As Muslims across Nigeria celebrate Eid-el-Fitr, political and religious leaders have called on citizens to uphold the values of charity, compassion, and national unity.
They also emphasised the need for continued prayers and collective efforts toward peace and national development.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu urged Nigerians to embrace the spirit of Eid-el-Fitr by demonstrating love and compassion, particularly toward the vulnerable.
Speaking after the Eid prayers at the Abuja National Eid Prayer Ground, he emphasised the need for continued acts of charity beyond Ramadan.
“We should thank Almighty Allah for allowing us to start and end Ramadan in good health and happiness. We must continue the good deeds of caring for the vulnerable and avoid reverting to unacceptable ways,” Tinubu said.
The Chief Imam of the National Mosque, Abuja, Dr. Abdulkadir Salman Sholagberu, led the prayers and urged Muslims to uphold the virtues of love, charity and righteousness beyond Ramadan.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio called for prayers for Nigeria’s unity.
“As we celebrate, let us remember the values of compassion, kindness and generosity that define Ramadan. May we uphold these values daily and work toward our nation’s unity,” Akpabio said in a statement by his media aide, Eseme Eyiboh.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar urged leaders to show compassion and prioritise Nigerians’ well-being.
“Ramadan came at a time of economic hardship. Leaders must ensure interventions that sustain people’s welfare beyond Ramadan,” Atiku said.
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, encouraged Nigerians to reflect on the lessons of fasting, including steadfastness, charity, and tolerance.
He called for prayers for President Tinubu’s administration and national harmony.
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), through its President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, congratulated Muslims and highlighted shared values between Christianity and Islam.
Okoh expressed concern over security challenges, including the recent mob killing of 16 northern hunters in Edo State and urged the government to ensure justice.
“This extrajudicial killing is a grievous violation of human rights. The government must take decisive action to uphold the rule of law and protect all citizens,” Okoh said, calling for interfaith cooperation and national unity.
Govs preach perseverance, religious harmony
Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum urged Muslims to uphold sacrifice, righteousness and charity.
“Let us continue praying beyond Ramadan for lasting peace, prosperity, and development in Borno and Nigeria,” he said.
Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu urged Muslims to uphold the spirit of compassion and unity.
“In Lagos, we are committed to fostering harmony across faiths and cultures. Let us continue to embrace the values of generosity and community,” he said.
Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde lauded Muslims for their perseverance and called for continued religious harmony in the state.
Ogun State governor, Dapo Abiodun commended Muslims for their prayers and acts of charity, expressing hope for a positive turnaround in Nigeria’s economic and security challenges.
The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Akinloye Owolabi Olakulehin, warned against religious intolerance and discrimination, calling for peace and unity among Nigerians.
Plateau State governor, Caleb Mutfwang urged Muslims to continue praying for Nigeria’s progress.
“Ramadan teaches us that true wealth lies in compassion and kindness. Let us remain steadfast in prayers for wisdom, justice and good governance,” he said.
Ekiti State governor, Biodun Oyebanji, emphasised the need for love, peace and harmony among citizens, encouraging Muslims to celebrate modestly and support the needy.
He also called for prayers for the state and the nation’s peace and prosperity, appreciating the Muslim community for their support of his administration.
Anambra State governor, Prof. Charles Soludo, praised the Muslim community for their dedication to sacrifice, compassion, and spiritual renewal during Ramadan.
In a statement by his Press Secretary, Christian Aburime, Soludo urged Nigerians to use the occasion to foster mutual respect and understanding, stressing that unity is key to a peaceful and inclusive Nigeria.
Bauchi State governor, Bala Mohammed, called on Muslims to extend the lessons of Ramadan beyond the holy month.
He emphasised that Eid-el-Fitr should not just be a time of celebration but an opportunity for self-reflection and atonement.
Sokoto State governor, Ahmed Aliyu, commended philanthropists for their support to the poor during Ramadan and emphasised the need for compassion and unity.
In his Sallah message, he highlighted the importance of selflessness, good neighbourliness, and generosity and urged Muslims to uphold the virtues of Ramadan, including tolerance, love, and forgiveness.
Aliyu noted his administration’s efforts to support the needy through increased Ramadan feeding centres and various welfare initiatives, reaffirming his commitment to Islamic affairs and religious harmony in the state.
Ondo State governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, advised Muslims to continue embodying patience, love, and self-discipline beyond Ramadan and prayed for blessings, peace and prosperity for all Muslim faithful.
Zamfara State governor, Dauda Lawal, called on Muslims to reflect on the sacrifices made during Ramadan and carry forward the virtues of discipline, patience and generosity.
He acknowledged the challenges facing the state and emphasised the need for collective effort and cooperation.
Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State reassured residents of the state, especially those from other parts of the country, of fairness, equity, and justice by his government, saying his administration would never discriminate against people based on their religious, ethnic, or regional backgrounds.
The governor spoke at the Eid prayers at the Central Mosque, Asata, Enugu, where he addressed Muslims on the occasion of Eid-el-Fitr.
Mbah, whose appointees are drawn from various parts of the country and nationalities, said Nigeria would develop faster through tolerance and togetherness.
He equally promised to reconstitute the Enugu State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board in a matter of weeks.
In his remark, Sarkin Hausawa Enugu State, Abubakar Yusuf Sambo, commended the governor for his fair, inclusive, and speedy delivery of security and democracy dividends.
Edo State governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, urged Muslims to sustain the values of Ramadan, including compassion, tolerance and unity.
He reiterated his administration’s commitment to fostering religious tolerance and mutual respect, urging citizens to work together for a progressive Edo State.
Delta State governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, urged Muslims to sustain the virtues of love, self-discipline, and sacrifice.
Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, in a message shared on his X handle, acknowledged that the period of fasting, prayer and spiritual renewal has not only deepened the faith of Muslims but also reinforced values of sacrifice, discipline and love for one another.
The Chief Imam of Ado-Ekiti and President of the League of Imams and Alfas in Southwest, Edo, and Delta, Alhaji Jamiu Kewulere, called on Muslims to extend kindness to people of other religions and the less privileged while avoiding social vices that could tarnish their reputation.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) urged Nigerians to uphold the values of love, unity, justice, and the rule of law.
Meanwhile, the Eid prayers were conducted peacefully in Borno, with no restrictions on movement. Imam Mamman Shettima Saleh urged Muslims to maintain peaceful coexistence and charity.
In Kwara State, thousands attended prayers in Ilorin, with security presence ensuring safety. Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq (represented by the Majority Leader) and the Emir of Ilorin called for continued prayers, charity, and support for the government.
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf urged unity, patience, and support for the less privileged.
He reaffirmed his commitment to economic growth and justice, particularly in response to the recent killing of Kano indigenes in Edo State, vowing to bring perpetrators to justice.
Contributions from Baba Martins, Abbas Jimoh (Abuja), Peter Moses (Lagos), Ado A. Musa (Plateau), Hamisu K. Matazu (Maiduguri), Raphael Ogbonnaiye (Ado-Ekiti), Titus Eleweke (Awka), Hassan Ibrahim (Bauchi), Abubakar Auwal (Sokoto), Tosin Tope (Akure), Usman A. Bello (Benin), Kelvin Meluwa (Asaba), Mumini Abdulkareem (Ilorin) & Salim U. Ibrahim (Kano)