Leaders call for peace, prayers at Eid-el Kabir

Some leaders in the country have used the occasion of the Eid-el Kabir celebration to send their goodwill messages to Muslims and Nigerians in general, on what they think are the lessons of the occasion.

The Ekiti State governor, Segun Oni, called for love and unity among Muslims in the country and other religious sects, saying; "Love is the greatest gift of all. Where there is love, there will be peace and harmony.

And where peace and harmony reign, development will thrive."

His opponent in the last governorship election in the state, Kayode Fayemi, enjoined Muslims, especially those in Ekiti, to pray to God to fulfill their desires at the time they least expect. He said next year's Sallah will be more interesting because the promise of God will have been fulfilled as the governor they voted for would have mounted the saddle, just as God intervened in the case of Abraham.

The Ondo State Governor, Olusegun Rahman Mimiko, urged Muslims across the country to use the period to pray for the needed positive changes in the polity. Mr. Mimiko, in a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Print Media, Eni Akinsola, said it is only when there are positive changes in the polity that the country can grow.

He asked the faithful to remember the importance of the sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim who in submission offered his only son to his maker.

Oshiomhole calls for prayers for Yar'Adua

On his part, the Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole, called for fervent prayers for the health of President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua. In his message, Mr. Oshiomhole urged the people of Edo State to remember the president in their prayers, especially as "he has shown tremendous goodwill and fatherly disposition towards the people and government of the state".

He enjoined Muslims to re-dedicate themselves to the spiritual essence of Eid-el-Kabir, which is complete submission to the will of Allah even in the face of adversity. In his word, "the lesson we must take from Eid-el-Kabir is that Allah ultimately rewards the faithful, when they are patient and when they appreciate that only He can dispense compassion".

According to Mr. Oshiomhole, "although we currently face some difficult times as a nation, we need to be hopeful and prayerful like Prophet Ibrahim, so that God can prosper, renew and bless Nigeria."

Ogun Speaker charges Muslims to be steadfast

Tunji Egbetokun, Speaker, Ogun State House of Assembly on Thursday charged Muslims to be steadfast and exhibit the fear of God in their daily activities. This was contained in his Eid-el-Kabir message.

The Speaker in a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Ayo Giwa, reminded Muslims that the main thrust of the festival which was based on sacrifice, perseverance and total submission to the will of Allah should be their guiding principles during the celebration.

Mr. Egbetokun further urged Muslims and non-Muslims alike to celebrate the festival with sober reflection, moderation and avoid unnecessary excesses, and also appealed to the residents and indigenes of Ogun State to join hands together in the process of making the state a reference point in every sphere of life.