Muslims celebrate the birthday of  Prophet Muhammed (SAW)

The Governor of Lagos State, Babatunde Fashola, on Tuesday urged Nigerians to use the opportunity of Prophet Muhammed’s birthday celebration to tolerate one another and imbibe the virtues of perseverance and restraint.

In a goodwill message signed by his Special Adviser on Media, Hakeem Bello, the governor said that the commemoration should inspire Nigerians to renew their belief in God and their country.

Mr. Fashola said that Nigerians should be determined to promote peaceful co-existence. He said Prophet Mohammed preached and lived for peace and was revered and widely followed for his honesty and perseverance.

“While commemorating this auspicious occasion, let us renew our faith in our nation,” Mr. Fashola urged.

The governor said that Nigerians should use the opportunity to pray to God to restore to the country lost values including respect for human life. He urged the citizens to express their faith in the unity of Nigeria, and resolve to engage in hard work to enable the country occupy its proper position in the committee of nations.

The governor thanked communities in the state for ensuring peaceful co-existence, and for supporting the state government.

In his goodwill message, Governor of Plateau State, Jonah Jang, admonished Muslims to use religion as a platform to build the society.

The message released in Jos was signed by the Director of Press and Public Affairs in the Government House, James Manok.

The governor urged Muslims to use the opportunity of Eid-El-Maulud celebration to re-commit themselves to peaceful co-existence and religious tolerance. He also urged Muslims to use the period to pray for good leadership.

He reassured Plateau people of his administration’s determination to complete all development projects in the state.

In Kaduna, Governor Mukhtar Yero also called for religious tolerance.

He made the call during Eid-El-Maulud celebration organised by Fitanul Islam in Kaduna. He urged Muslims to use the occasion to pray for Nigeria’s unity and extend hands of fellowship and friendship to adherents of other religions.

The governor said that Nigeria needed religious tolerance to ensure peace and progress.

Some Islamic scholars at the event urged Muslims to live within the tenets of their faith.

The Imam of Ungwan Rimi Mosque, Shehu Tanimu, called on the Muslim community to live within the teachings of the Holy Qu’ran to be able to shape their lives well.

Mr. Tanimu also urged Muslims to shun provocative utterances. He also called on them to continue to pray for peace, unity and tranquility in Nigeria.

The Public Relations Officer of the Fityanul Islam, Tukur Abdulsalam, urged Muslims to emulate the virtues of Prophet Muhammed.

Mr. Abdulsalam called on Muslims to be humble, generous, honest, loving and tolerant to sustain peace in the society.

Various Islamic schools and groups participated in a parade which took place at the Murtala Mohammed Square, Kaduna.

In Oyo State, the Chief Imam of Iseyin in Iseyin Local Government Area, Abdul-Akeem Olajori, urged Muslims worldwide to live exemplary lives.

“As Muslims, we should be of best behaviour; this is the only way to make Islam enticing to non-Muslims. The religion preaches peace and forsakes violence. Muslims should use today’s celebration to extend hands of peace to others, especially non Muslims, and always remember that God commands us to be good to everyone. It is important to note that the Holy Prophet was a man of peace. He was peace-loving and encourages us to be peaceful. Muslims should use the period to examine their footsteps in relation to that of the Holy Prophet rather than embarking on frivolities,’’ he said.

The cleric also admonished Nigerians to be law-abiding and carry out their civic duties to make Nigeria a better place.

(NAN)