- VP solicits greater support for Tinubu
Vice President Kashim Shettima yesterday appealed for national unity, collective sacrifice, and unwavering support for the President Bola Tinubu’s administration, as Nigeria joined the rest of the world in celebrating the Eid al-Adha.
A similar plea for unity, especially among Nigerian leaders came from the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar.
He said such unity was necessary in addressing the pressing challenges facing the country.
First Lady Oluremi Tinubu urged citizens to offer prayers for the nation’s peace, stability, and continued progress.
Speaking during prayers at the National Eid Ground along Airport Road in Abuja, Vice President Shettima asked Nigerians to rise above ethnic, religious, and political differences and embrace unity as the bedrock for national development and lasting peace.
According to a statement issued for Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications Office of the Vice President Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima described Eid al-Adha as a solemn occasion rooted in the legacy of Prophet Ibraham’s obedience and sacrifice—values he said were essential to building a strong and united Nigeria.
“This is a period of sober reflection, a season of reaching out to the indigent among us, of building bridges of brotherhood and sisterhood. Life is a marathon, and as individuals, we can run faster, but we can wear out easily. But as a family, as a collective, as a nation, we can gain greater traction and reach our desired destination,” VP Shettima said.
He urged citizens to stand behind President Tinubu’s leadership, noting that the unity of purpose and shared sacrifice are vital in addressing issues like insecurity and poverty.
“What binds us together supersedes whatever that divides us. I wish to thank all Nigerians for their support and empathy, and call on all of us to coalesce into a single purse to confront all of our common challenges of insecurity, destitution, and so many other challenges.
“But be rest assured that no matter how long the night is, it must give way to the light of the dawn. We have crossed the Rubicon, and we are on the path to sustained peace and development,” the Vice President added.
The prayer was attended by senior government officials, including the Minister of Information & National Orientation, Mohammed Idris; Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari; Minister of State for Regional Development, Uba Maigari Ahmadu; former Governor of Gombe State, Senator Danjuma Goje; religious leaders, and thousands of worshippers.
Shortly after the Abuja prayers, the VP flew to Maiduguri to celebrate the festival with his immediate family and people of the state.
He was received at the Muhammadu Buhari International Airport Maiduguri by Borno State Gov. Babagana Zulum , Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Abdulkarim Lawan and other top government officials in the state.
Tinubu: Let’s pray for our troops, be our brothers’ keeper
President Bola Tinubu observed the Eid-al-Adha prayers at the Eid Ground in Dodan Barracks, Lagos.
Speaking to reporters at the end of the prayers he called for more prayers for the military and security agencies currently making sacrifices to keep the nation safe, particularly those confronting terrorists and bandits.
“We should remember to pray and give to those who are very vulnerable in the spirit of the season, which is sacrifice. We must unite, remain our brothers’ keeper, and give to our neighbours. We should show love to everyone,” he said.
“We must also pray hard for our troops to keep us safe. They are making sacrifices in the challenges that we face from terrorism and banditry today. We must pray for them specifically, remember their sacrifices, and continue to behave well as citizens,” he added.
At the prayer ground, the Chief Imam of Lagos State, Suleiman Oluwatoyin Abu-Nola, urged the Muslim faithful to remember and reflect on Ibraham’s sacrificial life.
“The whole essence of today is sacrifice. We must learn to make sacrifices for our family, nation, and community. We must render our service to Allah, not men,” he said.
The Chief Imam called on worshipers to live in peace and consider the needs of their neighbours, the poor and vulnerable.
“If we are to see the Nigeria of our dreams, we must be ready to make sacrifices. We must unite as Nigerians to make progress. We must rise above tribal sentiments. Whether you are Igbo, Yoruba, or Hausa, we must live above ethnic sentiments,” the Chief Imam said.
Defence Minister Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, Marine and Blue Economy Minister Adegboyega Oyetola, Minister of State, Defence, Bello Muhammed Matawalle, Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Femi Hamzat, and a former governor of Lagos State, Babatunde Fashola, were also at the prayer ground.
Also there were the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; the speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa; the President of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote; the Chairman of the BUA Group, Abdul Samad Rabiu; the Group Chief Executive of Oando, Wale Tinubu; and President Tinubu’s friend and longtime ally, Prof. Shaffideen Amuwo.
Pray for Nigeria’s peace, progress, First Lady urges in Eid-el-Kabir message
First Lady Oluremi Tinubu in her message said:“This is a time of deep reflection on the values of sacrifice, obedience, compassion, and faith. It is also a time to show kindness and generosity.”
She urged Muslims to go beyond ceremonial celebrations and embrace the core teachings of Eid by reaching out to those in need.
“As we celebrate, also pray for our dear country, for continued peace, stability, and progress,” she said.
