The Chairman of the Oyo State Advisory Council, Chief Bolaji Ayorinde, SAN, OFR, has extended his heartfelt greetings to His Excellency, the Executive Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde, FNSE, D.Sc, GSSRS, the Chief Imam of Ibadanland, Sheikh Abdul-Ganiyy AbuBakr Agbotomokekere, the Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Edo and Delta State, Alhaji Dawud Makanjuola Akinola, and all Muslims in Oyo State on the auspicious occasion of the 2025 Eid-el-Kabir celebration.
In a statement issued and signed in Ibadan, the State Capital said Eid-el-Kabir, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, is one of the most significant occasions in the Islamic calendar. It commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son in obedience to Allah’s command.
This event embodies the themes of faith, obedience, and devotion, encouraging Muslims to reflect upon their relationship with God and the wider community.
The statement said the celebration of Eid-el-Kabir is marked by sacrifice and sharing, as Muslims around the world partake in the symbolic act of Qurbani (sacrifice). This act not only serves as a reminder of the trials faced by Prophet Ibrahim but also signifies the importance of charity, compassion, and social responsibility. In our local context, it provides an opportunity to bond with family and friends while also considering the needs of the less fortunate.
He continued, “I would like to commend the Executive Governor of Oyo State, His Excellency, Engineer Seyi Makinde, for his continued efforts to improve the lives of the people of Oyo State. His administration has been proactive in fostering social inclusion and development that transcends religion and ethnicity. With this backdrop, we are reminded that the spirit of Eid-el-Kabir aligns with the core objectives of his administration in promoting peace, unity, and collective progress. As we gather for prayers and festivities, let us share in the joy and blessings bestowed upon us by Allah (SWT), recognizing that our diverse backgrounds are what enrich our society.
The statement added, “To the Chief Imam of Ibadanland, thank you for your spiritual guidance and teachings, which serve as a beacon of hope for our communities. Your role in encouraging our youths to lead lives of integrity and purpose cannot be overstated. We must continue to inspire the next generation, embedding within them the values and ethics that are both essential to our faith and beneficial to society at large”.
“As we look towards the future, let us reaffirm our commitment to fostering dialogue and understanding among different faiths. In the face of religious intolerance and conflict, we must strive to be ambassadors of peace. The lessons learnt from Eid-el-Kabir extend beyond the bounds of Islam; they resonate with universal themes of sacrifice, compassion, and communal harmony”. The statement noted
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