–By Albert OGRAKA:

Managing Director/CEO of Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), Bashorun Askia Ogieh, has congratulated Muslims in the country and Delta state as they celebrate Eid-al-Adha.

He urged the Muslim community to continually pray to God for divine guidance in order to enthrone a new era of justice, fairness and development in Nigeria.

In a statement titled *We Will Overcome Our Challenges*, he expressed concern over the worrisome security and economic challenges, adding that “this occasion gives us hope that with greater devotion and obedience to God and adherence to His commandments and will, Nigeria will triumph.”

The statement reads:

“On behalf of the Board, Management and Staff of Delta State Oil Producing Development Commission (DESOPADEC), I rejoice with our Muslim brothers and sisters as they mark the Eid-al-Adha. We must give God thanks and praises for His abiding grace and blessings.

“Coming at a time like this when our country is burdened with a lot of challenges, especially security and economic challenges, this occasion gives us hope that with greater devotion and obedience to God and adherence to His commandments and will, Nigeria will triumph.

“Just as the willingness of Ibrahim to sacrifice his son, Ismail, made him find favour before God, this season demands the sacrifice of leaders through selflessness, fairness and jettisoning of avarice for Nigeria to rise again.

“Even though the country is facing its greatest challenges ever, the celebration of this great sacrifice offers us an opportunity to renew our faith in God and love for our fellow men. We must at this time rededicate ourselves to the service of the poor, the vulnerable and the less privileged amongst us.

“I urge the Muslim community to never waver in praying to God for His divine guidance towards enthroning a new era of justice, fairness and development in Nigeria.

“I wish the Muslim faithful a wonderful Eid-al-Adha celebrations. 

Barka de Sallah.”

*Editor’s Note*: Another name for this festival is “Eid al Kabir,” but either way, the general meaning is “Feast of the Sacrifice,” referring to the willingness of Ibrahim to sacrifice Ishmael on Mount Moriah, according to Islamic tradition.

The Public holiday for the celebration as declared by the Federal Government is Monday 11 and Tuesday 12 July, 2022.