By Onomiguren Agbamu
Thousands of muslim faithful gathered at various eid prayer grounds,and public places in Asaba, the Delta State Capital to observe the Eid el Kabir prayers , calling for Allah’s Intervention in surmounting prevailing hardship and insecurity in parts of the country.
At the Federal College of Education, Technical Asaba Central Mosque, the Chief Imam, Alhaji (Dr) Adekola Yinusa, said Eid el Kabir is a celebration of the legacies of Prophet Ibrahim which he highlighted to include living a life of selfish service to humanity.
Alhaji Yinusa urged Nigerians to always be conscious of what they would be remembered for , saying that today, muslims are looking unto Prophet Ibrahim,
”Ibraham, Ismail, Prophet Mohammed , and even Jesus Christ,served humanity selflessly, and that is why we remember then today for good deeds. If we too , can use our little or exalted positions to advance the cause of unity, development and progress in the society, definitely the world will be a better place. Service to humanity is key irrespective of where you belong to, religiously or politically ”, Alhaji Yinusa stated.
Alhaji Yinusa said government needed to do more in alleviating the sufferings the people are facing by providing scholarships, skill and qualitative education to equip students to use their brains and hands, and become self employed.
Leading the prayers at Uzoigwu Primary School, Asaba, the Chief Imam of Yoruba Central, Alhaji Adams Ayokunle thanked Allah for the opportunity to celebrate this year’s Eid el Kabir which he described as a festival of sacrifice .
While urging muslim faithful to embrace peaceful coexistence with other Nigerians, Alhaji Ayokunle reminded political leaders to be mindful of the fact that they would give account of their stewardship to Allah
On the security challenges facing the country, the Chief Imam stressed the need for Nigerians to work with government and the relevant security agencies in addressing the ugly trend.
He expressed the hope that things would get better with prayers, stronger collaboration and good governance.
A Muslim leader, and head of the Yoruba Community in Delta State, Alhaji Famous Lawal admonished those who are not bouyant to slaughter ram ,to celebrate and share with those who can afford it.
He said Eid el Kabir offered opportunity for every one to celebrate the festival of sacrifice irrespective of faith, financial status and race.
Special Assistant to Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori on Hausa-Fulani affairs, Alhaji Usman Muktar, called on all muslims, christians and traditional worshippers to pray to God to intervene in the prevailing insecurity and economic hardship facing the country.
He said, ”We are urging all Muslims in the world to pray for their various countries because there is problem. You can see that an average ram before now is sixty or seventy thousand naira but now, it is four hundred thousand naira to five hundred thousand naira . How many people will be able to afford it? Very few”
Alhaji Usman spoke on the importance of Eid el Kabir, ”Assuming God did not change his decision, I wouldn’t be like this. My father could have slaughtered me. As God gave directive, and Abraham accepted the directive. God had to change it with ram. That is why we are celebrating today with ram”
Highlight of the Eid el Kabir prayers included the slaughtering of ram as exemplified by Prophet Ibrahim in place of his son.
Meanwhile, Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori has urged the Islamic faithful to emulate the virtues of Prophet Mohammed by embracing the spirit of sacrifice, which the Holy Prophet exemplified.
In a Sallah message by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, the Governor described Eid-el-Kabir as a season of love, peace, unity, and sacrifice.
He called on Nigerians to continue promoting peaceful co-existence, and to show love and compassion to one another, regardless of religious or ethnic differences.
The Governor also appealed to Muslims and indeed all Nigerians to continue praying for the peace, unity, and progress of the nation.
He assured Muslims of a peaceful celebration in Delta State, noting that the government is working closely with security agencies to ensure the safety and harmony of all during and after the festivities.
Governor Oborevwori congratulated the Muslim community in the state on the occasion and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to continued partnership with them to advance the state’s development.
He said: “We must use the Eid-el-Kabir celebration as an opportunity to reflect and pray for our country to overcome the many challenges it currently faces.
“As a people, we must remain patient with all levels of government as we work to consolidate the gains of democratic governance.
“As you celebrate, let us remember to be our brothers’ keepers by fostering peaceful co-existence among ourselves, irrespective of ethnic or religious backgrounds.
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