Eminent Nigerians, including the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, governors, Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Prof Nentawe Yilwatda, and monarchs, have called for unity, peace, and sustained prayers for national development as Muslims celebrate Eid-el-Fitr, marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan.

The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, on Wednesday declared Friday as Eid and the first day of the new month.

As a mark of the end of the Holy Month, Muslims all over the world will troop to prayer grounds to celebrate Eid-el-Fitr.

Congratulating Muslims on the successful completion of the fast, Abbas expressed optimism that their sacrifices and prayers would usher in a brighter future for the country.

In a Sallah message signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Krishi, Abbas said, “Divine intervention, through prayers, remains a major reason for the country’s unity, peace, and stability.”

He added, “Incidentally, our Christian brothers and sisters are also observing the Lent period concurrently with their Muslim counterparts.

“This is a divine arrangement for us to redouble our efforts in prayers and dedication to our Creator. It is also a reminder that we are one people united by a common good.”

He urged Muslims to sustain the virtues of piety, charity, and selflessness imbibed during Ramadan, stressing that Nigerians must continue to pray for a better society.

In a goodwill message on Thursday, Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Yahaya, called on Muslims and all citizens to sustain the spirit of devotion, sacrifice and supplication cultivated during the holy month of Ramadan.

The governor emphasised that Eid-el-Fitr is not only a time of celebration but also a moment for deep reflection, urging the faithful to translate the lessons of the sacred month into everyday conduct.

“As we celebrate the Eid-el-Fitr festival, I wish to admonish us to learn from the good lessons of Ramadan, which connote piety, obedience and selflessness.

We must all imbibe the tenets of Islam, which promote peace, tolerance, modesty and love,” the governor stated.

Similarly, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun described Ramadan as a sacred period of reflection, discipline, and compassion, urging Muslims to uphold its lessons beyond the fasting period.

In a statement issued in Abeokuta on Thursday, Abiodun described Ramadan as a sacred period marked by deep reflection, devotion, self-discipline, and renewed commitment to the service of Almighty Allah and humanity.

“As our Muslim brothers and sisters celebrate Eid-el-Fitr, we join them in gratitude to Almighty Allah for granting the grace to witness the end of this blessed month,” he said.

In Oyo State, Governor Seyi Makinde urged the faithful to seek divine guidance and remain security-conscious during the festivities.

Makinde, in a statement released by his Special Adviser on Media, Sulaimon Olarenwaju, charged the Muslim faithful to use the opportunity presented by the Eid-el-Fitri to seek God’s face and guidance, and to pray for the leadership of the state and  Nigeria.

“Let me equally use this occasion to urge you (Muslim faithful) to be observant and cautious during the festivities, ensuring that you pay close attention to your environments and report any suspicious movement or activity to appropriate security agencies,” the governor urged.

Also, Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State called on Nigerians to sustain the spirit of unity, sacrifice, and compassion demonstrated during Ramadan.

“As we mark this special day, may the enduring lessons of brotherhood and shared humanity usher in a new season of unity and progress in our country,” he said.

Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, emphasised peaceful coexistence and tolerance, noting that Ramadan promotes reflection and renewed faith.

Oborevwori, in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, in Asaba, lauded Muslims for their devotion, sacrifice, and commitment to the spiritual values of Islam, as demonstrated during the period of fasting and prayer.

The governor noted that Ramadan represents a period of deep reflection, self-discipline, compassion, and renewed faith, urging Muslims to sustain these virtues beyond the holy month for the overall good of society.

Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, called on residents of the state to embrace unity, compassion, and vigilance.

Mohammed, in a statement issued on Thursday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mukhtar Gidado, extended warm felicitations to the Muslim Ummah in Bauchi State, across Nigeria, and around the world.

“True success lies not only in observing Ramadan but in embodying its teachings throughout the year,” the governor stated, encouraging continued support for the underprivileged and vulnerable members of society.

