A former Kogi State Commissioner of Health, Dr. Omede Idris, fnma, has called on Nigerians to make genuine sacrifices for peace and development of the nation in the spirit of the festival of sacrifice, Eid Al Adha, as ordained by Allah.
Dr Omede, who was also a past National President of Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) as well as that of Association of Professional Bodies of Nigeria (APBN), made the call in a message on Sunday.
He noted that no sacrifice is to much to make for peace and development, expressing concerns that people now find it hard to make sacrifices because of quest for worldly attainment and praises.
“As the Muslim communities worldwide celebrate Eid Al Adha (Kabir) on the 10th day of the month of Dhul hijjah of the year 1445AH, today 16th June, 2024, it is important to recall that Prophet Ibrahim was ordered to sacrifice his only son, Prophet Ismael. In the process, Almighty Allah through Angel Jibril sent an alternative, a ram, at the nick of time. What this demonstrates, is that, no sacrifice is too much to make. Literary in good stead, sacrifices should be made for common good of a people. The people being servants of Allah.
“Unfortunately, sacrifices are lacking in our present time, in most places. This is in the quest for worldly attainment, achievements and praises.
“We must not lose focus, the significance and moral associated to this singular and magnificent act amongst others attributes that have to do with human creation from conception to when man finally returns to the Creator. These are quite clear in the two main religious practice in most nations.
“The event further rekindle the call for religious tolerance, harmony, understanding and cooperation where every person is allowed to practice his or her faith without encumbrance, provided crisis are not deliberately generated. May we not only be religious, but seen to practice the tenets of faith for our own good, our families, our communities, nation and the world at large,” he said.
Dr Omede Idris, a politician, who actively combines politics with his private medical practice, stated that Eid Al Adha gives the Muslim ummah and faithful the additional opportunity to thank Allah for the provision of health and means of livelihood, while imbibing the spirit and act of sacrifice.
He called on the leaders and the led to genuinely, sincerely and honestly play the roles and responsibilities expected of and outlined to them either, whether in the government, businesses service or at home-front for a better home, communities, states and the nation.
“There is no magic wand to this as we have clearly seen happen in some nations and so it is possible and doable in Nigeria. Happy Eid Al Adha celebration and Allah bless.”
