By Sodiq Adelakun, Saka Laaro, Ilorin and Ismail Azeez, Osogbo

…As Atiku urges leaders to show compassion to citizens amid hardship

…Northern Governors harp on peace, unity to tackle insecurity

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governors in the country have in their seperate messages conveyed a message of hope for a better Nigeria on the occasion of this year’s Eid-el-Fitr.

The Eid-el-Fitr is a celebration to mark the end of the Ramadan fast by Muslim faithfuls.

The Federal Government had earlier declared Tuesday and Wednesday as public holidays but added Thursday yesterday due to the official confirmation of Wednesday as the day slated for the celebration globally.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in his message said the Muslim Ummah at Eid-el-Fitr, an auspicious occasion that signifies the end of Ramadan; a hallowed season which reflects total submission to God Almighty and to His command of sacrifice and service to humankind.

”The President greets the Muslim faithful in Nigeria and all around the world, praying that their supplications and sacrifices this season and even after will receive the fitting rewards from Almighty Allah.

”As he emphasised during an iftar with Nigeria’s leaders of thought and conscience, President Tinubu appeals to all citizens to come together and rededicate themselves to the noble duty of building the nation, stating: We are the sculptor, and Nigeria is the clay; we build it the way we desire.

”The President prays that the lessons, blessings, and the joys of this season abide with us always while wishing Nigerians, Happy Eid-el-Fitr celebrations,” a statement by Special Adviser to the President on Media & Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, read.

Below are messages from some of the State Governors to Nigerians:

…Gov. Abiodun harps on hope, understanding

The Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has admonished Nigerians to have hope for a better Nigeria with prayers from both Christian and Muslim faithful.

The Governor also commended the peaceful co-existence among the various religious bodies in the state, which has paved the way for the seamless governance in the Gateway State.

Governor Abiodun, in a statement to mark the Eid-el-Fitri (end of Ramadan), assured that with the various interventions by both the federal and state governments, Nigerians will soon come out of their current economic predicaments.

The Governor recalled the various interventions his administration has made since the economic challenges began, including the latest distribution of food palliatives and the ‘Educash’ transfers, which, he said, were aimed at lessening the burden on the citizens of the state.

Prince Abiodun acknowledged the support of religious bodies to the success of his administration, even as he preached love, understanding, unity, and peaceful co-existence among the people of the state.

He called on Muslims to let the lessons of the holy month of Ramadan, including patience, self-discipline, love for one another and kindness, guide their daily lives.

He said, “I extend my warmest congratulations to our Muslim brothers and sisters on the occasion of the celebrations of Eid-el-Fitri. May this significant celebration of Ramadan’s end bring you and your families abundant blessings, love, peace, and unity.

“Let us take a moment to reflect on the lessons learnt throughout the holy month of Ramadan and allow the spirit of Eid to guide our actions towards compassion, kindness, and understanding. Together, may we continue to build a thriving community where everyone feels valued and included.

“As we rejoice in this festive period, let us also remember to uphold the core values of humanity, respect, and harmonious co-existence that define our great state. By embracing these ideals, we can forge a better future for all.”

…Sanwo-Olu urges peaceful co-existence

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has rejoiced with Nigerians and residents of the State, particularly Muslim faithful, as they celebrate this year’s Eid-el-Fitri, which marks the end of a month-long spiritual renewal after 30 days of fasting, prayers, and other spiritual activities.

Governor Sanwo-Olu, in an Eid-el-Fitri message issued by his Special Adviser, Media and Publicity, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, on Tuesday to commemorate the occasion, enjoined Muslims in Lagos State 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.

“I want to also use this medium to urge Muslims as well as other religious denominations in the country to continue to offer prayers for continued peace and stability in Nigeria. We must all unite and work together for the growth and development of our state and the country.”

…Hardship: We have done all we can, it’s for God to turn the situation around — Makinde

Oyo State Governor, Engr.Seyi Makinde has stated that political leaders in the state have done all they can to alleviate the hardship being faced by the residents in the state.

This is as the Governor conveyed his message to the Muslim Ummah on the completion of the Holy Month of Ramadan and the Eid-el-Fitri celebration.

The governor congratulated the Muslim faithful for witnessing the 1st Day of the month of Shawwal.

He prayed to Allah to accept the worship of the Muslim Ummah as an act of Ibadah, just as he called on them to use the opportunity of the season to make more supplications to Allah SWT over the situation of the state and the country.

He equally charged residents of the state to be security-conscious before, during and after the Eid-el-Fitri celebrations and report any suspicion to security agencies through the State Emergency Number, 615.

He said, “I congratulate the Muslim Ummah in Oyo State on witnessing the 1st Day of the Shawwal and the successful completion of the Ramadan Fasting.

“It is my prayer that God accepts their worship as Ibadah and grants answers to all their prayers.

“I want to call on all Muslims and all residents to continue to make supplications for the country and Oyo State.

“As an administration, we have been doing all we can to address the challenges facing our people and to stimulate the economy of the state. At this critical period, that should be the focus of all leaders at all levels of government.

“But I also know that after we all might have done all we can, it is imperative to continue to hand over our affairs to God Almighty, who is able to turn difficult situations around.

“Let me also use this opportunity to charge Oyo State residents to be watchful and vigilant before, during and after the Eid-el-Fitri celebrations.

