Nigeria’s president, Bola Ahmed Tinubu has felicitated with Muslim faithfuls in the country as they mark their annual Eid-el-Fitr celebration for the year 2024.
The Eid-el-Fitr is a significant occasion to the Muslim faithfuls as it marks the end of Ramadan; a season of fasting, prayers and almsgiving that spans a period of 30 days.
In a statement shared on the president’s official handle on X, President Tinubu prayed for answered prayers for all Muslim faithfuls in Nigeria and across the globe.
The statement read:
“I felicitate with the Muslim Ummah at Eid-el-Fitr, an auspicious occasion that marks the end of Ramadan; a sacred season reflecting total submission to God Almighty and to His command of sacrifice and service to humankind.
“I greet the Muslim faithful in Nigeria and all around the world, praying that their supplications and sacrifices this season and even after will be fittingly rewarded by Almighty Allah.
“As I emphasized during an iftar with Nigeria’s leaders of thought and conscience, I appeal to all citizens to come together and rededicate themselves to the noble duty of building our nation – We are the sculptor, and Nigeria is the clay; we build it the way we desire.
“I pray that the lessons, blessings, and joys of this season abide with us always while wishing Nigerians, Happy Eid-el-Fitr celebrations.”
Similarly, Nigeria’s Senate President of the 10th assembly, Godswill Akpabio in a message signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Hon. Eseme Eyiboh, congratulated Muslims in Nigeria for the successful end of the 30 days of Ramadan fast.
Akpabio wrote, “On behalf of my family, the people of Akwa Ibom North West Senatorial District, and indeed the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I heartily rejoice with all the Muslims in Nigeria as they join their counterparts in other parts of the world to celebrate Eid El Fitri.
“I wish all of you a peaceful and sweet celebration and pray to the Almighty God to grant your heart desires.”
He added, “I therefore ask you to pray for your leaders and the peace and unity of our dear country. I believe with your prayers, Nigeria will overcome its current challenges.”
The Federal government had earlier announced Tuesday 9th and Wednesday 10th April as public holidays in Nigeria as part of efforts to commemorate this year’s Eid-el-Fitr celebrations.
However, in a sudden twist of events, the FG on Tuesday, announced an extension of the public holidays for the Eid-el-Fitr celebration to Thursday.
According to the permanent secretary, Ministry of Interior, Dr Aishetu Gogo Ndayako who made the announcement, the extension was sequel to the fact that the crescent was not sighted in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, meaning that the Eid celebration will take place on Wednesday.
The minister explained that the unforeseen turnout of events prompted the Federal government’s move to extend the holidays.
He wrote: “The federal government has approved Thursday, April 11, 2024, as an additional public holiday to celebrate this year’s Eid-El-Fitr.”
The minister however, further congratulated the Muslim faithfuls for a successful completion of a month of spiritual rejuvenation.
