*Tinubu Reassures Of Commitment To Renewed Hope Agenda
THE holy month of Ramadan ended for millions of Muslims worldwide on Wednesday, April 10 declaration of the beginning of Eid-el-Fitr, the festival of breaking the fast.
Muslims in many other countries, including Nigeria, commenced the celebration, following its declaration as the day of Eid-el-Fitri by the Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar.
The Sultan, who is the President General, Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, said the decision followed the report of National Moon Sighting Committees across the country, confirming no earlier sighting of the new moon.
A statement by the Chairman, Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs to the Sultanate Council, Prof. Sambo Junaidu, on Monday evening, said the council accepted the report and accordingly declared Wednesday, April 10, as the first day of Shawwal 1445AH.
In celebration, President Bola Tinubu joined the Muslim faithful to observe Eid-el-Fitr prayers at the Dodan Barracks praying ground in Ikoyi, Lagos.
Tinubu, who was accompanied by top government functionaries, arrived the Eid praying ground at 10.02 a.m.
Speaking to the Muslim faithfuls through the Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, Tinubu urged them to be tolerant and empathetic toward one another.
Tinubu reassured Nigerians of his commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda of his administration, saying the agenda would result in a better Nigeria.
He praised Nigerians for resilience, sacrifices and endurance, advising them to protect the integrity of the nation more than outsiders, adding: “Be cheerful givers, love the country more than others.
“Renewed hope is very much alive, Nigerians should be hopeful,” he said.
“We should sustain the good behaviour, though Ramadan is over. We have no business fighting one another. We should have religious harmony.
“The empathy and love that we showed during the Ramadan must continue. Ramadan has gone, good behavior is not gone.
“Let us give to the needy. Always show charity. May Almighty Allah guide us and protect Nigeria.”
Earlier, while leading the prayer session, Grand Chief Imam of Lagos, Sheikh Sulaiman Abou Nolla, said fasting has great blessings and was one of the five pillars of Islam.
The Imam said the month of Ramadan is the month of grace, mercies, forgiveness and acceptance of prayers and called for unity among Nigerians, stressing that togetherness and unity in diversity remained key to national development.
While calling on governments across all levels to provide succour to the people, the cleric urged the citizens to be disciplined, law-abiding and ensure peace and harmony in various communities.
In his message, the Sultan encouraged the Muslim Ummah to actively pursue knowledge to strengthen their faith, emphasising the importance of continuing to pray for leaders and prosperity of the country.
“We should express gratitude to Almighty Allah for granting us the gift of life and good health, allowing us to observe the 30 days of fasting and celebrate Eid-el-Fitr.
He said: “Today marks a significant day in Islam, as Muslims worldwide commemorate the conclusion of Ramadan and the Eid-el-Fitr festivities.
“Moreover, let us perpetuate the spirit of compassion and support for one another, as demonstrated during the month of Ramadan, and extend assistance to those in need.”
