Oyo State Acting Governor, Bayo Lawal, on Thursday, congratulated Muslims across Nigeria, especially in the state, for witnessing Eid-el-Mawlid 2025, urging them to use the occasion to pray for the country and the state.
This was contained in a statement released by the Special Adviser to Governor Seyi Makinde on Media, Sulaimon Olanrewaju, in Ibadan, the state capital.
The acting governor, who felicitated Muslims, maintained that the spiritual importance of Eid-el-Mawlid cannot be underestimated, as it commemorates the birth of Prophet Muhammed (Peace Be Upon Him).
Lawal noted that Eid-el-Mawlid presents Muslims with an opportunity to be closer to Allah in worship and to seek His guidance on diverse issues.
He alsl used the occasion to appreciate the Muslim Ummah in the state for their support of the Seyi Makinde administration over the last six years and some months.
The acting governor, therefore, called on them to continue supporting the administration as it works hard to deliver sustainable development to the state.
“On behalf of Governor Makinde, let me use this opportunity to felicitate all Muslims in this state and across the country on witnessing the Eid-el-Mawlid 2025.
“As a festival that commemorates the birth of the Holy Prophet Muhammed (Peace Be Upon Him), the Eid-el-Mawlid presents another opportunity for Muslims to draw closer to Allah in worship and to seek His face.
“This is why, apart from felicitating them, I am equally urging them to use the occasion to make further supplications to the Almighty, both for our state and for our country.
“I also want to state that while we have enjoyed the massive support of all residents of the state over the past six years, our administration further needs the support of the Muslim Ummah as we move into the last lap of the race.
“Our commitment to deliver sustainable development and reposition the state remains solid, but we can only achieve this aim through the support and cooperation of the people.
“As we all go about celebrating this Eid-el-Mawlid, let me reassure you that our government will ensure maximum security, but residents must also help us by being vigilant and ensuring that once they see something, they say something to us, so that we can take effective actions,” he stated.
The acting governor’s statement comes as Makinde began his annual leave last Thursday,.
Eid-el-Mawlid, observed in the third month of the Islamic calendar (Rabi’ al-Awwal), commemorates the birth of Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him). It is a period of spiritual reflection, prayer, and charitable acts for Muslims worldwide.
In Nigeria, it is recognised as a national public holiday, reflecting the country’s significant Muslim population and long-standing tradition of observing major Islamic festivals.
This year’s celebration comes amid ongoing security challenges in several parts of the country, including attacks on places of worship and communal violence, which have heightened calls for vigilance, prayers, and collective efforts to maintain peace.
The Federal Government, as well as state administrations, have emphasised the importance of national unity, civic cooperation, and enhanced security measures during the celebrations.
