Date: 2020-05-25

Muslims in Kwara State on Sunday observed the Eid-el-Fitr prayers in their various homes in compliance with the COVID-19 guidelines by government.

Muslims, including the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, gathered in small groups in their compounds to observe prayers.

In his message, Alhaji Sulu-Gambari charged Nigerians to continue to pray fervently for economic prosperity, peace and unity across all facets of the nation's economy.

The emir, in a statement signed by his media aide, Mallam Abdulazeez Arowona, on Sunday, noted that the growth and development of any nation depended on the harmonious working relationship among her citizens.

The statement stated that Alhaji Sulu-Gambari observed the Eid-el-Fitr prayers along with members of his immediate family in his palace to mark the end of this year's Ramadan fast in line with the COVID-19 safety protocols of the Federal Government.

The monarch also implored the Muslim faithful to imbibe the culture of tolerance, patience, charity and perseverance as preached in the Holy Quran and teachings of Prophet Muhammad, adding that the Ramadan fast had left behind good legacies worthy of adopting.

He added that the stay-at-home order and movement restriction, which affected the convergence of worshippers at the Central Yidi prayer ground, remained the best option in a bid to further curtail the spread of COVID-19 in the state.

Sulu-Gambari also emphasised the need to always uphold and promote the principle of love among the people of Ilorin Emirate and beyond, irrespective of their political affiliations and religious beliefs.

The emir thanked those who contributed to the palliatives he initiated towards supporting the less privileged in the society.

"There is need to always complement government's efforts, especially at this critical period of global pandemic," he said.

Meanwhile, the emir, who is also the Chairman of Kwara State Council of Chiefs, has cancelled the sallah homage to the Kwara State Governor, Mallam Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq.

A statement signed by his media aide, Mallam Abdulazeez Arowona, said the emir, who was expected to lead other traditional chiefs in the Ilorin Emirate to pay Eid-el-Fitr visit to the state Government House on the second day, said he would no longer embark on the traditional and historic visit.

He said, "This is in line with strict adherence to the lockdown and movement restriction order imposed in the state, aimed at curtailing the spread of COVID-19 infection in the state.

"The emir also enjoined residents of Ilorin Emirate to celebrate this year's Eid-el-Fitr with decorum and extend charity to the less privileged in a bid to further promote unity and prosperity among citizenry. Alhaji Sulu-Gambari also charged community heads, district heads, ward heads, groups and associations to be vigilant and ensure social distancing during and after sallah celebrations."