Eid-el-Kabir: Keep praying for Nigeria, Oyebanji urges Muslims

The Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has urged Nigerians to seize the opportunity of the festive period to step up prayers for Nigeria to get out of its present situation.

Oyebanji, in his message to the Muslims on Saturday on the celebration of Eid-el-Kabir, expressed optimism that Nigeria would overcome its challenges.

“But do not let us relent in prayers for the country at this critical time in its history,” he urged.

The governor in the message signed by his Special Adviser on Media, Yinka Oyebode, also urged the Muslim pilgrims performing this year’s Hajj “to use the opportunity of their presence in the holy land to pray for peace, progress and prosperity of the state and Nigeria as a whole”.

He congratulated the Muslims for witnessing this year’s Eid-el-Kabir festival and urged them “to imbibe the lessons of love and sacrifice which the season symbolizes as they celebrate”.

The governor said, “As we celebrate this year’s Eid-el-Kabir, it is my sincere wish that we celebrate in moderation, reflect on the lessons of the Eid-el-Kabir festival, show love to one another, work and pray for a greater level of prosperity for our dear state and country. May God accept our worship as an act of ‘Ibadah. Happy Sallah”.

He charged the Muslim faithful with the need to reflect on the significance of the sacrifice epitomized by the festival as well as promote the virtues of Islam.

Oyebanji urged them 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. Sacrifices, when done in good faith, produce positive results”.

The governor appreciated the Muslim Community in the state for the support given to his administration through prayer, counsel and solidarity which he said he would not take for granted.

He also thanked them for living in peace and harmony with other adherents of other religions, thereby making the state one of the most peaceful states to live and work.

The Governor promised to continue to carry the Muslim Community along as he does with other stakeholders in the bid to make Ekiti an enviable state in key sectors and a land of shared prosperity where everyone can find fulfilment.