President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called for a unified effort from all Nigerians, including 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 Nigeria’s president, to end the month of Ramadan.
Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, conveyed the message Tuesday in a statement titled ‘President Tinubu greets the Muslim Ummah at Eid-el-Fitr…”
The statement said President Tinubu “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 emphasised during an iftar with Nigeria’s leaders of thought and conscience, the president further appealed to all citizens to come together and rededicate themselves to the noble duty of building the nation.
“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.
…Abbas, Barau, Kalu, Lawan, Adeola preach unity
Also in similar but separate messages, Tuesday, Speaker House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, and his deputy, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, congratulated Muslims on the successful completion of this year’s Ramadan fast and the celebration of the Eid-el-Fitr, urging them to pray for, and have faith in Nigeria.
The Speaker, in a Sallah message through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Abdullahi Krishi, equally urged Muslims to internalise the lessons learnt from the Holy Month of Ramadan.
He expressed confidence that Almighty Allah has answered their prayers and supplication during the Holy Month, as he said the Muslims and other citizens should remain steadfast, determined, and patriotic for the nation to forge ahead.
“We thank Allah (SWT) for making it possible for us to witness the Holy Month of Ramadan peacefully. We pray that He accepts all our acts of Ibadah.
“As we celebrate the Eid-el-Fitr, I enjoin Nigerians, especially Muslims, to offer prayers for the country and our leaders. Let’s also remain united as a people,” the Speaker said.
He enjoined Muslims to be their brother’s keeper and render a helping hand at all times, noting that one of the lessons learnt from the Holy Month of Ramadan was that of assistance to the needy, which every Muslim should imbibe.
Also, in his message to the Muslims, through his Special Assistant on Press Affairs, Udora Orizu, Deputy Speaker Kalu urged Nigerians, especially Muslim faithful to continue to devote themselves to prayers for unity, peaceful coexistence and progress of the nation.
He called on Nigerians to use the occasion to promote national integration, and continue keeping faith with the leadership of the country, assuring that the country would soon witness the type of greatness desired by citizens.
Kalu said: “I congratulate all Muslim Ummah for the successful completion of the fast in the holy month of Ramadan and Eid-el-Fitr celebration. I call on Nigerians to use the occasion to promote national integration, and continue keeping faith with the leadership of the country, as the country would soon witness the type of greatness desired by citizens.”
Similarly, Deputy President of the Senate Jibrin Barau, President of the 9th Senate, Ahmad Ibrahim Lawan and Senator Solomon Adeola preached unity among Nigerians.
They called on Nigerian Muslims to leverage on the spirit of the season for peaceful co -existence with other Nigerians, which according to them , is necessary for the Unity , progress and growth of the country.
Specifically, Barau, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ismail Mudashir, prayed Allah SWT to accept supplications, prayers and the good deeds of the Ummah during the blessed Month.
Preaching unity among all in the country, he urged Nigerians, irrespective of all differences to pray for the growth and development of the country, stressing that President Tinubu has good intentions for the country.
He said the Legislature under the leadership of Senator Godswill Akpabio, the President of the Senate, will continue to support Tinubu with necessary legislation for the actualisation of the Renewed Hope Agenda and transformation of the country.
“Following the declaration of Wednesday, April 10 as the first day of Shawwal 1445AH, marking the end of Ramadan Fast, I wish to rejoice with the entire Muslims across the country. This is a period of joy and happiness, as well as a time to show appreciation to Almighty Allah.
“I want to use this opportunity to urge the citizens to remain united and commit themselves to intense prayers for the development of our country. We should all support and pray for the president, His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu to succeed in turning the fortunes of our beloved country positively,” he said.
In his own message, Lawan called on Nigerians to pray for the success of the nation’s armed and security forces as they continue to combat the various forms of insecurity across Nigeria.
He charged Muslims to sustain the lessons learnt from the holy month; and continue to pray for peace, prosperity and unity of Nigeria.
“As we celebrate Eid- el-Fitr and mark the end of Ramadan, let us remember to keep the spirit of Ramadan alive in our hearts and minds. Let us continue to pray for our armed and security forces to succeed over the numerous security challenges confronting our dear nation.
