Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, has urged the residents of the nation’s capital to translate the spiritual teachings of Eid-el-Kabir — namely sacrifice, obedience, and selflessness — into proactive civic engagement to contribute to the development of a world-class city.
In his official message for Eid-el-Kabir directed at FCT residents, Wike highlighted that the celebration is more than just a holiday.
“It serves as a significant reminder of Prophet Ibrahim’s, AS, steadfast faith and his readiness to prioritize the common good over personal interests,” he stated.
The minister pointed out that the contemporary interpretation of the obedience exemplified by Eid-el-Kabir necessitates that residents exhibit sacrifices in terms of patience and discipline.
He called upon the public to maintain cleanliness in the streets, adhere to traffic and building regulations, pay taxes on time, and collaborate with security agencies.
“If Eid-el-Kabir imparts the lesson of sacrifice for a higher purpose, then the FCT embodies what such sacrifice can achieve: a realm of peace, order, and collective prosperity,” Wike remarked, characterizing Abuja as a microcosm of Nigeria, founded on unity among diverse tribes, languages, and faiths.
Reiterating the FCT Administration’s dedication to the developmental objectives of the current government, the minister announced that significant, inclusive infrastructure projects aimed at stimulating growth across vital economic sectors and benefiting both the City Centre and rural areas will be officially inaugurated in the coming weeks.
He noted that these initiatives are in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks to elevate Abuja to a distinguished global capital, and he praised FCT residents for their patience during the ongoing construction.
To guarantee a safe and seamless celebration, the minister revealed that the FCTA has fully engaged all pertinent security agencies and authorities to remain vigilant. He encouraged residents to celebrate with love while upholding vigilance and respect for law and order.
Wike assured the residents that the FCT Administration will persist in fostering unity and religious harmony within the capital territory. He encouraged them to exhibit profound compassion towards the less fortunate, to dismiss divisive rumors, and to promote harmony in their homes, workplaces, marketplaces, and places of worship.
“None of you truly believes until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself,” the Minister cited the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) to highlight the significance of unity.
“Importantly, the 2026 Eid-el-Kabir will coincide with Children’s Day on May 27, 2026 — a noteworthy intersection of faith and future.”
The minister characterized children as the heartbeat of the FCT and the promise of Nigeria’s future. He urged parents, educators, and community leaders to leverage this dual celebration to instill values of sacrifice, honesty, discipline, and patriotism in the youth.
“As we commemorate Prophet Ibrahim’s obedience, let us also nurture our children with love, safeguard their rights, and invest in quality education, healthcare, and safe environments for them to flourish. A city that protects its children secures its future,” Wike stated.
He praised the orderly behavior of FCT pilgrims who performed the Hajj this year, urging them and the entire Muslim community to utilize this sacred time to pray for the peace, unity, and prosperity of Nigeria.
