The Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) has urged Nigerians to embrace the values of sacrifice, peaceful coexistence and national unity as Muslim faithful across the country join others around the world to celebrate Eid-el-Kabir.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the institute said the festival, which commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice in obedience to God, offers enduring lessons in devotion, compassion, discipline and submission to divine will.
The institute noted that Eid-el-Kabir, which coincides with the Hajj rites in Mecca, including the symbolic standing at Arafat, extends beyond religious observance and serves as a universal reminder of shared humanity, empathy and selflessness.
According to the IPCR, the symbolic act of sacrifice associated with the celebration underscores the importance of generosity, care for the less privileged and the strengthening of communal bonds.
The institute stressed that such virtues are not exclusive to Muslims but are critical to promoting social cohesion, mutual respect and national harmony among Nigerians regardless of religious or ethnic affiliation.
It called on citizens to use the festive period to deepen friendship and unity across divides while rejecting hatred, extremism, discrimination and all forms of actions capable of undermining peaceful coexistence.
The institute further emphasised that peace remains the bedrock of sustainable development and meaningful national progress in a diverse society such as Nigeria.
Reaffirming its commitment to peacebuilding, conflict prevention, mediation and dialogue, the IPCR said it would continue to support initiatives aimed at fostering harmony across communities and institutions nationwide.
The institute also urged government and relevant stakeholders to sustain policies and programmes that promote peacebuilding, justice and inclusive governance.
Citizens were encouraged to remain law-abiding during the celebrations, observe the festivities peacefully and extend acts of kindness to vulnerable groups, including displaced and indigent persons.
According to the statement, acts of charity and compassion during the Eid-el-Kabir season should be seen as vital contributions toward building a more stable, united and caring society.
Director-General of the institute, Joseph Ochogwu, congratulated Muslim faithful on the occasion and reiterated that lasting peace can only be achieved through collective responsibility, mutual understanding and sustained commitment to peaceful coexistence among Nigerians.
