Muslims across Nigeria on Sunday celebrated Eid el-Kabir in an ambience of peace with rain falling in major cities of the country.
As the Muslim faithful observed the Sallah, state governors and religious leaders used the occasion to pray for peace and unity in the country.
Kano
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State has urged for peace and unity in the country, saying it is only in an atmosphere of peace that democracy can grow.
The governor said this while overseeing the distribution of meat from 700 cows to 5,600 individuals across the state, facilitated by the charitable organization HASENE based in Germany, in collaboration with the BARIS Foundation for the Eid el-Kabir Kurban of the year 1445AH.
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The symbolic distribution was inaugurated at the Bayero University, where Governor Abba Kabir expressed deep satisfaction with the charitable initiative, foreseeing it as a source of immense joy for numerous people in need.
He urged the organisers and distributors to uphold fairness and maintain a sincere reverence for Allah in fulfilling their responsibilities, ensuring the successful realisation of the Kurban project’s objectives across the state.
Emir Sanusi II leads Sallah Durbar in Kano
Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II upheld the tradition of the Sallah Durbar, riding on horseback through various districts in Kano, despite security concerns leading up to the event.
Starting from the Kofar Mata Jumu’at mosque due to heavy rain, Emir Sanusi’s procession included stops to greet citizens and receive homage along the route back to the emir’s palace.
Despite security precautions, the durbar proceeded smoothly, with the presence of multiple security agencies ensuring safety throughout the event.
Meanwhile, the 15th Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero observed his Eid prayer at the Nassarawa mini palace as earlier announced.
The embattled Emir had also announced cancellation of durbar activities during the Eid el-Kabir festivities.
Kwara
In Kwara State, Eid el-Kabir prayers were held peacefully at various prayer grounds, including the central Eid prayer ground in Irewolede, Ilorin.
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and other dignitaries attended the prayers, emphasising unity and peace among the diverse community members present.
The Chief Imam of Ilorin, Sheikh Mohammad Bashir Soliu, led prayers and called for continued unity and prosperity across Kwara State.
Zaria
The Emir of Zazzau, Mallam Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, along with other Muslim faithful, observed this year’s Eid el-Kabir prayers at the Emir’s palace in Zaria, following a heavy downpour.
Traditionally held at the Filin Mallawa Eid praying ground in Tudun Wada, Zaria, the prayer session was relocated to the Emir’s palace within Zaria city due to early morning rainfall.
Abdullahi Aliyu Kwarbai, the Emirate’s Media and Publicity Officer, had earlier announced via local radio stations the change in venue for the Eid prayers, citing the heavy rainfall across the city.
In addition, the Emir of Zazzau, Mallam Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, has postponed the traditional homage by traditional title holders and his Sallah speech to the next day, due to the adverse weather conditions.
Mallam Muhammad Sani Abubakar, the Na’ibin Zazzau, who led the two Rak’at prayers, emphasized the significance of Eid el-Kabir as a time for sacrificial offerings, both to Allah and for the benefit of humanity. He urged Muslims to reflect on this lesson during the celebration.
While extending congratulations to the Muslim ummah for the Eid celebration, Mallam Abubakar called on them to continue praying fervently for the peace, security and unity of the nation.
Taraba
In Taraba State, Governor Agbu Kefas while extending warm felicitations to the Muslim Ummah on the occasion of Eid el-Kabir, emphasised the importance of sustained prayers by Nigerians to overcome the challenges facing the nation.
In a statement released through his Senior Assistant on Media and Digital Communication, Mr. Emmanuel Bello, Governor Kefas urged Muslims to use the occasion to reflect on the nation’s challenges while celebrating God’s blessings in their lives.
“As we celebrate Eid el-Kabir this year, I urge everyone to pray for our leaders as they navigate the ship of state,” Governor Kefas said.
“This moment calls for sober reflection on our nation’s challenges, and I encourage the Muslim Ummah to exemplify virtues such as patience, devotion, obedience, sacrifice, love, tolerance, peace and patriotism.”
Bauchi
Bauchi State Deputy Governor, Auwal Mohammed Jatau, has called on Muslims and Christians in the state to pray for continued peace and adequate rainfall for a bountiful harvest.
Speaking after leading a state government delegation to the Eid prayers at the Bauchi Eid ground, the deputy governor urged citizens to reflect on their activities over the past year and seek to make amends during the Eid el-Kabir Sallah festivities.
Jatau extended congratulations to the people of Bauchi State on this sacred occasion, emphasising the significance of praying for peace and stability in Nigeria and Bauchi State.
