On behalf of the members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Lagos State Chapter, I congratulate our Muslim brothers and sisters as they join other faithfuls across the world to celebrate the Eid-el-Kabir.
The importance of Eid-el-Kabir in the lives of Muslims cannot be wished away as it symbolises submission to the will and the commandments of Allah as exemplified by prophet Ibrahim who accepted to sacrifice his only son to Allah before the Almighty God provided a ram in replacement for Ismail.
Today, Muslims who are of age are commanded to re-enact that act to reinforce their belief and faith in God by slaughtering rams.
Also, Muslim faithful who have the financial strength go on pilgrimage to the Holyland of Mecca and Medina to pray to God for themselves, their families and their nations to fulfill one of the five pillars of Islam.
So, as we are all in joyous mood, celebrating this important festival, may Allah accept our prayers and supplications for ourselves, our state and our nation. Let us remember our leaders in prayer, let us pray for them to succeed in the big task of getting our nation back on track as the true giant of Africa. Nigeria, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has no reason being the poverty capital of the world again as the president is well equipped with the resources necessary to lift her up and he is well prepared to the challenge.
It is you and I that should change our orientation to accept to join in the task of building the nation. Let us support the president to build the country now so as to have a worthy nation to bequeath to our children.
I pray that God in his infinite mercies and divine blessings will continue to strengthen our individuals’ personal relationships and so that we can together move our nation forward. May we develop respect for one another so that we can live in peace, unity and love for for the overall benefit of our country.
May Allah’s favour and grace continue to abide in us, in our governments at the state and national levels. Amen.
As Ibrahim was obedient to the commandments of God, let us be obedient to Allah’s commandments as well as to the rules and regulations of those in positions of authority over us for peace, justice and equity to reign in our nation.
We must make the qualities exhibited by Ibrahim, our watchword so that He will continue to bless us. I implore you all not to relent in your collective efforts, prayers and personal relationships with God.
Also,I urge the citizens of Lagos State and others from across Nigeria currently performing this year’s pilgrimage in the Holy lands of Mecca and Medina to remember our nation in their prayers.
I charge them to pray for the administrations of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State and those of the other states that God should grant them his wisdom and knowledge in piloting the affairs of the nation and their respective states to greater heights.Amen.
I also pray that they would return to Nigeria peacefully and in good health on the completion of their pilgrimages.Amen.
I urge you all to remain law abiding citizens before, during and after the Eid-el-Kabir in all your activities by not engaging in drunkeness, reckless and dangerous driving and other vices capable of causing the breach of public peace. Please, endeavour to report any body suspected of foul movements or behaviours to the law enforcement agencies for arrest.
May Allah grant us joyful and peaceful celebrations of Eid-el-Kabir. Amen.
Yours,
Hon. (Pastor)Cornelius Ojelabi,
Chairman, APC,
Lagos State