Senator Tinubu also conveyed her warm wishes to Muslim families nationwide, saying, “on this joyous occasion of Eid-el-Kabir, I extend my heartfelt greetings to all our Muslim faithful across the nation. Eid Mubarak!”
Sultan laments insecurity
The Sultan of Sokoto bemoaned the security challenge in the country and spoke of the need for genuine unity and dedication among leaders to find lasting solutions to national problems.
“Insecurity continues to be a major concern in Sokoto and other parts of Northern Nigeria. While security agencies are making commendable efforts to tackle these challenges, more needs to be done to turn the tide and consign insecurity to history,” he said.
He therefore urged leaders to come together and develop strategies that would support and enhance the work of security personnel, ensuring long-term peace and stability.
The sultan also extended his condolences to the government and people of Niger State over the recent flood disaster that claimed several lives.
The Sultan later received Deputy Governor Idris Muhammad Gobir in his palace during Salah homage
He said it was remarkable that Governor Ahmed Aliyu delegated responsibility to his deputy and urged other governors to emulate this.
The religious monarch advised the state government to always not hesitate to inform people about critical issues that affect them as it will avoid peddling unnecessary rumours.
Flood-hit Mokwa residents observe Eid amid pain
Despite the huge devastation caused by last week’s flooding in Mokwa, Niger State, residents trooped out in large numbers yesterday to observe the prayers.
The Dzuko Eid prayer ground in Mokwa was filled to the brim with worshippers who gathered to observe the two Rakat prayers.
They were led in prayers by the Chief Imam of Mokwa Local Government, Mohammed Ibn Mohammed. In attendance were the paramount traditional ruler of Mokwa, the Ndalile, Mohammed Aliyu Shaba, and several other prominent Islamic clerics.
Before the prayers commenced, the Secretary of the Mokwa Central Mosque, Baba Tswale Mokwa, addressed the worshippers. He conveyed the directive of the state government to suspend all Sallah celebrations, including the traditional Durbar, in honour of those affected by the disaster. He also announced that a special prayer session would be held for victims of the flood.
The state government presented a Sallah package to those rendered homeless by the flood.
The package included five large cows and a cash donation of N5.3 million aimed at bringing relief and festive cheer to the affected families.
Residents expressed appreciation for the support while calling for sustained assistance as they continue to rebuild their lives. Community leaders urged both state authorities and humanitarian agencies to intensify efforts in providing relief materials and long-term solutions to the flood problem.
The Eid prayers, held in the shadow of loss, became a moment of unity and spiritual reflection for the town. Worshippers offered special prayers for the dead, for the displaced, and for healing and restoration.
In a related development, former Nigerian Military President, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida has commiserated with the people of Mokwa and the entire state over the recent flood disaster in Mokwa Local Government Area.
Babangida gave his commiseration when he received a state government delegation led by the Deputy Governor, Comrade Yakubu Garba on a Salah homage at his Uphill Residence in Minna.
Babangida described what happened in Mokwa as unfortunate saying that it was ordained by Allah and enjoined the residents of the state to continue to pray for the souls of the deceased.
Kaduna Governor Sani, Speaker Liman preach sacrifice, compassion, unity
In Kaduna,Governor Uba Sani, and Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Yusuf Dahiru Liman, urged residents to embrace the values of obedience, sacrifice, and compassion demonstrated by Prophet Ibrahim (AS).
Speaking shortly after observing the Eid prayer at the Sultan Bello Eid Ground in Kaduna, Governor Sani called on Muslims and all residents to use the festive season to reflect on the significance of the festival and show generosity to those in need.
“Eid-el-Kabir commemorates the profound act of obedience and unwavering faith demonstrated by Prophet Ibrahim, who was prepared to sacrifice his beloved son Ismail in submission to the command of Almighty Allah,” the governor said.
He urged the wealthy to share their blessings with the less privileged and highlighted the values of compassion, sacrifice, and unity as the true essence of the season.
In his own Sallah message, Speaker Liman echoed the governor’s sentiments, calling on the Muslim Ummah to embody the spirit of devotion, humility, and solidarity during and beyond the Eid celebrations.
“Eid al-Adha reminds us of the profound lessons of devotion, obedience, and selflessness demonstrated by Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and his son, Prophet Ismail (AS). Their faith and submission to Allah’s will remain a timeless inspiration to us all,” Liman said.
He encouraged citizens to purify their hearts, show love to one another, and continue supporting the people-centered leadership of Governor Uba Sani for the peace and progress of Kaduna State.
Oyo political leaders unite, shun differences at Eid Ground
Political leaders across party lines in Oyo State came together to observe the Eid-el-Adha prayers in an atmosphere of unity and mutual respect, setting aside their political differences.
The leaders, including top members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), converged at the Agodi Eid Ground in Ibadan.