Plateau
Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has urged the Muslim community in Plateau State and beyond to reflect deeply on virtues such as love, peace, charity, tolerance and commitment to peaceful coexistence in Plateau and Nigeria as a whole.
In his Eid el-Kabir message, Governor Mutfwang extended heartfelt congratulations to the Muslim Ummah and well-wishers worldwide on celebrating the 2024 Eid el-Kabir, noting the occasion’s significance in fostering sacrifice and submission to the will of Allah.
“As we commemorate this event, I encourage everyone to ponder on the values of love, charity and selflessness, striving towards a more united and peaceful Plateau State,” Governor Mutfwang remarked.
Edo
Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State has called on Muslims in the state to continue supporting government programmes and policies while making decisions that foster the sustainability of development across all sectors of the state’s economy.
The governor made this statement while receiving Muslim faithful, led by the Deputy Chief Imam, Alhaji Osahon Otokiti, during the traditional Sallah homage at the Government House, Benin City. Representing the governor, Deputy Governor Engr. Philip Shaibu highlighted the administration’s commitment to the welfare of Muslims through initiatives like the Muslim feeding programme, aimed at providing a sense of inclusion for the less privileged in society.
Bayelsa
Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State has urged Muslim faithful across the country to embrace virtues such as love, peace, self-abnegation and patriotism as they celebrate Eid el-Kabir.
Governor Diri extended felicitations to Muslim faithful in Bayelsa State and nationwide on the occasion of Eid el-Kabir, stressing the festival’s significance as Muslims commemorate the end of the Hajj pilgrimage with the festival of sacrifice.
In a statement issued by his spokesman, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, Governor Diri encouraged adherents of Islam to reflect deeply on the season and embody the principles of love, peace, selflessness, and patriotism.
Imo
Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has emphasised the importance of love, unity, peace and mutual growth among members of the Muslim and Christian communities across Nigeria.
In his congratulatory message to Muslims on the occasion of Eid el-Kabir, Governor Uzodimma urged them to embrace tolerance as a fundamental principle.
Speaking on the need for continuous unity among Muslims and their harmonious coexistence with other religious groups, Governor Uzodimma reminded his audience that religious faith should serve as a means to spiritual fulfillment.
Yobe
In Yobe, Governor Mai Mala Buni urged the people of the state to utilise the occasion of Eid el-Kabir to pray earnestly for the peace and prosperity of both Yobe State and Nigeria at large.
In his Sallah message to the people, signed by his Director General Press and Media Affairs, Mamman Muhammad, Governor Buni emphasised the paramount importance of peace, security, and prosperity for every citizen.
“We must intensify our prayers for our leaders to be guided aright towards enhancing peace, security, and prosperity in our beloved country,” Governor Buni stated.
Etsu Nupe calls on Muslims to reject social vices
Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, the Etsu Nupe and Chairman of the Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers, has urged Muslims to refrain from social vices and actively foster peaceful coexistence within their communities.
Speaking at the Eid prayer ground after the two Rak’ah prayers to commemorate this year’s Eid el-Kabir celebration in Bida, the monarch emphasised the detrimental impact of societal ills such as bribery, corruption, drunkenness and gambling on individuals and society.
“These vices do not benefit anyone, including Muslim faithful. Therefore, all believers are urged to steer clear of them,” he stated.
He also called on Muslims to emulate Prophet Ibrahim’s virtues of sacrifice, obedience and submission to the will of Allah, stressing that these principles are essential for success in life.
Kebbi
Governor Nasir Idris of Kebbi State and the Emir of Gwandu, Alhaji Muhammad Illiyasu Bashar, have urged the Muslim community in Kebbi State to pray for divine intervention to address Nigeria’s current socioeconomic challenges.
In his Sallah message to the people of Kebbi State, Governor Nasir Idris acknowledged the trying period Nigeria is experiencing politically and economically. He stressed the importance of prayers focused on seeking divine guidance for the state and the nation.
“We also seek your prayers for the socio-economic development of our dear state. We are committed to building upon the achievements made over the past year,” Governor Nasir Idris stated.
Meanwhile, Emir Muhammad Illiyasu Bashar of Gwandu, speaking after the Eid prayer, called for unity and peace within the state and the nation. He emphasised that the country’s leadership requires the prayers and support of its people to effectively navigate Nigeria’s challenges.
From Salim Umar Ibrahim, Kano; Mumini Abdulkareem, Ilorin; Habibu Idris Gimba, Damaturu; Dickson S. Adama, Jos; Bassey Willie, Yenagoa; Usman A. Bello, Benin; Abubakar Auwal, Sokoto; Abubakar Sadiq Mohd, Zaria;’ Abubakar Akote, Minna & Ismail Adebayo, Birnin Kebbi
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