Sallah Message: Buhari Says Violent Extremism Greatest Challenge
Sanwo-Olu said in a statement by his deputy chief press secretary, Gboyega Akosile, “I join Muslim faithful across the country to share in the felicity of the Eid al-Adha, which comes with significant lessons for mankind. This symbolic Islamic festival is a constant reminder to us that there will always be great rewards when we have abiding faith and patience in trying periods; persistence in prayers and tenacity in our belief.
“It also reminds us of the sacrifice we are expected to make not only for the purpose of spiritual fulfillment, but also for the progress of mankind and development of our society. Development and progress can only be achieved in an atmosphere in which unity, peace and mutual respect reign supreme. We must, therefore, eschew tendencies that can further divide us as a people.”
The Kaduna State chapter of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) called on Christians and Muslims to work together to promote peace in the country. The state chairman of CAN, Rev. Joseph Hayab, in a statement felicitating with Muslims on Eid-el -Kabir said, “This festival teaches us to make sacrifice for the good of all humanity and for the glory of God Almighty.
”May we make sacrifices that will help take our country out of her present challenges into a better and prosperous nation.
“We must work together to attain sustainable peace,, not coercive peace or peace from pretense.”
The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) urged Muslims to pray for the Nigeria to overcome the economic hardship and security challenges currently facing the country. ACF said the northern youth should shun calls for protest against the federal government.
In a goodwill message issued on Saturday to mark Eid-el- Kabir celebrations, the forum said it was time for the Muslim community and Nigerians to fervently pray for peace, stability, prosperity and avoid acts that undermine the country.
The message by National Publicity Secretary of the ACF, Alhaji Muhammad Ibrahim, said, “The Forum urges all Nigerians to be patient and continue to have hope in our country in spite of our current security and socioeconomic economic challenges. With commitment and resilience, we shall overcome.
“We urge all Nigerians particularly politicians to avoid unnecessary divisive acts that are capable of jeopardising our democracy and peaceful coexistence as a nation.
“In the same vein, ACF appeals to the youths to avail themselves of empowerment opportunities offered by governments, individuals and nongovernmental organisations that add value to themselves and to the communities rather than take to criminal acts that come with poverty, unemployment and frustrations.”
The two main political parties in the country sent felicitations to Nigerian Muslims on the occasion of Eid ul-Adha, charging citizens to emphasise things that unite and shun divisive tendencies.
In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) said Sallah was a reminder to Nigerians to make individual and collective sacrifices for the well-being, unity, peace and development of the country. “We must therefore shun the disruptive and divisive utterances and actions emanating from some unpatriotic quarters lately,” Issa-Onilu stated.
APC advised Nigerians to imbibe the lessons of the important Islamic festival, which signifies sacrifice and fulfillment of promise as demonstrated by Prophet Ibrahim.
The party said, “As we celebrate the Sallah feast with family, friends and loved ones, Muslim faithful and indeed all Nigerians are implored to show love to neighbours and cater for the less privileged around us.