Islamic clerics and community leaders in Delta State have called on Nigerians to embrace peace, tolerance, love and unity as Muslims across the country celebrate Eid-el-Kabir, the feast of sacrifice.
Speaking in Asaba, the Chief Imam of Islamic Prayer Group Central Mosque, Asaba, Alhaji Dr. Adekola Yinusa, described Eid-el-Kabir as a reminder of total submission to the will of God, as demonstrated by Prophet Ibrahim through sacrifice and obedience.
He said Nigerians, irrespective of religious differences, must promote brotherhood and national unity.
Yinusa stated, “Eid el Kabir is the commemoration of submission to the will of God as exhibited by Prophet Ibrahim who sacrificed everything he had to God, and that’s what every human being is expected to do, sacrificing for humanity, and for the development of the country. We must stand in brotherhood”
According to him, “Whether Muslim or Christian, the first thing is that we are all human beings. We must discourage religious extremism and promote values that unite humanity and Nigeria.”
The cleric also advised politicians preparing for the 2027 general elections to shun corruption and embrace selfless service to the nation.
He urged political office seekers to focus on nation-building and leave behind enduring legacies, noting that past leaders such as Tafawa Balewa, Nnamdi Azikiwe and Obafemi Awolowo are still remembered for their sacrifices and contributions to national development.
Yinusa further called on Muslims to continue showing charity and kindness, especially to the less privileged, by sharing with those unable to afford the Eid sacrifice.
He stressed that peace remains critical to development and urged government to channel resources towards strengthening security architecture and equipping security personnel.
Also speaking, the Special Assistant to the Delta State Governor on Hausa/Fulani Affairs and a leader of the Arewa community, Alhaji Muktar Usman, urged Muslims to be good ambassadors wherever they reside and to live peacefully with their neighbours.
Usman said, “All moslems community, anywhere they are, should be good ambassadors. They should live in peace with their neighbors and people of the community”
He advised political leaders to act with wisdom and sincerity, saying such virtues would attract divine guidance and success in governance, “Political leaders should be putting wisdom in whatever they are doing, to make it materialize. They should be sincere to the people,.”
On insecurity, Usman said tackling the challenge should not be left to security agencies alone, stressing that all Nigerians must unite in defending and praying for the country.
He described Eid-el-Kabir as a season of sharing and compassion, urging Nigerians to support the less privileged.
Similarly, the Sarki of the Hausa Community in Asaba and Chairman of the Arewa Community in Delta State, Alhaji Ibrahim Babagero, described Eid-el-Kabir as the biggest Muslim celebration and a period of prayers, sacrifice and pilgrimage.
Babagero who is the Vice Chairman of Arawa Community, South South, and South East appealed to political leaders to be sensitive to the hardship faced by ordinary Nigerians, noting that poverty and unemployment were worsening living conditions for many families.
He called on government to create jobs for youths and provide greater support for the masses.
“We want the political leaders to know that they are citizens of the country that should be sensitive to the sufferings of the people. We need peace in this country. The masses need more assistance. They are facing tough times. People can not send their children to school because of poverty. People can not feed well because of poverty. We want government to creat jobs for the youths who are roaming on the streets.”, Sarki Babagero stated.
Speaking on the 2027 elections, he appealed for peaceful conduct, stressing that Nigerians do not want violence or bloodshed during the polls.
The leader of the Igala community in Delta State, Alhaji Abubakar Wada, expressed gratitude to Allah for the Eid celebration and called on political leaders to address the sufferings of the people.
He noted that poverty remains widespread across the country and urged leaders to carry citizens along in governance.
Wada, however, commended Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, saying the governor was making efforts but needed to do more to improve the welfare of the people.
According to him, peace can only thrive when political and religious leaders govern with fairness and compassion.
Another Islamic scholar, Alhaji Dr. Kadiri Abdul Waheed, described Eid-el-Kabir as a significant period in Islam commemorating how God replaced Prophet Ibrahim’s son with a ram for sacrifice.
He urged Nigerians to continue living in peace, shun violence and remain hopeful and prayerful.
Waheed also called on political leaders to fulfil their promises to the people, especially after the 2027 elections.
An Islamic faithful, Alhaji Ibrahim Sani Suleiman, prayed for peace, security and prosperity in Nigeria, urging government to ensure the protection of lives and property.
He also praised the peaceful coexistence enjoyed in Delta State, noting that northerners living in the state have continued to enjoy harmony and acceptance.
Suleiman added that Delta State remains one of the most peaceful states in the South-South region for people from different ethnic and religious backgrounds.
Sam Erhunmwunsee, Radio Nigeria Asaba
