The Nigerian Government has declared Wednesday, June 28, and Thursday, June 29 as public holidays to commemorate Eid Al-Adha.
In an official statement on Monday, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Oluwatoyin Akinlade encouraged Nigerians to emulate the noble acts of Prophet Ibraheem by making sacrifices for the progress and advancement of the nation.
The statement emphasized, “In the spirit of this special occasion, during which we commemorate the great virtues of obedience, sacrifice, and faith as exemplified by Prophet Ibraheem (Peace of Allah be upon him), Muslims, and indeed all Nigerians are enjoined to make sacrifices for the growth and development of our communities and our great country, Nigeria.
“We are hopeful that the prayers and sacrifices that come with this great celebration, as well as the message of Eid-el-Kabir (or Eid Al-Adha) will bring about peace, unity, and progress in Nigeria.”
Eid al-Adha is an important religious holiday celebrated by Muslims worldwide. It commemorates the willingness of Ibrahim (Abraham), a central figure in Islam, to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God’s command. According to Islamic tradition, just as Ibrahim was about to carry out the sacrifice, God intervened and provided a ram as a substitute. Therefore, this holiday serves as a reminder of Ibrahim’s devotion and God’s mercy.
The celebration of Eid al-Adha lasts for four days and begins on the 10th day of the Islamic lunar month of Dhul Hijjah, which is the twelfth and final month of the Islamic calendar. The exact date of the holiday changes each year according to the lunar calendar.
Meanwhile, Hajiya Lami Lau, the National President of the National Council of Women Societies (NCWS), has extended a heartfelt appeal to fellow Nigerians and Muslims to offer prayers for President Bola Tinubu’s administration, seeking divine guidance and direction.
In her Sallah message delivered in Abuja on Tuesday, Lau conveyed warm felicitations to Muslims on the eve of their celebration of Eid al-Adha in 2023. Lau emphasized that every devout Muslim, especially women, should express gratitude to the Almighty for the privilege of partaking in the observance of Eid al-Adha.
According to her, the festivities of Eid-al-Adha serve as a poignant reminder of the immense power of faith to unite individuals, transcend geographical boundaries, and cultural differences, and foster a profound sense of shared humanity.
Underscoring the significance of inclusive governance, the leader of NCWS emphasized the urgent necessity of a government that encompasses the participation of women, youth, and individuals with disabilities, as this collective engagement is crucial for fostering meaningful development.