“Please, be security-conscious and report any suspicion with regards to security to the security agencies through the Oyo State Emergency Number, 615.

“Happy Eid-el-Fitri.”

…Gov. AbdulRazaq bids Kwarans blessed Eid-el-Fitri

Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has rejoiced with the Muslim community on the occasion of the Eid-el-Fitri, which marks the end of the Ramadan fast.

In a statement made available to Nigerian NewsDirect, the Governor congratulated the leader of the faithful in Kwara Emir of Ilorin Dr Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari on the successful completion of the fasting period.

He tasked the Muslim community “to make the noble activities of the holy month — including alms giving, abstinence from negativities, and good conducts — an integral feature of their daily lives.

“Governor AbdulRazaq urges the community to unite upon goodness and avoid anything that may eat away the rewards of their fast or question their sincerity as devotees.

“He asks Allah to grant everyone a blessed Eid and better years ahead in the best state of faith (eeman).”

…Keep praying for us — Adeleke urges Muslims

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke has urged muslim faithful not to stop praying for his administration while calling for unity and peaceful coexistence among all residents of the state.

This was contained in a statement by the Governor’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed. Adeleke congratulated Muslims in the state and in Nigeria at large on the occasion of Eid-el-Fitr celebration, wishing them a fruitful celebration.

The statement read, “Congratulations to my Muslim brethren for seeing yet another Eid-el-Fitr celebration. In the last 30 days, we have fasted and prayed for both ourselves, family and nation.

“I want to urge you all to keep praying for us, pray for our administration, prayers are never too much and the Yoruba people will always say what is already good needs prayer and the one that is yet to be, also needs prayer.

“Lets also make sure that now and beyond, we live in unity because in united we stand and divided we fall,” the Governor stated.

The Governor also expressed commitment to the speedy completion of the Muslim Pilgrim Camp adding that his administration is committed to the completion of every project.

…Atiku urges leaders to show compassion to citizens amid hardship 

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has urged leaders in the country to show more compassion to the people.

In his Eid-el-Fitr message signed by his Media Office in Abuja on Tuesday, the former VP congratulated Muslim faithful on the successful completion of the Ramadan fast saying that the lessons from the fasting should remain abiding, even when the holy month had passed.

“For many Nigerians who observed the mandatory Ramadan fasting , the reality of the harsh economic environment in the country put many families and individuals under intense pressure.

“But in the face of this daunting challenge, many people pulled through out of seeking piety.

“The completion of Ramadan should cause a reflection on those in positions of authority to show more compassion to the people.

“The requirement of forbearance and compassion between the leaders and the people are the lessons to be learnt about this year’s Ramadan, in accordance with the teachings of noble Prophet Muhammad (PBUH),” he said.

He prayed that the supplications of every believing Muslim shall be answered by God, as he wished Nigerians a blessed Eid-el-Fitr holiday.

…Northern Governors preach peace, unity to tackle insecurity

Governors in the Northern part of the country however focused their messages on peace and unity across all religious lines as a tool to tackle insecurity in the region.

Uba Sani, governor of Kaduna asked Nigerians to pray for the restoration of peace and security in Nigeria.

In his Eid-el-Fitr message, the Kaduna governor congratulated Muslims in the country for completing the Ramadan fasting.

“I wish to felicitate with my fellow Muslim brothers and sisters in Kaduna State, Nigeria and across the globe on the joyous occasion of Eid-El-Fitr, the celebration of the end of the Ramadan fasting, one of the five pillars of Islam,” the statement read.

“The Ramadan period afforded the Muslim faithful the world over the opportunity to demonstrate the values of charity, compassion and cooperation, as well as reflect, seek forgiveness, and show gratitude to Almighty Allah for His countless blessings.

“As we celebrate the occasion of Eid-el-Fitr, I urge the Muslim faithful to imbibe in their daily lives the lessons of Ramadan, which include self-control, discipline, sacrifice, perseverance, and total devotion to the will of Almighty Allah.

“I call on all Nigerians to use the Eid-el-Fitr celebration to pray for the restoration of peace and security in our communities. May we see the end of terrorism, banditry, insurgency, kidnapping and other forms of violent crime in Nigeria.

“As Nigerians, we must continue to pray for our leaders and ask Almighty Allah to guide and strengthen them so that they can lead our states and country to the path of progress and sustainable development.

“Our dear President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR is working very hard to secure the country and stabilise the economy. We must give him all the support and cooperation.

“We are making steady progress. We are determined to change the face of Kaduna State. We want to make rural living a pleasurable experience.

“We are focused on turning Kaduna State into an international business hub; the investors’ choice destination.”

Governor of Katsina State, Dikko Radda urged the people of his state to be security conscious and pray for peace to reign in the state and the nation at large as they celebrate this year’s ED-FITR.

Meanwhile, Governor of Nasarawa State, Abdullahi sule also advised however called on the people of the state to support the economic policy of the federal government under the leadership of president Bola Tinubu geared towards the restoration of the economy back to its glory.

Engr. Sule tasked Nigerian particularly Muslims to fervently pray for leaders at all levels to govern with the fear of Allah by epitomizing the virtues of justice, humanity and service for the good of humanity.

The Governor urged residents of the state to come together irrespective of tribal, region, religion and any other ethnic differences, advising them to continue to accommodate each other’s beliefs and values in order to sustain peace, harmony, socio-cultural and economic prosperity.