From Onuminya Yusuf in Sokoto
Governor Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto State has challenged Muslims who can afford sacrificial animals this Eid-el-Kabir to deliberately extend portions to vulnerable groups, insisting that true celebration means no one is left behind.
In his Eid-el-Kabir message, Aliyu said sharing meat with the needy does more than fulfill a religious rite. It attracts reward from Almighty Allah and gives struggling families a sense of belonging during the festivities.
The governor noted that although the state government had already distributed sacrificial animals to vulnerable groups, the effort must be matched by private citizens. “The appeal became necessary so as to bring succour to vulnerable groups in the state,” he said.
Aliyu reminded Muslims that Islam prescribes a specific sharing formula for sacrificial meat and urged strict compliance. “During Eid festivities, we are encouraged to show love and care for one another, especially our neighbours,” he added.
He called on the well-to-do to emulate the state government, which he said spends huge sums annually to support Muslim clerics, the needy, IDPs, and persons living with disabilities to celebrate Sallah with ease.
Reaffirming his administration’s welfare commitment, the governor said helping one another is a core duty of Muslims. “As Muslims, we have to be helpful and supportive to one another, especially in times of need such as this,” he stated.
Aliyu asked residents to use Eid prayer sessions to seek divine intervention for insecurity affecting parts of Sokoto, and reassured them of his government’s resolve to end banditry. He also appealed for continued prayers for his administration to deliver democratic dividends across the state.
The governor further urged Nigerian pilgrims in Saudi Arabia to pray fervently for the country to overcome its challenges. He ended his message with prayers for a peaceful and successful Eid-el-Kabir celebration.
In another development the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, has called on Nigerian Muslims to intensify prayers for the nation’s leaders as the country moves toward the 2027 general elections.
Delivering his Eid-el-Kabir message on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, in Sokoto, the Sultan said prayer remains the compass for choosing responsible leadership. “Our prayers are always the guiding light toward the choice of our leaders; therefore, we should sustain more prayers in our quest for the best country we desire,” he said.
He described Eid-el-Kabir as a historic season of sacrifice, love and celebration, and prayed for Muslims to witness many more festivals in peace and prosperity. He urged the faithful to carry the spirit of worship, sacrifice and devotion shown during Sallah into daily life.
The Sultan commended Governor Ahmed Aliyu for his commitment to the welfare of Sokoto residents, especially in addressing security challenges across the state. He also praised the governor’s handling of the 2026 Hajj airlift, noting the smooth transportation arrangements for pilgrims travelling to Saudi Arabia.
Abubakar prayed for the safe return of all Nigerian pilgrims and appealed to citizens to keep praying for leaders at all levels. He stressed the need to promote peace, unity and peaceful coexistence nationwide.
