From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja, Abel Leonard, Lafia, Scholastica Hir, Makurdi
President Bola Tinubu, Chairman, Senate Committee on Privatisation, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu and others congratulated Nigerian Muslims as they commemorate the Maulud Nabiy, birthday of Prophet Muhammad.
President Tinubu, in a statement issued by Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, urged Muslims to use the period for deep reflection and remembrance of the Holy Prophet’s exemplary conduct and noble teachings.
“As we mark the Maulud, we should all reflect on the life lived by Prophet Muhammad, exemplified by purity, selflessness, perseverance, kindness and compassion. We must endeavour to imbibe those virtues.”
He also urged the Muslim faithful to dedicate the Maulud holiday to pray for the country and show empathy and compassion toward one another.
On his part, Kalu called on religious leaders to use their platforms to advocate peace and unity among Nigerians regardless of ethnic, religious and political differences, stressing that Nigeria’s diversity should be explored for growth and development.
In a statement, the former Abia governor called on the Muslim community to use the season to pray for leaders at all levels of government.
“I join our muslim brothers and sisters in Nigeria and abroad in celebrating Eid-el-Maulud.
“It is a sacred season to commemorate the birth of the Holy Prophet Mohammed.
“I call on the Muslim ummah to sustain the teachings of the holy Qu’ran and exemplary qualities of the Holy Prophet Muhammed in their daily endeavours.”
He wished the Muslim ummah a spiritual fulfilling celebration.
Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, congratulated the Muslim Ummah on the occasion of Eid-el-Maulud and called for peaceful co-existence, unity, and love in order to move the nation forward.
In his goodwill message to the Muslim faithful, he said it was only by doing so that Nigeria would realise her full potential and greatness.
“I rejoice with our Muslim compatriots on this occasion of Eid-el-Maulud. Maulud-al-Nabi, being an occasion for the commemoration of the birth of Prophet Mohammed, presents an opportunity to reflect on the life and times of the Holy Prophet, especially the virtues of empathy, love, peaceful-coexistence, selfless service to humanity, among others, which he preached and was also noted for.
“Again, in times like these especially, it behooves us as Nigerians to be our brother’s keeper and join our hands in faith to wade through the present challenges confronting us as a nation. Indeed, it is only by doing so that we can move our country forward on the path of peace and prosperity to realise its full greatness”, he said.
The governor wished the Muslim faithful and Nigerians a merry and hitch-free Eid-El-Maulud.
Gov Hyacinth Alia of Benue State, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Tersoo Kula
admonished Muslims to reflect on the principles of the Prophet’s life of kindness, compassion, and his role as a spiritual guide.
He charged them to always engage in dialogue and conversations, aimed at promoting the unity and growth of the state and country and pray and support the President Tinubu-led government to succeed.
He assured them that his administration would continue to do everything possible to deliver on its campaign promises.
In his Eid El Maulud message, former governor of Nasarawa State, Senator Umaru Tanko Al-Makura, who holds the traditional title of Sardaunan Gwandara, emphasised the importance of the commemoration of the Prophet’s birth, describing it as a time for Muslims to offer prayers for the country’s healing.
He acknowledged the economic hardships being experienced due to the Federal Government’s reform policies but encouraged Nigerians to view them as necessary steps toward a brighter future.
“While the challenges are undeniable, these reforms are geared towards building a better Nigeria for the good of all,” he said.
Senator Al-Makura further appealed to Nigerians to remain patient and understanding as the administration works through these economic reforms. He urged leaders to rule with the fear of God, emphasizing the need for compassion and support for the less fortunate.
Sani Musa (APC-Niger ) and Chairman, Senate Committee on Finance, has encouraged Muslims to rededicate themselves to prayers in support of those in authority and the nation in general.
He also urged prayers for President Tinubu, Governor Mohammad Bago of Niger and other leaders to pave way for socioeconomic and political development in the country.
Musa urged the citizenry to focus on the positives for the country, striving for a collective goal of renewed hope.
The lawmaker also encouraged Muslims to emulate the Prophet’s exemplary leadership qualities, noting that his life and teachings would continue to inspire future generations.
He described the Prophet as the most peace-loving human being to have ever lived, and urged all Nigerians to embody virtues such as charity,forgiveness,honesty and patriotism
Musa also urged the Muslim Ummah to reflect on the Prophet’s life and teachings, and to seek Allah’s intervention in the country’s challenges.
“I heartily felicitate with all Muslim faithful in Nigeria on the Eid-el-Maulud occasion, honouring the birth of the Holy Prophet Muhammad(SAW).
“This ceremony provides an opportunity for sober reflection, seeking the Prophet’s intercessions for divine intervention in our nation’s challenges,”he said.