Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, and his Ekiti State counterpart, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, have charged Muslims in the country to learn from the lesson of sacrifice, selflessness and submission to God.
The two governors made the call in separate statements issued on Saturday on the occasion of the muslim festival of Eid-el-Kabir, which comes up on Sunday.
In his message, while rejoicing with muslims, Abdulrazaq said: “The message of this season is that of sacrifice, selflessness, and total submission to the will of God as exemplified by not just Prophet Ibrahim, the father of all Abrahamaic faiths, but also Prophet Muhammad. As faithful, it is not enough to offer animals in sacrifice. We are in fact required to translate these qualities to our day-to-day living.
“We therefore call on all Kwarans to stay the course with us as we get down to the task of fixing our state. This definitely requires all of us to make sacrifice. It might also require us to adopt a new paradigm and forgo momentary gains for the larger interest of our state, especially the generations yet unborn.”
The governor prayed to God to grant muslims and everyone a blessed Eid.
AbdulRazaq urged celebrants to think safety and modesty at all time, calling on all road users to respect speed limit and traffic signs to avoid accident.
In his message issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Yinka Oyebode, Fayemi urged Muslim Ummah to uphold the lessons of love, loyalty and sacrifice which form the foundation of the Eid-el-Kabir celebration, during and after the festivities.
He urged them to see the Eid-el-Kabir festival as an opportunity for sober reflection and spiritual renewal which Allah demands from the faithful.
While congratulating the Muslim faithful for witnessing another celebration, Governor Fayemi urged them to collaborate with adherents of other religions in the country in the quest for peace and progress.
He also urged them to keep praying for the country so that peace and stability would be restored in troubled spots.
According to him, Nigerians needed to imbibe the lessons of commitment, dedication and obedience to higher authority as demonstrated in Prophet Ibraheem’s willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to the word of God.
“It is only through love for one another and commitment to peace, security and stability that our country can progress.
“As we celebrate this year’s Eid-el- Kabir, it is important we remember our dear country and ask for divine intervention in the security situation as well as restoration of peace in the troubled areas.
“I extend warm greetings to the Muslim Ummah in Ekiti State and Nigeria as a whole as we celebrate this year’s Eid-el-Kabir festival. I believe the prayers of the faithful can get us the peace and prosperity our country needs,” the governor added.
