Eid-el-kabir: Afuape, Oloyede Preach Moderation Amid Covid-19

Michael-Azeez Ogunsiji 

ABEOKUTA - Ogun state commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Afolabi Afuape has urged Muslims across the state on the need to celebrate moderately and “calm down” on the occasion of the Eid-el-Kabir festival in the wake of the rise in cases of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Afuape, in his Eid-el-Kabir message on Thursday congratulated Muslims in the state, with the call and to continue on the path of spirituality and peaceful co-existence.

The commissioner also urged Nigerians, especially Muslims to imbibe the lessons of the sacrifice made by Prophet Ibrahim and work for the unity and progress of the nation.

He reiterated the need for extreme caution in order not to jeopardise the gains of past months.

He said Eid-el-Kabir became a symbolic event in the history of mankind, given the bountiful rewards that followed the patience and perseverance of Prophet Ibrahim, who held on tenaciously to his faith in God despite being afflicted.

“This symbolic Islamic festival is a reminder to us that, there will always be great rewards when we have abiding faith and patience in trying periods; persistence in prayers and tenacity in our belief.

“It also reminds us of the sacrifice we are expected to make not only for spiritual fulfillment but also for the progress of mankind and the development of our society."

Similarly, a House of Representatives aspirant in Abeokuta North local government under the umbrella of All Progressives Congress (APC) in the last general elections in Ogun state, Hon. Bolaji Oloyede also reminded Nigerians, especially residents of the state on the need to reflect on the new reality caused by the global coronavirus pandemic, saying it has altered the way we live, work, and celebrate.

Oloyede who spoke with THE ENCOUNTER NEWS from his base in Canada said, “Traditionally, Eid-el-Kabir is marked with fanfare, where thousands of worshippers head to various designated praying grounds in their localities for special Eid prayer, followed by festive gatherings, visits to families and friends, gift exchanges, feasts among friends, neighbours, and relations."

BJ has fondly called advised residents of the state to support the government’s efforts in building a state that would work for all, adding that the need to keep the gateway state on the path of development is a collective responsibility of all citizens.

“However, these activities, which are a reflection of joy and happiness of the season, cannot hold this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Let us reflect on the last four to five months of our lives as individuals, as a state, and as a nation. We should also remember our health care workers, and thousands of COVID-19 patients who would have loved to be at home to celebrate with us at this moment.”