Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Thursday called on Muslims in Nigeria to imbibe the values of sacrifice, love and continue to foster unity as they join their counterparts worldwide to celebrate this year’s Eid-el-Kabir festival.
In his Sallah message signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Habib Aruna, Governor Ambode said the period of the celebration was a clarion call for Nigerians to imbibe the lessons of the season such as selfless service to God and humanity, sacrifice and sincere commitment to righteous conducts in their private and public life.
He explained that the significance of the season should be beyond the festivities, adding that as Muslims prepare to offer animal sacrifice in the prescribed days of the festival, the real essence was not in the meat or the blood of the animal but to encourage piety, self-discipline and sacrifice.
Governor Ambode therefore called on all Nigerians to exhibit these values for the good of the country and shun any act capable of heating up the polity or causing distrust among various ethnic groups in the country.
“As we celebrate this auspicious occasion, let us renew our faith in our nation and implore the Almighty God to restore to us those values that place high premium on human life, love of neighbour and sharing even as we ventilate our faith in the unity of our dear country”, the Governor said.
“This period requires more patience, fortitude, tolerance, endurance, patriotism and a greater willingness to make personal sacrifices for the good of all,” he said.
The Governor also thanked Lagosians for supporting his administration, assuring that the Government would continue to do its best to serve the people and promote fairness and mutual tolerance among the populace, irrespective of backgrounds.
While wishing all Lagosians, especially adherents of the Islamic faith a happy Eid-el-Kabir celebration, Governor Ambode enjoined Nigerians in other parts of the country to continue to be their brothers’ keeper.
In his own message, Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike felicitated with the Muslim Community on the celebration of the Id-el-Kabir.
In the message on Thursday, Governor Wike urged the Muslim Community to pray for the unity and peace of the nation as they celebrate.
The governor called on the Muslim faithful to use the Id-el-Kabir celebrations to re-dedicate themselves to the ideals of peace, security and friendship.
He assured that the State Government and security agencies have put in place security measures to ensure a peaceful celebration of the Sallah.
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Governor Wike urged Nigerians to promote religious tolerance, adding that such virtue would ensure peace across the country and enhance national development.
He assured the Muslim community and all residents of the state government’s determination to improve the lives of her citizens.
Governor Wike also commended the Muslim community in Rivers for their consistent support for his administration.
Kwara State Governor, Dr Abdulfatah Ahmed in his message, congratulated muslims on the celebration of Eld-el-Kabir festival urging them to be peaceful, generous, law-abiding and prayerful.
In the statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Abdulwahab Oba, Governor Ahmed said the opportunity by Allah “to enable us witness yet another celebration should be used to pray for peace and unity in the country”.
Dr Ahmed, who urged muslims to pray for safe return of pilgrims from the holy land, said Nigerians should be ambassadors of a united and prosperous Nigeria rather than engage in hate and inciting speeches or fan embers of disunity.
“We should use this occasion to appreciate God by being tolerant and being our neighbours’ keepers, assist the needy and the poor and give support to government programmes and policies aimed at making life more comfortable to the people”.
Governor Ahmed promised not to relent in his efforts at providing sustainable infrastructural facilities and completing all on-going projects before the end of his tenure.
The governor wished muslims a fruitful celebration and many more prosperous years.
