Don’t Borrow for Eid Sacrifice, Chief Imam Warns Amid Soaring Costs

Don’t Borrow for Eid Sacrifice, Chief Imam Warns Amid Soaring Costs

As Muslims prepare to celebrate Eid-el-Kabir, the Chief Imam of Lagos State University (LASU), Prof. Amidu Sanni, has advised the faithful not to incur debt or engage in illegal activities to fulfill the ritual of animal sacrifice.

In his 2025 Eid Kabir message released on Thursday in Lagos,Prof. Sanni emphasized that Islam exempts those who cannot afford to slaughter an animal from the obligation.

“So, no reason to go borrowing or engaging in illicit deals to fulfill a religious duty,” he said.

The cleric also used the occasion to extend greetings to Nigerians and prayed for peace and the safe return of pilgrims from Hajj. He reminded Muslims that economic realities should not pressure them into taking financial risks or making unethical choices in the name of religious observance.

He further highlighted the broader national context of this year’s celebration, which coincides with the second anniversary of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

“That this year’s feast of sacrifice is incidentally coming on the heels of the second year anniversary of the current political experience under President Bola Tinubu has a special significance for Nigerians,” he said.

Prof. Sanni called on President Tinubu, state governors, and local government leaders to urgently address the widespread hardship in the country and rebuild citizens’ trust in governance.

“My first clarion call is to Mr President, the state governors, and heads of the local councils to rescue Nigerians from losing hope in the polity to a meaningful life,” he stated.

He stressed the need for people-focused policies to mitigate the impact of subsidy removal and naira devaluation.

“The renewed hope mobilisation can be tailored in such a way that public trust can be rekindled in Nigerians by the implementation of people-oriented policies to cushion the effect of the removal of the oil subsidy and the free fluctuation of the Naira.

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“The full implementation of the national minimum wage will to a great extent assuage frayed nerves.

“Promises from state actors to the people should be kept to foster needed trust and to restore patriotism,” he added.

Prof. Sanni also referenced the strong public backlash that trailed the recently suspended compulsory voting bill, saying it showed how deeply citizens are invested in governance and should not be ignored.

He encouraged Nigerian leaders to pay close attention to such expressions of public opinion in shaping future policies.