Our Correspondents
The Speaker of the House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen and the National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, have urged Muslims to emulate the Holy Prophet, remain tolerant and imbibe the culture of peaceful coexistence.
Also, governors of Ondo State Governor, Mr. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, Umar Namadi of Jigawa State, Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, Uba Sani of Kaduna, Godwin Obaseki of Edo State, Hyacinth Alia of Benue, Duoye Diri of Bayelsa, and the presidential candidate of Labour Party in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, have urged Muslims across the country to offer prayers for the peace and prosperity of Nigeria on the occasion of Eid-El Maulud.
They all sent their greetings in separate statements yesterday, on this year’s Eid-el-Maulud, which marks the birth of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW).
Abbas, in his statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Krishi, urged Islamic adherents to emulate the Prophet, noting that his life and teachings would continue to inspire more generations to come.
He said the period calls for sober reflection on the life and time of the Holy Prophet, whom he said was the most peace-loving human being to have ever lived on earth.
The Speaker urged not only Muslims but all Nigerians to imbibe virtues such as charity, forgiveness, honesty and patriotism, saying these are some of the qualities that leaders, and followers alike, should have to be able to have peace and progress in their country.
On his part, Ganduje used the occasion to appeal to all Nigerians to continue to support and pray for President Bola Tinubu as he tackles the economic and security challenges besetting the country.
The chairman in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Edwin Olofu, called on Nigerians irrespective of their religions and political leanings to remain tolerant, and imbibe the culture of peaceful coexistence required for the unity and progress of the country.
He noted: “Warmest wishes to you and your loved ones on this day. May Allah fill your heart with lots of joy, peace, and good health.
“Let us also use the occasion to pray for our country and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as he takes very bold steps to reposition the country on the path of growth and prosperity.
“The APC-led administration needs your support, understanding and indeed sacrifice to end the present economic downturn. This will engender our path to economic revival and rejuvenation of the well-being of all citizens.”
Akeredolu Congratulates Muslims, Calls for Unity, Love
Akeredolu, congratulated all Muslims in the state and beyond on the occasion of Eid-El-Maulud, marking the birth of the Holy Prophet Muhammad.
The Governor said the Eid-El-Maulud was not just a celebration, but an essential moment for introspection, reflection, and a recommitment to the spiritual virtues exemplified by the Holy Prophet Muhammad.
Akeredolu, in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Richard Olatunde, implored the people to imbibe the spirit of Unity, love, patience, tolerance, and perseverance, which are the cornerstones of the Prophet’s teachings and life.
“Let us embrace the act of sacrifice and love, as exhibited by the Holy Prophet during his time. His birth represents a gift of love and peace to all of humanity. It is a beacon of hope, and we should use this occasion to show kindness and extend love to one another, as well as work towards the peace and unity of our dear state and nation.”
Akeredolu, assured that his administration would continue to prioritise the welfare of the people and the development of the state.
“In the spirit of the Prophet’s teachings, we reaffirm our commitment to the pursuit of the greater good for all our citizens. We will ensure that every action taken by our administration is driven by love for our state and the desire to improve the lives of our people.
“Together, we can continue to build an Ondo State that is prosperous, peaceful, and a place where every citizen feels valued and cared for,” the governor said.
Namadi Tasks Wealthy Individuals to Support the Poor
Governor Namadi of Jigawa State urged wealthy individuals to extend their helping hands to the needy in the spirit of the Maulud celebration in the Muslim world.
In his Maulud message signed by his Chief press secretary Hamisu Gumel, said Namadi enjoined the rich to work together to uplift one another by supporting the poor to build the future.
“This is a period for a renewal of commitment to the principles of unity and cooperation in our state, our people must work together to uplift one another, support those in need, and collectively build a brighter future for all.”
While underscoring the teaching of Prophet Muhammad, Namadi emphasised the importance of strengthening bonds of brotherhood friendship by showing kindness and respect for all.
