Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Thursday
called on Muslims in Nigeria to imbibe the values of sacrifice, love and
continue to foster unity as they join their counterparts worldwide to celebrate
this year’s Eid-el-Kabir festival.
In his Sallah message signed by his Chief Press Secretary,
Mr. Habib Aruna, Governor Ambode said the period of the celebration was a
clarion call for Nigerians to imbibe the lessons of the season such as selfless
service to God and humanity, sacrifice and sincere commitment to righteous
conducts in their private and public life.
He explained that the significance of the season should be
beyond the festivities, adding that as Muslims prepare to offer animal
sacrifice in the prescribed days of the festival, the real essence was not in
the meat or the blood of the animal but to encourage piety, self-discipline and
sacrifice.
Governor Ambode therefore called on all Nigerians to exhibit
these values for the good of the country and shun any act capable of heating up
the polity or causing distrust among various ethnic groups in the country.
“As we celebrate this auspicious occasion, let us renew our
faith in our nation and implore the Almighty God to restore to us those values
that place high premium on human life, love of neighbour and sharing even as we
ventilate our faith in the unity of our dear country”, the Governor said.
“This period requires more patience, fortitude, tolerance,
endurance, patriotism and a greater willingness to make personal sacrifices for
the good of all,” he said.
The Governor also thanked Lagosians for supporting his
administration, assuring that the Government would continue to do its best to
serve the people and promote fairness and mutual tolerance among the populace,
irrespective of backgrounds.
While wishing all Lagosians, especially adherents of the
Islamic faith a happy Eid-el-Kabir celebration, Governor Ambode enjoined
Nigerians in other parts of the country to continue to be their brothers’
keeper.
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