By George Ozalla
President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has felicitated Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima and Muslim faithful in Nigeria and across the world on the occasion of Eid-el-Kabir, urging Nigerians to embrace sacrifice, unity and hope for national renewal.
In a congratulatory message issued through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Hon. Eseme Eyiboh, Akpabio said the Islamic festival offers an opportunity for sober reflection on the virtues of sacrifice, obedience and faith as exemplified by Prophet Ibrahim.
According to the Senate President, the timeless values of devotion, selflessness and submission to the will of God are urgently needed in Nigeria at this critical period in the nation’s history.
He felicitated President Tinubu, Vice President Shettima and Muslim faithful on behalf of his family, constituents and the Senate, praying that the lessons of sacrifice, compassion and generosity associated with the season would strengthen the faith of the people and bring peace to their homes.
Akpabio also commended Muslims for extending love and support to the less privileged and promoting peaceful coexistence across religious divides, describing such acts as the true spirit of Nigeria.
He urged Nigerians to use the solemn period to pray for peace, security and prosperity in the country, while also remembering troops fighting insecurity across different parts of the nation.
The Senate President further called for prayers for farmers to safely return to their farms and for unity to triumph over division in the country.
Reflecting on the state of the nation, Akpabio said Nigeria was passing through a season of testing similar to the trials faced by Prophet Ibrahim, noting that the sacrifices citizens make through patience, tolerance and hope would determine the future inherited by coming generations.
He stated that the Renewed Hope Agenda of the present administration, with the backing of the National Assembly, is founded on the principle that meaningful national progress requires collective sacrifice.
Akpabio prayed that Almighty Allah would accept the prayers and sacrifices of the faithful, heal the nation, guide its leaders and bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria as Muslims celebrate Eid-el-Kabir.
