.Say Nigeria’s future is bright
.As Matawalle donates 3,000 rams to APC supporters
.Deputy Speaker, Kalu gifts rams, rice to Abia Muslim community
.Pilgrims pray for stronger economy at Arafat
.Ram traders lament rising preference for cows, bemoan low sales
.Police beef up security in Bayelsa
Jonas Ezieke, Ignatiue Okorocha,Abuja
President Bola Tinubu has sent messages to Muslims on the occasion of Eid-el-Kabir, emphasizing the importance of sacrifice, duty, and unity in nation-building.
I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Nigerian Muslims and the global Muslim Ummah as we celebrate this year’s Eid-el-Kabir.
Eid-el-Kabir represents the high point of the sacred first ten days of Dhul Hijjah, a period filled with opportunities for acts of worship and good deeds. It is a time for gratitude to Almighty Allah for His countless mercies upon us as individuals and a nation. While this festival is marked with joy and celebration, its true significance lies much deeper: Eid calls us to reflect on its core values of sacrifice, devotion, and selflessness.
To truly honour Eid, we must embody these virtues, just as Prophet Ibrahim (AS) exemplified complete submission to Allah’s will and as our Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) has taught us. Let this sacred occasion renew our commitment to these ideals.
Eid-el-Kabir also reminds us of our responsibilities beyond faith: to show resilience, tolerance, compassion, and dedication to the progress of our beloved country. I reaffirm my commitment to these values and express my deep appreciation for the faith, patience, and perseverance Nigerians show as we implement bold reforms. Together, we have weathered challenging times and are approaching a brighter horizon.
Though the journey has not been easy, and some doubted our direction, the resilience of public and private sector leaders, along with the steadfast support of most Nigerians, is yielding results. I assure you that the toughest days are behind us. We are entering a new era of renewed hope and prosperity that we promised two years ago.
We may not yet be where we aspire to be, but I urge all Nigerians not to lose hope. Let us hold on to our faith and persevere. Our reforms are gaining traction, with key economic indicators now moving in a positive direction. Soon, all will feel the benefits.
The ultimate objective of these reforms is not just to improve statistics but to transform lives and set Nigeria firmly on the path to sustainable development. There are no quick fixes, but we are committed to repairing the foundations of our economy once and for all. Our administration will continue acting in the nation’s best interest, ensuring that the gains we are recording translate into improving people’s lives.
We crafted our Renewed Hope Agenda to bring prosperity to every Nigerian, and we remain steadfast in our pursuit of it. As we celebrate today, remember that Eid-el-Kabir enjoins love, compassion, and generosity for all, regardless of faith or background. Let us care for one another’s well-being during this season and always.
In this instance, I recall recent sad developments in our country, particularly the Wednesday, May 28 heavy flooding, which submerged the market town of Mokwa, Niger State, causing deaths and destruction of properties and creating an untold humanitarian crisis. Let us pray for the repose of the souls of those who lost their lives and fortitude for their relations. Let us join hands with the government to bring succour to the people of Mokwa.
Finally, as we observe this Eid, let us continue our prayers for our front-line officers, who risk their lives for our safety and security.
Let us pray for our leaders at all levels and our country. Let us pray for peace in our tumultuous world of troubles and uncertainties. Let us dedicate this sacred celebration to seeking God’s guidance and blessings for our country.
May those who have more remember those in need, sharing kindness and support as true brothers and sisters. Let the virtues of perseverance, sacrifice, loyalty, faith, and shared humanity bind us closer.
May the joy and blessings of Eid-ul-Adha multiply in our lives and the life of our great nation. May Almighty Allah accept our worship and devotion as acts of Ibadah, and may His blessings be with us always.
Also, Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, he has rejoiced with Muslims across Nigeria, particularly in Lagos, as they celebrate Eid-el-Adha, widely regarded as the feast of sacrifice by adherents of Islam.
Governor Sanwo-Olu, in an Eid-el-Kabir message issued on Thursday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, urged Lagos residents and Nigerians at large, particularly Muslim faithful, to continue on the path of spirituality and peaceful co-existence.
The Governor also advised Muslims to imbibe the lessons of the sacrifice made by Prophet Ibrahim and work for the unity, peace and progress of Lagos State and Nigeria.
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 in 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.
