By Amuda Dan Sulaiman Fab
Thousands of Muslim faithful from different walks of life on Wednesday converged at the Galili Central Eid Prayer Ground in Lokoja to observe the two-rak’ah Eid-el-Kabir prayers in an atmosphere of peace, devotion, and unity.
The congregational prayers were led by the Chief Imam of Lokoja, Sheikh Aminu Shaban, who urged Muslims to remain steadfast in the fear of Allah and uphold justice and fairness in their daily dealings.
Delivering his sermon shortly after the prayers, the cleric admonished the Muslim Ummah to shun excessive materialism and attachment to worldly possessions, stressing the importance of total submission and dedication to the worship of Almighty Allah in order to attain His mercy and forgiveness in the hereafter.
He also called on Muslims to embrace love, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence, warning against actions capable of causing hatred, division, and disunity within the Ummah.
The Eid prayer ground witnessed a massive turnout of worshippers from across Lokoja and neighbouring communities, who gathered to seek Allah’s blessings and celebrate the sacred festival in unity and gratitude.
Among the dignitaries present at the prayer ground were the Maigari of Lokoja, Dr. Ibrahim Gambo Kabir Maikarfi, the Majindadi of Lokoja, Alhaji Abdulrazak Isah Kutepa, Kogi State Commissioner for Water Resources, Engr Yahaya Muhammad Danladi Faruq and the member representing Lokoja One State Constituency, Hon. Shehu Tijjani Bin Ebaiya, top government officials, politicians, traditional title holders, and other prominent personalities also attended the prayers.
In separate interviews shortly after the prayers, the dignitaries extended their Sallah messages to the people of Kogi State and Nigerians at large, calling for peace, unity, tolerance, and continuous prayers for the progress and stability of the country.
Alhaji Abdulrazak Isah Kutepa urged Nigerians to embrace the spirit of sacrifice, love, and peaceful coexistence, stressing the need for citizens to remain supportive of efforts geared towards national development.
Also speaking, Engr Faruk Danladi extended his Eid-el-Kabir greetings to Muslims across Kogi State and Nigeria, urging them to continue to pray for peace, unity, and prosperity of the nation while promoting harmony and compassion among one another.
Similarly, Hon. Shehu Tijjani Bin Ebaiya appealed to residents of Lokoja and Kogi State to continue to live in peace and harmony irrespective of ethnic, religious, or political differences.
The highlight of the event was the ceremonial slaughtering of the Imam’s ram shortly after the prayers, symbolizing the spirit of sacrifice and obedience associated with the Eid-el-Kabir celebration.
The Eid-el-Kabir celebration was observed with great devotion and reflection, symbolizing faith, sacrifice, gratitude, and unity among Muslims in Lokoja and beyond.
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