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Eid-el-Kabir: FEC, VC, Sultan, Others Seek National Unity
The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has felicitated Muslim faithful on the occasion of this year’s Eid-el-Kabir celebration.
FEC urged Muslims to continue to promote national unity in order to enhance growth and development in all sectors of the country’s economy.
It made this known via a statement issued by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha, last Sunday.
The statement read: “The Federal Executive Council (FEC) felicitates with the Muslim faithful on the joyous occasion of this year’s Eid-el-Kabir celebration.
“It urges the adherents to use this opportunity to continue to reflect on its lessons which include love, obedience, sacrifice and compassion among others.
“FEC, therefore, implores believers to continue to promote national unity, peaceful co-existence for stability in order to enhance growth and development in all sectors of the nation’s economy.
“It wishes Nigerians a happy and successful Eid-el-Kabir celebration.”
Similarly, the Vice Chancellor, University of Port Harcourt, Prof Owunari Georgewill, also felicitated with the Muslim community on the occasion of the 1443 AH Eid-el-Kabir festival.
In a goodwill message he personally signed in Port Harcourt, Georgewill said, “We heartily felicitate with all Muslim faithful in the University of Port Harcourt and beyond.
“As we mark this year’s festival, we would like to reiterate the significance of Sallah which is obedience to the Almighty God and sacrifice for the good of one another. We pray that these virtues are sustained during and after the festivity.
“May this celebration bring about a renewed faith, love, understanding and good neighbourliness amongst ourselves and humanity at large.
“Equally, let me use the period to thank staff and students, and indeed, the entire university community for the wonderful support this administration has enjoyed since assumption of office in July, 2021, and to reassure you all of my commitment to make a more prosperous UNIPORT by the grace of God.
“Finally, we wish to use this medium to call on all Nigerians to come together, irrespective of our religious, ethnic and political differences to contribute our own quota to the development of this country, I have no doubt that Nigeria will be the envy of other nations if we do so.
“On behalf of the University Management, I wish you all a wonderful celebration”, the VC said.
Also, the President General, Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) and Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar, urged Muslims to imbibe the spirit of forgiveness and sacrifices among one another.
Abubakar, who made the assertion in his Sallah message to Nigerians in Sokoto said, Muslims should hold on to the lessons of Eid-el-Kabir.
“We should continue to thank the Almighty Allah for His blessings and gift of life to celebrate this great moment.
“The security challenges we are facing in our country has continue to remain a source of concern and worrisome.
“As such we should use this period of worship to pray for our leaders, security agencies and the nation to prosper.
“Moreover, as leaders we will not get tired of calling on the citizens to continue to pray for our country, therefore, we should sustain more prayers for peace, unity and prosperity of Nigeria.
“Our security agencies should always be appreciated and encourage for the sustained effort and commitment to address our current situation,” he said.
The Sultan further called on Muslim Ummah in the country to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to elect leaders of their desire.
“Our PVC is the only weapon we have to elect leaders we desire, as such I urged on all Muslim who are eligible to get their voter cards to be able to vote the leaders we deserve in the country,” he said.
He appealed to politicians to be fair to Allah, and ensure peaceful electioneering processes in the country.
Abubakar appreciated the Sokoto State Government for its sustained support to the needy and vulnerable in the society.
He also appreciated security agencies for their dedication in addressing security challenges in the country.
Also reacting, the national leadership of both the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) and the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) congratulated Muslim faithful on the occasion of the Eid Muburak celebration.
Their statements were signed by the NAWOJ National President, Ladi Bala; and NUJ National President, Chris Isiguzo, in Abuja, last Saturday.
In her statement, Bala said, “While thanking God for the spiritual ceremony, NAWOJ appeals to Nigerians especially Muslims to imbibe the lessons of generosity in love, sacrifice and kindness as demonstrated by Prophet Mohammed (PBH).
“The association notes that Nigeria at this critical point more than ever before, needs divine intervention to overcome most of the challenges confronting and threatening its existence and unity.
“It is, therefore, important for Muslims to use the occasion of the Eid-el-Fitri celebration to pray to God concerning most of the national issues for a peaceful and United Nigeria.
“NAWOJ notes with concern the neglect of family values by many parents for the pursuit of wealth, hence the unacceptable negative behaviours in some children.
“NAWOJ, therefore, appeal to parents particularly mothers to pay more attention to their children and wards by instilling the needed and proper values and fear of God in them for a better Nigeria.
“The association equally pray God to release the blessings of Eid Muburak upon all our Muslim Ummah and lead Nigeria to a peaceful and successful 2023 General Election”.