“I want to appeal to all Lagosians to draw lessons from the Prophet Ibrahim’s examples by eschewing tendencies that could disturb the growth, development, progress, peace, unity and stability in our dear Lagos State and Nigeria.
“As we celebrate this year’s Eid-al-Adha, I implore all Lagosians and Nigerians, particularly the Islamic faithful, to continue on the path of spirituality and peaceful coexistence and imbibe the lessons of the sacrifice made by Holy Prophet Ibrahim.”
Also, The Minister of State for Defence, Alhaji Bello Matawalle, has donated 3,000 rams to the All Progressives Congress (APC) supporters in Zamfara to bolster the Sallah festivities.
Distributing the rams on behalf of the minister in Gusau on Thursday, the APC State Chairman, Alhaji Tukur Danfulani, said that 100 rams were allocated to each of the 14 local governments’ party offices, totalling 1,400 rams.
According to him, the rams are to be distributed among the party officials at local governments, wards and polling units.
Danfulani said 1,600 rams were also allocated to women, youths, senior citizens and other vulnerable persons across the state.
The chairman lauded the minister for the gesture, adding that it would assist in reducing hardship among the beneficiaries.
He also appreciated other party leaders in the state, especially Sen. Abdulaziz Yari and Muktar Idris, among others, for extending hands of support to party members in the state.
He called on the residents of Zamfara to continue to support the Federal Government’s efforts in the fight against banditry and other crimes by providing the security agents with credible intelligence on criminal elements and their hideouts.
Meanwhile, In the mood of celebrating Eid-el-Kabir celebration with other Nigerians Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt Hon. Benjamin Kalu has donated rams, bags of rice and other food items to the Muslim community in Abia state.
Presenting the items to the Muslim faithful led by HRH Sarki Shehu Bello in Bende, Bende Local Government Area of the State, Kalu urged them to use the occasion to spread love to the indigent people and put a smile on their faces.
He promised never to relent in championing the cause and welfare of his people by spreading the dividends of democracy.
Wishing them a joyous celebration, the Deputy Speaker who also represents Bende Federal Constituency of Abia State appealed to the Muslim faithful and indeed, all Nigerians to continue to pray for and support the government.
In his response, the leader of Abia Muslim Community, Bello thanked the Deputy Speaker for his benevolence, and ensuring that the Muslim community residing in Abia state celebrate Sallah in harmony in happiness and joy.
He said they are grateful and prayed that God will continue to bless him.
He said, “On behalf of the Muslim community, we want to appreciate his excellency, the Deputy speaker for remembering us, for making sure that the Muslim community residing in Abia state celebrate this Sallah in harmony in happiness and joy. May God bless him more and more, he will have long life and things will go well for him.”
Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau I. Jibrin has rejoiced with Muslims in the country on the Eid-El-Kabir celebration, emphasising the importance of unity among the citizens.
In a special Sallah message signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ismail Mudashir, Senator Barau urged Muslims and indeed all Nigerians to use the occasion to pray for peace, unity and the country’s progress.
Senator Barau, who is the First Deputy Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, called on Nigerians to continue to pray for the well-being of the country and to offer their full support to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, adding that the President is genuinely working for peace and socio-economic prosperity of the Nation.
“I wish Muslims, and indeed all Nigerians, a memorable Eid-El-Kabir. This season reminds us to obey Allah’s instructions, as exemplified by Prophet Ibrahim. True Muslims should adhere to peace, tolerance, justice, and charity.
“In the spirit of this season, irrespective of our faith, let us rededicate and commit ourselves to the dreams and aspirations of building a strong, united, and economically sound country.
However, Some ram traders in Lagos State have lamented the preference for cows to rams by Muslim faithful this 2025 Eid Kabir celebration.
The traders disclosed this in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Lagos.
The traders told NAN that most people prefer to buy cows than rams because of the size and the fact that five families could buy and share for the celebration.
“A ram trader, Mr Ibrahim Hassan, at the Lawanson area of the state, said patronage has been decent, but with an interesting twist.
“The patronage this year is not bad, but I have noticed that people are buying more cows than rams. I believe the reason behind this shift is that cows are more economical and offer better value for money.
“When families or even groups of friends come together, they can share a cow and still fulfil the sacrifice. That way, instead of each person buying a ram for over N500,000, they split the cost.
