Sultan, President, other Nigerians celebrate Sallah, as world, 65,000 Nigerian pilgrims wrap up Hajj exercise
*Amidst excruciating hiked food prices, hardship in Nigeria
*Sultan’s message for world pilgrims, Muslims on Arafat, Eid-el-Adha
*Prays at Central Eid Ground, Sokoto along Dep Gov, others
*Your sacrifice will not be in vain, President Tinubu tells Nigerians
*Joins Muslim dignitaries for Sallah prayers at Obalende Eid Ground
*Let there be more love, sacrifice, care for the poor – Lagos Chief Imam
•Atiku urges FG to initiate hardship reduction measures
•Govs, others felicitate Muslims
By BASHIR ADEFAKA….Special Report with Agencies
A day after Saturday Dhul-Hijjah 9, 1445 AH equivalent to June 15, 2024 when over one million five hundred thousand pilgrims from around the world descended and disembarked from Mount Arafat, a core site near Makkah in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the over 100 million Nigerian Muslims at home joined their counterpart worldwide to celebrate this year’s Eid-el-Adha festival of animal sacrifice, led by their Supreme Leader, Sultan of Sokoto and President General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), His Eminence Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, CFR, mni, amidst calls for pilgrims to pray for peace of the world, Nigeria and its leaders.
No fewer than 65,000 Nigerian pilgrims successfully registered, organised and airlifted to the Holy Land by the Ahmad Arabi-led National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), climbed the Mount Arafat as the 2024 Hajj exercise reached its climax on Saturday that was known as Al-Yaomal Arafat that is The Day of Arafat.
Naturally, the morning of the Arafat Day saw high temperature that was put at 46 degree Celsius, according to a member of the National Medical Team of the NAHCON, simply called Dr Ibrahim reportedly.
The Nigerian pilgrims among fellow brethren from Russia, United States of America, South Africa and other countries of the world trooped into the vicinity of the Mount Arafat and attended the Arafat sermon at the Namirat Mosque within the precinct of the sacred mount, even as they remained in their respective tents to supplicate and conduct every other act of worship standing from after Sollatul Zuhr until sunset when they left. Pilgrims however have opportunity provided by Islam to sit if standing becomes unease as the religion is all about peace of the human body, soul and the world.
The pilgrims, especially those from Nigerians, beamed with excitements written on their faces for being part of the 2024 Hajj exercise, as they noted in separate chats with our sources that the experience of being there was one that would remain indelible from their memory for life.
Among them were those who said being on Hajj this year had always been a lifetime ambition that they wished for, to happen, with some of them thanking Allah for making it possible for them to be there even wishing to make it again and again until the end of their stay in this transient world.
Celebrating Sallah at home
The DEFENDER reports, however, that the festivities were though hampered by yet abated hike in prices of food amidst allegedly inflicted by failed government policies of fuel subsidy removal and floating of Naira against foreign currencies thus leading to continued excruciating hunger and hardship in the land, but failed to dampen the spirit of the faithful who queued behind their leadership to perform the all-important religious celebration.
With lamentations from severe economic hardship biting hard in the country for the lack of capacity to purchase food and other needs, Nigerians celebrated the Sallah full of hope that for once more, their Lord would after the current horrible experience grant them ease and better time in time soon.
Sultan greets world pilgrims, Muslims on Arafat, Eid-el-Adha
Just as the world pilgrims prepared for the Arafat Day on Friday June 14, 2024 that was Dhul-Hijjah 8, 1445 AH, the Sultan of Sokoto Nigeria and Co-President of World Religions for Peace Headquarters, New York, His Eminence Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, CFR, mni, sent his word of felicitation to the Muslims from all over the world, who are gathered in Minna in Makkah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, from this Friday June 14, 2024 equivalent to Dhul-Hijjah 8, 1445 AH, preparatory for Arafat, the main core of Hajj rites, on Saturday June 15 equivalent to Dhul-Hijjah 9, 1445 AH.
Wishing them a Hajj Mabrur that is an exercise acceptable and worthy of reward from Allah, the Sultan urged the over a million and five hundred thousand Muslim pilgrims to use their period on and around Mount Arafat on Saturday to pray for the peace of the world.
In a statement by his Media Team dated Friday June 14, 2024 and circulated to the press in Nigeria, Sultan Sa’ad Abubakar, who is the President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), asked for the pilgrims in the Holy Land to pray for good and God-fearing leaders to lead the affairs of respective nations around the globe including African continent and Nigeria so that the creatures of Allah under their care will live secured lives devoid of hunger and hardship.
The Sultan, who congratulated both the pilgrims and Muslims who were not performing Hajj but celebrating Eid-el-Adha, prayed that all nations of the world would be free from the evils of terrorism, barbarism and various diseases that are inimical to the progress and development of global environment.
