Eid-el-Fitr: Ohimege Opanda, Clerics Preach Peace, Unity as Muslims Celebrate Sallah in Umaisha
…Monarch Hails Abdullahi Sule for Restoring Peace in Toto LG, Raises Alarm Over Deforestation
By Suleiman Abubakar Rimi Uku Lafia
Muslim faithful in Umaisha, Toto Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, joined millions across the globe to celebrate this year’s Eid-el-Fitr, with strong calls for peace, unity, and sustained development.
The two-unit congregational Eid prayer, held at the Central Eid Ground in Umaisha on Friday, attracted a large turnout of worshippers, including the first-class traditional ruler and Chairman of Toto Local Government Traditional Council, the Ohimege Opanda, HRH Alhaji Usman Abdullahi, alongside sons and daughters of the community who returned home for the Sallah celebration.
The Eid prayer was led by the Chief Imam of Umaisha and Khadi, Shari’a Court of Appeal, Lafia, Justice Muhammad Yahaya Usman, who emphasized the need for unity, peaceful coexistence, and the sustenance of values imbibed during the holy month of Ramadan.
In his sermon, the cleric urged Muslims to uphold the lessons of sacrifice, compassion, and charity beyond Ramadan, stressing the importance of supporting the less privileged to foster inclusiveness and social harmony.
He also offered prayers for peace, progress, and the success of leaders at all levels.
The Sallah celebration in Umaisha was observed peacefully, with residents engaging in traditional festivities, including a royal homage to the palace shortly after the prayers.
Addressing his subjects, the Ohimege Opanda, Alhaji Usman Abdullahi, expressed gratitude to Almighty Allah for granting the community the opportunity to witness the end of Ramadan and celebrate Eid-el-Fitr in peace.
He commended the restoration of peace in Toto Local Government Area and called for its sustenance, urging his people to continue to promote unity, mutual understanding, and development.
The monarch also encouraged residents to return fully to their primary occupations of farming, fishing, and trading.
The royal father lauded Governor Abdullahi Sule for his leadership and developmental strides, particularly for efforts that have restored lasting peace in the area.
However, he raised serious concerns over the increasing rate of illegal deforestation, especially through charcoal production, warning that such activities pose environmental and economic threats.
He assured that local authorities would take decisive measures to address the situation.
In his remarks, the Administrator of the area, Alhaji Salihu Kasim Hasheem, commended the Ohimege Opanda for his exemplary leadership and reaffirmed his commitment to promoting peace, unity, and development in the community.
Other stakeholders, including the Santarin Opanda, Alhaji Adamu Angulu, and the National Coordinator of ACReSAL, Umar Abdulhamid, also appreciated the prevailing peace in the area and called for its sustenance while wishing residents a joyous Sallah celebration.