In his Salah message, Isiguzo said, “The National Secretariat of Nigeria Union of Journalists extends its warmest wishes to all Muslims in the country on this solemn festival of Eid.
“We pray that the blessings of Almighty Allah will fill your lives with peace, joy and good health. Barka Da Sallah!
“We advise all Muslim faithful to act upon the commandments of Allah, and also about the duties they have to perform to become good Muslims.
“At these hard times, we urge all Muslims to imbibe the lessons of Eid-Al-Adha celebrations which encourage them to forgive, give, share and care for one another.
“Just like Prophet Ibrahim did, when he believed God, took control of his life, and guaranteed his heart desires; same way if we can trust God Almighty, He is going to take care of us.
“While encouraging cohesion and peaceful coexistence, we should all remember that Islam appreciates diversity in the society, and thus, the need for respect and tolerance among Muslims and between Muslims and non-Muslims alike.
“We charge all Nigerians to learn the habit of doing good at all times to promote peaceful coexistence in the country”.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has tasked troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD to dominate the battlespace and intensify offensive operations against kidnappers, bandits and other criminal elements in the North Central region.
Shaibu gave the directive yesterday during his maiden operational visit to the Headquarters, Joint Task Force North Central (JTF-NC), at Sobi Barracks, Ilorin.
This is contained in a statement by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, in Abuja, yesterday.
Shaibu said the Nigerian Army would remain resolute in its constitutional responsibility of safeguarding lives and property, stressing that troops must sustain pressure to decisively deny criminal elements freedom of action.
He assured personnel of continued deployment of combat enablers and operational resources to enhance clearance operations and dismantle criminal hideouts across Kwara and Niger states.
The COAS reaffirmed his commitment to troop welfare, noting that improved welfare remained critical to sustaining morale, operational effectiveness and combat readiness.
He urged the troops to remain disciplined, professional and loyal to the Constitution and the democratically elected government.
Earlier, the Theatre Commander, JTF-NC Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD, Maj.-Gen. Yakubu Yahaya, commended the COAS for his strategic leadership and support.
Yahaya assured that troops would remain committed and steadfast in restoring peace and stability in the region.
The Nigerian Navy says it is expanding training and infrastructure to address emerging security threats and strengthen operational efficiency across formations and units nationwide.
The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Idi Abbas, spoke during the inauguration of projects at the Nigerian Navy Basic Training School (NNBTS) in Onne, Rivers as part of activities marking the Nigerian Navy’s 70th anniversary.
Abbas, represented by the Flag Officer Commanding, Naval Training Command (NAVTRAC), Rear Adm. Ebiobowei Zipele, said the projects reflected significant progress made by the navy since its establishment in 1956 from the British Royal Navy.
“Training and infrastructure have improved significantly to meet contemporary security challenges and fulfil the navy’s constitutional responsibilities.”
According to him, the anniversary provides the navy an opportunity to reflect on its achievements and contributions over the past seven decades.
Projects inaugurated included a remodelled female trainees’ hostel accommodating more than 500 occupants and an expanded golf course upgraded from one to nine holes.
Others were the NNBTS fuel dump, Chief Boatswain’s Mate House, renovated pharmacy department and a new theatre block at the Naval Medical Centre, Onne.
Abbas described the new theatre as a major milestone for the navy’s medical services.
“Previously, injured personnel requiring surgeries were referred outside the facility.
“With this theatre, surgeries can now be conducted within the base.’’
He added that a 30KVA inverter had also been installed to guarantee uninterrupted electricity supply at the training school.
The naval chief assured officers, ratings and trainees that the navy leadership remained committed to their welfare and wellbeing.
“These infrastructure upgrades show the commitment of the Chief of Naval Staff to addressing operational and welfare challenges promptly,” he said.
In addition, NAVTRAC distributed educational materials to pupils of Community Primary Schools One and Two, Ogale, in Ebubu-Eleme area of Rivers.
Items distributed included exercise books, school bags and other writing materials as part of the navy’s civil-military engagement initiative.
Zipele said the outreach was designed to strengthen relations between the navy and host communities while supporting children’s education.
“Education remains critical to national growth and youth empowerment. Some of these pupils may eventually serve in the Nigerian Navy,” he said.
He noted that the initiative demonstrated the navy’s commitment to educational development, peace, security and sustainable community relations.
Zipele urged the pupils to remain disciplined, focused and committed to their studies while embracing patriotism, integrity and hard work.
He thanked the Ebubu community for its continued support for the naval training command headquarters and the navy.
