- Says Renewed Hope Agenda is alive, well, fine
- Buhari appeals to Nigerians to unite, support leaders
- Idris, Abiodun, Adeleke, Obaseki, Diri, Uzodimma, urge citizens to have faith in government
President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday in Lagos joined the Muslim faithful to observe Eid-el-Fitr prayers, urging Nigerians to continue to have faith in his government and remain patriotic citizens.
Addressing journalists after the prayers at the Eid Ground at the Dodan Barracks, the President said the Renewed Hope Agenda of his administration, which is aimed at bringing prosperity to Nigerians, is being diligently implemented.
Encouraging Muslims celebrating the conclusion of Ramadan to extend the values of sacrifice and resilience beyond the fasting period, President Tinubu emphasized the need for Nigerians to prioritize the exhibition of love for their country.
”The resilience and sacrifice that we have shown and made during these months should be preserved. Be a kind and cheerful giver. We must love our country more than any other country, because that is the only one we have.
”We must continue to protect the integrity of our government and leadership.
”The Renewed Hope Agenda is alive, well and fine, and Nigerians should continue to be very hopeful. Without hope, there is no salvation. Without hope, there is no development. Without hope, there is no life. Eid Mubarak,’’ the President told journalists at the end of the prayers led by the Chief Imam of Lagos State, Sheikh Sulaiman Oluwatoyin Abou-Nolla.
Earlier in his sermon, the Chief Imam urged Nigerians to shun all acts of violence, ensure peaceful co-existence, and continue to have faith in the country.
He asked those in leadership positions to remain faithful to their oaths of office and work towards alleviating the suffering of the less privileged.
‘‘Let us not forget our brothers and sisters in Gaza and other areas of conflict,’’ the Chief Imam said.
He offered prayers of God’s guidance, wisdom, and protection for President Tinubu and the Lagos State government, as well as for peace and stability in the country.
Buhari appeals to Nigerians to unite, support leaders
Also, former President, Muhammadu Buhari has urged Nigerians to unite and stand behind leaders at all levels, describing the current period as a pivotal moment for democracy.
In a Sallah message made available to newsmen on Wednesday by his spokesperson, Garba Shehu, the former President emphasized the importance of supporting leaders—from local government officials to those at the national level—as they work towards transforming the nation’s development landscape.
Speaking to journalists in Daura, shortly after observing the Eid prayer on Wednesday morning, Buhari congratulated fellow Muslims on the successful completion of the 30-day Ramadan fasting and the performance of the Eid, and urged “all citizens to support our leaders from the local government level to the highest at the centre in their efforts to transform the development landscape of the nation.
“Support for our leaders is a vote for a better tomorrow.
“It is imperative that we stand united in safeguarding the sovereignty and integrity of our nation.”
He called on contestants to political offices to always ensure a smooth succession from one administration to another without stoking communal tensions and obstructing development.
Buhari expressed his appreciation to the people of Daura, his hometown, and the state in general for giving him a warm welcome.
He expressed his happiness at being in the midst of his people after he finished his term as president.
Idris calls on Nigerians to recover lost values
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has equally urged Nigerians to recover lost values and maintain prayers for peace and the well-being of our leaders and country.
He made the call after the Eid el Fitr prayer at Kaduna Capital School in Kaduna on Wednesday.
The Minister called on Nigerians to pray for President Bola Tinubu, acknowledging his efforts to reposition Nigeria among the best nations in the world.
“Our economy is being repositioned, the foreign exchange market is stabilizing, and Agriculture is being repositioned so that we will have food security for our people; indeed, the country’s security situation is also improving.”
The minister called on Nigerians to condemn all the dastardly acts by terrorists, hoping that they will draw from the reasons of Ramadan and ensure that Nigerians stay in peace.
The Chief Imam of Kapital School Mosque, Imam Abdurrahman, who led the prayers, delivered a sermon in which he called Muslims and Christians alike to ensure that Nigeria stays in peace and unity so that we can witness its progress.
He called on Nigerians to reclaim those values and reposition themselves and our country.
Nigeria’s economy is recovering – Abiodun
On his part, the Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun said that Nigeria is on the verge of recovering from its economic challenges as a result of the corporate prayers offered by Nigerians during the Lent and Ramadan fastings.
This, as the state government on Wednesday continued its palliative distribution to mark the Eid-el-fitri celebration.
Governor Abiodun who stated this while playing host to Muslim faithful at his Iperu residence in Ikenne Local Government Area, noted that the country’s challenges are surmountable but needed all hands to be on deck.
He averred that the current policies and programmes of the President Bola Tinubu-led Federal Government are yielding fruits as the economy is gradually taking shape.
“The Naira continues to appreciate against the dollar. We will soon start to enjoy it. The development of Nigeria is now paramount. It is a must. Nigeria is going to rise again,” he said.
According to the governor, Ramadan is a period to seek forgiveness and be kind to fellow humans, stressing the need for Nigerians to always be good to one another and uphold religious harmony.
He added, “Ramadan is a season of self-denial, a season of self-discipline and prayer to Almighty God. It is also a season of religious tolerance for both Christians and Muslims. Without a doubt, the Almighty has answered and is still answering all our prayers.
“My message to our people is that the same way we denied ourselves in the past 30 days, the same way that we forgive those that offended us, the same way we choose to live a life of impact by giving freely to the less privileged, let us continue in the same fashion and be good to our neighbours.”
Abiodun congratulated the Muslim faithful for the successful completion of Ramadan, describing it as a spiritual exercise that is beneficial to both individuals and the nation.
In the same vein, the state Deputy Governor, Mrs. Noimot Salako-Oyedele urged Nigerians to continue to pray for the success of the policies and programmes of the President Tinubu-led administration towards repositioning the country.
