As the Muslim faithful across the country celebrated the birth of Prophet Muhammad on Friday, Some Nigerian leaders have felicitated the adherents of the Islamic faith, urging them to always uphold the moral teachings of Prophet Muhammad and his message of unity, peace, tranquillity, love and harmony, which are the hallmarks of humanity.
In his Eid el-Maolud message, Enugu State governor, Dr Peter Mbah, while wishing them a happy celebration, emphasised the virtues of love, peace, justice, harmony in nation building.
The governor used the occasion to reiterate his administration’s commitment to building a secure, inclusive, and prosperous Enugu State.
Also, Ebonyi State governor, Francis Nwifuru and Minister of Works, David Umahi have urged Muslims to always uphold the moral teachings of Prophet Mohammed.
The two Ebonyi leaders urged the Muslims to observe the celebration with humility, charity, and brotherhood.
Governor Nwifuru reminded Muslims that: “Eid al-Maulud is a time for reflection, renewal of faith, and reaffirmation of our commitment to the principles of love, peace, and compassion that Prophet Muhammad exemplified”.
Umahi, in his own message, said the celebration reminds Nigerians on the need to always uphold the moral teachings of Prophet Mohammed and his message of unity, peace, and love, adding that: “As you celebrate this remarkable event, may God send His love like sunshine in His warm and gentle ways to fill every corner of your hearts with happiness and joy and may He shower his choicest blessings on all who express sincere and heartfelt happiness at receiving His greatest blessings.”
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, in his message to residents of the FCT, emphasised unity, compassion, and civic duty as they commemorate the birth of Prophet Muhammad.
Wike described the occasion as “a time when we reflect on (the Prophet’s) teachings of peace, compassion, and unity.” He urged residents to embrace the spirit of togetherness that transcends religious and cultural differences.
The minister asked residents to pray for the success of President Bola Tinubu, even as he expressed gratitude for the president’s support of FCT development efforts.
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in a statement signed on Friday by the President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, said Eid-el-Maolud offers all Nigerians a moment of reflection on the values of humility, compassion, justice and devotion to God, which the Prophet exemplified, adding that the values transcend religious boundaries and point towards building a society anchored on peace, fairness and mutual respect.
He said: “On behalf of the Christian community, I extend warm wishes to all Muslims for a peaceful and joyous celebration. May this Eid-el-Maolud inspire stronger bonds of unity across faiths, renew our shared hope for Nigeria, and encourage us all to work together for a just and prosperous nation.”
The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), Bishop Stephen Adegbite, also encouraged Muslims to reflect on the teachings of Prophet Muhammad and live according to the dictates of Islam, a religion of peace.
He called on Muslims to intercede in prayer for one another, preach peace, and uphold the president, vice president, and all national leaders in prayer.
First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, charged citizens to reflect on the life and teachings of Prophet Muhammad.
In her message released on Friday, Mrs Tinubu described Eid-el-Maulud as “a time to reflect on (the Prophet’s) exemplary life of humility, compassion, forgiveness and devotion to Allah.”
She encouraged Nigerians to embody these virtues by showing love, kindness, and unity in their daily interactions.
Chief Imam of Awujoola Central Mosque, Oyo, Sheikh Hamzah Ahmad, urged Muslims all over the world to follow the path of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW) as they celebrate the birth of the prophet.
The cleric gave the admonition in his weekly Jumat sermon held at Awujoola Central mosque, Saabo, Oyo.
The cleric explained that the annual celebration of the birth of prophet Muhammad be done with little or no fanfare, but with moderation and deep reflection on the need to better the society.
Sheikh Ahmad also urged President Bola Tinubu, the governors and those in the position of authority to learn from the teachings, Sunnah and behaviours of the prophet as exemplified in the Holy Quran.