He particularly prayed for the peace of Palestine and Nigeria, while expressing confidence that, “If all of us can shun evils, fear Allah and do what is right all the times, our nation Nigeria, continent of Africa and our world of man will be better and great again,” the Sultan said.
The multifaceted leader, who also occupies positions of Co-Chairman, Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC), and the National Traditional Rulers Council (NTRCN), laid more emphasis on Nigeria’s peace, stability, development and progress, even as he asked both pilgrims and Sallah celebrants for special prayers for leaders at all levels in the country.
Prays along with Sokoto Deputy Governor at Central Eid Ground
On the Sallah day on Sunday June 16, 2024 that was Dhul-Hijjah 10, 1445 AH, the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, prayed at the Central Eid Ground, Sokoto for the Eid-el-Adha celebration. Joining him were the Deputy Governor, His Excellency Alhaji Idris Abubakar Gobir, former Deputy Governor, Alhaji Manir Muhammad Dan Iya, Walin Sokoto and Sardaunan Kware, Wazirin Sokoto, His Royal Highness Prof. Sambo Wali Junaidu, Magajin Rafin Sokoto, His Royal Highness Alhaji Rilwanu Bello ESQ, Galadiman Gerin Sokoto, His Royal Highness Alhaji Aliyu Atahiru Galadanci, and several other Muslim pilgrims.
He later addressed subjects at the Palace Arcade, after which the Deputy Governor paid Sallah homage to the Sultan inside the palace, representing the Governor of Sokoto State, Dr. Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto, who is currently on Holy Pilgrimage to Makkah and Madinah in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The Sultan, the Deputy Governor, top Sultanate Council and government functionaries were treated into a lunch after the homage.
Your sacrifices will not be in vain, President Tinubu tells Nigerians
President Bola Tinubu has celebrated with the Muslim Ummah on the occasion of Eid-el-Kabir, saying that the sacrifices of Nigerians will not be in vain.
A statement on Saturday by presidential spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale, said that the president congratulated the Muslim faithful and prayed that Allah accepts their supplications and acts of obedience.
It noted that Eid-el-Kabir is an event that denotes sacrifice, faith, and obedience to the will of the Almighty.
President Tinubu enjoined Nigerians to reflect on the essence of the occasion, which bears strong meaning and significance for the nation.
He emphasised that sacrifice and duty are essential ingredients to nation-building, noting that it takes collective purpose, will, and action to bring about great change.
President Tinubu called on citizens to spare a prayer for the nation for continuous peace and stability while working according to purpose in promoting unity, peace, and progress.
The president acknowledged the sacrifices that Nigerians have made in the past one year as his administration sets the nation on a firm pedestal of growth and development.
Tinubu affirmed that “the sacrifices and great expectations of citizens will not come to naught as already propitious outcomes are beginning to manifest with the economy strengthening and vibrancy returning to critical sectors.”
The president reassured Nigerians that his administration is prioritising their physical, social, and economic security and will not relent on this noble endeavour.
…Prays at Obalende Eid Ground with message for love and charity to vulnerable
In the meantime, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on Nigerians to show more care for their neighbours and extend charity to all in the spirit of Eid-el-Kabir, according to another statement by Ajuri Ngelale, his Spokesman.
Speaking with journalists after Eid-el-Kabir prayers in Lagos on Sunday, the President said some level of sacrifice will be required to move the nation forward.
“We have been told by the Chief Imam how we can follow the path of sacrifice. The sacrifice required of a good citizen. Citizenship comes with responsibilities. As citizens, what do we need to do to be committed members of our society? Yes, that is sacrifice; loving your country. Loving your neighbours. Sharing what you have with each other. And to always be thankful to Almighty God,” the President said.
Let there be more love, sacrifice, care for the poor – Chief Imam of Lagos
In his sermon, the Chief Imam of Lagos State, Sheikh Suleiman Oluwatoyin Abou-Nolla, who led the prayers, reiterated the need for more love, sacrifice and care for the poor and the vulnerable.
“Our leaders like the late Sir Ahmadu Bello, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, Funmilayo Ransome Kuti, to mention a few, sacrificed their knowledge, wealth, sweat, and even life, to the growth and development of the country we call ours today. All their activities and actions were geared towards nation-building.
“We must therefore ensure that their sacrifices are not in vain. It is incumbent on us to follow their footsteps to ensure that this nation, Nigeria, continues to grow in leaps and bounds,” he said.
The Chief Imam of Lagos urged citizens to pray that God Almighty grant the President the strength and wisdom to deliver on his vision for a better and prosperous nation.
Atiku wants governments to initiate hardship reduction measures
Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has advised governments at all levels to be deliberate in initiating measures that will ease the hardship that confronts Nigerians on a basis.