Speaking at the Ota Central Eid ground, Salako-Oyedele called on the citizens to be optimistic about the emergence of a new Nigeria soon, even as she expressed delight that the new policies of the government at the centre are already yielding the desired results on the economy.
Obaseki celebrates Eid-el-Fitr with Muslims in Edo, assures better support
The Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, on Wednesday, joined Muslim faithful in the state to celebrate Eid-El Fitr after the successful completion of the Ramadan fast.
Obaseki, who hosted the Muslims at the Government House in Benin City, assured them of better collaboration and support.
Obaseki was accompanied by the Edo State Head of Service, Anthony Okungbowa and Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Nehikhare and other top government functionaries.
The governor said, “As a government, we must continue to work with religious leaders because citizens in distress can easily meet religious leaders as they know and can deal with issues swiftly. So, we must cooperate with religious bodies.
“We know things are difficult for citizens but we will continue to pray to God to see us through this trying period and will overcome like we did during COVID-19. There is hunger in the land and we will continue to support palliatives and others.
“I thank the Chief Imam of Benin and Muslim faithful in Edo as in the last seven and half years, you have been a pillar and have helped us consolidate and renew our beliefs as Edo people. I thank you for the peace you have continued to help us maintain in our state.”
Uzodimma urges Muslims to be law-abiding, seek Nigeria’s unity
The Muslim community in Imo State on Wednesday spoke eloquently about their relationship with Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State, describing him as the friendliest Governor among all the Governors in Nigeria to the Muslims.
The Seriki Hausa/Muslim in Imo State, Auwal Baba Suleiman who spoke the mind of all the Muslim faithful in the state during a Banquet organized in their honour by Governor Uzodimma to mark this year’s Eid-el-Fitr, added that despite being a Christian, Governor Uzodimma has dealt so kindly to them that they have lost count of his good deeds.
Seriki’s position coincided with Governor Uzodimma’s charge on the Muslim faithful to be law-abiding and make unity their watch word, in the spirit of the Eid- el- Fitr celebration globally.
Governor Uzodimma advised them and all Nigerians to ensure that “religion should not be a barrier to their cohabitation.”
He further advised that they should take advantage of the spiritual blessings from the period of fasting and reflection to unite themselves and also seek the unity of Nigeria as a country and in the spirit of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.
Governor Uzodimma said, “As Muslims in Imo, we must be united. As Muslims in Nigeria, we must also be united. Irrespective of religion, we should be our brothers and sisters keepers. I join the leadership of the Muslims in Imo State to unite. If you unite, you will see the benefit to our State and Country. Also, be law abiding, both Muslims and Christians.”
The Governor who congratulated the Muslim faithful for successfully completing this year’s Eid-el-Fitr fasting urged them to take advantage of the occasion to forgive those who have offended them in the past the way they pray to God for forgiveness and He forgives, and to lead a life of sincerity.
Among those who joined the Governor to fete the Muslims were the Deputy Governor, Chinyere Ekomaru, Senator Osita Izunaso, Senator Patrick Ndubueze, Secretary to the State Government, Cosmas Iwu, Chief of Staff, Nnamdi Anyaehie, Chairman of Imo State Council of Traditional rulers, Eze Emmanuel Okeke, among other top government officials.
Don’t return to your bad acts, Adeleke urges Muslims
Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke has admonished Muslim faithful to resist every temptation that could lead them to the bad behaviour they have abandoned during Ramadan period.
He gave this charge on Wednesday while addressing journalists at the Muslim Paying Ground in Ede, his country home.
The governor who had participated in the Eid prayer received a rousing welcome by his kinsmen and women who thronged the open field.
Adeleke called on Muslims to abide by the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and honour the dictates of Allah.
He said, “After 30 days of fasting, we come here (Praying Ground) to give thanks to Allah and you can see how my people welcome me and I am so happy at home.
“All Muslims should follow the teachings of prophet Muhammed (SAW) and obey Allah’s command.
“Our people should not go back to their bad behaviour after Ramadan. We should continue to show mercy towards one another in this time of economic hardship. That is what Ramadan teaches us and we should abide by it.
“Our administration is keen on prioritising the welfare of Osun people and we would not relent in making life better for everyone in this state.”
Diri fetes Bayelsa Muslim community, assures on peaceful co-existence
Similarly, the Governor of Bayelsa State, Douye Diri, on Wednesday, in the spirit of the Eid-el-Fitr celebration, hosted members of the Muslim community in the state at the Government House, Yenagoa.
Governor Diri, who was joined at the lunch feast by Speaker of the House of Assembly, Abraham Ingobere, member representing Yenagoa Constituency One, Mrs. Ayibanegiyefa Egba, Secretary to the State Government, Nimibofa Ayawei, the Chief of Staff, Government House, Peter Akpe, his deputy, Irorodamie, Komonibo and other government functionaries, congratulated the Muslim faithful on the successful conclusion of the Ramadan fast.
While assuring them of his administration’s commitment to promoting peaceful co-existence and religious harmony in the state, he commended the Muslims for supporting his re-election and for being law-abiding.
He said his government will initiate inter-faith dialogue in its bid to promote religious harmony in the state and will equally provide the right atmosphere for their businesses to thrive as long as they are legitimate.
He said, “It is actually a thing of joy to gather to have lunch after the period you put in for spiritual purification in the last one month.
“I thank the Muslim community for their support during last November’s governorship election. It is an indication that you are part of the government and we will continue to create the right atmosphere for peaceful co-existence and for your businesses to thrive, so far they are legitimate.”
He promised to redeem his pledge of providing a bus for the community as well as appointing their members into government.
