Eid-el Kabir: Emulate virtues of Prophet Ibrahim, Umaru-Bago urges Muslims
Gov. Mohammed Umaru-Bago of Niger has urged Muslims to emulate Prophet Ibrahim’s virtues of sacrifice, obedience and submissiveness to the will of Allah in order to be successful in life.
The governor stated this in his Eid-el Kabir message issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, and made available to newsmen in Minna on Tuesday
He urged Muslims to imbibe the virtues of love, obedience and sacrifices, as exemplified by Prophet Ibrahim (A.S).
“Eid-el Kabir celebration is a commemoration of total submission and obedience to the will of Allah, as exemplified by Prophet Ibrahim and Ismail.
“It is also a lesson on the virtue of keeping our promises to Allah and our fellow human beings,” the governor said.
“Prophet Ibrahim made a vow to sacrifice his son to Allah, and when it was time to fulfill the promise, he didn’t back out. That is a strong virtue worthy of emulation.
“It was in appreciation of that gesture that Allah converted what would have been a human sacrifice to that of a sheep,’’ he said.
Umaru-Bago, who noted the economic difficulties, occasioned by removal fuel subsidy removal, appealed to people to show understanding and confidence in the present administration at all levels.
According to him, efforts are being made to roll out palliatives to cushion the effects of the fuel subsidy removal.
The governor urged Muslim Ummah to remain devoted to their religion and show kindness and tolerance in order to foster harmonious co-existence in the society.
“I congratulate all Muslims on the celebration of this year’s Eid-el Kabir. I call on you to imbibe and reflect on the great lessons of the festival of sacrifice which are the hallmarks of Islam.
“As you celebrate, show piety and make personal sacrifice to the common good and collective interests of the people”, he said.
Umar-Bago also wished hajj pilgrims from the state a successful exercise and urged them to pray for peace, unity and development of the state and be good ambassadors while in the holy land.
While praying for improved security and peace of the state and Nigeria in general, he reassured citizens of his commitment to building a new Niger State where peace, unity, growth and development would reign, as captured in his administration’s policy thrust.
The governor urged residents to continue to support his administration’s policies covering security, education, science and technology, agriculture, health, commerce, tourism, infrastructure as well as women and youth development.
He prayed Allah to accept the prayers and sacrifices of the Muslim Ummah and accompany their daily lawful businesses with boundless blessings. (NAN)