“May this Maulud bring peace, happiness, and blessings to all of us. May it remind us of our duty to follow in the footsteps of the Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) and strive to be the best versions of ourselves”
“Governor Namadi extended his message with prayers for peace, happiness, and blessings for all and a reminder of the duty to follow in the footsteps of the Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) and strive to be the best versions of ourselves.”
“May this Maulud bring peace, happiness, and blessings to all of us. May it remind us of our duty to follow in the footsteps of the Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) and strive to be the best versions of ourselves” the statement added.
Abiodun Urges Prayer for Nigeria
Abiodun of Ogun Stateh urged Muslims across the country to offer prayers for the peace and prosperity of Nigeria on the occasion of Eid-El Maulud.
In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Lekan Adeniran, the governor emphasised the need for Nigerians to come together and pray for the country’s progress, unity and development.
Abiodun also called on Muslims to emulate the virtues of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), which include love, tolerance, peace, and humility.
He urged Muslims to use the occasion of Eid-El Maulud to reflect on the teachings of the Prophet and strive to live a life of righteousness and selflessness.
The governor expressed his commitment to providing good and effective governance to the people of Ogun State as he called on Muslims to continue to support his administration and pray for its success.
PDP, Peter Obi Preach Peace, Unity
Peter Obi and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) celebrated with Nigerians, especially the Muslim Ummah on the occasion of the Eid-el Maulud, urging them to use the day for intensive and fervent prayers to the Almighty Allah for His divine intervention in the affairs of the Nation.
In a statement by the National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, the PDP called on Nigerians to use the occasion to reinforce the bond of unity, love and respect for one another, especially at this critical time in the life of the nation.
According to the spokesman of the PDP, “Eid-el Maulud, the celebration of the birth of Holy Prophet Mohammed (SAW), offers humanity an anchor in God’s love and willingness to guide mankind through obedience to His Will, righteousness, peace and eternal redemption.”
The PDP therefore called on Nigerians, especially those holding sensitive public offices and whose decisions were central to the entrenchment of Justice, Equity and the Rule of Law in Nigeria, to use the occasion to imbibe the fear of God in line with the teachings of the Holy Prophet, as this is the only to guarantee peace and stability in the polity.
Ologunagba added, “Such officials must note that positions are given by the Almighty Allah and that all their actions will be accounted for before Him.”
Likewise, Obi sent a message of goodwill and felicitation to Muslims as they celebrate the birthday of Holy Prophet Mohammed.
In a message, he signed, Obi asked Muslims to use the period to reflect and seek Prophet Mohammed’s intercession on the many challenges of the country.
”I heartily Felicitate all the Muslim Faithful in Nigeria, as they celebrate the Eid-El Maulud, to honor the birth of the Holy Prophet Muhammad.
“The ceremony once again provides us an opportunity for sober reflections as we seek the prophet’s intercessions for divine intervention on the many challenges facing our nation on all fronts.
“Nigeria has continued to contend with many challenges, some of which are obvious disunity among the people, extreme poverty, a high rate of unemployment, and a high level of insecurity. Let us, today, pray for lasting peace in our nation, and in keeping with the Holy Prophet’s teachings, continually extend brotherly love to our countrymen and women, especially the poor, in our midst irrespective of their tribe or religious beliefs”, he stated
The former Anambra state Governor finally wished all the Muslim Faithful a Happy Eid el Maulud celebration.
Sani Pledges Support for Peace Commission to Resolve Age-long Conflicts
Kaduna Governor, Sani, said his administration would provide the required support for the State’s Peace Commission to resolve age-long conflicts.
In a statement marking Eid-El-Maulud celebrations, the governor said his administration would continue to encourage interfaith dialogue to promote peace in the state.
Sani called on muslims to pray for peace and progress in the country.
He said the Eid-El-Maulud celebration was an opportunity for citizens to imbibe the virtues of the Holy Prophet Mohammed in order to heal communities and rebuild the badly damaged local economy.
He said the state government has been engaging with security agencies and boosting the capacity of the Kaduna Vigilance Service (KADVS) to fight against the security challenges.
“We thank the Almighty Allah for His blessings, protection, and guidance. We glorify Him for being our shield in these difficult and challenging times”, the statement reads.
