BY SUNDAY EGEDE
MUSLIM faithful from Delta State have joined millions of others on the holy pilgrimage to Mecca for this year’s Eid-el-Kabir, offering fervent prayers for President Bola Tinubu, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, and his predecessor, Sen (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa.
They sought divine guidance and strength for their leadership.
The pilgrims also urged Muslims across the globe to embrace a life of sacrifice and selfless service to humanity, in line with the injunctions of Allah and the teachings of the Holy Quran.
The Chairman of the Delta State Muslim Pilgrims’ Welfare Board, Alhaji Auwal Tukur, made the call during the ongoing Hajj in Mecca, Saudi Arabia.
He described Eid-el-Kabir as a momentous occasion in the life of every Muslim, citing the obedience shown by Prophet Ibrahim when Allah commanded him to sacrifice his son, Ishmael.
Alhaji Tukur reminded Nigerians of the need to pray for peace, unity, and holistic development in the country. He emphasised that Eid-el-Kabir should promote love and sacrificial giving to fellow human beings, regardless of tribe, religion, or social status. He described the Hajj as a vital platform to intercede for the country, particularly for Delta State and its political leaders, expressing gratitude to Governor Oborevwori for providing rams and food items to Muslims in Delta State in celebration of Eid.
Tukur also thanked the former Governor, Sen Ifeanyi Okowa, and the people of Delta State for their continued support and care for Muslims and non-indigenes in the state.
He issued a stern warning to those involved in criminal activities in Delta to desist or relocate, stating that the long arm of the law would soon catch up with them.
The Chairman gave assurances that the Hausa community and other ethnic groups in Delta were pleased with Governor Oborevwori’s leadership and pledged full support for his MORE Agenda.
“We have a Governor who cares for everyone and has supported the Muslim community. That is why we considered it necessary to organise prayers for him. May God continue to guide and help him,” he said.
Likewise, the Chief Imam of Ekiti State, Alhaji Abubakar Musa, who led other pilgrims in prayers in the Holy Land, called for collective supplication to Allah to reverse the negative trends in Nigeria.
He offered special prayers for Governor Oborevwori, Sen Okowa, and Delta State, praying for continued peace and development.
Eid-el-Kabir, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son Ishmael in obedience to Allah. Muslims across the world observe the day as a testament to faith, loyalty, and submission to God’s will.
The festival celebrated on the 10th day of Dhul Hijjah, the final month of the Islamic lunar calendar, coincides with the Hajj pilgrimage, one of the five pillars of Islam.
It is a sacred obligation for all physically and financially able Muslims to undertake this journey at least once in their lifetime.
