BY ROTIMI DUROJAIYE
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and his Oyo State counterpart, Seyi Makinde, have congratulated Nigerian Muslim faithful as they celebrate Maolud Nabiy, which marks the birthday of Prophet Mohammed.
Governor Sanwo-Olu in his goodwill message to commemorate the celebration of Maolud Nabiy today asked Nigerians, particularly Muslims to emulate the life and good virtues of Prophet Muhammad.
In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Gboyega Akosile on Tuesday, Governor Sanwo-Olu urged Lagosians and Muslims in particular to continue to tow the path of peace for the sustainable development of Lagos State.
Governor Sanwo-Olu urged Nigerians to embrace peace, harmony and tolerance in line with the teachings of Prophet Mohammed (PBUH), adding that Muslims should remain tolerant and continue to work in harmony with other religious denominations for a peaceful and violence-free society.
He also advised Muslims to seize the opportunity of the celebration of the birthday of Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) to strengthen their love towards one another and make the society a better place by eschewing tendencies that could tamper with the unity and stability in the country.
“Today, I join millions of people around the world, to wish our Muslim brothers and sisters in Lagos State and in Nigeria happy Maolud Nabiy, which is the birthday of Prophet Mohammed (PBUH).
“Lagos is noted for religious harmony, therefore, I want to enjoin Muslims to continue to be tolerant of other religious denominations as they’ve always been in the State. The Muslim faithful in Lagos State should continue to live in peace and harmony with believers of other faiths,” the Governor advised.
While commending Lagosians for their steadfastness, resilience and cooperation with his administration, Governor Sanwo-Olu reassured Lagos residents of his government’s commitment to good governance and people-oriented programmes.
Governor Sanwo-Olu said his administration is fully committed to impacting the lives of the citizens by delivering the dividends of democracy to Lagosians through his government’s THEMES developmental agenda for a ‘Greater Lagos’.
While felicitating with Muslims on the occasion of this year’s Eid-ul-Maulud celebration, Governor Seyi Makinde, equally advised that the unity of purpose, virtues of kindness, humility, and peaceful co-existence exemplified by the Holy Prophet Mohammed should be emulated.
The governor explained that on the occasion of the Eid-ul-Maulud, which is observed annually by Muslims all over the world to mark the birth of Prophet Muhammad (S A.W), Muslims must reflect on the life of selflessness and piety, which the Holy Prophet lived.
A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Taiwo Adisa, quoted him as saying that “peaceful co-existence is part of Islamic ethics taught by the life of Prophet Muhammad. As a leader in Medinah, he did not only live peacefully with others but was just to them irrespective of different tribal and religious affiliations.
“One of the teachings of Prophet Muhammad is good neighbourliness, as neighbours remained the closest allies and being kind to them would bring about harmonious living.”
The governor, while congratulating the Muslim Ummah on the celebration of the Holy Prophet’s birthday, also explained that the virtues of service and exemplary leadership as demonstrated by the Prophet Muhammed should be imbibed by all mankind.
He commended the Muslim community in Oyo State for their continued support, peaceful co-existence, tolerance and support for his government, even as he urged them to use the occasion of the Holy Prophet’s birth to reflect on the essential lessons of his life.
He also urged them to pray for the continued wellbeing of Oyo State and the nation in general.