Katsina State Governor, Mallam Dikko Radda, called for continued unity and compassion as the Muslim Ummah celebrate 2026 Eid-el-Fitr.

“As we celebrate this joyous occasion, I urge all Muslims to uphold the virtues of patience, compassion, and self-discipline cultivated during Ramadan,” Radda said.

Similarly, the Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, called for unity and peaceful coexistence, urging citizens to work collectively towards national development.

“I heartily rejoice with the Muslim Ummah on this special occasion, which reminds us of the virtues of sacrifice and total submission to the will of God Almighty.

“As you celebrate, I encourage everyone to reflect on the values of love, charity, and selflessness, and to work collectively towards building a more united, peaceful, and prosperous Plateau State,” he stated.

Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, appealed to Muslims to continue praying for Nigeria and for peaceful elections in the state.

Oyebanji admonished Muslims in the state and Nigeria as a whole to continue to pray for the success of President Bola Tinubu to realise the vision of a more prosperous Nigeria under the Renewed Hope Agenda and a country that Nigerians at home and in the Diaspora could be proud of.

Governor Nasir Idris of Kebbi State also congratulated Muslims on the successful completion of Ramadan and the celebration of Eid-el-Fitr, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to delivering impactful projects and strengthening security across the state.

In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Communication and Strategy, Abdullahi Idris, the governor expressed gratitude for the opportunity to witness the holy month and lauded the dedication of the faithful to prayers and sacrifice.

The governor reassured citizens of sustained efforts to safeguard lives and property, revealing ongoing collaboration with security agencies.

Similarly, the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, called for tolerance and harmony among Nigerians, urging citizens to cherish diversity and promote peaceful coexistence.

In a goodwill message to commemorate the celebration, Fubara prayed that the occasion bring joy, peace and harmony to all Nigerians irrespective of creed, tribe or tongue.

A former Kaduna State Governor, Ahmed Makarfi, urged Nigerians to sustain the spiritual lessons of Ramadan and intensify prayers for peace and national growth.

He said, “The lessons of Ramadan should lead us into empathy with one another and being our brother’s keeper.”

The All Progressives Congress also extended greetings to Muslims, urging them to carry forward the lessons of Ramadan in promoting unity, justice, and national development.

The party’s National Chairman, Prof Yilwatda, commended President Tinubu for his leadership, urging Nigerians to support ongoing efforts to reposition the country.

The Deputy Governor of Edo State, Dennis Idahosa, also called for unity and peace.

Idahosa noted that the Ramadan period provided an opportunity for deep reflection, renewed faith, and a strengthened commitment to the values of peace, tolerance, and unity.

He urged Muslims to sustain the lessons and spirit of the holy month by continuing to promote love, charity, and peaceful coexistence, stressing that these principles are critical to fostering harmony and driving the collective progress of Edo State and the nation.

A Federal House of Representatives aspirant for the Warri Federal Constituency in 2027, David Omatseye, urged Muslim faithful in Delta State to imbibe “the lessons of the Eid-el-Fitr, which include tolerance, discipline, undying faith, unity and love for the nation and humanity.”

Omatseye joined the Muslim community “in appreciation of Allah for His benevolence and shower of divine favour that issues forth from the cardinal religious observance.”

The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, also felicitated Muslims, calling for prayers and moral rebirth in the country.

Alaafin, in his message through the Director of Media and Publicity, Bode Durojaiye, stated that he shuddered to think of a Nigeria of intellectual giants, astute economists and politicians without the relevant moral values as internalised through the socio-cultural orientation and espoused by religion.

Owoade noted that the problems which besiege the country are anchored on non-compliance with or total neglect of moral principles, adding that these have led to the doldrums Nigerians are experiencing in their private and public lives.

The Olukere of Odo Oja Ikere Ekiti, Oba Ayodele Obasoyin, emphasised unity and national progress.

He also sought prayers for a peaceful governorship election held in the state on 20 June.

