Yemisi Izuora
Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, and his Lagos State counterpart, Babajide Sanwo-Olu have congratulated Muslim faithful in their states, Nigeria and across the globe on the occasion of 2021 Eid-el-Kabir celebration.
Makinde, who called for tolerance and religious harmony at all times, urged Islamic faithful to reflect on the essence of the festival, which he described as the “Festival of Sacrifice.”
He stated that with the Eid-el-Kabir, the Almighty Allah (SWT) is teaching humanity about the virtues of total submission to His will, adding that human beings must learn to put God first in all situations.
He said: “The Eid-el-Kabir presents an opportunity for us to reflect on the faith, with which Ibrahim (Abraham) willingly agreed to sacrifice his only son and was set to let go of his prized asset, just in obedience to the command of Allah (SWT).”
A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, quoted him as admonishing Muslim faithful to lay aside all forms of religious, ethnic and tribal sentiments, in the interests of unity, peace, progress and prosperity of the state and country.”
The Governor, further said: “It was regrettable that Muslims in the state and across the country cannot observe the 2021 Hajj in Saudi Arabia as a result of COVID-19.
“This situation should be seen as part of the sacrifice we all have to make at this time, as a way of emulating Prophet Ibrahim.”
He added: “But despite the current COVID-19 pandemic ravaging the whole world, the Almighty Allah (SWT) allowed Muslims in Oyo State to join the Muslim Ummah in making supplications for the forgiveness of our sins.
“I am grateful to my Muslim brothers and sisters and residents of the state for remaining steadfast despite the situation imposed on us by the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Governor Makinde called for the continued support and cooperation of the Muslim Ummah and all residents of the state.
He also called on all residents of the state to continue to observe all COVID-19 protocols, including the pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical measures, adding that the state will surely triumph over the pandemic.
“We should ensure the wearing of face and nose masks, regular washing of hands and ensuring social distancing.
“We must abide by the advisories already issued by the Oyo State COVID-19 Task Force and adopt the Own Your Action (OYA) slogan in order to save ourselves and our community from the pangs of the pandemic,” he added.
The Governor, therefore, pledged to continue to make life more meaningful for all residents of the state, reiterating his administration’s commitment to the socio-economic transformation and the infrastructural revolution of the state in line with the Roadmap for Accelerated Development of Oyo State, 2019-2023.
“On the part of this pacesetter government, we shall continue to make life more meaningful for the people of Oyo State through policies and programmes that are godly and humane.
“As we look forward to an end to the current gloom and a return to normalcy, let us continue to work together for the safety, wellbeing and prosperity of our state.
“Once again, I congratulate our Muslim brothers and sisters and our community,” the governor concluded.
On his part, the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu congratulated Nigerians, especially Muslims across the country on the occasion of Eid-el-Kabir festival.
Governor Sanwo-Olu while rejoicing with Muslims on Eid-el-Kabir celebration urged them to celebrate with caution in the wake of the third wave of coronavirus infections in Nigeria. He also advised them to keep to all the COVID-19 protocols.
Sanwo-Olu in his Eid-el-Kabir message issued on Monday by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, advised Lagosians, especially Muslim faithful to imbibe the lessons of sacrifice made by Prophet Ibrahim and work for the peace, stability, unity and progress of the country.
The Governor said there is strong connection between peaceful coexistence of all tribes and religions and development, noting that as Lagosians, every resident must live together peacefully.
“On behalf of my family and government of Lagos State, I join millions of people around the world, to wish our Muslim brothers and sisters in the State and in Nigeria happy Eid-el-Kabir, which comes with significant lessons for mankind.
“Eid al-Adha has become a symbolic event in the history of mankind, following the events that led to the sacrifice by Prophet Ibrahim, who held tenaciously to his faith in God despite his unpleasant circumstances at the time.
“The festival, therefore, reminds 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 belief, as well as sacrifice for the progress of mankind and development of our society,” he said.
Sanwo-Olu while seeking Lagosians’ support for development and growth of Lagos State, urged residents to support his government’s efforts in building a ‘Greater Lagos’ that will work for all through the THEMES developmental agenda of his administration.
The Governor also implored Nigerians to support governments at state and federal levels in building a better society that is free from violence, insecurity and other social vices.