By Mumini AbdulKareem
Muslims in their thousands troop out on Friday in Ilorin to celebrate this year’s Eid-el-Fitri, to mark the end of Ramadhan fast and beginning of the new month of Shawwal in the Islamic calendar.
The event, which was held in a very peaceful atmosphere across the state saw worshippers came out as early as 7:00am going to the eid ground to beat the traffic logjam that is usually associated with the celebration.
A number of Police men, Civil Defence officers, KWARTMA and the Road Safety among other security agencies were seen controlling traffic in most of the strategic spots leading to the central Eid prayer ground along Irewolede, Ilorin before the commencement of the two Rakah supererogatory prayer around past 9am to mark the day..
At the Central Ilorin Eid praying ground, the Chief Imam of Ilorin, Sheikh Muhammad Bashir led hundreds of Muslim faithful in prayer to commemorate the event.
In his sermon, the Chief Imam called on Muslims to desist from unnecessary accumulation of wealth and expressed displeasure over the lust for power and wealth.
He urged Muslims to always remember that death is the inevitable end of all mortals and reminded them of past powerful and wealthy individuals whom despite their status exited the world at the God’s appointed time.
Imam Bashir urged Muslims to be thankful to Allah for all his favours irrespective of their societal status.
In his address, the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari sued for peaceful coexistence among the residents of the state.
He appealed to the residents of the state to remain united and imbibe tolerance and understanding for the progress of the state.
Alhaji Sulu-Gambari prayed Allah to continue to guide the leadership of the state and heads of security agencies in the state in maintaining law and order.
In an interview with newsmen shortly after the prayer, Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed sued for peace and peaceful existence and tolerance among various religions in the state to promote needed peace and development.
Ahmed after the prayer led his Deputy, Elder Peter Kisira and other members of the State Executive Council as well as the National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi to pay Sallah homage to the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari at his palace.
At the Oro Eid-Praying Ground, in Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, scores of Muslim faithful were led at 10am in the compulsory two rakats prayer by the Chief Imam, Alhaji Mohammed Taofeek Sanusi.
The Chief Imam urged sons and daughters of Oro must come together for the progress of the town.
“I want to charge all our brothers and sisters to shun backbiting and sheath their swords in order to make Oro great again.
“It is so unfortunate that despite the numerous sermons we have listened to, we have refused to adhere to such teachings and let such lessons reflect in our daily lives.
“Our people should not come together to backbite but let us all assist one another and for the progress of the community. We should all know that regardless of our statue in the society, or how rich we are, death is an inevitable end to all mankind,” he stated adding that every creature will suffer their misdeeds.
Among the worshippers present is the Oloro of Oro, Oba Abdulrafiu Ajiboye Oyelaran II and former deputy Director General, National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Mr Ganiyu Gbola Olota among others.
