Eid-el-Kabir: Kaduna gov urges Nigerians to embrace sacrifice, unity

The Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani and a former governor of the state, Ahmed Makarfi, have called on Nigerians to imbibe the virtues of sacrifice, compassion, peace and national unity as Muslims celebrate Eid-el-Kabir.

In separate goodwill messages issued on Wednesday, the two leaders urged citizens to reflect on the lessons of obedience, faith and peaceful coexistence associated with the Islamic festival.

Sani described Eid-el-Kabir as a sacred season of “profound spiritual reflection, sacrifice, and gratitude to Almighty Allah,” noting that the celebration symbolised the exemplary obedience of Prophet Ibrahim to the will of Allah.

According to him, the festival remains a timeless lesson in faith, conviction and compassion.

“Beyond the symbolic act of sacrifice lies the enduring essence of this festival: the triumph of faith over fear, of conviction over comfort, and of compassion over self-interest,” the governor said.

Quoting Qur’an 22:37, Sani stressed that the true essence of Eid lies in sincerity, humility and piety rather than material sacrifice.

“It is neither their meat nor their blood that reaches Allah, but it is piety from you that reaches Him,” he stated.

The governor urged Nigerians to use the occasion to support the vulnerable and extend kindness to neighbours and those facing hardship amid prevailing economic challenges.

“At a time when many families and communities continue to confront economic and social pressures, the lessons of Eid assume even greater significance.

“This season calls upon us to deepen our humanity; to stand beside the vulnerable, extend kindness to neighbours, comfort those in distress, and ensure that no member of society is abandoned to hardship or despair,” he added.

Sani also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to justice, inclusion, peaceful coexistence and shared prosperity through sustained investments in critical sectors of the economy.

He commended residents of Kaduna State for their resilience and commitment to peace, urging them to reject division, intolerance and violence.

Meanwhile, Makarfi called on Nigerians to embrace the virtues of sacrifice, obedience and unity, saying the Eid celebration should serve as a period of sober reflection and prayers for peace, security and prosperity in the country.

The former governor said Nigerians must not lose sight of the lessons of sacrifice and obedience to Allah, which form the essence of Eid-el-Adha as demonstrated by Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to God’s command.

“We must not lose sight of the lessons of sacrifice and obedience to the dictates of Allah, which form part of the essence of Eid-el-Adha as exemplified by Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to the command of Allah,” he said.

Makarfi urged Nigerians to continue to live in peace and harness the country’s diversity for national development.

“The best way to express our gratitude to Him is to continue to live in peace and keep on harnessing our diversity in order to explore and exploit the numerous opportunities He has endowed our nation with,” he stated.

He also congratulated Nigerian pilgrims participating in this year’s Hajj in Saudi Arabia and urged them to pray for peace, development and prosperity in the country.

“I also wish to congratulate our pilgrims for the God-given opportunity to perform this year’s Hajj and urge them to pray for the continued peace, security, development and prosperity of our dear country,” Makarfi added.

Eid-el-Kabir, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, is one of the most significant celebrations in Islam and commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s obedience and willingness to sacrifice his son in submission to Allah’s command.