felicitated Muslims faithful

Stressing that  Eid el-Fitr calls for deep reflection, he praised the Muslim community for its dedication to the values of sacrifice, compassion, and spiritual renewal demonstrated during Ramadan.

His words:  “The discipline, resilience, and profound faith exhibited by our Muslim brothers and sisters throughout this Holy month inspire us all,”

“Ramadan is a powerful reminder of the transformative power of self-reflection, charity, and communal solidarity, principles that resonate universally.  

 “As we celebrate this joyous day, let us recommit to fostering harmony across all lines of faith, ethnicity, and creed.

“In Anambra and beyond, we are one people, united by our shared aspirations for a peaceful, prosperous, and inclusive Nigeria.”

In Enugu, Governor   Mbah harped on the lessons and virtues of faith, togetherness, mercy, and charity inherent in the Holy Month, describing them as critical values in nation-building.

He said, “It is my prayer that the virtues of faith, peace, love, mercy, tolerance, and sacrifice imbibed during  Ramadan shall continue to enrich and underline our individual lives and bonding as one people.

“Indeed, it is by faith, working together, and forbearance nurtured by love that we can build a new and more prosperous Nigeria.’’

On his part, Governor Nwifuru   urged Muslims to pray for the peace and unity of  the country as they   celebrate  the  Eid-el-fitr.

He also charged them to leverage the positive impacts of the ongoing socio-economic reforms in the country.

The governor reminded Muslims of the  significance of Ramadan, describing it as a time of gratitude, love and unity.

“The occasion reminds us of the values of patience, compassion, and generosity that Islam teaches.

“Let us remain steadfast in our commitment to peace, tolerance, and mutual respect as we celebrate this joyous occasion, ’’ Nwifuru said.

FEC, in a statement by   SGF   George Akume,   urged Nigerians to use the occasion to reflect on the significance of fasting.

The statement by Segun Imohiosen, director of Information and Public Relations, Office of the SGF, called for peaceful coexistence and harmonious relationships among Nigerians, regardless of tribe or faith.

FEC  also encouraged Nigerians to continue to pray for the success of the   Tinubu administration.

It wished all Muslims a joyful and peaceful Eid-El-Fitr.

National Security Adviser Ribadu congratulated Muslims on the occasion of the Eid-el-Fitr.

Ribadu, in a statement,   called for cooperation among Nigerians in tackling the security challenges confronting the nation.

He said that the sacred period embodied the virtues of resilience, discipline, and sacrifice and urged all to bring to bear those virtues in their collective efforts to strengthen national security.

His words: “Your cooperation in the fight against terrorism and other threats remains vital in ensuring peace and stability across our nation, particularly in our commitment to a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach.

“Therefore, the continued collaboration between the government, religious leaders, communities, and security agencies in combating terrorism and extremism remains paramount.

“The celebration of Eid-el-Fitr serves as a moment for deep reflection, gratitude, and a renewed commitment to peace and national unity.

“It is thus pertinent for Muslims and all Nigerians to come together in unity, embracing the core principles of love and togetherness that are essential for our national progress.

“The administration of President Bola Tinubu and this(NSA) Office uphold these values, and under my leadership, we are dedicated to ensuring the safety and security of all Nigerians regardless of background or faith.

“We remain steadfast in our mission to enhance Nigeria’s resilience against terrorism and violent extremism while promoting peaceful coexistence and national security.’’