- Tinubu Says New Hope Is Alive, Well And Fine, And Nigerians Should Continue To Be Very Hopeful
As Muslims in Nigeria joined their counterparts worldwide on Wednesday to mark Eid-El-Fitr, signalling the end of the one-month Ramadan fast, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and some state governors have urged Nigerians to continue to show resilience and patriotism to the country.
President Tinubu made the call when joined other Muslim faithful at the Dodan Barracks Mosque prayer ground in Lagos to mark Eid-El-Fitr.
Some of the dignitaries who observed the Eid-El-Fitr prayer with the President include the deputy governor of Lagos State, Obafemi Hamzat; former governor of Lagos State, Babatunde Fashola; among others.
The Chief Imam of Lagos, Sheikh Sulaiman Oluwatoyin Abou-Nolla, in his message, said that the festivity promotes a culture of sacrifice, unity and tolerance among Muslim faithful.
Speaking to newsmen shortly after the prayers, President Tinubu again urged Nigerians to continue to show resilience, and patriotism, as well as keep hope alive as the nation navigates socio-economic challenges.
“The kind of resilience, sacrifice, endurance that we have, we should preserve that for the country. Be a kind and cheerful giver, love our country better than any other country – that is the only one that we have.
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“And we must continue to protect the integrity of our government and leadership. The new hope is alive, well and fine, and Nigerians should continue to be very hopeful.
“Without hope, there is no salvation, without hope, there is no development, without hope, there is no life,” Tinubu said.
Some state governors, also in their Eid-El-Fitr messages, called for forgiveness, peace and tolerance among Nigerians.
They also called on Nigerians to pray for the country and for leaders to pilot the affairs of the nation with the fear of God.
This year’s Eid-El-Fitr, which means “festival of breaking fast”, climaxed the month-long Ramadan fast which started on March 11, 2024, when the moon was sighted.
Earlier, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has rejoiced with Nigerians and residents of the state, particularly Muslim faithful, as they celebrate this year’s Eid-el-Fitr, which marks the end of the spiritual renewal after 30 days of fasting, prayers, and other spiritual activities.
Governor Sanwo-Olu, in an Eid-el-Fitr message issued by his special adviser, media and publicity, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, on Tuesday to commemorate the occasion, enjoined Muslims in Lagos to continue on the path of spirituality, peaceful co-existence, and to remain tolerant of other religious denominations in the state, saying that Lagos was noted for religious harmony.
The governor also assured Lagos residents that the economic challenges they are currently facing will soon be over because of the several intervention programmes by Lagos State and the Federal Government.
He said, “As we celebrate Eid-el-Fitri worldwide, I want to join millions of people around the world to wish our Muslim brothers and sisters in Lagos State and in Nigeria Eid Mubarak. We thank God for sparing our lives to witness and celebrate the 2024 Eid-el-Fitri.
“Ramadan is very significant to Muslims across the world as one of the five pillars of Islam. Fasting during the month of Ramadan teaches us about abstinence from worldly pleasures, steadfastness in prayers, and total submission to the will of Allah in accordance with the Quranic injunctions.
“I urge the Muslim faithful in Lagos State to continue to live in peace and harmony with believers of other faiths as we have always been in the State. They should continue to emulate the good virtues inherent in Ramadan, such as helping the poor and the vulnerable in society, offering gratitude to Allah, and showing compassion and generosity to one another, among other good deeds.’’
Similarly, Governor of Ondo State Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa has congratulated Muslims in the state as they celebrate Eid-el-fitr and implored them to rekindle their commitment to unity and love for fellow residents.
The governor, in his message to the Muslim community, prayed that this year’s Eid would bring blessings, peace and prosperity for all the faithful across the state.
In a statement by his chief press secretary, Ebenezer Adeniyan, the governor expressed optimism of a sustained peaceful coexistence in the state.
The governor said: “As the crescent moon appears, bringing to an end the holy month of Ramadan, I rejoice with our Muslim brothers and sisters on this year’s Eid-el-Fitr and urge them to also use this celebration to reflect on the lessons of Ramadan.
“As we celebrate with you, may Allah shower His countless blessings upon you and your loved ones. Happy Eid-el-fitr celebration.”
While thanking Muslim clerics and leaders across the state for their support and prayers for the State, Aiyedatiwa promised to continue to provide a conducive environment for religious harmony in the state.
The Matrix recalls that fasting ended on Tuesday after the moon was not sighted on Monday, prompting Saudi Arabia and the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Abubakar, to declare Wednesday (today) as Eid-El-Fitr celebration day.
Having earlier declared Tuesday and Wednesday as public holidays, the Federal Government added Thursday after the declaration by the Sultan, giving Muslim faithful three days to mark the great occasion.
