From Tony Osauzo, Benin, Adesuwa Tsan, Abuja and Lukman Olabiyi Senate President, Godswill Akpabio and Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, Governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo and Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, have called on Nigerians to use the Eid-el-Kabir celebration to promote unity, charity, sacrifice and prayers for peace and national development. In separate goodwill messages, the two presiding officers of the Senate urged citizens to remain hopeful and supportive of the ongoing efforts to address the country’s challenges. Akpabio congratulated President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima and Muslims across the world on the celebration. He said Eid-el-Kabir symbolises faith, obedience and selflessness, noting that the virtues reflected in Prophet Ibrahim’s sacrifice were needed in Nigeria at a critical period in the nation’s history. He urged Nigerians to use the season to pray for peace, security and prosperity, while also supporting the less privileged and strengthening ties across religious and ethnic divides. He also appealed for prayers for security personnel battling insecurity and for farmers to safely return to their farms, stressing that patience and collective sacrifice were necessary for national progress. According to him, the Renewed Hope Agenda of the current administration, with legislative backing from the National Assembly, was aimed at building long-term stability and prosperity for Nigerians. On his part, Barau urged Muslims and all Nigerians to uphold the values of charity, justice, tolerance and total submission to the will of Allah. He called on Nigerians to extend support to the poor and vulnerable during the Sallah season and recommit themselves to building a peaceful and economically strong nation. He congratulated Nigerian pilgrims performing the Hajj in Saudi Arabia and urged them to pray for Nigeria’s unity, peace and prosperity at the holy sites. He also appealed to Nigerians to continue supporting the administration of President Tinubu, expressing confidence that ongoing efforts by the government would address the nation’s socio-economic and security challenges. The two Senate leaders prayed for enduring peace, unity and progress in the country as Muslims celebrate Eid-el-Kabir. Governor Sanwo-Olu urged citizens to embrace peace, unity and sacrifice for national development. He also called on them to sustain the virtues of spirituality, tolerance and peaceful coexistence. Sanwo-Olu said the Eid-el-Kabir festival remains symbolic in the history of mankind because of the faith, patience and perseverance demonstrated by Prophet Ibrahim despite severe trials. According to the governor, the celebration serves as a reminder that abiding faith in God, persistence in prayers and steadfastness in difficult times always attract divine rewards. “On behalf of my family and the Government of Lagos State, I join millions of people around the world to wish our Muslim brothers and sisters in Lagos State and Nigeria a happy Eid-el-Kabir celebration,” he said. He added that the festival also highlights the importance of sacrifice, not only for spiritual fulfilment, but for societal growth and national progress The governor appealed to Nigerians to draw lessons from the life of Prophet Ibrahim by shunning actions capable of threatening the unity, peace and stability of the country. Sanwo-Olu also urged citizens to support the administration of President Bola Tinubu in its efforts to build a more prosperous nation, stressing that sustaining Nigeria’s development requires the collective responsibility and commitment of all Nigerians. In his goodwill message, Governor Okpebholo, congratulated Muslims in Edo State and across Nigeria and urged them to continue to uphold the virtues of sacrifice, obedience, love and peaceful coexistence as exemplified by Prophet Ibrahim. He said Eid-al-Adha remains a significant period for reflection, devotion and commitment to the will of Almighty Allah, stressing that the lessons of the festival should inspire citizens to work together for the peace, unity and development of the state and the nation at large. Besides, Governor Okpebholo commended the Muslim faithful in Edo for their continued prayers, support and contributions towards the growth and stability of the state, assuring them of his administration’s commitment to inclusive governance, infrastructural development and improved welfare for all residents. He called on citizens to use the festive period to promote harmony, show kindness to the less privileged and strengthen the bonds of brotherhood irrespective of religious or ethnic differences. He also urged the people to continue to support the government’s efforts aimed at building a prosperous and secure Edo, while praying for Allah’s guidance, mercy and abundant blessings upon the state and the nation. “On behalf of the Government and people of Edo State, I warmly felicitate with our Muslim brothers and sisters on the celebration of Eid-al-Adha. May Allah accept our sacrifices and reward our acts of worship,” he said.