Worshippers turned out en mass on Saturday, to observe the Eid-el Kabir prayer in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, North Central Nigeria.
During the prayer, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq set a peaceful atmosphere by welcoming and exchanging pleasantries with the leading opposition members in the State.
The Governor’s disposition, which underscored his political maturity, statesmanship and love for peace, drew applauses and commendations from creme de la creme of Ilorin and thousands of the Muslim faithfuls at the praying ground.
The Governor exchanged pleasantries and Eid felicitations with co-worshippers including former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, former PDP National Chairman Kawu Baraje and former Chief Justice of Nigeria Justice Alfa Belgore, amongst others.
The Governor said he was glad about the peaceful Eid.
He said, “We thank God that we had a peaceful Eid. My message to Nigeria is about peace. As long as we have peace, our country will prosper and progress. We should all work for peace always. That is my Eid message.”
The Eid was similarly attended by several statesmen, cabinet members, members of the governing and opposition parties.
The Emir of Ilorin and Chairman Kwara State Council of Chiefs, Mai-Martaba Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari in his message, charged muslim faithfuls to sustain their religious obligations of living in peace and harmony.
According to him, “I thank almighty Allah for the increased mutual understanding and spirit of co-operation and love among our people, especially among our leaders.
“I thank all the people of my Emirate for maintaining the traditional peaceful coexistence and harmony for which Ilorin Emirate is unique and reputed.”
The Emir also rejoiced with the Governor of Kwara State, Mallam Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq and prayed Allah to continue to guide and protect him in the course of governing the State.
Also, the former Governor of Kwara State, Alhaji Abdulfatahi Ahmed congratulated the Muslim Ummah on the celebration of Eid.
He said, “As we observe this special day, let us spare a thought for those in need and say a prayer for our state and our country to prosper.
The National President of Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressives Union IEDPU, Alhaji Uthman Aliyu Otta called on all Nigerians to give peace a chance.
Alhaji Otta noted that no meaningful development could be achieved without peace, hence the need to embrace peaceful coexistence.
The President of the IEDPU also said Nigeria can overcome her security challenges, individual and communuai differences if the citizens come together as one big and indivisible group.
A former Military Governor of Kwara State, Retired Group Captain Salaudeen Latinwo also felicitated with Muslims in Kwara State, Nigeria and across the globe for witnessing the Eid Mubarak festival despite the security challenges bedeviling the nation.
Chief Latinwo asked Muslims to be more prayerful and respect others views for the development of the country.
The former Military Governor enjoined Nigerians to allow the lessons of the festival to reflect in their daily lives .
Confidence Okwuchi
