.As Diri, Mufwang, Zulum, CP FCT, others task Nigerian leaders on sacrificial leadership
.Urges spirit of tolerance, compassion, peace
DANIEL DAUDA, AHMED MARI and JONAS EZIEKE, ELIZABETH VINCENT
President Bola Tinubu has called for more prayers for the military and security agencies currently making sacrifices to keep the nation safe, particularly those confronting terrorists and bandits.
The President, who observed the Eid-al-Adha prayers at the Eid Ground in Dodan Barracks, Lagos, told reporters that the security agencies and vulnerable citizens should top the prayer list, Mr Bayo Onanuga, his spokesman, said in a statement.
“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.
“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,” he added.
At the prayer ground, the Chief Imam of Lagos State, Suleiman Oluwatoyin Abu-Nola, urged the Muslim faithful to remember and reflect on Abraham’s sacrificial life.
“The whole essence of today is sacrifice. We must learn to make sacrifices for our family, nation, and community. We must render our service to Allah, not men,” he said.
The Chief Imam called on worshipers to live in peace and consider the needs of their neighbours, the poor and vulnerable.
“If we are to see the Nigeria of our dreams, we must be ready to make sacrifices. We must unite as Nigerians to make progress.
“We must rise above tribal sentiments. Whether you are Igbo, Yoruba, or Hausa, we must live above ethnic sentiments,” the Chief Imam said.
Along with President Tinubu, the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, the Minister of State, Defence, Bello Muhammed Matawalle, the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Femi Hamzat, and the former governor of Lagos State, Babatunde Fashola, were at the prayer ground.
Also at the Eid ground were the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu and the speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa.
The President of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote; the Chairman of the BUA Group, Abdul Samad Rabiu; the Group Chief Executive of Oando, Wale Tinubu; and President Tinubu’s friend and longtime ally, Prof. Shaffideen Amuwo, were also in attendance.
However, Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa state has called on all leaders cutting across politics, religious, business and traditional institutions to make necessary sacrifices for Nigeria to be a better place.
Governor Diri made the call at the weekend, when he hosted the Muslim Ummah in the state to a lavish state luncheon to mark this year’s Eid-el Kabir celebration in Government House, Yenagoa.
Represented by his Deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, the Bayelsa Chief Executive noted that Nigeria is not making the desired progress because her current leaders are doing little or nothing in terms of sacrifice and love for the welfare of the common people.
Governor Diri, who did not spare himself while lambasting the political class, said “Nigeria would start working as an enviable place among the comity of nations in the world, if those in authority lead the people with love.
According to him, the level of hatred in the country was overwhelming, which has given rise to incessant killings and unnecessary supremacy battles in politics, business and traditional institutions, which militate against the development of the country.
The Bayelsa Governor pointed out that almost all religious celebrations in Christianity and Islam, including the Eid-el Kabir were embodiments of love and sacrifice exemplified by Prophet Mohammed and Jesus Christ.
He, therefore, urged adherents of both religions and the generality of the Nigerian people to imbibe and practise love in their relationships and quest to build a virile and egalitarian nation.
While congratulating the Muslim Ummah in the state and across the country on the 2025 Eid-el Kabir celebrations, Governor Diri called on them to remain peaceful and contribute towards the development of the state and the country at large.
His words,We are running out of people or leaders who want to make sacrifice all over the world, especially in our country, Nigeria. Leaders are supposed to be shepherds to take care of their flocks.
“Nigeria is not progressing because leaders don’t want to serve, but they want to be served,Leaders should sacrifice some of their comfort to make lives better for the commoners.
The two major prophets we are mimicking in this country, Prophet Muhammed and Jesus Christ taught us the example of sacrifice and servant leaders.
And so, I want to use this opportunity to encourage Nigerian leaders including myself to be sacrificial in our leadership and show love to the sheep God has entrusted to our care.
In his remarks, the State Chairman of the Council for Islamic Affairs, Alhaji Yakubu Otobo, expressed gratitude to the Bayelsa State Government for always identifying with the Muslim community in the state during and after their religious festivities.
Alhaji Otobo, who appreciated the Governor Diri led Administration for the construction of major road projects across the state, appealed for political appointments to members of the Muslim community and an 18 Seater bus to enhance their movement within and outside the state.
Earlier in his welcome address, the special adviser to the governor on religious natters, reverend Godspower Asingba, highlighted the support of the state government ranging from the provision of food items, the Salah ram and other items to ensure a successful Eid-el Kabir celebration in Bayelsa.
Reverend Asingba thanked the deputy governor, senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, for always creating time to celebrate with the Muslim Ummah, and called on them to reciprocate the good gesture by being law-abiding and supportive of government’s policies and programmes.
Also, Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has extended his warm felicitations to the Muslim Ummah in Plateau State and around the world on the occasion of Eid Al-Adha.