“This is our first Eid-El-Maulud celebration since assuming office on May 29, 2023. We have settled down to the business of governance.
“We have committed ourselves fully to rebuilding trust in our ravaged and divided communities.
“Our people deserve peace and a harmonious environment so that they can rebuild their lives and contribute to the economic development of our dear state”.
According to him, “This year’s Eid-El-Maulud celebration is an opportunity for our citizens to imbibe the virtues of the Holy Prophet Mohammed (peace be upon him) to heal our communities and rebuild our badly damaged local economies.
“Our administration will continue to encourage interfaith dialogue. We shall give the Kaduna State Peace Commission all the support it needs to help resolve age-long conflicts and forge understanding among our people.”
Alia, Benue Muslim Leaders Call for Peace, Religious Tolerance
Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State called on the Muslim ummah in Nigeria to imbibe the exemplary leadership of the Holy Prophet Mohammed by promoting peaceful co-existence among the various segments of the society.
The governor who sent out greetings to Muslims in the state in a press release by his Press Secretary, Mr. Tersoo Kula, urged them to shun ethnic, political and religious differences and work towards building a safer and better Benue and Nigeria in general.
Similarly, leader of the Hausa community in Benue Alhaji Garba Baba in an interaction with journalists in his office along Lafia road, North Bank, Makurdi, also called on all Muslims to imbibe the virtues of peace and pray for leaders.
Baba, said it was only through patience and tolerance that the religious and cultural diversity of Nigeria could be turned to advantage.
In his own message, governor Alia charged the Muslim community that as they “rejoice in the celebration of the birth of Prophet Mohammed, be mindful of the need to pray for peace and unity amongst the citizens, which form the fulcrum for the progress of our dear Benue State and nation.
“You are once again reminded of the need to show love and be at peace with one another for the development and progress of our dear state and country,” he said.
Also, a popular politician in the state Alhaji Dahiru Shaibu called on Benue people and Nigerians to support Governor Alia and Bola Ahmed Tinubu to succeed as governor and president of the country.
Obaseki Urges Peaceful Co-existence
Godwin Obaseki felicitated Muslims on the celebration of the Eid-el Maulud, urging for peaceful co-existence.
The governor in a statement, said “I celebrate with the Muslim faithful on the occasion of the commemoration of the birth of Prophet Mohammed (S.A.W), as we mark this year’s Eid-el-Maulud.
“This celebration offers an opportunity for thoughtful reflection as a people and reinforces the need for tolerance and peaceful co-existence.”
Obaseki noted, “Despite our religious, tribal, ethnic and political affiliations, the prophet’s message of peace and good neighbourliness should motivate us all to work together towards building a strong, united and prosperous Nigeria.”
“I also urge the Muslim faithful to use the occasion of the celebration to pray for peace and the progress of our dear nation.
“As a government, we will continue to make policy decisions that reflect our diversity as a people and sustain the peaceful co-existence of all residents in Edo State.
Diri Congratulates Muslims, Pledges More Developmental Milestones if Re-elected
Governor of Bayelsa State, Diri felicitated Muslim faithful on the celebration of the birth of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
Diri, in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, noted that the Feast of Eid-el-Maulud was a celebration of love and a time to reflect on the Prophet’s teachings on unity, compassion and peace.
He enjoined adherents of Islam in the state to always strive to be their brother’s keeper, show practical love and ensure peaceful co-existence with others.
“On this auspicious moment of the celebration of the Feast of Eid-el-Maulud, I felicitate with my Muslim brothers in the state and across Nigeria.
“As they mark the birth of Prophet Muhammad, it is also a time of reflection on his great ideals and teachings on love, unity. compassion and peace.
“I implore adherents of the faith to demonstrate practical love, patriotism and ensure peaceful co-existence with others. The principles of good neighbourliness and being a brother’s keeper are best manifested at a season as this.
“Bayelsa remains a home for all. It is a state where, as stipulated in the Nigerian Constitution, everyone freely practices their religion without hindrance or let. And our administration has been consistent in encouraging freedom of worship and association.
