Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has called on leaders at all levels to embrace the lessons of the Eid el-Kabir festival, which symbolizes sacrifice, obedience and a profound test of faith for the benefit of the people.
According to a press release on Sunday, 16th June 2024 signed by the Director-General (Press Affairs) Gombe Government House, Ismaila Uba Misilli, said that the Governor conveyed this message during a feast with heads of government agencies at his official residence shortly after the Eid prayer in Gombe.
He emphasized that the essence of Eid el-Kabir, which commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s (AS) obedience to Allah’s command to sacrifice his son, serves as a universal lesson for all leaders, regardless of their faith.
“We must sacrifice at all times and all points, especially as leaders. We have much to learn from this festival. I believe that not only Muslims but also our Christian brethren understand the importance of such a command and the spirit of sacrifice,” the Governor stated.
Acknowledging the global and national economic challenges, Governor Inuwa Yahaya expressed confidence that Nigeria could emerge stronger if both leaders and citizens draw lessons from the festival and embrace patriotism.
He appealed to leaders to sacrifice their time, knowledge, and efforts to foster peaceful coexistence and sustain the nation.
“We are leaders because there is Nigeria, because there is Gombe State, and because we have people following us. We need to extend what God has given us to the less privileged. In that spirit, I urge you to sacrifice more and do more to ensure peace and tranquillity in Gombe State and Nigeria as a whole,” he urged.
Governor Inuwa Yahaya also expressed gratitude to the security agencies for their dedication to combating crime and urged them to enhance their efforts, particularly in areas requiring tactical improvements.
In his remarks, the Speaker of the Gombe State House of Assembly, Abubakar Mohammed Luggerewo, expressed gratitude to Almighty Allah for enabling the Muslim Ummah and the citizens in general to witness the Eid el-Kabir festival. He also thanked Governor Yahaya for his generous donations to various constituents, helping them meet the festival’s demands.
Governor Inuwa Yahaya had earlier joined thousands of Muslim faithful to observe the two raka’at prayers at the central Eid ground in Gombe metropolis to mark the commencement of the Eid celebration. The prayer, presided over by Imam Barrister Aliyu Hammari, was attended by top government functionaries, and senior emirate council members among others.
Special prayer sessions were observed for the peace, unity, and progress of Gombe State and Nigeria.