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Wife of Lagos State Governor, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu on Sunday urged the Muslim community in the state to recommit to the ideals of Eid-el-Kabir festival, saying it was important for the people to uphold the virtues of sacrifice, love and peaceful co-existence.
She spoke at a special Eid-el-Kabir celebration put together by the First Family in conjunction with the state government held at Lagos House, Alausa, Ikeja.
According to her, “The essence of this festival is such that lays emphasis on the virtues of sacrifice, love, peace, unity, helping the needy and most importantly, total submission to the will and commandment of God as aptly demonstrated by Prophet Ibrahim.
“Prophet Ibrahim, as a mark of clear sincerity to Allah’s will, was prepared to offer his son, Isma’il as a sacrifice despite the fact that it was a tough call for him. Both father and son proved their love and obedience to Allah.”
She explained that the celebration was geared towards appreciating Allah and serving as a veritable reminder of the need for people to remain faithful to the ideals of the festival.
“More than before, this is the time for us to come together to make our respective communities, cities, states and country a better and safer place for everyone; this is the time for us to truly treasure brotherly love and harmonious co-existence; and also pray for the peace and tranquility of Lagos State and Nigeria.
“Beyond the festivities, it is a time for us to renew our faith in our nation and implore Almighty Allah to restore to us those values that place high premium on human life, love of neighbor and genuine commitment to the growth and development of our dear state and country, the Governor’s wife said, just as she prayed for the continued peace, prosperity and boundless transformation of the state across all sectors and sections.
Besides, she commended Lagosians for coming out to vote at yesterday’s elections into the 57 local councils in the state, saying the peaceful conduct of the election proved that the hand of God was upon the state.
“Let me seize this opportunity to thank all the people that came out yesterday to cast their votes and to prove that God still exists. Some people were so afraid that immediately after the election there would be riot or fight but God proved himself again that peace can still reign in this country and in this state. All honour and adoration to God,” she said.
Also speaking, the State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Governor, Mrs Folashde Jaji, thanked all the Islamic leaders and the people in the state for upholding peace and working with the government to move the state forward.
“I want to thank all the Muslim Ummah in Lagos State for the smooth Eid-Ul-Adha that we had in the state. I also want to thank all the people especially for the election into the Local Government Councils and LCDAs that we had yesterday that was very peaceful.
“If it was not for all of you, the peace and tranquility that prevailed would not have happened and I want to appreciate the youth especially and also thank God for being in control of everything happening in Lagos State,” the Governor said.
He assured that with the continued support and collaboration of the people, his administration would achieve the dream of a greater Lagos.
The celebration was attended by Islamic leaders led by the Chief Imam of Lagos, Sheikh Sulaimon Abou-Nola, various Muslim groups, as well as Quranic Rendition and musical entertainment by Sauti Arewa, Alaka Twins, Queen Kafilat Olohungbebe, among others.
