The Eid prayers was observed peacefully in Maiduguri, the Borno state capital as VP Shettima, Governor Zulum joined with other worshippers thanking God Almighty for witnessing the end of Ramadan.
To avoid the severe weather conditions, the prayers were held early at most prayer eid grounds across the state.
This is the first time in more than ten years that Sallah celebration is observed in Maiduguri and environs without any form of restriction in vehicular movement.
In a sermon shortly after the prayers, Imam Idaini of Borno, Mamman Shettima Saleh enjoined muslim faithful to use the lessons learned during the month-long Ramadan fast to foster harmonious relationship and peaceful coexistence among different groups in the country.
The Imam Idaini described eid el fitr as a period of reassessment for lessons learnt during the month of Ramadan.
He encouraged muslims to give out alms to the needy also known as zakatul fitr and also fast six days in the month of shawwal to get Allah’s bounties and rewards.
In an interview with newsmen shortly after the prayers, Vice President Kashim Shettima called for support and prayers from all Nigerians.
“Eid Mubarak to all Nigerians. Let’s pray for peace, social harmony and development of our country ” Shettima said.
Similarly, Governor Babagana Zulum in a Sallah message, expressed government resolve to reduce the current hardship occasioned by the oil subsidy removal.
He also promised to address the current power outage and also tackle water scarcity being experienced in Maiduguri metropolis and environs.
“Federal government of Nigeria as well as Borno state are exploiting the potentials of providing power through the hydroelectric source. Government is doing everything possible to ensure there is adequate water supply in the state” Zulum assured.
Meanwhile, the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar ibn Umar Garbai Elkanemi staged a colourful Durbur to mark the end of the Ramadan fast.
Correspondent Dauda Iliya reports that the Vice President Kashim Shettima, Borno state Governor, Babagana Zulum and members of the national assembly, Shehu of Borno are among dignitaries that observed the two unit prayers at Ramat Square praying ground.
DAUDA ILIYA