Eid-el-Kabir: Dark days over, light is here, Tinubu assures Nigerians

…As Akpabio, Barau, Abass, govs, Yilwatda call for sacrifice, unity, national renewal

By Henry Umoru, Johnbosco Agbakwuru, Omeiza Ajayi, Ozioruva Aliu & Gift ChapiOdekina

President Bola Tinubu declared, yesterday, that Nigeria’s difficult period of economic reforms was over, saying the dark days were over and light is here.

The President’s message came as Senate President, Godswill Akpabio; his deputy, Jubril Barau; Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abass and governors called for sacrifice, unity and national renewal.

Tinubu said the sacrifices of Nigerians of the past three years had yielded a more stable economy, adding that the country was now positioned as a preferred investment destination.

In his Eid-el-Kabir message to Muslim faithful in Nigeria and across the world, Tinubu linked the sacrifice and the economic hardships Nigerians had endured under his administration’s reform programme.

He declared that the reforms were now delivering results but acknowledged that terrorists and bandits continued to attack communities and pledged that they would be defeated.

“Just as sacrifice brings reward, I am happy that the sacrifices and efforts we have made over the past three years have yielded a more stable economy, making our country a preferred investment destination that will drive job creation and economic growth. The walk through the dark tunnel is over, and the light is here,” Tinubu stated.

While noting that he remained confident that the reforms would continue to yield improved security and greater opportunities, the President said: “By the Grace of God, the reforms we have diligently pursued will continue to yield improved security and greater opportunities for all.”

On security, he acknowledged that insecurity had persisted in parts of the country, even after significant operational successes, including the recent joint Nigeria-US elimination of the ISIS senior leader, Abu-Bilal al-Manuki, in the Lake Chad Basin.

He said: “I am aware that, despite the best efforts of our security and intelligence agencies, including the recent elimination of a wanted ISIS leader, heartless terrorists and bandits still attack some communities.

“I assure you: you are neither abandoned nor forgotten. We will ultimately defeat all the forces of evil.’’
He also used the message to call on religious and community leaders to pray for peace and the country’s leadership, and extend charity to the less privileged during the celebration.

Akpabio, Barau, Abass call for sacrifice, unity, national renewal

In his congratulatory message to Muslim faithful, Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, called for sacrifice, unity and national renewal.

In the message by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Eseme Eyiboh, the Senate president noted that the occasion called for prayer and sober reflection on the theme of sacrifice.

He said: “This sacred occasion reminds us of Prophet Ibrahim’s unwavering faith, obedience, and willingness to sacrifice for the sake of Almighty Allah.

“These timeless virtues of devotion, selflessness, and submission to divine will are values our nation desperately needs today.

“As you share with the less privileged and extend love to neighbours of all faiths, you embody the true spirit of Nigeria.

“To all Nigerians, I urge us to use this solemn period to pray fervently for peace, security, and prosperity in our land. Let us pray for our troops in the frontlines, for farmers to return safely to their fields, and for unity to prevail over division in our Nation.”

DSP Barau

On his part, Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin (APC, Kano North), called for sustained prayers, unity, and support for the poor and vulnerable in the society as Muslims celebrate this year’s Eid-El-Kabir celebration.

In a special Sallah message signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Malam Ismail Mudashir, Senator Barau rejoiced with Muslims, and urged all Nigerians to use the occasion to pray for peace, unity, and the continued progress of the country.

He said: “I wish Muslims and, indeed, all Nigerians, a peaceful and memorable Eid-El-Kabir. This season reminds us of total submission to the will of Allah, as demonstrated by Prophet Ibrahim. True believers must uphold the values of sacrifice, obedience, tolerance, justice and charity.”

Speaker Abbas greets Muslims, calls for special prayers

In his message, speaker of the House of Representatives Abbas Tajudeen, called for renewed charity to one another, especially the poor, the needy, and the less privileged in the society, adding this was a major tenet of Islam.

In the Sallah message by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Abdullahi Krishi, Speaker Abbas noted the significance of the celebration, saying it symbolised total submission to the will of Allah (SWT) as exemplified by Prophet Ibrahim (AS).

The speaker said there were several lessons to learn from the life of Prophet Ibrahim (AS), including faith in Allah (SWT) and submission and obedience to constituted authorities.

“This period calls for a deep reflection,’’ he noted.

Speaker Abbas urged Nigerians to remain selfless and sacrifice their lives, time, and resources to the worship of Allah (SWT) and humanity.

Okpebholo, Oborevwori sue for peace, unity in Sallah messages

Governors Monday Okpebholo of Edo State, and his counterpart in Delta State, Sheriff Oborevwori, also yesterday, called for unity, peace and co-existence on the occasion of the Muslim’s Eid-al-Adha celebration.

They urged Nigerians to continue to uphold the virtues of sacrifice, obedience, love and peaceful coexistence as exemplified by Prophet Ibrahim.

Okpebholo in statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Dr. Patrick Ebojele, said the celebration remaind a significant period for “reflection, devotion and commitment to the will of Almighty Allah,’’ stressing that the lessons of the festival should inspire citizens to work together for the peace, unity and development of the state and the nation at large”

He commended the Muslim faithful in Edo State for their continued prayers, support and contributions towards the growth and stability of the state, assuring them of his administration’s commitment to inclusive governance, infrastructural development and improved welfare for all residents.

Oborevwori, on his part, extended warm felicitations to Muslims in Delta State and across Nigeria, urging them to offer special prayers for peace, unity and development of the nation.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, the governor called on Muslim faithful to embrace the spirit of sacrifice, compassion, and selflessness which the Eid-el-Kabir celebration symbolised.

APC chair, Yilwatda, calls for peaceful coexistence, national unity, harmony

Also congratulating Muslims on Sallah yesterday, National Chairman of All Progressives Congress, APC, Prof.Nentawe Yilwatda, described the occasion as a sacred festival of faith, sacrifice, obedience, love and devotion to Almighty Allah.

He also called on the Muslim communities in the country to support the ongoing reforms of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

Yilwatda, in the message by his Special Adviser, (Media and Information Strategy), Abimbola Tooki, stated that the spiritual lessons of the celebration were highly relevant to Nigeria at this critical stage of national development, stressing that sacrifice, patience, perseverance and collective responsibility were essential ingredients needed to build a stronger, more united and prosperous nation.

He urged Nigerians, particularly Muslim Ummah, to continue to promote peaceful co-existence, national unity and harmony across ethnic, religious and political lines.

, adding that the Sallah celebration should further strengthen the bonds of love, understanding and brotherhood among citizens.

Professor Yilwatda also called on the Muslim community and Nigerians at large to continue to support the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and its ongoing reforms aimed at repositioning the country for sustainable economic growth, improved infrastructure, national security, job creation and long-term prosperity.

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