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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Abbas Tajudeen, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin and governors have felicitated with Muslims on the occasion of Eid-el-Kabir, urging them to have hope in the government to turn things around for the better.

President Tinubu, on Tuesday, said Nigeria’s difficult phase of economic reforms is over, declaring that the sacrifices made by Nigerians in the past three years have begun to yield positive results.

In his Eid-el-Kabir message to Muslims in Nigeria and across the world, Tinubu linked the spirit of sacrifice associated with the festival to the economic hardships experienced under his administration’s reform agenda.

He said the reforms had stabilised the economy and positioned Nigeria as an attractive destination for investment, job creation, and economic growth.

“Just as sacrifice brings reward, I am happy that the sacrifices and efforts we have made over the past three years have yielded a more stable economy, making our country a preferred investment destination,” he said.

“The walk through the dark tunnel is over, and the light is here.”

The president expressed confidence that the reforms would continue to improve security and expand opportunities for citizens.

On insecurity, Tinubu acknowledged that terrorists and bandits still attack some communities despite recent successes by security agencies, including the joint Nigeria-US operation that eliminated ISIS leader Abu-Bilal al-Manuki in the Lake Chad Basin.

“I assure you: you are neither abandoned nor forgotten. We will ultimately defeat all forces of evil,” he said.

Tinubu also urged Muslims to use the Eid celebration to pray for peace, national unity, and wisdom for leaders, while extending support to the less privileged.

He described Eid-el-Kabir as a reminder of the virtues of faith, obedience, sacrifice, selflessness, unity, and compassion exemplified by Prophet Ibrahim.

Akpabio calls for sacrifice, national renewal

President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, in a congratulatory message through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Eseme Eyiboh, said the occasion calls for prayer and sober reflection on the theme of sacrifice.

Akpabio said, “As you share with the less privileged and extend love to neighbours of all faiths, you embody the true spirit of Nigeria.

“To all Nigerians, I urge us to use this solemn period to pray fervently for peace, security, and prosperity in our land. Let us pray for our troops on the frontlines, for farmers to return safely to their fields, and for unity to prevail over division in our nation.”

Barau, Abbas urge prayers for Nigeria

The Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, called for sustained prayers, unity and support for the poor and vulnerable in society.

In a special Sallah message signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ismail Mudashir, Senator Barau urged Muslims and all Nigerians to use the occasion to pray for enduring peace, stability, and prosperity in the country, noting that their prayers at such a sacred period are invaluable to national development.

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, on his part, called for renewed faith in Allah (SWT), acts of charity, and prayers for the nation.

In a Sallah message by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Abdullahi Krishi, Abbas urged Muslims to extend love and support to the poor, needy and less privileged, noting that compassion remains a core tenet of Islam.

“This period calls for a deep reflection,” the Speaker said, stressing that believers must remain selfless and devote their time, resources and lives to the worship of Allah (SWT) and service to humanity.

Abbas further urged Nigerians to offer special prayers for peaceful and credible elections as the country approaches the 2027 general elections.

Governors, Yilwatda call for national unity

Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umaru Radda, has called on Muslims to use the Eid-el-Adha period to pray for peace, security, and national unity across Nigeria, while his Rivers State counterpart, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, urged Muslim faithful in the state to reaffirm their commitment to peaceful coexistence, mutual respect, and collective progress as they celebrate the Eid-el-Kabir.

Fubara, in a statement by his spokesman, Onwuka Nzeshi, on Tuesday in Port Harcourt, enjoined them to ensure that diversity in faith does not become a source of division, but of strength to enhance peaceful coexistence.

On his part, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, in a statement on Tuesday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Gboyega Akosile, said the festival should serve as a reminder of the importance of faith, patience, and communal harmony.

The governor also urged residents to embrace the lessons of sacrifice beyond religious observance, stressing its importance for national development.

Also, the Governor of Bauchi State, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, urged Muslims to uphold the virtues of sacrifice, obedience, love, tolerance, and total submission to the will of Almighty Allah, as exemplified by Prophet Ibrahim (AS).

The governor, in a statement by his media aide, Mukhtar Gidado, noted that Eid-el-Kabir presents another opportunity for reflection, prayer, and renewed commitment to peaceful coexistence, unity, and mutual understanding among Nigerians irrespective of religious, ethnic, or political differences.

He called on citizens of Bauchi State to continue supporting government policies and programmes aimed at improving the welfare of the people and advancing sustainable development across the state. He further appealed to residents to use the festive period to pray for enduring peace, security, and economic prosperity in Bauchi State and Nigeria at large.

Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, enjoined Muslims to remain steadfast in promoting peace and harmonious coexistence in the society.

Governor Yahaya stressed the need for continued prayers for peace, prosperity and sustainable development in Gombe State and Nigeria at large, especially amid prevailing socio-economic and security challenges confronting the nation.

Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State urged Muslims to continue to uphold the virtues of sacrifice, obedience, love and peaceful coexistence as exemplified by Prophet Ibrahim, assuring them of his administration’s commitment to inclusive governance, infrastructural development and improved welfare for all residents.

He urged citizens to use the festive period to promote harmony, show kindness to the less privileged and strengthen the bonds of brotherhood, irrespective of religious or ethnic differences.

The governor also urged the people to continue to support the government’s efforts at building a prosperous and secure Edo.

Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, the National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), called on the Muslim communities in the country to support the ongoing reforms of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

The APC National Chairman, in a statement signed by Abimbola Tooki, his Special Adviser on Media and Information Strategy, stated that the spiritual lessons of the celebration are highly relevant to Nigeria at this critical stage of national development, stressing that sacrifice, patience, perseverance and collective responsibility are essential ingredients needed to build a stronger, more united and prosperous nation.