President Muhammadu Buhari has urged the Muslims in Nigeria not to forget to reflect on the lessons and virtues of Ramadan, stressing the sustenance of the virtues and lesson of the season beyond the celebration.
Buhari stated this while felicitating with Muslims on Eid-el-Mubarak, saying, “Even as we mark the successful end of the Ramadan, and the commemoration of Eid-el-Fitr, we are doing so mindful of the times we are in. Let us continue to reflect on the lessons and virtues of this season, and sustain them beyond the celebrations. I wish you all Eid Mubarak”.
Consequence upon the ravaging of Coronavirus in the country, the President observed the Eid prayer only with his family members.
In the same vein, Gboyega Oyetola of the State of Osun said, “Although Ramadan has gone, we as Muslims, must not depart from the lessons and virtues of the spiritually-rejuvenating month. We must sustain the lessons the month had taught us and continue to replicate them in our daily lives and dealings with others. We must keep up with the good deeds we were known for, during the month. Let us continue to exhibit the virtues of devotion, obedience, perseverance, love, tolerance, peace, sacrifice, forgiveness and generosity associated with the month of Ramadan. This way, we will become better Muslims and contribute to the betterment of the society we live in”.
Continuing, he said, “COVID-19 has no doubt caused us unprecedented economic and health woes, but I believe that, with divine prayers and efforts put in place by government at various levels, Nigeria and the world will defeat the pandemic and come out of it stronger and better. I encourage citizens and residents of Osun to celebrate the Eid-el-firtri festival in moderation and in compliance with the subsisting COVID-19 rules and regulations of the State Government”.
Suspending some regular activities during Eid celebration such as congregational prayers and other religious gathering, Oyetola explained, “This is necessary to flatten the curve and prevent community transmission of the Coronavirus”.
He concluded, “I appeal to Nigerians and the Muslim faithful in particular to intensify prayers during the month of Shawwal for Allah’s intervention in the fight against Covid-19. This month is a symbol of new life and renewal after the month of spiritual cleansing”.
Also, Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State said, “We are very grateful to Almighty Allah (SWT) for guiding us all through the Holy Month, especially during this time of a raging pandemic. This is an unusual time that disallows the traditional merrymaking that comes with the glorious end of the Ramadan Fast, so I urge us all to celebrate at home without gathering in large numbers.
“I want us all, Nigerian Muslims and Christians, to be grateful to the Almighty that an increasing number of people are recovering from the virus. We should therefore continue to follow advisories on distancing, hand hygiene, face masks, lockdown, and travels. As we all celebrate at home, let’s for the sake of all frontline workers who have sacrificed one way or another, pray to the Almighty to bring an end to this global health crisis”, he added.
Other governors of the South West who felicitated with Muslim faithfuls are Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo and Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos.
