23rd December, 2015
Kazeem Ugbodaga
Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode has called on Muslims in the country to offer special prayers for greater peace, unity and continuous progress of Nigeria, as they join their counterparts across the world to celebrate Eid-el-Maulud, which is the birth of Prophet Muhammad.
The Governor in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Habib Aruna, enjoined Muslims to follow the exemplary leadership of the Holy Prophet by promoting peaceful co-existence among the various segments of the society.
While imploring Nigerians to shun ethnic, political and religious differences and work towards building a safer and better Nigeria, Governor Ambode said the celebration of the birth of the Prophet should renew the faith and bond of unity among Nigerians as one people and one nation irrespective of diversity.
“On the occasion of the commemoration of the birth of the holy Prophet, it is imperative to reflect on his teachings and uphold his legacies of unity, integrity, peaceful coexistence and love for one’s neighbour, which are indispensable in our quest for meaningful development and the profitable management of our diversity,” he said.
Ambode also urged Muslims to internalize the virtues of honesty, selflessness, charity, tolerance, good neighbourliness, justice, equity and fairness which the Muhammad preached, saying such will go a long way to engender national development.
“I want to seize this occasion to urge all Nigerians to commit and rededicate themselves to making greater effort to imbibe these qualities and values as they celebrate the Prophet’s birth.
“I therefore wish all our Muslim brothers and sisters in Nigeria and Lagos in particular a happy Eid-el-Maulud,” he said.