As Muslims across Nigeria and the world mark Eid-il-Kabir with prayers and celebrations, kakalistiq.com reports that Associate Professor Nosiru Onibon, former Provost of Michael Otedola College of Primary Education (MOCPED) and pioneer Deputy Vice Chancellor of Lagos State University of Education (LASUED), has called for a renewed commitment to leadership integrity and the fulfilment of national promises.
In a reflective and impassioned message shared earlier today via Facebook (@Nosiru Onibon), Prof Onibon drew parallels between the moral essence of Eid and the unfulfilled promises made by Nigerian leaders decades ago. He recalled that between the 1970s and 1990s, political leaders repeatedly pledged to deliver education, healthcare, jobs, and food for all by the year 2000. But 25 years later, he lamented, those hopes remain largely unmet.
“It’s year 2025 already. We are still hungry and angry,” he wrote, capturing the disillusionment felt by many citizens.
Drawing inspiration from the story of Prophet Ibrahim (ASW), whose unwavering commitment to fulfilling his vow to God led to the annual Eid-il-Kabir celebration, Onibon emphasized that the fulfilment of promises, whether spiritual or political, brings peace, builds trust, and deepens security.
“Ibrahim (ASW) attempted to fulfil his promise to sacrifice Isma’il (ASW) and all ended in happiness and merriment of today,” he noted, encouraging public office holders to learn from that legacy.
The message resonated strongly with many Nigerians, particularly at a time when the nation faces pressing socioeconomic challenges ranging from rising food insecurity to a strained health and education system. By invoking the moral lessons of Eid, Prof Onibon subtly urged Nigerian leaders to rekindle the spirit of accountability and service to the people.
His closing prayer, “May the Almighty Allah guide us aright as a people and a Nation. Amin thumma Amin,” reflected both a spiritual appeal and a civic hope for national transformation.
Prof Onibon’s message has since gained traction on social media, with many praising its clarity, moral weight, and timely relevance. Beyond the festivities of Eid, his words stand as a call to action, reminding both leaders and citizens that genuine progress begins with honouring promises.
He concluded with warm wishes: “I wish you all Jum’ah and Eid Mubarakah.”
As Nigeria joins the global Muslim community in celebration, voices like Prof Onibon’s highlight the deeper values that Eid-il-Kabir embodies, sacrifice, integrity, and the pursuit of justice, values the nation must uphold in its journey toward lasting peace and prosperity.