“May Allah (SWT) continue to guide us, protect us, and bless us with strength and perseverance in the face of challenges. May He grant us wisdom and understanding to work together towards building a peaceful and prosperous Nigeria.
“May Almighty Allah (SWT) accept our prayers, fasting, and good deeds during the blessed month. Eid Mubarak to all!” he said.
In his own message, Senator Adeola said: “Let us continue to renew our hope for a secured nation and a prosperous future for the citizenry under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. I am sure our prayers during the past month while fasting will be answered in due course.”
…CAN calls for selfless leadership
In a similar message, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) called on leaders at all levels of governance to embody moral rectitude and ethical leadership in their service to the nation.
It said leadership guided by integrity, accountability, and selflessness is essential in steering the country towards a path of sustainable development and unity.
President Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Archbishop Daniel Okoh made the call in a statement made available to the media in felicitation of Muslim faithful on the occasion of the Eid-el-Fitr.
While saying the lessons of Eid-el-Fitr resonate strongly in the quest for a more peaceful and prosperous Nigeria, CAN urged all and sundry to be reminded of the power of empathy, forgiveness, and understanding in building bridges across religious and cultural divides.
“As we witness the breaking of the fast and the exchange of goodwill among friends and neighbors, let us be reminded of the power of empathy, forgiveness, and understanding in building bridges across religious and cultural divides. It is a time to reflect on our common aspirations for a society where justice, equality, and respect for one another prevail.
“It is a time to reflect on our common aspirations for a society where justice, equality, and respect for one another prevail,” the statement said.
“As we join our Muslim brothers and sisters in celebration, let us recommit ourselves to upholding the values of honesty, transparency, and equity in all our endeavors,” it added.
CAN further reaffirmed its commitment to promoting interfaith dialogue, understanding, and cooperation for the greater good of the country, adding “together, let us embrace the diversity that enriches our cultural tapestry and work hand in hand towards a future where peace and prosperity reign supreme.
“The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) extends warm felicitations to our brothers and sisters of the Muslim faith as they celebrate the joyous occasion of Eid-el-Fitr. As the Muslim community marks the end of Ramadan, a period of fasting, reflection, and spiritual renewal, we join in recognizing the significance of this day and express our solidarity.”
Be security consciousness at prayer grounds, DSS cautions worshippers
Meanwhile, the Department of State Services (DSS) has urged Nigerians, especially Muslims, to remain security conscious at prayer grounds across the country as they mark the Eid-el-Ftri Wednesday.
The secret police also advised Nigerians to report suspicious movements around their neighbourhoods to the right authorities, saying they were working with the regular police and other security agencies to ensure a hitch-free Eid-el-Ftri celebration nationwide.
In a message Tuesday, DSS spokesperson, Peter Afunanya, called for peaceful co-existence among Nigerians and security consciousness.
He said: “Everyone is advised to be security conscious and report suspicious activities to security and law enforcement organisations.
“On its part, the Service will sustain collaboration with sister security agencies and indeed other stakeholders to ensure hitch-free celebrations.”
“The Department of State Services (DSS) wishes to celebrate the Eid-El-Fitr festival with the Muslim Ummah. It congratulates them on the peaceful completion of Ramadan, a period of fasting, prayer and reflection for the Muslim faithful worldwide.
“While joining them to thank Allah for the opportunity to complete this auspicious obligation, the Service shares with them, the core values of the festival which include love, mercy and compassion.
“These morals resonate deeply with the ideals of peace, harmony and generosity that are fundamental to our country’s collective good.
“As this joyous occasion is being commemorated, the Service urges everyone to celebrate responsibly, exemplify the true essence of the event and strive for common humanity based on harmonious coexistence, good conscience and neighbourliness.
“The DSS admonishes citizens to carry forward the spirit of charity, empathy and unity beyond the festivities and abstain from any acts that are capable of undermining these principles.
“Above all, the director-general, management and entire staff of the Department of State Services wish you a peaceful celebration and pray that the season brings joy, goodwill and prosperity to all,” the DSS further said.
