We express our most sincere gratitude, appreciation and total submission to Allah (SubhanaHu wa Ta’ala) for enabling us to partake in the month-long Ramadhan fasting and witnessing its successful completion. I convey sincere greetings and congratulations to the Nigerian Muslim community and indeed all Nigerians as we mark this momentous occasion, which also heralds the celebration of the eid el-fitr 1447.

I fervently pray that Allah in His infinite mercy accepts our worships, prayers and sacrifices as we strove (and continue to strive) for spiritual cleansing and getting closer to Him.

It is also my sincere hope that the essence of the Ramadhan fast is not lost on us. The lessons, apart from spiritual rejuvenation, sacrifice and self-deprivation lead us into empathy with one another hence being each other’s’ keeper.

As we bid farewell to Ramadhan and begin the eid el fitr celebrations, we must also not lose sight of its significance, which in part is expressing gratitude to Allah as well as sharing with the less privileged so that all of us can partake in the celebrations and festivities.

It is also my earnest prayer that all acts of worship collectively and individually rendered have been accepted by Allah (SWT), especially prayers for the prosperity and sustainable peace in Nigeria, which is a fundamental requirement for sustainable development.

As we grapple with security and other socioeconomic as well as political challenges, our country is in dire need of our prayers for Allah’s guidance and protection. I therefore enjoin all to seize the opportunity provided by this holy season to rededicate ourselves to prayers to Almighty Allah for a speedy resolution of all problems.  I believe that despite current challenges, Nigeria’s place, as a leader, not only in Africa but beyond, is assured. My faith in the eventuality of Nigeria attaining its full potential and realizing its greatness remains unshaken. All we need to do is, even as we pray, continue to roll up our sleeves in hard work and commitment.

EID MUBARAK

Senator Ahmed Mohammed Makarfi, CON, FCNA