By Olasunkanmi Akoni & Monsuru Olowoopejo

As Lagos residents join  the rest of the world today to celebrate this year’s Ed-el-Kabir festival, Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Mudashiru Obasa and Senator Gbenga Ashafa have urged Muslims in the country to imbibe the values of sacrifice, love among citizens to foster unity.

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode (right) and Speaker, Lagos House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa

The trio made the remark yesterday, in their separate Sallah messages to Muslim faithful on the occasion.

Governor Ambode, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Habib Aruna, said the period of the celebration was a clarion call for Nigerians to imbibe the lessons of the season such as selfless service to God and humanity, sacrifice and sincere commitment to righteous conducts in their private and public life.

Also, the Speaker in his statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Musbau Rasak, stressed that love and sacrifice for one another are essential ingredients for nation building.

Obasa stated that Nigerians should eschew bitterness and violence among themselves. “We should imbibe the spirit of love for one another as symbolised in the celebration of the Eid-l-Kabir. We should watch and be careful of our utterances to one another and should endeavour to say things that will promote love and unity among ourselves.”

Ashafa, representing Lagos East Senatorial District, in his message, said, “Islam is a religion of peace and as we make merry, we should continue to let this knowledge guide our every behaviour and speech. The Ed-el-Kabir period gives us another opportunity to be moderate in words and deeds and to reflect on the salient virtues and values of Islam.”