As Muslims celebrate Eid-el-Kabir today, amid dwindling economic fortunes, President Muhammadu Buhari, has saluted the citizenry for their steadfastness, saying that he is making concerted efforts to return the country to the path of economic prosperity.
Buhari, who in his Sallah message to Nigerians, attributed the economic recession in the country to cumulative effects of worldwide economic downturn and failure of past administrations to save for difficult times, charged Muslims across the country to live up to the tenets of Islam.
The president spoke as Senate President Bukola Saraki, a host of governors and other leaders, in their separate messages stressed the need for sacrifice, peaceful celebration and harmonious co-habitation among Nigerians irrespective of religious affiliation.
Other leaders, who also delivered messages to Muslims and Nigerians include Deputy Senate Presudent, Ike Ekweremadu; Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. Monday Igbuya; House of Representatives Minority Leader, Leo Ogor; Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Sulaimon Lasun; Dr Mashuud Fashola of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat, Nigeria; Alhaji Abubakar Kawu Baraje, and Special Adviser on Special Duties to the Senate President, Hon. Moshood Mustapha.
Buhari’s message of hope
Buhari’s Sallah message read: “Fellow Compatriots, as you celebrate the Eid-El-Kabir, I salute your steadfastness in spite of the difficult economic times the country is going through.
“The lessons of Eid are piety and sacrifice and, my dear brothers and sisters, you have exhibited these in equal measure.
“The present recession is as a result of cumulative effects of worldwide economic downturn and failure in the past to plan and save for difficult times. It is impossible to separate the present from the past to appreciate the extent to which mistakes of the past are affecting everyday life today.
“I assure you that this administration is working round the clock to remove the hardships the country is going through. Rail and road constructions, projects in the housing sector, support for farmers and for small and medium scale industries, youth and women’s empowerment programmes, support for revival of industries are all designed to reinvigorate the economy and enhance living standards of ordinary people.
“We are getting security right. We are stopping corruption in its tracks and we will get the economy right by the Grace of God.
“I enjoin Muslims to live by the dictates of Islam, to keep good relationships with their Christian brothers and sisters and as patriots to maintain the spirit of the Nigerian nation.”
Saraki tasks Muslims on peace, economic recovery
Also, Senate President, Bukola Saraki urged Muslims to pray for peace and accelerated recovery of the nation’s economy.
In the message signed by his Special Adviser, Media and Publicity, Yusuph Olaniyonu, the Senate President also urged Nigerians to remain steadfast and committed to the cause of one, united and developed country.
Saraki called on all Nigerians to live in harmony with one another irrespective of ethnic or religious affiliation, adding that the significance of the Eid-el-Kabir festival is to celebrate the true love and grace of Almighty Allah to mankind through sacrifice, devotion and faith.
Mimiko, Agunloye urge cooperation
Ondo State Governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko, in a statement by the Commissioner for Information, Kayode Akinmade, called for the cooperation of all to rescue the nation from its myriad of challenges.
He said the time calls for the total cooperation of all Nigerians irrespective of ethnic and religious divide to put all hands on deck, pray and find solutions to the challenges of the country.
Mimiko maintained that Nigeria was not created to be a problem to herself and neighbours, but loaded with the potential of a global model and solution provider, noting that love, tolerance and peace are Islamic virtues that true Muslims and Nigerians in general should not compromise.
Aregbesola, Osun APC preach selflessness in service
Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun enjoined Nigerians to be selfless in the discharge of their duties because selflessness helps build a nation, adding that when the welfare of the people is most paramount, it leads to the emergence of a society with peace, equality and growth.
In a statement by the Director, Bureau of Communication and Strategy, Office of the Governor, Mr. Semiu Okanlawon, Aregbesola said commitment, perseverance and prayer are the key ingredients needed as the country passes through its worst trial moments. “I wish our fellow Muslim brothers and sisters in Osun, Nigeria and beyond, a most blessed Eid. Adherents of the faith should leverage this festive moment to foster unity and continue to live up to the tenets through the acts of charity, peaceful co-existence with our neighbours, obedience to the injunctions of the Holy Qura’n and sacrifice as exemplified by Prophet Ibrahim whose spirit of obedience was demonstrated through his submission to the will of Allah even in very difficult situation,” he said.
