By Ekuson Nw’Ogbunka
Abuja
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, has called on residents of Abuja to translate the spiritual lessons of Eid-el-Kabir sacrifice, obedience, and selflessness into active civic responsibility to help build a world-class city. The appeal was contained in a press release issued on Wednesday by Rabi Musa Umar, Deputy Director of Press, Office of the Hon. Minister.
In his official 2026 Eid-el-Kabir message, Wike said the celebration is more than a holiday. He described it as “a profound reminder of Prophet Ibrahim’s unwavering faith and willingness to place the common good above personal desire.”
The Minister explained that the modern expression of that obedience requires residents to make sacrifices of patience and discipline in daily life. He urged the public to keep streets clean, obey traffic and building regulations, pay taxes promptly, and cooperate with security agencies.
“If Eid-el-Kabir teaches sacrifice for a greater purpose, then the FCT symbolizes what sacrifice can build: a place of peace, order, and shared prosperity,” Wike said. He described Abuja as a miniature Nigeria built on unity across tribes, tongues, and faiths.
Reaffirming the FCT Administration’s commitment to the government’s developmental goals, the Minister disclosed that massive, inclusive infrastructural projects spanning the City Centre and rural areas will be officially commissioned in a few weeks. He said the projects are designed to trigger growth across critical economic sectors.
Wike noted that these developments align with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to transform Abuja into an enviable global capital. He commended residents for their patience during the ongoing construction works across the territory.
To ensure a safe and hitch-free celebration, the Minister said the FCTA has fully mobilized all relevant security agencies and authorities to be on guard. He encouraged residents to celebrate with love while maintaining vigilance and respect for law and order.
He reassured residents that the Administration will continue to promote unity and religious harmony in the capital. Wike urged them to show compassion to the less privileged, reject divisive rumours, and foster harmony in homes, workplaces, marketplaces, and places of worship. He quoted the Prophet Muhammad: “None of you truly believes until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself.”
Notably, the 2026 Eid-el-Kabir coincides with Children’s Day on May 27, 2026 — a convergence of faith and future. Wike described children as the heartbeat of the FCT and Nigeria’s promise for tomorrow. He called on parents, teachers, and community leaders to use the dual celebration to instill values of sacrifice, honesty, discipline, and patriotism in the young ones.
Concluding his message, the Minister commended the orderly conduct of FCT pilgrims who observed the Hajj this year and asked them and the entire Muslim community to pray for the peace, unity, and prosperity of Nigeria. “May Allah accept our sacrifices, answer our prayers, and continue to bless the Federal Capital Territory and the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Eid Mubarak,” he said.
