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Distinguished Senator Alphonsus Ubanesse Igbeke has called on Muslims across Nigeria to imbibe the virtues of sacrifice, peace, humility and brotherhood as they celebrate this year’s Eid al-Adha festival.

In an Eid message issued in Abuja through his media office, the development expert and Lead Consultant to the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), urged the Muslim Ummah to go beyond ceremonial observance of the festival and embrace its deeper spiritual significance rooted in faith, compassion and selflessness.

The former senator noted that Eid al-Adha commemorates the total submission of Prophet Ibrahim and Prophet Ismail to the will of Allah, stressing that true faith is demonstrated in moments of sacrifice and obedience.

According to him, the Qurban, symbolised by the ritual slaughter during the celebration, represents more than a religious exercise, describing it as a call for inner purification and the rejection of greed, pride and selfishness.

Senator Igbeke, who also serves as Chairman of the Technical Working Group of the ALGON National Gas Expansion Programme under the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources-Gas, said the sacred season should inspire leaders at all levels to prioritise justice, compassion and service above personal interests.

He stated that the five pillars of Islam — Shahadah, Salat, Zakat, Sawm and Hajj — remain critical moral foundations capable of strengthening families, communities and governance structures.

Quoting the teachings of Prophet Muhammad, the senator reminded Nigerians that genuine faith requires love, fairness and goodwill towards others irrespective of ethnic, religious or social differences.

He further stressed that Islam promotes active peace, kindness and self-restraint, adding that society would become more harmonious if citizens embraced tolerance, accountability and mutual respect in their daily interactions.

The ALGON Lead Consultant prayed for unity, peace and national healing, urging Nigerians to allow the spirit of sacrifice associated with Eid al-Adha to reflect in their conduct and relationships.

“May Allah accept the sacrifices of the Ummah, purify our intentions, and make us instruments of His peace on earth. Eid Mubarak,” he stated.