The speaker of the Delta House of Assembly, Dennis Guwor, and the Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar, have urged Nigerians to embrace compassion, unity, and human development as Muslims celebrate Eid-el-Fitr.

In an Eid-el-Fitr message signed by his chief press secretary, Nkem Nwaeke, on Friday, the speaker said the celebration serves as a reminder of the profound values of empathy, kindness, and generosity towards others.

Mr Guwor, who is also the chairman of the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria, prayed that the spirit of Eid would inspire Nigerians to embrace understanding, fairness, and harmonious coexistence across the country.

He urged all Nigerians, especially Muslims, to carry the virtues nurtured during Ramadan into their daily lives.

“Let us continue to promote peace, tolerance, and harmonious coexistence, which are essential for national development and stability,” he said.

Mr Guwor encouraged citizens to remain committed to supporting democratic institutions and fostering unity across ethnic, religious, and political lines.

The speaker particularly called on the people of the state to sustain their support for the “Renewed Hope” agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.

Similarly, the Sultan of Sokoto urged Nigerians to sustain their prayers and continued commitment to national progress in his Eid-el-Fitr message.

Mr Abubakar emphasised the need for genuine unity and greater dedication among leaders to address persistent national challenges and find lasting, inclusive solutions to development.

The Sultan encouraged Nigerians to embrace positive changes in attitudes, expressing optimism that the country’s best days lay ahead if citizens remained committed to unity, discipline, and shared national responsibility.

Mr Abubakar also commended Governor Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto State and Mr Tinubu for implementing policies and programmes that had directly impacted citizens, while urging sustained efforts to address pressing challenges.

“In Sokoto, the government has spent significantly on free feeding programmes, and no amount spent on people is wasted, but more empowerment and poverty reduction initiatives are still needed.

“We are aware leaders are doing their best to ease hardship, but more must be done, especially in addressing security challenges currently affecting many communities across the country,” the Sultan added.

Mr Abubakar stressed the need for Muslims to continue praying for leaders, noting that sincere prayers remained vital in supporting governance and achieving the desired progress and stability in any society.

On his part, the chief imam of Ife in Osun State, Abdulsemiu Abdulhammed, urged the Muslim faithful to avoid actions capable of triggering religious conflict.

Mr Abdulhammed gave the advice in his Eid-el-Fitr sermon at the Eid ground, off Technical College, Ifewara Road, Ilode, Ile-Ife.

“Muslims should shun any act capable of causing disunity or tension in society. We must continue to uphold the values of peaceful coexistence as taught by the Prophet,” he stated.

Mr Abdulhammed charged Nigerians to uphold the religion they practice without threatening others and to expect their rewards here on earth and on judgment day.

The cleric also advised parents to instil moral values in their children, noting that a morally upright society would reduce crime and social vices.

(NAN)