- FG declares Thursday additional holiday
President Bola Tinubu, on Tuesday, called for a unified effort from all Nigerians, especially the Muslim Ummah, towards building the nation.
“We are the sculptor, and Nigeria is the clay; we build it the way we desire,” Tinubu said in his maiden Eid-el-Fitr message as President to end the month of Ramadan.
The President’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, conveyed Tinubu’s Eid message in a statement on Tuesday.
Ngelale noted that the President “felicitates the Muslim Ummah at Eid-el-Fitr, an auspicious occasion that signifies the end of Ramadan; a hallowed season which reflects total submission to God Almighty and to His command of sacrifice and service to humankind.
“The President greets the Muslim faithful in Nigeria and all around the world, praying that their supplications and sacrifices this season and even after will receive the fitting rewards from Almighty Allah.”
As Tinubu has emphasized during an iftar with Nigeria’s leaders of thought and conscience, he further appealed to all citizens to come together and rededicate themselves to the noble duty of building the nation, stating: “We are the sculptor, and Nigeria is the clay; we build it the way we desire.”
“The President prays that the lessons, blessings, and the joys of this season abide with us always while wishing Nigerians, Happy Eid-el-Fitr celebrations,” the statement concluded.
Makinde felicitates Muslim faithful
Oyo State governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has also felicitated the Muslim Ummah in the state on the completion of the Holy Month of Ramadan and the Eid-el-Fitri celebration.
The governor congratulated the Muslim faithful for witnessing the 1st Day of the month of Shawwal.
He prayed to Allah to accept the worship of the Muslim Ummah as an act of Ibadah, just as he called on them to use the opportunity of the season to make more supplications to Allah SWT over the situation of the state and the country.
He equally charged residents of the state to be security-conscious before, during and after the Eid-el-Fitri celebrations and report any suspicion to security agencies through the State Emergency Number, 615.
He said, “I congratulate the Muslim Ummah in Oyo State on witnessing the 1st Day of the Shawwal and the successful completion of the Ramadan Fasting.
“It is my prayer that God accepts their worship as Ibadah and grants answers to all their prayers.
“I want to call on all Muslims and all residents to continue to make supplications for the country and Oyo State.
“As an administration, we have been doing all we can to address the challenges facing our people and to stimulate the economy of the state. At this critical period, that should be the focus of all leaders at all levels of government.
“But I also know that after we all might have done all we can, it is imperative to continue to hand over our affairs to God Almighty, who is able to turn difficult situations around.
“Let me also use this opportunity to charge Oyo State residents to be watchful and vigilant before, during and after the Eid-el-Fitri celebrations.
“Please, be security-conscious and report any suspicion with regards to security to the security agencies through the Oyo State Emergency Number, 615.
Governor AbdulRazaq bids Kwarans blessed Eid-ul-Fitri
Similarly, the Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq heartily rejoices with the Muslim community on the occasion of the Eid-ul-Fitri, which marks the end of the Ramadan fast.
His Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye, said in a statement on Tuesday that the governor congratulated the leader of the faithful in Kwara, Emir of Ilorin, Dr Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, on the successful completion of the fasting period.
He asked the Muslim community to make the noble activities of the holy month — including alms giving, abstinence from negativities, and good conducts — an integral feature of their daily lives.
“Governor AbdulRazaq urges the community to unite upon goodness and avoid anything that may eat away the rewards of their fast or question their sincerity as devotees.
He asks Allah to grant everyone a blessed Eid and better years ahead in the best state of faith (eeman),” Ajakaye said.
Abiodun harps on peace, love, understanding
In the same vein, the Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has admonished Nigerians to have hope for a better Nigeria with prayers from both Christian and Muslim faithful.
The governor also commended the peaceful co-existence among the various religious bodies in the state, which has paved the way for the seamless governance in the Gateway State.
Governor Abiodun, in a statement to mark the Eid-el-Fitri (end of Ramadan), assured that with the various interventions by both the federal and state governments, Nigerians will soon come out of their current economic predicaments.
