Former Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi has extended warm wishes to Nigerian Muslims as they celebrate this year’s Eid al-Adha festivities.
In a statement by the Fayemi Media Office, the former Chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum described the celebration as a period of spiritual reflection, gratitude, and commitment to the values that define the Islamic faith.
Fayemi said: ‘I join millions of Nigerians in celebrating our Muslim brothers and sisters as they commemorate this significant religious festival. The spirit of Eid al-Adha reminds us of the importance of sacrifice, charity, and our collective responsibility to one another as citizens of this great nation’.
He, however, called for moderation in the celebrations, urging Muslims to be mindful of the current economic realities facing many families across the country.
‘Let us balance our festivities with empathy and kindness towards those less fortunate. While we celebrate, let us do so with consciousness of the challenges many of our compatriots are facing.
‘The true essence of Sallah does not lie in extravagant festivities, but in acts of kindness, sharing with the less privileged, and strengthening the bonds of brotherhood’, he emphasised.
Reflecting on the current state of the nation, Fayemi acknowledged the challenges confronting Nigeria, including economic hardship and security concerns. ‘We cannot deny that our country faces significant challenges today, especially with the rising cost of living, unemployment, and insecurity.
‘However, what inspires me is the unwavering spirit of our people. In the face of adversity, Nigerians have consistently demonstrated remarkable resilience, creativity, and an unshakeable belief in our collective destiny’, Fayemi said.
He pointed to the country’s youthful population, rich cultural diversity, abundant natural resources, and growing technological innovation as foundations upon which, a stronger Nigeria can be built. ‘Our diversity, often seen as a source of division, remains one of our greatest assets when harnessed constructively.
The energy and innovation of our young people, the wisdom of our elders, and our shared values across religious and ethnic lines provide the bedrock for national transformation’.
Fayemi called on all Nigerians, regardless of religious affiliation, to use the Sallah period for introspection and renewed commitment to national unity. ‘This is a time for us to look beyond our differences and focus on what unites us as Nigerians – our shared aspirations for security, prosperity, and good governance.
‘As we celebrate, let us renew our faith not just in our religious beliefs, but in our capacity as Nigerians to overcome present challenges and build a more prosperous, secure, and united nation for current and future generations’, Fayemi concluded.