“The cheapest cow you can get right now is around N800,000, while the cheapest ram starts at about N550,000. Prices also vary depending on the size and weight of the animal.
“I have contacted my sources for more cows, but the market price has gone up since last week. It’s a volatile market, and prices can change quickly,” Hassan said.
Also, Mr Shakiru Gbadamosi, another ram seller at Lawanson, said he noticed that “people are weighing their options this Sallah, and they have been buying more of cows”
“I was surprised to see some buyers turning to cows, and this trend has been on for weeks. Although many still prefer rams for Sallah because it’s about tradition and religious significance.
“The ram is the symbolic animal for the sacrifice, and that’s not something easily replaced.
“Prices have gone up this year, a decent ram now costs between N550,000 and N700,000 depending on the size and breed. But despite that, the demand remains steady.
“Some people have been buying younger rams because they are less expensive but still acceptable.
“The younger rams are sold for between N130,000 and N250,000,” Gbadamosi said.
A buyer, Mr Folajimi Aderibigbe, who confirmed the trend, said buying a cow seems like a better option.
“We are a family of eight, and instead of buying two small rams, we joined with my brother-in-law and bought a cow. It cost us N950,000, but we split it. Everyone still gets to perform their sacrifice and save money.
“Traditionally, rams are the preferred animal for Eid Kabir (Sallah). However, economic realities have changed things, and we must find a way to adapt,” he said.
In a related development, vegetable oil traders said they have observed increased patronage due to the Sallah celebration.
Mrs Linda Nwachukwu, a cooking oil trader at the Lawanson Market, said the demand for cooking oil had increased because of preparations ahead of Sallah.
“The celebration usually increases the demand for groundnut oil. Consumers have been stocking up oil since last week, especially now that there are few days to Sallah.
“Cooking oil prices have risen, but it is cheaper than last December, a 25-litre container cost N110,000, a price that persisted until April 2025.
“A recent price adjustment, just three weeks ago, sets the current rates for groundnut oil at N78,000 for 25 litres, N35,000 for 10 litres, and ₦18,500 for five litres.”
“This is unusual, groundnut oil prices normally surge in December and then decrease by January or February, but it stayed high for a long time,” she said.
Another trader, Mrs Imoleayo Fakunle, said she buys in larger jerrycans and sell in measured portions to customers who cannot afford bigger sizes.
“Not everyone can buy 25 litres or even afford the branded ones, so as a vendor, what I do, is to buy in larger containers and sell in small portions.
“Groundnut oil is expensive, but it is essential. A lot of customers have been buying the measured portions, and they are always happy that they can save money.
“Despite rising prices, customers prioritise the essential ingredient for their celebrations,” she said.
Mrs Taraoluwa Alausa, a consumer at the Idi-Araba Market, said she had learned to prioritise when buying cooking oil since the increase in the price of groundnut oil.
“I purchase measured portions of oil specifically for frying and use a good branded oil for general cooking.
“Lately, I have become more conscious about the type of oil I use. I want something natural and less processed. It’s a bit pricier, but I think it’s good for healthy living.
“However, for this celebration, there is going to be an exception because I will be frying with the measured portions I bought. This way, I can save more and even fry more,” Alausa said.
In same vein Muslim pilgrims gathered in Arafat on Thursday, offering fervent prayers for peace, progress, socioeconomic development and stability in their country and around the world.
Alhaji Muhuyi Rimingado, a pilgrim from Kano State, shared his heartfelt sentiments with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), saying, ‘I’ve been praying fervently for my state and country.
He said that he hopes for a brighter future filled with peace, prosperity, and progress for Nigeria.
“I feel fulfilled because I’ve prayed for myself, our leaders, and the country, seeking God’s intervention in all our affairs, expressing his hopes for a brighter future.
He emphasised that prayers among Nigerian pilgrims are crucial in achieving the desired objectives of peace and progress in the country.
It’s evident that everyone, especially Nigerians, are seeking divine intervention for the nation’s well-being.
Rimingado commended Gov. Abba Yusuf of Kano State for providing umbrellas, flashlights, and decent meals to pilgrims from Kano State.
He said the gesture had enabled the pilgrims to perform Hajj rituals with ease and comfort.
“The pilgrims unanimously expressed their heartfelt gratitude to Yusuf, saying, ‘We remain grateful to our governor for showing love and kindness during the Hajj rituals.
