By Akinnodi Francis and Kayode Afolabi

As Muslims across the country commemorate this year’s Eid-el-Kabir celebration, council chairmen across various local government areas in Ondo State have extended warm felicitations to the faithful, calling for unity, sacrifice and peaceful co-existence.

In separate goodwill messages, the Chairmen of Ondo West, Ondo East and Ile-Oluji/Okeigbo Local Government Areas, Ayotunde Akinfolarin, Joshua Ogunduyilemi and Adebare Adeboye, joined their counterpart from Odigbo Local Government Area, Taiwo Adegoroye, in rejoicing with Muslim faithful in their respective councils and the state at large.

The Ondo West, Ondo East and Ile-Oluji/Okeigbo chairmen, in interviews with Weekend Hope, congratulated Muslims for witnessing another Sallah celebration, describing it as a festival that denotes faith, sacrifice and obedience to the will of Allah.

“We celebrate with the Muslims on the joyous occasion of Eid-el-Kabir, an event that denotes sacrifice, faith, and obedience to the will of the Almighty. May the important lessons of this occasion lead to more peaceful co-existence, mutual respect, prosperity and tranquility in our nation,” they said, urging Muslims to reflect on the spiritual essence of the occasion.

They emphasised that nation-building requires sacrifice and collective commitment from all citizens, adding that it is only through a united front that true national development can be achieved.

While appreciating the sacrifices Nigerians have made under the current administration, the chairmen said: “The sacrifices and great expectations of citizens will not come to nought as already propitious outcomes are beginning to manifest with the economy strengthening and vibrancy returning to critical sectors.”

They also reassured the people of Ondo State that the administration of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa remains committed to ensuring their physical, social and economic wellbeing.

On his part, Mr. Taiwo Adegoroye of Odigbo Local Government, in a statement made available to our correspondent, called on Muslims to emulate the values of Prophet Ibrahim and Prophet Muhammad, which centre around sacrifice, love, unity of purpose and obedience.

He said, “As we partake in the sacrificial rites, let us remember the Quranic message that Allah does not need the meat or blood of the sacrificed animals; rather, it is our piety and devotion that He seeks. As stated in Surah Al-Hajj (22:37), ‘Their meat will not reach Allah, nor will their blood, but what reaches Him is piety from you.’”

The council boss further advised Muslims to celebrate responsibly while maintaining proper hygiene during the slaughter and disposal of sacrificial animals, stressing that cleanliness reflects the purity of faith.

He described the Sallah season as a period for sharing and caring, urging residents of Odigbo to remain vigilant, security conscious and report any suspicious activity capable of disturbing the peace of the area.

“On behalf of myself, my family, the government and the good people of Odigbo Local Government Area, I rejoice with our brothers and sisters in Islam across the world on the occasion of this year’s Eid-el-Kabir,” he added.