Eid-el-Kabir: Wike Urges Residents To Embrace Sacrifice, Discipline, Civic Duty

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has called on residents of Abuja to channel the spiritual lessons of Eid-el-Kabir into active civic responsibility, urging that sacrifice, obedience, and selflessness should guide efforts to build a world-class city.

In his Eid-el-Kabir message to residents on Wednesday, Wike stressed that the celebration extends beyond a holiday.

“It is a profound reminder of Prophet Ibrahim’s (AS) unwavering faith and willingness to place the common good above personal desire,” he said.

The minister explained that the modern expression of obedience requires residents to make sacrifices of patience and discipline in their daily lives.

He called on the public to maintain cleanliness, obey traffic and building regulations, pay taxes promptly, and cooperate with security agencies.

“If Eid-el-Kabir teaches sacrifice for a greater purpose, then the FCT symbolises what sacrifice can build: a place of peace, order, and shared prosperity,” he said.

Wike described Abuja as a miniature Nigeria, exemplifying unity across tribes, tongues, and faiths, reaffirming the FCT Administration’s commitment to development.

The minister noted that massive, inclusive infrastructural projects benefiting both the City Centre and rural areas will be officially commissioned in the coming weeks.

He said these initiatives align with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to transform Abuja into an enviable global capital, and he commended residents for their patience during the ongoing construction.

To ensure a safe and hitch-free celebration, the minister disclosed that all relevant security agencies have been fully mobilised. He encouraged residents to celebrate with love while maintaining vigilance and respect for law and order.

Wike also urged citizens to foster unity and religious harmony, show compassion to the less privileged, reject divisive rumours, and promote harmony in homes, workplaces, marketplaces, and places of worship.

“None of you truly believes until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself,” he quoted Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

The 2026 Eid-el-Kabir coincides with Children’s Day on 27 May, presenting a unique convergence of faith and future.

The minister described children as the heartbeat of the FCT and the promise of Nigeria’s tomorrow, calling on parents, teachers, and community leaders to use this dual celebration to instil in young ones the values of sacrifice, honesty, discipline, and patriotism.

“A city that secures its children secures its future,” he said.

He further commended FCT pilgrims who observed the Hajj this year, asking them and the Muslim community to pray for Nigeria’s peace, unity, and prosperity.

On behalf of the FCTA, Wike extended warm wishes for a joyous, peaceful, and spiritually rewarding Eid-el-Kabir to all Muslim faithful and every resident of the Federal Capital Territory.

“May Allah (Subhanahu wa ta’ala) accept our sacrifices, answer our prayers, and continue to bless the Federal Capital Territory and the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Eid Mubarak,” he said.

Women’s Summit Launches Menstrual Support Initiative for Underserved Girls By Jerry Emmanson

The 7th Africa Women Summit has launched a major humanitarian initiative to provide 100,000 menstrual pads to underserved girls across Africa, as part of efforts to address period poverty and improve menstrual health support for vulnerable communities. The initiative was unveiled during the summit held in Zanzibar, Tanzania, from 6 May to 8, 2026, under the framework of the “Period Poverty Project,” a programme designed to promote dignity, menstrual hygiene awareness and improved access to sanitary products for girls across the continent.

Organisers said the project forms part of the broader mission of the Africa Women Summit under its D.R.E.A.M framework — Driving Resilience, Empowerment, Access and Mobilisation — which focuses on creating sustainable impact initiatives for women and girls in Africa.

The summit brought together policymakers, healthcare professionals, diplomats, development partners, private sector leaders, advocates, and women changemakers from across Africa and the Diaspora to discuss issues related to women’s health, empowerment, leadership, and sustainable development.

Speaking during the event, Founder of the Africa Women Summit and Executive Director of Engage Empower Educate Initiative, Kalada Belema Meshack-Hart, said the initiative reflects the summit’s commitment to supporting vulnerable girls and amplifying programmes that directly improve the well-being of women across Africa.