Muslims in Nigeria yesterday joined the faithful across the world to mark the end of Ramadan.
Eid grounds across the country attracted gaily-dressed worshippers who turned out for Eid-el-Fitr rakat prayers to mark the end of fasting in the Holy Month of Ramadan.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu called on Muslims to remain steadfast with the virtues of the Holy Month.
Sultan of Sokoto and President General of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (SCIA) Sa’ad Abubakar urged Muslims to be tolerant.
Minister of Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike led the FCT delegation on a traditional Sallah homage to the Villa.
President Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribdau and the House of Representatives Speaker Abbas Tajudeen were among the top dignitaries at the Airport Road Eid ground in Abuja.
Chief Imam of the National Mosque, Abuja, Dr. Abdulkadir Salman Sholagberu, led the prayers where thousands observed two rakas.
Dr. Sholagberu advised Muslims to sustain the discipline and devotion exhibited during Ramadan.
He said: “During the fast, we showed love to one another; we cared for people in need, we extended charity, and our country was peaceful. Why should we return to rancour after Ramadan?”
Dr. Sholagberu warned against spiritual complacency.
He compared those who abandon righteous deeds after Ramadan to persons building a mansion only to demolish it with their own hands.
He called for cooperation in righteousness, peaceful coexistence, and unwavering commitment to national unity.
Speaking to reporters after the prayers, the President said: “We should give thanks to the Almighty Allah. We saw the beginning; we started together and ended together in good health and happiness, in prayers for our country and all our people.
“We should continue the good deeds as taught during the Holy month of Ramadan: care for the vulnerable, the orphans, and the less privileged.
“Everything that we have observed, we should not revert to the path that is not acceptable to the teachings of this month.”
It was the first time President Tinubu would celebrate Eid-el-Fitr in the FCT since assuming office in 2023.
President Tinubu, who arrived before 9 a.m., was warmly received by top government officials, religious leaders and dignitaries.
After the prayers, he hosted guests who paid homage at the State House, in the spirit of celebration.
Sultan urges religious tolerance
Sultan Abubakar III called for peace, national unity and religious tolerance.
He charged Muslims to uphold the values of charity, patience, and discipline, adding that they should work toward a more peaceful and prosperous Nigeria.
Speaking after the Eid prayer in Sokoto, the monarch said Nigerians should be more united and supportive of the course of national growth.
He said: “As a nation, we must continue to pray for peace, stability, and the well-being of our leaders. Without unity and support, meaningful progress becomes difficult.”
On the current security challenges, Sultan Abubakar, who commended the security agencies for their efforts, urged citizens to offer fervent prayers for stability.
He advocated for constructive criticism of leaders rather than baseless attacks, which are inimical to the country’s development.
Sultan Abubakar said: “Our leaders are trying their best, and while we must hold them accountable, it should be done with respect and sincerity, not unwarranted condemnation.”
Hamzat, Fashola, Abiru call for peaceful co-existence
Lagos State Deputy Governor Dr Obafemi Hamzat, former Governor Babatunde Fashola and Senator Tokunbo Abiru urged Nigerians to promote peaceful coexistence.
The deputy governor, who observed the Eid-el-fitr prayer at the Dodan Barracks praying ground Obalende, emphasised the importance of compassion and empathy.
He explained that the essence of fasting, as stated in the Holy Qur’an, was for piety, worship, and belief in God’s statements and books.
He said: “If you are cooking food and your neighbour can smell it, make sure that the neighbour will not go hungry.
“These are values of Ramadan, which emphasises the need for kindness, understanding, and unity among Nigerians.”
In his sermon, the Grand Chief Imam of Lagos state, Sheik Suleiman Abou-Nolla, urged Muslims to carry forward the lessons of the holy month.
He encouraged them to cultivate togetherness, seeking to become better Muslims, citizens, and human beings.
The cleric emphasised the importance of unity, discipline, and patience.
He said: “Ramadan also teaches us patience, remaining steadfast despite hunger, thirst, fatigue, and trials all the time.
“Life itself is full of challenges, and patience is a quality of life of man.”
Fashola, former Minister of Works and Housing, said it was time for Nigerians to reconcile, stretch their hands of fellowship to one another, and focus on building a great country.
The former governor urged Nigerians to unite to build a better and greater nation.
“Let us focus on building the great country that Almighty Allah has provided for us.”
Abiru said Eid-El-Fitr embodies the values of sacrifice, perseverance, love, and harmony.
He added: “It reminds us to extend kindness and compassion to one another while embracing our diversity for national progress.
“Throughout Ramadan, we embarked on a journey of spiritual growth, discipline, and self-reflection.
“As we move forward, let us uphold the virtues of sacrifice, selflessness, and obedience to the teachings of Islam in our daily lives.
“I urge my Muslim brothers and sisters to remain steadfast on the righteous path exemplified by Ramadan, fostering peace, understanding, and cooperation within our communities.
“May we continue to draw inspiration from the profound lessons of this sacred month and embody them throughout the year.
“May Almighty Allah grant our nation enduring peace, prosperity, and unity.”
Akpabio to Muslims: pray for unity
Akpabio said in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Eseme Eyiboh, that Muslims should continue to pray and work for unity.
He said: “As you celebrate the end of Ramadan and mark the occasion of Eid-el-Fitri, I send you my warmest felicitations on behalf of my family, constituents, the 10th Senate and the entire National Assembly.
“As we celebrate, let us remember the values of compassion, kindness, and generosity that define the spirit of Ramadan.
“May we continue to uphold these values in our daily lives and continuously work for our unity.”
Abbas urges prayers
Speaker Abbas Tajudeen and his deputy, Benjamin Kalu, urged Muslims to continue to imbibe the virtues of piety, sacrifice, charity and discipline.
They also urged them to always pray for the country and its leaders.
Abbas said in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Abdullahi Krishi, that Muslims should be their brother’s keepers and maintain peace and order.
The Speaker said it was a double fortune for Nigeria and the world that Ramadan coincided with the Christian Lent.
Abbas sought divine intervention in the affairs of the nation, saying: “May the lessons learnt during the Holy Month of Ramadan remain in us forever.”
Also, Kalu urged Muslims to devote themselves to prayers for unity, peace, and faith in the country, adding that they should imbibe the lessons of the fasting period.
He assured that the Federal Government was committed to consolidating the policies and programmes that would improve the lives of the citizens.