By Bilesanmi Abayomi
Okene, Kogi State April 1, 2025
The Chief Imam of Nagazi-Uvete Jumu’ah Mosque, Imam Murtadha Muhammad Gusau, led the 1446 AH/2025 Eid-ul-Fitr prayers at the Nagazi-Uvete Eid praying ground in Okene, Kogi State. The prayer marked the end of the sacred month of Ramadan and was attended by a large congregation of worshippers.
In his Eid sermon, Imam Gusau emphasized the significance of gratitude, thanksgiving, and communal harmony. He reflected on the importance of faith, unity, and the need to uphold Islamic teachings in addressing social, economic, and political challenges. The Imam, who is also a weekly religion columnist for KosofePost, reiterated the spiritual essence of Eid as a moment for self-reflection and charity.
“Eid-ul-Fitr is a time to express gratitude to Allah for the strength to complete the fast and to celebrate the bonds of the Muslim Ummah,” Imam Gusau stated. “It is also a reminder to extend acts of kindness and generosity to those in need.”
The celebrations commenced with the sighting of the Shawwal moon, signaling the end of Ramadan. Worshippers gathered in large numbers for the special Eid prayer, followed by a sermon that emphasized forgiveness, reconciliation, and renewed commitment to faith.
Eid-ul-Fitr, one of the most significant Islamic festivals, is traditionally marked with communal prayers, feasts, and acts of charity. A key practice during the celebration is Zakatul-Fitr, a mandatory charitable donation aimed at supporting the less fortunate. Imam Gusau urged the Muslim community to uphold this obligation, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their means, partakes in the joy of Eid.
Following the prayers, Muslims exchanged greetings of “Eid Mubarak,” shared meals, and visited friends and family. The festival fosters a spirit of togetherness and renewal, with a focus on strengthening family ties and community relationships.
Imam Gusau also took the opportunity to remind worshippers of the second major Islamic festival, Eid-ul-Adha, which occurs later in the Islamic calendar and holds deep religious significance.
The 2025 Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations in Okene were a testament to the enduring spirit of faith and unity among Muslims in Kogi State, reinforcing the values of gratitude, compassion, and societal harmony.