Mammoth Crowd Gather to Celebrate Eid-al-Fitr in Ilorin
By Omowumi Omotosho
A massive crowd of worshippers gathered at the Eid prayer ground in Ilorin on Sunday to celebrate the joyous occasion of Eid-al-Fitr, marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan.
The prayer event was anchored by Shaykh Yusuf Murtala Pakata and led by the Chief Imam of Ilorin, Sheikh Al-Bashir Muhammad, with the assistance of prominent Islamic scholars including Imam Imale, Sheikh Ahmeed Abdullah, and Ajanasi Agba of Ilorin, Sheikh Mujitaba Bature.
The solemn yet festive occasion witnessed the attendance of notable dignitaries and traditional leaders, such as the Taliba of Ilorin, Prof. Shuib Oba; Balogun Alanamu, Dr. Atolagbe Jos; Balogun Gambri of Ilorin, Alhaji Aliu Adebayo; Balogun Afin, Alhaji Nuru Yusuf; Alhaji Ibrahim Oniye; Khalifa Kamaldeen Abdulkadir; and the President of Kursi Investments, Ambassador Yahaya Seriki.
The Chief Imam of Ilorin led the two Rakat prayer shortly after the arrival of the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari at approximately 10:05 a.m. The gathering, filled with an air of reverence and spiritual fulfillment, united thousands of faithful in a display of devotion and gratitude to Almighty Allah.
In his Khutbah (sermon) following the prayer, the Chief Imam urged all Muslims to uphold the lessons and virtuous lifestyle cultivated during the month of Ramadan. He emphasized the need for continuous piety and righteousness, cautioning against any unholy acts that could hinder the blessings received from Ramadan.
The Emir of Ilorin, in his address, expressed profound gratitude to Almighty Allah for the successful completion of the Ramadan fast. He encouraged the sons and daughters of Ilorin to engage in productive activities that would contribute to the development of the Ilorin Emirate and Kwara State as a whole.
