The Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun has urged Muslims to emulate the resilience, patience and steadfastness as well as absolute faith in Allah, as exemplified by Prophet Ibrahim.
Governor Abiodun advice comes as Muslims all over the World celebrate Eid Al-Adha.
He said the festival, symbolised by slaughtering of rams as commanded by Allah, should be used to further foster unity and spread love in the state, and Nigeria in general.
The Governor said that ”though Nigeria is going through a difficult period, the Eid al-Adha should serve as an opportunity to supplicate and seek the face of God, for restoration and healing.”
He described the festival as a significant one in the tenets of Islamic faith and called on Muslim faithful to engage in moderate celebration across the state.
Governor Abiodun urged them to remember the needy and share the merriment with them.
“Eid al-Adha is a significant one in the tenets of Islamic religion. I urge them to emulate the resilience, patience, steadfastness and absolute faith in Allah, displayed by Prophet Ibrahim, when he was commanded by Allah to fulfil his covenant by sacrificing his son, Ismael.
“Though Allah asked the Prophet to slaughter his son, He replaced the son with a ram, having discovered His servant was faithful. Let us therefore use this period to seek the face of Allah in surmounting the present socio-eonomic situation in our country.
“I strongly believe and hope, that God who changed the reproach of Prophet Ibrahim and replaced with joy and victory, will change our situation in Nigeria for better,” he explained.
The Governor said; “As our Muslim brothers and sisters celebrate, let us be moderate and remember those who do not have in our neighborhood and share the merriment with them. Let us remember Nigeria and in particular, Ogun State, in our supplications.
“As an administration, we shall continue to espouse good governance and put policies in place to ensure prosperity for all.”
Mercy Chukwudiebere
