Muslim faithful across Kwara State on Friday turned out in large numbers at the Ilorin Emirate Central Praying Ground to observe the Eid-el-Fitr prayer, marking the conclusion of the holy month of Ramadan.
The event was especially notable as it marked the first Eid gathering since the death of the late Chief Imam of Ilorin, Sheikh Muhammad Soliu.
The prayer session was led by the Imam Imole of Ilorin Emirate, Alhaji Abdullahi AbdulAmeen, who conducted the service and offered prayers for peace, unity and sustained progress in Kwara State and Nigeria as a whole.
Soliu, who passed away on Monday, January 19, 2026, in Abuja at the age of 75, was the 12th Chief Imam of Ilorin Emirate.
He took up the position in 1983 and was widely admired for his contributions to Islamic scholarship and community development.
The Eid congregation, which drew clerics, traditional titleholders and residents, also featured reflections on the late Imam’s legacy, along with fresh appeals for unity, moral discipline and peaceful coexistence.
Speaking shortly after the prayer, the Special Assistant to the Kwara State Governor on Security, Yusuf Gobir, stressed the need for collective responsibility in tackling insecurity.
“The security of this country is in our hands; it is everybody’s responsibility. From your home to your community, if you notice any suspicious movement, question such individuals and report them to the appropriate authorities,” he said.
Gobir noted that insecurity cannot thrive without the awareness and cooperation of people within affected communities.
“Our problem is our own problem. Insecurity cannot flourish without the knowledge of the indigenes. We must speak the truth and work together,” he added.
On the issue of state police, he described it as a positive step that could improve grassroots security.
“State police will operate within local government areas and understand the terrain better. This will improve intelligence gathering and overall security response,” Gobir noted.
Also speaking, a Khadi of the Kwara State Sharia Court of Appeal, Hon. Justice Moshood Oniye, urged Muslims to continue practising the values of sacrifice, discipline and generosity they embraced during Ramadan.
“We thank Almighty Allah for the successful completion of Ramadan. One of the greatest lessons is sacrifice. We abstained from food, drink, and other pleasures to attain spiritual growth,” he said.
Oniye also stressed the importance of continuing to show kindness even after the fasting period.
“The month has been one of blessings, as the wealthy supported the less privileged. We must continue this culture of generosity because not everyone is wealthy,” he added.
He further linked moral behaviour to peace and safety in society.
“During Ramadan, we shunned social vices and unlawful acts. If we continue on this path, crime rates will reduce, and society will be safer for all,” Oniye said.
A traditional titleholder in the Ilorin Emirate also urged people of all ages to maintain moral uprightness.
“May this not be our last Eid. May God bring peace to Ilorin and Kwara State at large. We must all shun social vices, whether young or old,” he said, urging residents to support one another, especially the vulnerable.
At the Olorunsogo Central Mosque, the Chief Imam, Imam Soliu Orire, also called for unity and faithfulness to Islamic teachings during the Eid prayer.
“Muslims must continue to promote Islam through good character, mutual support, and compassion. These are the core teachings of our faith,” he said.
He encouraged worshippers not to abandon the discipline they developed during Ramadan.
“The good deeds, devotion, and moral conduct observed during Ramadan should be sustained in our daily lives,” Orire added.
The Senator representing Kwara Central Senatorial District, Saliu Mustapha, also urged Muslims to uphold the spiritual lessons of Ramadan after the celebrations.
“Eid is a time for gratitude, reflection, and renewed commitment to devotion, compassion, and self-discipline. These values should guide our actions for the betterment of society,” he said.
In the same vein, a Peoples Democratic Party aspirant for Ilorin North West Constituency, Azeez Jaji, appealed for unity, peace and shared responsibility among residents.
“Compassion, service, and community cohesion are essential for positive change. We must work together to ensure safety in our homes, markets, and schools,” he said.
“As an aspirant, I remain committed to contributing to a community where everyone feels included and empowered,” Jaji added.
Across Kwara State, the Eid celebrations were largely peaceful, as clerics and community leaders focused on prayers, reflection and renewed dedication to building a more harmonious society.
