- Governors Mohammed Bago and Alex Otti urged Muslim faithful to pray for peace, stability, and wise governance during Eid‑el‑Fitr celebrations
- Both highlighted Ramadan’s lessons of commitment, perseverance, and reflection as a foundation for national cohesion
- Religious leaders and state officials reinforced calls for interfaith harmony, unity, and prayers for a peaceful future for Nigeria
Governors across Nigeria have used the occasion of Eid-el-Fitr to urge Muslim faithful to pray for peace, security, and good governance in their states and the country at large.
In Niger State, Governor Mohammed Bago called on Muslims to seek divine intervention to end insecurity and to pray that leaders at all levels are granted wisdom to govern justly. The appeal was included in his Eid-el-Fitr message issued on Friday through his Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim.
Bago congratulated the Muslim Ummah on successfully completing the Ramadan fast, describing it as a significant spiritual exercise and one of the pillars of Islam. “He commends the Muslim Ummah for their commitment, perseverance, and resilience throughout the fasting period and urges them to continue to practise the lessons learnt from the Holy Quran and Hadith,” the statement read.
The governor urged the faithful to use the Eid celebrations to pray for peace and stability, noting that addressing security challenges is essential for economic growth and development. He also reiterated that the “New Niger Agenda” remains central to his administration’s vision for progress in the state.
In a related message, the Niger State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) congratulated Muslim faithful on the occasion and called for sustained unity and peaceful coexistence. Most Rev. Dr Bulus Yohanna, state CAN Chairman, encouraged residents to promote harmony across religious divides. “As Eid-el-Fitr signals the end of the holy month of Ramadan, we call on all residents to prioritise peaceful coexistence so that together we can live in unity and harmony,” he said. Yohanna also prayed for divine guidance for the governor and other leaders to serve the people selflessly.
Meanwhile, Abia State Governor Alex Otti used his Eid message to encourage Muslims to embrace virtues that promote peace, unity, security, and the overall well-being of humanity. Issued via his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ferdinand Ekeoma, the statement described Eid-el-Fitr as not only a period of celebration but also a time for reflection.
Governor Otti urged Muslims to renew their faith, strengthen their relationship with Allah, and uphold virtues that foster peace and national cohesion. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to religious freedom, assuring that all religious groups in Abia State would continue to receive equal treatment and support as a foundation for peaceful coexistence.
Both governors concluded their messages by wishing the Muslim community joyous Eid-el-Fitr celebrations and praying for a brighter, more peaceful future for Nigeria.