In a goodwill message made available to Daily Champion in Jos on Friday by Governor Mutfwang’s spokesman, Dr. Gyang Bere to mark the Eid-el-Kabir celebration, said Governor Mutfwang urged the Muslim faithful to continue to embody the spirit of sacrifice, obedience, and unwavering faith as exemplified by Prophet Ibrahim.
He called on the Muslim Ummah to use the sacred occasion to offer prayers for lasting peace and unity in Plateau State and the nation at large.
The Governor emphasized the importance of interfaith harmony and collective responsibility in building a united and prosperous Plateau. He encouraged the Muslim community to work in synergy with fellow citizens towards the shared goal of a peaceful and progressive society.
“I appeal to the Muslim Ummah to seize this divine opportunity to pray for our leaders across all levels of governance, asking God to grant them wisdom, justice, and a deep sense of responsibility,” he stated.
Governor Mutfwang also expressed profound gratitude for the steadfast support extended to his administration and reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to the peace, security, and welfare of all citizens.
“As you mark this significant spiritual event, I urge you to sustain the spirit of prayer and intercession for the continued peace and prosperity of our dear state,” he added.
On behalf of his family, the government, and the peace-loving people of Plateau State, Governor Mutfwang congratulated the Muslim Ummah on the celebration of Eid Al-Adha and called on all citizens to join hands with his administration in building a safer, stronger, and more united Plateau that will stand as a model for the nation.
Also, Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum,, the Shehu of Borno, Alh. Abubakar Ibn Garba Elkanemi , members House of Representatives, Hon Kadiri Rahis and Hon. Bukar Talbs, the Speaker, Borno stage House Assembly, Hon Abdulkarim Lawan, commissioners among others are among thousands of Muslim faithfuls that observed the Rajat Eid El Adhan prayers in Maiduguri.
The two Rajaat prayers which took place at the Ramat Square was left by the Imam Idainin of Borno, Imam, Shettima Muktar .
The Imam urged Muslim Ummah to emulate the sacrifices of their father Prophet Ibrahim, Alaihi Salam to put smiles on the faces of the needy.
Governor Babagana Zulum in a Sallah message, reaffirmed his commitment to making additional sacrifices to ensure lasting peace in the state.
While felicitating with muslim faithful on the occasion of Eid-al-Adha, Governor Zulum vowed to intensify efforts to strengthen security in all resettled local government areas. He emphasised that the state government will maintain close collaboration with the Federal Government, the Armed Forces, and other security agencies to achieve sustainable peace.
The Governor urged citizens of Borno and beyond to use the festive period to remember troops on the front lines, Civilian JTF, hunters and vigilantes who continue to sacrifice their lives for the region’s stability.
“I extend my warm felicitations to the Muslim Ummah on the occasion of Eid-al-Adha, a festival of sacrifice,” Governor Zulum stated. “Let us embody the virtues of patience, charity, and obedience to Almighty Allah, as exemplified by Prophet Abraham. We must also keep our brave troops and volunteer forces in our prayers, as their sacrifices enable us to live in peace.” Zulum said.
“My recent visit to Marte, Rann, Gamboru Ngala, Dikwa, Kukawa and Monguno is reassuring, we will continue to build resilience among our people. This is the only way to defeat insurgency. On my part, I will continue to make extra sacrifices and invest hugely in the security sector to achieve sustainable peace, ” he added.
Governor Zulum also congratulated Borno’s pilgrims performing this year’s Hajj in the Holy Land, urging them to pray for the state, the North East, and the country as a whole.
He said “Prayer is the key to our success,” he remarked. “A few weeks ago, I called for a special day of prayer and fasting, which received overwhelming support. This demonstrates our collective resolve to end this conflict,”.
Zulum reassured that his administration would not rest on its oars until security is restored in the entire state.
Equally, the Commissioner of Police, Federal Capital Territory, CP Ajao S. Adewale, psc, mnips, on behalf of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, PhD, NPM, and the officers and men of the FCT Police Command, extended warm Eid-el-Kabir greetings to all Muslim faithfuls and residents of the FCT.
This sacred occasion, which symbolizes sacrifice, compassion, and unity, presents an opportunity for reflection, gratitude, and peaceful celebration with loved ones. The Command joins all well-meaning Nigerians in celebrating the strength of our shared values and the spirit of togetherness that defines this festive period.
The Commissioner of Police encourages residents to embrace the values of love, kindness, and mutual respect that Eid represents.
He further urged everyone to celebrate responsibly and continue to be law-abiding citizens.
The FCT Police Command wishes everyone a joyous, peaceful, and memorable Sallah celebration.
For any emergency or to report suspicious activity, residents are enjoined to contact the Commands emergency line 08032003913.
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