>
Lawmaker representing Ibadan North East/South East Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives Abuja, Hon. Adedapo Lam-Adesina has urged Muslims through out the country not to celebrate Eid el Kabir with fellow Muslims alone.
He said the celebration is an opportunity for Muslims to reach out to followers of other faiths and share love.
In a Sallah message on Monday, the lawmaker said Nigerians, irrespective of the religion they practise, need one another more now, especially in the face of the current economic hardship.
His words: “Sadly, however, the harsh economic realities have, in some way, relegated these elements of human existence to the background, giving room for selfishness, avarice and suspicion. This is evident in our inter-tribal, inter-ethnic, inter-religious, inter-faith and inter-ideological relationships and transactions.
“So, I think Eid el Kabir, is not just for Muslims. It is a festival to share ourselves with adherents of other faiths”.
He added: “This is a day for Muslims to beam the light of sacrifice across board and keep it shining even after today. The present economic recession in our country does not give room for pomp and pageantry laced with lavish eating and drinking. In fact the situation invokes the “self first” attitude because ‘no one knows if the cup of rice you bought for N70 today may be N80 tomorrow’. Hence the temptation:’My tomorrow first, my neighbour later, every man for himself'”
The lesson of this celebration is sacrifice which is easily exhibited in the act of SHARING. The word sharing connotes generosity and unity. It connotes love and joy.
“Let it be an opportunity to help relatives, friends, neighbours, the poor and the needy find happiness. Times are hard, but we are here for each other. Together we shall overcome”, he said.