Large crowds of Muslim worshippers converged on the Ilorin Emirate Central Praying Ground on Friday to observe Eid-el-Fitr prayers, signalling the end of Ramadan in Kwara State.
This year’s celebration carried added emotional weight as it marked the first Eid without the late Chief Imam of Ilorin, Muhammad Soliu, whose passing was widely mourned across the emirate.
Soliu, who died on January 19, 2026, in Abuja at the age of 75, served as the 12th Chief Imam from 1983 and earned recognition for his contributions to Islamic scholarship and community service.
The Eid prayer was led by the Imam Imole of Ilorin Emirate, Abdullahi AbdulAmeen, who offered prayers for peace, unity, and sustained development in Kwara State and Nigeria at large.
Clerics, traditional leaders, and residents in attendance reflected on the enduring legacy of the late Imam while renewing calls for moral discipline, unity, and peaceful coexistence.
Addressing journalists after the prayers, the Special Assistant to the Kwara State Governor on Security, Yusuf Gobir, stressed the importance of community involvement 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 underscored the role of local vigilance, adding, “Our problem is our own problem. Insecurity cannot flourish without the knowledge of the indigenes. We must speak the truth and work together.”
He also expressed support for the establishment of state policing, noting its potential to enhance grassroots intelligence gathering and response. “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, Moshood Oniye, urged Muslims to uphold the values cultivated 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 encouraged continued generosity beyond the fasting period, adding, “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 further linked moral conduct to societal safety, stating, “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.”
A traditional titleholder within the Ilorin Emirate also called for sustained moral uprightness, urging residents across all age groups to avoid social vices and support one another, particularly the vulnerable.
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At the Olorunsogo Central Mosque, the Chief Imam, Soliu Orire, delivered a similar message, emphasising unity and adherence to Islamic principles.
“Muslims must continue to promote Islam through good character, mutual support, and compassion. These are the core teachings of our faith,” he said.
He further urged continuity in righteous conduct, saying, “The good deeds, devotion, and moral conduct observed during Ramadan should be sustained in our daily lives.”
Meanwhile, the Senator representing Kwara Central Senatorial District, Saliu Mustapha, encouraged Muslims to retain the spiritual lessons of Ramadan.
“Eid 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.
Similarly, a Peoples Democratic Party aspirant for Ilorin North West Constituency, Azeez Jaji, called for unity and collective 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, Eid celebrations were largely peaceful, with religious and community leaders urging citizens to sustain the values of faith, unity, and social responsibility beyond the festive period.