President Bola Ahmed Tinubu yesterday urged Muslims to pray against insecurity and the resolution of other national challenges as they celebrated Eid-el-Maulud, the birthday of Prophet Mohammed (SAW).
He called for the renewal of commitment to the virtues of devotion, perseverance, tolerance, humility and selflessness exemplified by his life.
The President, Vice President Kashim Shettima, governors and other top government officials urged the faithful to support the needy and extend a duty of care to the vulnerable.
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), which extended its goodwill and solidarity to Muslims, cautioned politicians against exploiting religion and ethnicity to garner votes.
CAN President Rev. Daniel Okoh, who called for religious harmony, advised Muslims and Christians to live in harmony.
In many parts of the country, Muslim groups undertook a series of activities to mark the day. Pupils had march past, Islamic organisations organized lectures, among other activities.
Tinubu urges prayers for nation
The president, who congratulated the Muslims, said they should used the celebration for introspection, prayer and reflection on the Prophet’s teachings.
He said in a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, that Nigerians had much to learn from the life and conduct of Prophet Muhammad.
President Tinubu said: ‘The Muslim faithful should make deliberate effort to adhere to the teachings of Prophet Muhammad. There are great lessons of devotion, perseverance, tolerance, humility and selflessness that we can all learn from the life of the Prophet.’
He urged Nigerians to pray for an end to insecurity and other challenges confronting some parts of the country.
The President said Muslims should imbibe the virtues of compassion and generosity, especially towards the less privileged, adding that they should extend a hand of fellowship to the needy and vulnerable in the spirit of the season.
Shettima calls for tolerance
Shettima urged Nigerians to reject hatred, division and intolerance and renew their commitment to peace, compassion and service to humanity.
He said the values exemplified by the Prophet should inspire Nigerians to strengthen the bonds of national unity and care for the vulnerable.
The Vice President said the occasion offered an opportunity for citizens to reflect on the enduring lessons of mercy, humility, justice, patience and service to humanity.
He said: ‘The life of the Prophet remains an enduring lesson in mercy, humility, justice, patience and service to humanity.
‘He taught us that true strength is found in compassion, that leadership must be guided by fairness, and that our faith is best expressed in the way we treat one another.’
Shettima said the lessons were particularly relevant as Nigeria continued to record sustained economic growth under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The vice president said the values of compassion, justice and service should encourage Nigerians to look beyond their differences and work collectively towards building a more peaceful coexistence.
He described Nigeria’s diversity as one of the country’s greatest strengths, stressing the need to foster peaceful coexistence among citizens irrespective of their religious, ethnic or social backgrounds.
Shettima said: ‘Our diversity remains one of Nigeria’s greatest strengths. We must continue to build a country where people of every faith and background can live together in peace, dignity and mutual respect’, Shettima said.
He also called on Nigerians to use the celebration to reach out to the less privileged and demonstrate kindness towards their neighbours and communities.
He said: ‘As we celebrate, I urge Nigerians to remember those in need and to extend kindness to our neighbours and communities. The true spirit of this occasion lies not only in remembrance, but in reflecting the Prophet’s example in our daily lives.’
CAN to leaders: don’t exploit
religion, ethnicity
CAN appealed to politicians not to exploit religious and ethnic sentiments for political advantage ahead of the 2027 general election.
Rev. Okoh also urged politicians to desist from actions capable of deepening religious and ethnic divisions, warning that while elections would come and go, the bonds holding the country together must remain intact.
He said the Eid-el-Maulud celebration offered Nigerians an opportunity to reflect on values of mercy, justice, compassion for the poor and vulnerable, honesty and peaceful coexistence.
Rev. Okoh said these values are particularly important at a time when Nigerians are grappling with economic hardship and insecurity.
The CAN president urged the leaders to move beyond promises and deliver visible results, particularly in the areas of security and economic relief.
He said: ‘I therefore urge the Federal Government and leaders at all levels to move from promises to visible action. Nigerians need greater security, economic relief and leadership that puts their welfare first.’
‘As we approach the 2027 elections, I also appeal to politicians not to exploit religion or ethnicity for political advantage. Elections will come and go, but the bonds that hold Nigeria together must remain.’
Rev. Okoh appealed to Christians and Muslims to reject attempts by individuals seeking political advantage to divide them along religious lines.
He said both faith communities have a shared responsibility to protect their communities, care for vulnerable Nigerians and work together to promote peace.
Okoh, however, expressed optimism about the future of the country, saying hope must be backed by responsible leadership, good citizenship and justice.’