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The Deputy National President of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) and Executive Chairman of Oru West Local Government Area of Imo State, Engr. Ikenna Toni Adikibe, has called on Nigerians to embrace sacrifice, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence as Muslim faithful across the country celebrate Eid al-Adha 1447 AH.

In a goodwill message addressed to Muslims in all 774 local government areas and area councils nationwide, Adikibe described Eid-el-Adha as a sacred festival rooted in mercy, obedience, and devotion to God.

“As we mark Eid al-Adha 1447 AH, I extend warm greetings to all Muslim faithful across Nigeria,” he stated.

According to him, the celebration remains a profound reminder of the unwavering faith demonstrated by Prophet Ibrahim and Prophet Ismail.

“This sacred festival comes with mercy in its heart and remembrance on its lips. It calls us back to the surrender of Prophet Ibrahim [AS] and the obedience of Prophet Ismail [AS]—a timeless reminder that true devotion is measured by what we are willing to give up for Allah,” he said.

The ALGON chieftain added that the season should inspire Nigerians toward compassion, unity, and renewed spiritual commitment.

“May this season soften our hearts toward one another and renew our reverence for Prophet Muhammad and the faith he delivered,” Adikibe stated.

He further stressed that the celebration of Eid-el-Adha reflects the unifying power of Islam across diverse ethnic and regional divides in the country.

“From Sokoto to Lagos, Maiduguri to Port Harcourt, Imo to Zamfara, the call of Allahu Akbar unites us as one Ummah,” he declared.

He explained that the five pillars of Islam remain critical in shaping disciplined individuals and cohesive communities.

“It renews our bond to the Pillars of Islam: Shahadah, Salat, Zakat, Sawm, and Hajj. These are not empty rites. They discipline the soul, order the home, and bind communities across tribe, tongue, and council into a single brotherhood under God,” he said.

Adikibe also used the occasion to call for enhanced security and greater protection for vulnerable Nigerians during the festive period, particularly in rural communities.

“For millions in rural Nigeria, a peaceful and dignified Eid depends on safety, affordability, and solidarity,” he noted.

The council chairman urged local government leaders, traditional institutions, and security agencies to intensify efforts toward safeguarding lives and property during the celebrations.

“I urge every LGA Chairman, traditional ruler, and security stakeholder to stand with the vulnerable. Prioritize public safety through proactive intelligence, coordinated patrols, and genuine community engagement,” he stated.

According to him, collaboration between citizens and security agencies remains essential to ensuring peaceful celebrations nationwide.

“When citizens and security agencies work together, markets stay open, places of worship are protected, roads are secured, and no family is denied the joy of this sacred day,” he added.

Adikibe further urged Nigerians to extend the spirit of sacrifice beyond the Sallah celebration by promoting tolerance, mutual respect, and grassroots-driven nation-building.

“May this blessed period deepen our devotion, strengthen the bonds of brotherhood, and inspire renewed commitment to nation-building from the grassroots up,” he said.6

He concluded by praying for peace, national unity, and divine acceptance of the sacrifices and prayers offered during the Eid celebrations.

“Eid Mubarak to all Nigerians. May Allah accept our prayers, sacrifices, and good deeds,” he prayed.

Hon. Stephen Abraham Ajiya, frontline Chairmanship aspirant in the aborted North Central Zonal Congress of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has, in a powerful Eid al-Adha message to Nigerian Muslims, congratulateed them for a peaceful celebration, urging continued prayers for visionary leadership and national renewal.

In his goodwill message, Hon. Ajiya congratulated Muslims across the country, particularly in the North Central region, on the successful celebration of Eid al-Adha, emphasizing the importance of the values it represents.

“On this sacred occasion of Eid al-Adha, I extend my warmest congratulatory message and heartfelt felicitations to all Muslims across Nigeria… May the peace, blessings, and mercy of Almighty Allah be upon you and your loved ones,” he stated.

Reflecting on the spiritual depth of the celebration, Ajiya highlighted the timeless example of Prophet Ibrahim’s obedience and sacrifice, noting its significance for both religious and national reflection.

“Eid al-Adha, the Festival of Sacrifice, is a powerful reminder of the unwavering faith, obedience, and devotion demonstrated by Prophet Ibrahim (AS), who was willing to sacrifice his son in submission to Allah’s will,” Ajiya said. “It is a time that calls on all of us—not just Muslims, but all Nigerians—to reflect deeply on the values of sacrifice, humility, and trust in divine guidance, especially in these trying times.”

Calling for a renewal of national hope, Ajiya appealed to Muslims to intensify their prayers for Nigeria’s healing, unity, and emergence of effective leadership.

“I call on all Muslims to continue to pray fervently for our nation—for healing, unity, and visionary leadership that will take us out of the shadows of insecurity, economic hardship, and disillusionment,” he urged. “Our collective prayers and actions are essential to birth a new Nigeria that aligns with our shared dreams of equity, justice, and progress.”

The PDP chieftain emphasized that Nigeria is at a critical juncture where sacrificial and morally grounded leadership is urgently needed.

“Nigeria today stands at a crossroads, and more than ever, we need leaders who embody the values of selflessness, sacrifice, and moral integrity—leaders who will serve with compassion and courage, just as Prophet Ibrahim submitted to the will of the Almighty without hesitation,” Ajiya stressed.

Reaffirming his commitment to the PDP and to transformational leadership in the North Central region, Ajiya expressed confidence in a future shaped by inclusiveness and justice.

“As a loyal member of our great party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and a committed aspirant to the Chairmanship position in the North Central Zone, I reaffirm my dedication to the ideals of justice, inclusiveness, and transformational leadership. Together, we can build a future that reflects the yearnings of our people—a future where no Nigerian is left behind,” he declared.

Concluding his message, Ajiya called on Nigerians to uphold the spirit of sacrifice and unity beyond the festivities.

“I urge us all to reach out to the less privileged, strengthen the bonds of brotherhood, and embrace the spirit of unity, sacrifice, and submission to the will of Allah in all our dealings,” he said.

“May this Eid bring peace to our communities, healing to our nation, and renewed strength to our democracy. Eid Mubarak to you and your families.”

Ajiya’s message resonates as a call for spiritual, ethical, and political renewal at a time when many Nigerians are yearning for hope and change.