The Etsu Nupe and chairman of the Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, has called on Muslim faithful to remain prayerful for the sustenance of peace, unity and progress of the country.
The Etsu Nupe made the call at his Wadata Palace, Bida, in a goodwill message to Muslim Ummah on the occasion of the new Islamic year (MUHARRAM) 1445 on Wednesday.
The royal father said the Islamic event was remarkable and reinvigorated the virtues of faith, sacrifice, obedience, love, tolerance, charity and peaceful co-existence, which were the deeds and teachings of Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW).
The Etsu Nupe, said the first of Muharram heralded the migration of Prophet Muhammad, from his birthplace Mecca in search of a peaceful and conducive atmosphere to practice Islam saying that “this brings to mind the need for everyone to imbibe the lessons of patience, perseverance, tolerance, moderation and compassion.”
The traditional ruler congratulated Muslim faithful on the occasion of another lunar calendar, Hijrah 1445, and urged everyone to reflect on the purpose of the day, with the hope that mankind is guided by its lessons and significance in daily living and interactions with others.
He stressed that Nigerians’ collective faith in God and sustained prayers for peace, unity and progress of the country, remained the ultimate goal for the full realisation of the nation’s founding fathers’ dreams and aspirations.
Abubakar said the two major religions in the country preached peace and unity, and as such, Nigerians should adhere to the teachings of the two religions.
