Cross River State Governor, Professor Ben Ayade has felicitated with Muslims on the festival of Eid El Kabir as they join their counterparts round the world to mark the occasion.
He admonished them to imbibe the virtues of obedience, love, alms giving, honesty and sacrifice as examplified by Prophet Muhammed.
The governor’s admonition was contained in a Sallah message signed on his behalf by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Christian Ita.
According to Ayade, “more than ever before, our country needs collective will of all its citizens to surmount its challenges. So as people of faith, I charge you to be ready at all times to make the sacrifices necessary for the progress of Nigeria
“There is no better way to do this than through exhibition of love, sacrifice, obedience, honesty and sacrifice as taught by Prophet Muhammed.”
Continuing, the Cross River state governor described Eid-el-Kabir as “an opportunity for Muslim faithfuls to reflect on the faith, which prophet Ibrahim dutifully agreed to sacrifice his son in obedience to the command of Allah”
“I wish to use this period of Eid-El kabir to speak to our inner selves and remind us that our great nation is going through challenges and all of us must play our role to overcome these challenges”, he further said.
Ayade said his administration has provided a peaceful, conducive environment for all citizens and residents of the state to cohabit irrespective of their religion, tribe or ethnic coloration because “in Cross River, we do not see tribe or religion, what we see and cherish is humanity.”
While wishing Muslims in the state warm and wonderful sallah celebrations, he reminded them that the deadly Covid 19 pandemic is still very much around and urged them to adhere to all preventive protocols as they throng fun places.