He made the call in a message of felicitation to the Muslim faithful on the occasion of the Eid-el-Kabir celebration on Saturday.
Preaching sacrifice, love and peace, the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 election congratulated fellow Muslim faithful, saying that the occasion is “a celebration of God’s love and mercy to mankind.”
The former vice president noted that the celebration of Eid, as stated in the scriptures, is not merely a fanfare but an admonition to the people to have forbearance and show compassion in every situation.
He added: “The message of Eid al-Adha is to remind ourselves about the commandment of God to show love to one another and uphold peaceful interpersonal relationships.
“The essential purpose of that message is that we must put our trust in God almighty at all times.
“Even in the face of current hard times that many Nigerians are passing through, we must never fail to put trust in God and, more importantly, extend compassion and safety to the vulnerable people around us.
“What this means is that as we go about celebrating today, we must ensure that we extend good tidings of support and charity to one another, especially those in difficulties.”
The former vice-president equally sizes the opportunity of the Eid celebration to call on governments at all levels to be deliberate in initiating measures that will ease the hardship that confronts Nigerians on a basis.
“As we know that the essence of the celebration today is about a restoration of God’s mercy, it is thus incumbent on government at all levels to take a cue from the divine instruction and make sure that the hardships of the people are minimised,” Atiku said.
Intensify prayers for Nigeria, Makinde urges Muslim faithful
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State called on Muslim faithful in the state and across Nigeria to intensify prayers for the country.
This was contained in a message to Muslims on the 2024 Eid-el-Kabir celebration, issued in Ibadan on Saturday by the Special Assistant to the Governor on Print Media, Mr Moses Alao.
The governor, according to the statement, called on Muslims to use the opportunity of the Eid-el-Kabir to rededicate themselves to the service of God and for doing good to humanity.
He equally charged them to use the occasion to make more supplications to Allah for continued peace and prosperity in Oyo State and Nigeria as a country.
“As I have always said, our administration appreciates the support and prayers of the Muslim Ummah over the last five years.
“But, we desire more support and prayers, because the times we are in demands that we give more; more sacrifice, more prayers and more patriotism to our state and country.
“It is my prayer that Allah will accept our worship and reward our efforts,” Makinde stated.
Sanwo-Olu urges Muslims to continue on path of spirituality
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has rejoiced with Muslims in Nigeria as they celebrate Eid-el-Kabir Festival, urging Lagosians and Nigerians, particularly the Islamic faithful, to continue on the path of spirituality and peaceful coexistence and imbibe the lessons of the sacrifice made by Prophet Ibrahim.
Governor Sanwo-Olu said this in his Eid-el-Kabir message issued on Saturday by his Special Adviser (SA) on Media and Publicity, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, and further urged all Nigerians to keep their hopes alive and continue to work for the unity, peace and progress of the nation.
The governor, while calling on Nigerians and Lagosians to take some lessons from Prophet Ibrahim’s examplary life by eschewing tendencies that could disturb the peace, unity and stability in the country, assured that he, as a leader, was in tune with the current situation of the country but noted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, at the Federal Government level, was working towards a quick and complete recovery of the nation’s economy.
This was just as the governor assured that his administration was committed to the THEMES+ development agenda, which he said was focused on key sectors to make life easy and affordable to all residents of the State, adding: “We will continue to work hard, in order to meet the yearnings and aspirations of the people.”
“On behalf of my family and the Government of Lagos State, I wish all our Muslim brothers and sisters in Lagos State and in Nigeria a happy and peaceful Eid-el-Kabir celebration.
“Eid-al-Adha is a symbolic event in the history of mankind, given the bountiful rewards that followed the patience and perseverance of Prophet Ibrahim, who held on tenaciously to his faith in God despite being afflicted.
“The festival is a reminder to us that there will always be great rewards when we have faith and patience during trying periods, persistence in prayers, and tenacity in our beliefs.
“As we celebrate this year’s Eid-el-Kabir, I want to urge all Lagosians and Nigerians in general to be hopeful of a better future.
“Let us remain steadfast, united and continue to have faith in the ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’ of the President Bola Tinubu-led All Progressives Congress (APC) administration,” Governor Sanwo-Olu said.
“President Tinubu is committed to the ‘Renewed Hope Agenda,’ and he is doing everything within his power to ensure that Nigerians in all the nooks and crannies of the country enjoy the dividends of democracy in the days to come.
“We in Lagos State are also committed to the THEMES+ development agenda, which focuses on key sectors to make life easy and affordable to all residents of the State. We will continue to work hard, in order to meet the yearnings and aspirations of the people,” he added.
Oyebanji urges Muslims to imbibe lessons of Eid-el-Kabir
Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, also congratulated the Muslim on witnessing this year’s Eid-el -Kabir festival.