“As the November 11 governorship election approaches, let us eschew every form of violent conduct and continue to maintain the existing peace in the state,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Daniel Alabrah, says the prosperity government of senator Douye Diri will do more in the development of the state if given the second term mandate.
Alabrah while speaking with members of the Federated Correspondent’s Chapel of the “NUJ” bayelsa state council during a “Correspondent’s Forum” organised by the chapel, said the governor if re-elected would continue with the urban renewal he has started already.
Alabrah, while enumerating his principal achievements, said in the areas of education, six more additional new schools had been built in Yenagoa while several others have been renovated with updated internet facilities.
Foreign Affairs Minister Calls for Global Peace
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar yesterday, called for global peace and harmony on the occasion of Eid al Maulud.
The Minister, in a statement signed by his Special Assistant on Media and Communications Strategy, Alkasim Abdulkadir, enjoined the Muslim Ummah to embrace the noble and exemplary life of Prophet Muhammad SAW (Peace Be Upon Him) in their daily lives.
He also prayed for peace and security in Nigeria, most especially in the ECOWAS sub-region and other parts of the world going through conflicts and strife; while also calling on all to imbibe tolerance, love, and compassion.
According to him, “The lesson from the life of Prophet Muhammad Peace Be Upon Him is one of inspiration to be pious and humane. His dedication to love, compassion, humility, and teaching tolerance are needed in these times.
“May the occasion of Eid al Maulud bring our country and the entire world peace and tranquillity. Have a wonderful celebration.”
Furthermore, he wished Muslims all over the world a joyful celebration.
Omo-Agege Greets Muslims, Urges Prayers for Country
Former Deputy President of the Senate and Delta State Governorship candidate of the All Progressive Congress, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, felicitated the Muslim faithful on the occasion of the Maulud-Un-Nabiyy, the birthday of the Holy Prophet Muhammad.
In a message to mark this year’s Eid-el-Maulud, Senator Omo-Agege urged all Muslims to imbibe the noble life, virtues and teachings of the Holy Prophet which include love, forgiveness, peaceful coexistence and selfless sacrifice.
A statement by his Media Adviser, Sunny Areh, said Omo-Agege used the occasion to appeal to all Nigerians to continue to support and pray for President Bola Tinubu as he tackles the nation’s problems, especially the economic and security challenges.
He said: “I felicitate Muslim faithful in the country on this occasion of Eid-el-Maulud. I urge them to imbibe the noble life, virtues and teachings of Holy Prophet Muhammad, which include love, forgiveness, peaceful co-existence and selfless sacrifice, and to exhibit those attributes as we relate with one another.
“Let us also use the occasion to pray for our country and for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as he takes very bold steps to confront the multifarious challenges facing the country, especially the economic and security challenges.
“The government needs our support, understanding and indeed sacrifice to end the present economic downturn. This will engender our path to economic revival and rejuvenation of the wellbeing of all citizens.
“I wish all Muslim faithful happy Eid-el-Maulud celebration.”
Ningi: Time for Reflection, Devotion, Celebration of Virtues of Prophet Muhammad
The Senator representing Bauchi Central of Bauchi State, Senator Abdul Ahmad Ningi, has described Maulud as a time of reflection, devotion, and celebration.
Senator Ningi made the declaration in a statement he signed and made available to journalists in Bauchi.
He wrote: “Dear respected Citizens of Bauchi Central and Fellow Muslims, on the commemoration of the auspicious occasion of Maulud Nabiy, I extend my warmest greetings and heartfelt wishes to Muslims across the world.”
According to him, “On this blessed day, let us not only remember the profound lessons of compassion, tolerance, and unity that the Prophet’s life exemplified, but also reaffirm our commitment to practicing these values in our daily lives.”
The Senator stressed that, “It is through the embodiment of these principles that we can contribute to a more harmonious and prosperous society.”
“I also wish to extend my prayers for the peace, prosperity, and well-being of our beloved country, Nigeria, and specifically, our dear Bauchi State. May our nation continue to progress towards greater unity, peace, and development, and may Bauchi State thrive in all its endeavors,”he added.