Let’s persevere, tolerate one another, Fayose urges Muslims, Nigerians
On his part, Ekiti State Governor, Mr Ayodele Fayose while congratulating Muslims in Ekiti and all Nigerians of different faiths on the celebration of yet another Eid-el-kabir, urged all to adhere to the tenets of peace being preached by the Islamic faith, which he said are that of perseverance, tolerance, peace and love for one another.
Citing the Holy Quran: 2, 208, which says: ” O you who believe enter absolutely into peace (Islam), do not follow in the footsteps of Satan. He is an outright enemy to you”, Fayose said the word ‘Islam’ itself is derived from the word ‘peace in Arabic. And that Islam is a religion revealed to mankind with the intention of presenting a peaceful life where the infinite compassion and mercy of God manifest on earth.”
Ajimobi pray for pilgrims’ safe return, preaches love, unity
The Governor of Oyo State, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, urged the country’s Muslim community to imbibe the spirit of togetherness, peaceful co-existence and love towards one another as exemplified by Holy Prophet Muhammed (SAW).
He also called for fervent prayers for pilgrims to the Holy Land as they proceeded to Mount Arafat for prayers to have a hitch-free session and return to their respective countries in good health.
Be your brothers’ keeper, Okowa urge Nigerians
Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State told Muslims in the country to reflect on the various challenges facing the nation.
Okowa, in a goodwill message signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Charles Aniagwu, stressed the need for Nigerians to be their brothers’ keeper.
“This season calls for forgiveness and love for one another. There is need for Nigerians to be united and be their brothers’ keeper in spite of all odds. The faithful should use the opportunity of this Eid-el-Kabir to deepen their faith in Allah and renew the spirit of obeisance to the will of the Almighty in accordance with the inimitable faith of Prophet Ibrahim,” he said.
Embrace ‘Change Begins with Me’ campaign – APC
Apparently peeved by the seeming wave of backlash generated by last week’s launch of a value reorientation campaign, Change Begins with Me, by the Federal Government, the APC, in a Sallah message by its National Chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, said the project aims to “institutionalize best practices and time-honored values of honesty, hard work, and patriotism. It appealed to all Nigerians to be part of the campaign.
Joining Muslim faithful across the country in rejoicing over the joyous occasion of Eid-el-Kabir, the party urged them and indeed all Nigerians to use the occasion of Eid-el-Kabir to pray for the peace, development and prosperity of the country.
Wike tasks Muslims on Prophet Mohammed’s ideals
Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike also felicitated with Nigerian Muslims and enjoined them to emulate the Holy Prophet Mohammed by imbibing the ideals of sacrifice exemplified by the Prophet.
Let us share love, CAN President charges Nigerians
President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Rev Samson Ayokunle, called on Nigerians to share love not hatred as Muslim faithful join the rest of the world to celebrate Eid-el Kabir.
While felicitating with the Muslim community, Ayokunle, in a statement prayed that “the joy of the celebration shall endure for you all. May the spirit of the season enlarge your capacity to treasure our relationships and secure for us all a prosperous, safe and more secured Nigeria founded on love and sacrifice.”
Pray more than ever – Okorocha
To Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha, the season calls for more prayers from Muslims for the nation and her leaders.
Okorocha, who made the appeal in his Sallah message, signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Samuel Onwuemeodo, also reasoned that the prayer has become necessary “so that the nation’s greatness would emerge from her current challenges”.
Learn from Prophet Mohammed – Almakura
Governor Umaru Tanko Al-makura of Nasarawa State, on his part, enjoined Muslims to always be guided by the attributes and lessons from the life and times of Holy Prophet Mohammed, which symbolised piety, peace, love, tolerance.
