It is with a profound sense of joy and gratitude to Almighty God that I send this goodwill message to the people of Kogi State, their families and all Muslim faithfuls across the globe on this important occasion of Eid-El-Adha celebration 2020.
I heartily congratulate our Muslim faithfuls for successfully witnessing this auspicious day which sadly, is tainted by the COVID 19 pandemic, a public health challenge that has resulted in social distancing and has consequently dimmed the mood of the festivity.
Thanks to the visionary leadership of His Excellency, Alh. Yahaya Bello, who took proactive steps in the early stage of the pandemic, moved ahead and fast, took a precautionary approach which prevented Kogi State from feeling the full impact of the COVID 19 virus and the socio-economic hardship that it brought along.
Even though these proactive actions by the state government afforded us a chance to attend the Eid prayers under strict regulations, it has prevented millions of Muslims from performing one of the five pillars of Islam – Hajj. A time when Muslims from many different countries, classes, and cultures are supposed to stand together in prayer and worship, to be a reminder of both the unity and diversity within Muslim communities.
I would like to sympathize with the Muslim faithfuls who were unable to perform hajj this year, including thousands of Kogites who were hoping to embark on the pilgrimage. I can assure you we will win the fight against this pandemic and come out stronger as a people. God willing, those who missed this year’s hajj can make up for it in the next.
However, Eid-El-Adha remains a special time for reflection on service, selflessness, and charity – values shared across all faith traditions. Reflecting on and practicing these values could not be more important.
His Excellency, Governor Yahaya Bello, has put in place measures to guarantee that everyone is secure in the state during the celebration of this significant event and beyond. As we know, Governor Yahaya Bello is renowned for his staunch approach in the fight against insecurity. Subsequently, the Kogi state security outfits have made significant success in recent weeks in that regard and the Governor has assured citizens of a hitch-free celebration.
Also, Governor Yahaya Bello has made sure no Kogi citizen celebrates Eid without their salaries by making sure there is prompt payment of salaries despite the shortfalls in allocations and Internally Generated Revenue IGR.
This administration continues to preach harmony among the various religious groups in the state and I hope we have all been spiritually rejuvenated to continue to discharge our constitutional roles and responsibilities.
This Eid celebration offers us yet another opportunity to deepen our relationship with Allah, promote a life of sacrifice, charity, and love as exemplified by Prophet Mohammad SAW.
I urge all Muslim faithful to support Governor Yahaya Bello’s vision to build a prosperous state where all Kogi people and residents would realize their dreams, through the government’s various socio-economic growth initiatives.
I wish you and your family a very joyful Eid. May Allah accept all our prayers and forgive all our faults.
Eid Mubarak!
Pharm. Abdulkareem Moh’d Jamiu Asuku
Kogi State Chief of Staff
