Eid-Ul-Adha: APTAN Osun Celebrates With Muslims, Seeks Collective Fight Against Insecurity, Hardship

The Osun State Chapter of the Artisans, Peasants and Traders Association of Nigeria (APTAN) has congratulated Muslim faithful in Osun State, Nigeria, and across the world on the celebration of the 2026 Eid-el-Adha festival, while calling for collective efforts to tackle insecurity and economic hardship confronting the nation.

In a statement issued on Wednesday by the State Coordinator of APTAN Osun, Qozeem Olawusi, the association described Eid-el-Adha as a sacred festival that symbolises sacrifice, obedience, faith, patience, compassion, and total submission to the will of Almighty Allah.

The association extended warm greetings to Chief Imams, Islamic scholars, religious leaders, Islamic organisations, and the global Muslim Ummah, praying for a peaceful and spiritually rewarding celebration.

APTAN noted that the values associated with Eid-el-Adha remain vital in promoting peace, unity, tolerance, and national development, especially at a time when Nigeria is facing various socio-economic and security challenges.

The association also commended religious leaders for their consistent prayers, teachings, and moral guidance, which it said have continued to foster peaceful coexistence, discipline, and harmony within communities despite prevailing economic difficulties.

APTAN further felicitated its members across Osun State, particularly Muslim artisans, peasants, traders, entrepreneurs, transporters, market men and women, as well as members of various trade associations whose contributions continue to sustain grassroots economic activities and support national growth.

The association urged Nigerians to use the occasion of Eid-el-Adha to demonstrate kindness, support the less privileged, promote peaceful coexistence, and place national interest above ethnic, political, and religious considerations.

Speaking on the security situation in the country, APTAN expressed concern over the rising cases of kidnapping, armed robbery, communal clashes, and other criminal activities threatening lives, businesses, and agricultural productivity.

According to the association, insecurity remains a collective responsibility that requires unity, patriotism, vigilance, and collaboration among citizens, community leaders, and security agencies.

APTAN therefore called on Nigerians to remain security conscious, report suspicious movements and criminal activities to relevant authorities, and avoid protecting criminal elements within their communities.

The association also advised youths to shun violence, cultism, internet fraud, drug abuse, and other social vices capable of destroying their future and destabilising society. It encouraged young people to embrace education, entrepreneurship, skill acquisition, agriculture, and other productive ventures that could guarantee sustainable livelihoods.

APTAN equally appealed to traditional rulers, religious leaders, parents, and community leaders to intensify efforts towards moral upbringing, peacebuilding, and responsible citizenship among the younger generation.

The association further urged the Federal, State, and Local Governments to strengthen the country’s security architecture through improved funding, intelligence gathering, modern security equipment, and better welfare packages for security personnel.

It also called on government at all levels to address the root causes of insecurity by creating jobs, supporting artisans and small businesses, empowering farmers and traders, investing in vocational training, and implementing policies capable of reducing poverty and economic hardship.

APTAN expressed optimism that Nigeria could overcome its current challenges through collective responsibility, justice, unity, and genuine commitment to national development.

Reaffirming its commitment to the welfare of artisans, peasants, traders, and entrepreneurs, the association pledged to continue promoting economic empowerment, capacity building, and peaceful coexistence across Osun State and Nigeria.

The statement concluded with prayers for a peaceful, joyous, and rewarding Eid-el-Adha celebration for all Muslim faithful.

Eid Mubarak.