The Governor in a goodwill message signed by his Special Adviser on Media, Yinka Oyebode, urged Muslims to imbibe the lessons of love and sacrifice which the season symbolises as they celebrate.
He urged charged them on the need to reflect on the significance of the sacrifice epitomized by the festival as well as promote the virtues of Islam.
Governor Oyebanji urged the faithful to learn from Prophet Ibrahim who surrendered to the will of the Almighty Allah by sacrificing his son Ishmael based on Allah’s injunction.
He said Prophet Ibrahim’s obedience, which was a test of faith, turned what was thought to be a loss to a great gain noting that sacrifices, when done in good faith, produces positive results.
The Governor, who expressed optimism that Nigeria would overcome its current challenges, urged Nigerians not to relent in their prayers for the country at this critical time in its history.
Embrace virtues of Prophet Ibrahim —Abiodun
Ogun State governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, in his goodwill message called on Muslims in Nigeria to use the occasion of the celebration to reflect on the teachings of Prophet Ibrahim and strive to emulate his unwavering faith, obedience and dedication to serving the greater good.
Governor Abiodun emphasised the importance of submitting to the Almighty God and prioritising spiritual well-being over worldly desires.
He highlighted the significance of selflessness, compassion, and the willingness to make sacrifices for the sake of faith and the betterment of humanity.
“This special season serves as an important reminder to all adherents for total submission to the Almighty God and the need to prioritize spiritual well-being over worldly desires.
“It is also a period of sober reflection on the importance of selflessness, compassion, and the willingness to make sacrifices for the sake of our faith and the betterment of humanity,” he said.
Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at calls for resuscitation of value system
The Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at Nigeria also felicitated Muslims in the country as they join the rest of the faithful across the world to mark this year’s Eid-ul-Adha.
In a statement, the National Head of the association, Alhaji Azeez Alatoye, urged Nigerians to resuscitate the values of patience, tolerance and prayerfulness as part of the lessons derived from the Eid-ul-Adha commemorating the great sacrifice made by Prophet Ibrahim, his wife, Hajar and his son, Prophet Ismail.
He said the faithfulness, sacrifice and obedience of Ibrahim, the submission, forbearance and patience of Ismail and the sacrifice and fortitude of Hajar “all combine to form a profound manual of values, standards of virtues and model of personal and national development for humanity at all times.”
Alatoye said: “Prophet Ibrahim demonstrated the highest level of dignity, shamefulness and fulfilment of pledge. These qualities are fading out in our society on a daily basis.”
Let’s sacrifice more for Nigeria, House of Reps Speaker tells Nigerians
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Honourable Abbas Tajudeen, has congratulated Muslims as they mark this year’s Eid-el-Kabir.
Abbas said the celebration is about total submission to higher authority, sacrifice and charity.
He therefore urged Nigerians to imbibe these virtues in their daily lives.
The Speaker said the celebration has a major significance in the life of Muslims, as it reminds the people of the supremacy of Allah and the importance of sacrifice.
He urged Nigerians, especially Muslims, to use this period for sober reflection and be their brother’s keeper at all times.
Unity, faith in God only way to overcome current travails, says PDP
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has felicitated Muslim faithful on this year’s Eid-el-Kabir, urging Nigerians to use the occasion to strengthen their dependence in God’s unfailing mercies and reinforce unity, love, brotherly care, mutual respect and sense of patriotism in all their dealings.
According to a statement issued on Saturday by Debo Ologunagba, its National Publicity Secretary, “This is the only way our nation and citizens can survive the harrowing economic hardship and life-discounting realities prevalent in the country in the last nine years of the All Progressives Congress (APC) administrations which have worsened due to the ill-conceived and ill-implemented policies of the APC Governments.”
The main opposition party noted that it is apparent that majority of Nigerians have completely lost confidence in the rudderless and insensitive APC government which it said has failed to articulate any clear-cut, development-oriented policy direction that is geared towards guaranteeing the security and economic wellbeing of the people, leading to despondency and uncertainty.
The statement added: “The public sense of absence of governance under the APC is evident with Nigerians now taking over the primary duties of government as they source and fund their own security and critical infrastructure of electricity, education, healthcare, roads, food production among others while resources allocated for such projects are being recklessly looted, squandered and frittered by corrupt APC leaders.
“The ill-implemented and abrupt removal of fuel subsidy, floating of the Naira, hike in electricity tariff and imposition of multiple taxes without corresponding tangible policy or programme directed to cushion the consequential high costs further confirm that the APC administration is disconnected with the realities of life in Nigeria.
“It is particularly depressing that millions of Nigerians are observing a ceremony as significant as Eid-el-Kabir in frustration as many cannot afford to celebrate with their loved ones because of extreme hardship occasioned by the insensitive policies of the APC government.”
