Eid-el-Adha: AbdulRazaq, Emir, Saraki, Mustapha pray for peace, unity in Nigeria
By Mosunmola Ayobami, Ilorin
Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, the Emir of Ilorin, Dr Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, and other prominent leaders on Wednesday joined Muslim faithful at the Ilorin Central Praying Ground for the Eid-el-Adha prayers amid tight security and a peaceful atmosphere.
The prayer session attracted top government officials, traditional title holders, political leaders and residents from different parts of the Ilorin Emirate, with worshippers turning out in large numbers to observe the annual Islamic festival.
Governor AbdulRazaq arrived at the praying ground around 9:45 a.m. in a white coaster bus after navigating heavy traffic along the Abdulwahab Folawiyo (Unity) Road. Among members of his entourage were the Mutawali of Ilorin, Dr Alimi AbdulRazaq; the Turaki of Ilorin and Senator representing Kwara Central, Saliu Mustapha; and APC chieftain, Attahiru AbdulKadir Manko.
Speaking shortly after the prayers, the governor thanked Allah for preserving the lives of Muslims to witness another Eid celebration and prayed for lasting peace, unity and progress in Kwara State and Nigeria.
“We thank Almighty Allah for making us witness another Eid. My message is about peace, unity and progress of the country. I wish us all Eid Mubarak,” AbdulRazaq said.
He also urged Nigerians to remain united and committed to building a better and more prosperous country despite prevailing challenges.
Senator Mustapha, in his remarks, congratulated the Muslim Ummah on the Eid-el-Adha celebration and prayed for Allah to accept the sacrifices and acts of worship performed during the period. He also prayed for long life and the opportunity to witness more celebrations in peace.
The Eid prayer commenced shortly before 10 a.m. following the arrival of the Emir of Ilorin, the Imam of Imale of Ilorin, Shaykh Abdullah AbdulHameed, and Governor AbdulRazaq. Other dignitaries at the event included former Senate President Bukola Saraki, Grand Mufti of Ilorin Shaykh Sulaiman Faruk Onikijipa, former Vice Chancellors Prof. Shuaib Oba AbdulRaheem and Prof. AbdulRasheed Na’Allah, as well as former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Alfa Belgore.