The monarch called on Muslims and all Nigerians to pray for the peace, progress, and prosperity of the country, stressing the importance of unity in addressing the nation’s economic and security challenges.

Police deploy officers

Meanwhile, security agencies across states announced measures to ensure a peaceful celebration.

In Oyo State, the police said personnel had been deployed across the 33 local government areas, with intensified patrols and surveillance at strategic locations.

Similarly, the Borno State Police Command announced restrictions on tricycle movement during Eid prayers to enhance security, while advising residents to pray at locations close to their homes.

The Delta State Police Command also warned criminal elements to desist from unlawful activities, stating that adequate security arrangements had been put in place.

Senate warns religious leaders

The Senate has warned religious leaders against promoting extremist ideologies, urging them to preach tolerance and desist from actions capable of radicalising their followers, as part of broader efforts to curb terrorism in the country.

The call came from the Leader of the Senate and Chairman of the Senate Ad hoc Committee on National Security Summit, Opeyemi Bamidele, in his Eid-el-Fitr message issued on Thursday.

His remarks followed renewed concerns over Nigeria’s security situation, particularly in the North-East, where a string of attacks had highlighted the persistent threat of violent extremism.

Osun bans political activities at Eid

In Osun State, the Osogbo community banned political activities at Eid prayer grounds to prevent disorder, warning that violators would be arrested.

The instruction was contained in a public service announcement aired on some radio stations in the state and circulated on social media platforms on Thursday.

The announcement was signed by the Asiwaju of Osogbo, Justice Moshood Adeigbe (retd).

The community also placed a ban on drummers within the premises of the praying ground or the display of political party posters.

The decision to ban political activities at the Eid, the community said, was arrived at during a meeting that had in attendance the Chief Imam of Osogbo, representatives of security agencies, representatives of political parties and other groups.

92 Jigawa, Sokoto inmates get pardon

In Jigawa State, Governor Umar Namadi granted pardon to 12 inmates as part of efforts to promote reconciliation and reintegration.

The governor’s pardon was announced in a statement signed by the state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Bello Fanini, on Thursday.

According to the statement, the pardon followed the recommendation of the Jigawa State Advisory Council of Prerogative of Mercy, as outlined in Section 5(1) of the Advisory Council of Prerogative of Mercy Law, Cap A2, Laws of Jigawa State 2012.

A former Sokoto State Governor, Aliyu Wamakko, also facilitated the release of 80 inmates as part of a Ramadan intervention aimed at decongesting correctional centres.

Speaking on behalf of the former governor, a lawyer, Bashir Ma’azu, said the exercise reflected both compassion and religious obligation.

“This gesture is meant to decongest the correctional centres and also to earn reward from Allah. Assisting the less privileged, especially those in confinement, is highly encouraged in Islam,” he said.

Kano gov, Barau donate

Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, donated relief materials to inmates across the 13 custodial centres in the state as part of activities marking the Eid-el-Fitr celebration.

This was contained in a statement by the Public Relations Officer of the Kano State command of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Musbahu Nassarawa, on Thursday.

“Kano State Government under the leadership of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has donated relief materials to inmates in 13 custodian centres in the State to enable them celebrate the Eid-el-Fitr,” the statement said.

Also, the Deputy President of the Senate, Barau Jibrin, distributed no fewer than 47,280 bags of rice to his constituents in Kano North Senatorial District, as part of his support for the holy month of Ramadan and the forthcoming Sallah celebrations.

Barau flagged off the distribution of the commodity through his Chief of Staff, Prof Muhammad Ibn Abdallah, and other aides at Azman Rice Company in the Mariri area of Kano on Tuesday.

In the first phase of the distribution, 47,280 households across the 13 LGAs of the Kano North Senatorial District received a bag of rice each.

Across the country, leaders unanimously urged Nigerians to embrace peace, unity, and compassion, stressing that the values of Ramadan remain essential for national cohesion and development.