The governor recalled the various interventions his administration has made since the economic challenges began, including the latest distribution of food palliatives and the ‘Educash’ transfers, which, he said, were aimed at lessening the burden on the citizens of the state.
Governor Abiodun acknowledged the support of religious bodies to the success of his administration, even as he preached love, understanding, unity, and peaceful co-existence among the people of the state.
He called on Muslims to let the lessons of the holy month of Ramadan, including patience, self-discipline, love for one another and kindness, guide their daily lives.
He said, “I extend my warmest congratulations to our Muslim brothers and sisters on the occasion of the celebrations of Eid-el-Fitri. May this significant celebration of Ramadan’s end bring you and your families abundant blessings, love, peace, and unity.
“Let us take a moment to reflect on the lessons learnt throughout the holy month of Ramadan and allow the spirit of Eid to guide our actions towards compassion, kindness, and understanding. Together, may we continue to build a thriving community where everyone feels valued and included.
“As we rejoice in this festive period, let us also remember to uphold the core values of humanity, respect, and harmonious co-existence that define our great state. By embracing these ideals, we can forge a better future for all.”
Obaseki felicitates with Muslim faithful, harps on sacrifice, love
The Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, has equally felicitated with Muslims in the state on the celebration of Eid-El Fitr after the successful completion of the Ramadan fast.
In his Eid-El Fitr message, Obaseki urged Muslim faithful not to relent but intensify prayers for the nation to overcome its current challenges.
Obaseki said, “On behalf of the government and people of Edo State, I extend my warmest congratulations to you as we commemorate the Eid-el-Fitr after the successful completion of the Ramadan fast.
“As you celebrate this joyous occasion, I urge you to sustain the lessons of sacrifice and love learnt during the Ramadan fast. We are in very difficult times, and it would take a great deal of selflessness and love to be our brothers’ keeper. So, I urge you to go the extra mile in extending a hand of support to friends, relatives and acquaintances as we press on.”
The governor added, “I implore you to show compassion to one another, as taught by the Holy Prophet Mohammed (S.A.W), especially at these trying times. Working and supporting each other, we can surmount our nation’s challenges. This is why it is pertinent to continue to pray and work towards building a progressive nation anchored on progressive ideals.”
Governor Diri greets Muslims
Also, the Governor of Bayelsa State, Douye Diri, has felicitated with Muslim faithful in the state and across Nigeria on this year’s Eid-el-Fitr festivities.
Governor Diri, in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Alabrah, on Tuesday, noted that the month-long Ramadan fast, which culminates in Eid-el-Fitr, was a period for Muslims to reflect on the lessons of tolerance, love and sacrifice that the celebration typifies.
The Bayelsa governor stated that as one of the key pillars of Islam, Ramadan was important for developing the virtues of self-renunciation in every true Muslim.
While felicitating with adherents of the Islamic faith, he urged them to pray for the peace, progress and prosperity of Bayelsa State and Nigeria.
Governor Diri said his administration will continue to ensure peaceful co-existence in the state as it promotes the virtues of love, religious tolerance and harmony.
He added that the government’s commitment to peace and the security of lives and property has fostered harmony between adherents of the different faiths in order to build a prosperous state for everyone to realise their dreams.
“Again, I wish our Muslim brethren a happy Eid-el-Fitr celebration,” he said.
FG declares Thursday additional Eid-El-Fitr holiday
Meanwhile, the Federal Government has declared Thursday, April 11, 2024, as an additional public holiday to commemorate Eid-el-Fitr.
This was made known in a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, Aishetu Ndayako, shared on the ministry’s X account on Tuesday.
The statement said, “The Federal Government has approved Thursday, April 11, 2024 as an additional public holiday to celebrate this year’s Eid-el-Fitr.
“The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, while congratulating the Muslim Ummah for a successful completion of a month of spiritual rejuvenation, reiterates President Bola Tinubu’s firm commitment to providing a safe and prosperous Nigeria for all to thrive.”
The Federal Government had earlier Sunday declared Tuesday and Wednesday, April 9 and 10, 2024, as public holidays to mark the Eid-el-Fitr celebration.