The political leaders exchanged greetings and prayed alongside Muslim faithful for peace and religious harmony.
Notable among them were the Oyo State Deputy Governor, Alhaji Adebayo Lawal, Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, and former Senate Leader, Sen. Teslim Folarin.
Also present were Oyo State’s former deputy governors, Hazeem Gbolarumi and Amb. Taofeek Arapaja, including Sen. Kola Balogun, Abass Adigun and Chief Saheed Oladele.
Others were Alhaji Fatai Ibikunle, Alhaji Mojeed Olaoya, Chief Akinade Fijabi, Hon. Akeem Ige, Dr Nureni Adeniran and Chief Shina Alabi.
The Otun-Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, led traditional rulers, Ibadan traditional council members and the Mogajis to the praying ground.
Meanwhile, in his admonition, the Chief Imam of Ibadanland, Sheikh AbdulGaniy Abubakry, emphasised the importance of unity, tolerance, and patience as the key virtues necessary for national development.
Governor Seyi Makinde later in the day received a delegation of Muslim leaders at Government House, Ibadan.
The delegation, led by the Deputy Governor, Bayo Lawal, included the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, Senator Rashidi Ladoja; former Deputy Governor and PDP Deputy National Chairman, Amb. Taofeek Arapaja; former deputy governors, Barr Hazeem Gbolarumi and Engr Hamid Gbadamosi; member representing Ibadan North-East/South-East Federal Constituency, Hon. Abass Adigun Agboworin; and Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Edo and Delta States, Alhaji Dawodu Makanjuola.
Addressing the delegation, Governor Makinde congratulated the Muslim faithful on witnessing the year 2025 Eid-el-Kabir and thanked them for their prayers and commitment to the state as well as their unflinching support for him and his government over the past six years, urging them to continue praying for the success of his administration.
He noted that a single term of five or six years is enough for any government to focus and serve the people and deliver on its mandate, calling for a constitutional amendment to effect this.
Makinde said the call became imperative in view of his observation of how many years elected officers are able to face the serious business of governance out of a total of 8years a two term an elected person may spend.
According to Makinde, the time used for serious business of governance out of the eight years in most cases don’t go beyond five to six years as out of the eight years, about two to three years will be used for electioneering campaigns among other political party activities.
Event peaceful in Kwara
This celebration took place in an atmosphere of peace across Kwara State.
Governor Abdulraman AbdulRazaq and Sarikin Gobir of Ilorin Alhaji Garba Gobir urged Muslim faithful to use the occasion to commit themselves to the Nigerian project.
The governor specifically sent hearty felicitations to the Emir of Ilorin Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari on the Eid celebrations.
Said he: “As we celebrate this sacred festival, I urge everyone to remain steadfast in their faith in God and in our shared commitment to the Nigerian project. Let us continue to promote peaceful coexistence, support sustainable development efforts, and reject anything that undermines the growth and unity of Nigeria, our fatherland.
“I wish everyone a blessed Eid and many more years of good health and happiness. As we celebrate, I encourage us all to continue supporting President Bola Tinubu and our administration, while staying faithful to God and the unity and collective wellbeing of our communities.”
Gobir on his part appealed to Nigerians to use the occasion to strengthen national unity and heal divisions across ethnic, religious, and political lines.
“Nigeria stands at a crucial point in its history. Now more than ever, we must rise above our differences and build a society anchored in justice, tolerance, and accountability. Leadership at every level must reflect the fear of God and the well-being of the people,” Alhaji Gobir emphasised.
Ododo: We’ll strengthen security
Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo pledged to strengthen security in the state while also focusing on infrastructural development.
Governor Ododo who joined his kinsmen in Okene to observe the Eid prayers at Central Praying ground, Okene, said his “commitment to unity, peace, and shared prosperity remains unwavering. From Ike-Bunu to Gegu, Abocho to Obangede, our vision is a state where every citizen has the opportunity to thrive.”
He added:” We are deepening security, expanding infrastructure, supporting farmers and traders, and strengthening education and healthcare systems.
” We are also focused on industrialisation, rural development, and job creation, ensuring that no community is left behind. New projects and investments are on the way, all aimed at building the Kogi State of our dreams.”
Osun holiday makers groan over hike prices of ram, transport fare
Holiday makers complained bitterly about the high costs of rams and transport fare during the 2025 Eid-El-Kabir celebration.
Transporters increased transport fares on Wednesday evening on the approach of the festival.
Travellers from Osogbo to Iwo were made to pay N3,000 as against the normal fare of N2000, while travellers going to Lagos State paid N12,000 against N7,000 before Sallah and those going to Ibadan from Osogbo pay N4,000 instead of N2,500.
Also, transporters within the towns and communities increased their charges.
Prices of rams ranged between N240,000and N600,000 although prices of food items remain stable.
