BENJAMIN OMOIKE
Edo State Governorship aspirant in the 2024 election, Peter Okoeguale, has felicitated Muslim faithful and the good people of Edo on the occasion of Eid-el-Fitr, marking the end of this year’s Ramadan fast.
Okoeguale says the period calls for sober reflection on the present situation in the country, while equally stressing that it is a period for Nigerians to rekindle their hope in the country.
“I wish to use this medium to convey my congratulations to the Muslim Ummah and to all our Muslim brothers and sisters on the successful completion of the one-month fast and the celebration of this year’s Eid el Fitri.
“This month of Ramadan and the activities that go with it represent one of the most important Pillars of Islam.
“It is a period that is marked by complete self-denial in the quest to make atonement for our sins and draw nearer to Allah, our Maker. Indeed, it is a season of sober reflection – considering the situation in the country, and it also affords us the opportunity to be thankful to God and rekindle our hope in our dear nation.”
“There is no doubt, therefore, that our nation has gained immensely from the one month of spiritual exercise by our Muslim brothers and sisters.
“Coming, especially, at a time the nation is seeking to change the baton of leadership from the outgoing Administration to the incoming one. The last one month of the Ramadan cannot but be of utmost benefit to our existence as a people and as a nation of “one destiny under God”.
“While conveying our gratitude to our brothers and sisters, who have stood in the gap for us as a nation this past one month, it is important to point out that we all must imbibe the lessons of the Ramadan and the positive change the lessons engender in society.
“We must look beyond the period to retain a mindset to always do and act right for the benefit of our nation.
“We must resolve to be progressive-minded and engage ourselves in things that advance nation-building.
“Peace and unity must be our watchwords, so as to move our nation beyond the realm of the divisive tendencies that we saw before the General Elections and even after the exercise.
“We must resolve to, from the complexities of our diversity, evolve into a nation-state that will earn the respect and admiration of the world.
“This is possible. But we must work for it.”
“So, as we celebrate today, we must make our celebration full by sharing something of ourselves with our neighbours.
“It is in the realisation that, until our neighbours are positively affected by the things that we possess and the things that give us joy, our own happiness may never be full.
“This is the essence of a period of sacrifice and prayer like today’s Eid.
“I cannot end this without a word for the average Nigerian,who toils day and night to make ends meet.
“While congratulating you on your resilience amidst the daunting challenges we go through everyday, I urge you to remain positive and keep hope alive. Certainly, with our support for the Government and its policies, there is hope that Nigeria will be a better place to live in.
“I also use this medium to call on our leaders to always lead with the people in mind and to understand that without the people behind them, they are merely taking a walk as leaders!
“On behalf of myself and family and indeed, our many progressive-thinking partners in the business of nation- building, I, once again, congratulate all Muslims, the good people of Edo State, and indeed all Nigerians on the occasion of this year’s celebration of Eid-el-Fitri and pray Allah to accept all our petitions. Barka Da Sallah!”
