Governor Chukwuma Soludo has called on Muslims in Anambra State and across Nigeria to use the Sallah season for sacrifice, charity and peaceful coexistence, saying the festival carries a message of obedience and commitment to the common good. He also said his administration remained committed to the safety and security of all residents in the state.
Soludo said the spiritual meaning of the period should inspire prayers for enduring peace, unity and accelerated progress in Nigeria. He urged the Muslim Ummah to share feasts, extend acts of charity and strengthen mutual tolerance, regardless of religious or ethnic background.
The governor's message came on Wednesday, a day after the Federal Government declared Wednesday, 27th May 2026, and Thursday, 28th May 2026, as public holidays for Eid-ul-Adha. The declaration was made by Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo in a statement signed by Dr Magdalene Ajani on Monday.
Governor Nasir Idris of Kebbi State issued a separate Eid-el-Kabir message that focused on peace, tolerance and understanding among Muslims and between Muslims and non-Muslims. He said the virtues of Prophet Ibrahim should guide communities toward unity, and pledged continued collaboration with security agencies and vigilante groups to protect lives, secure farmlands and restore lasting tranquility statewide.
Idris said his government remained committed to sustaining peace through community dialogue, support for traditional institutions and mutual respect among ethnic and religious groups. His message also linked the festival to security and agriculture, two issues that have shaped daily life in the state.
President Bola Tinubu, in his 2026 Eid-el-Kabir message, said the economic reforms undertaken by his administration were beginning to yield positive results. He said the country had emerged from difficult times and was now on a path to sustained growth and stability, while insisting the government remained committed to defeating terrorists and bandits threatening national peace and stability.
Tinubu urged Nigerians to embrace sacrifice, compassion, unity and selflessness as taught by Prophet Ibrahim. He said, “The walk through the dark tunnel is over, and the light is here,” and added, “I assure you: you are neither abandoned nor forgotten. We will ultimately defeat all the forces of evil.”
The messages from the presidency and state governors framed this year’s Sallah around the same themes: obedience, sacrifice, charity and peaceful coexistence. The unresolved question is not whether the holiday will be marked, but whether the calls for unity and security will translate into calmer streets, safer communities and the economic relief the government says is already beginning to show.
