By Nathaniel Zaccheaus, Abuja
The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has urged Nigerians to embrace love, forgiveness and mutual respect as Muslims across the country celebrate Eid el Maulud, commemorating the birth of Prophet Muhammad (SAW).
Akpabio also called on Muslim faithful and religious leaders to offer special prayers for peace, security, economic prosperity and national unity.
The Senate President made the call in a goodwill message to the Muslim Ummah in Nigeria and across the world, conveyed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Eseme Eyiboh.
Akpabio described the life and teachings of Prophet Muhammad as a timeless example of compassion, tolerance, humility and service to humanity.
He urged Muslims to reflect on those virtues and apply them in their daily lives, particularly at a time when the country needs greater understanding and peaceful coexistence among its citizens.
“As we commemorate this sacred day, I urge our Muslim brothers and sisters to reflect on the virtues of the Prophet and to offer special prayers for peace, unity, and progress in our dear country, Nigeria,” Akpabio said.
The Senate President stressed that Nigeria’s strength lies in its diversity, urging citizens to rise above religious and ethnic differences and promote an atmosphere of mutual respect.
He said the country needed the collective prayers and support of religious leaders and faithful to overcome its security and economic challenges.
“In these times, our nation needs the prayers of all religious leaders and faithful. Let us use this period to pray for our leaders, for security, economic prosperity, and for the unity that binds us together as one people under God,” he said.
Akpabio said the 10th Senate remained committed to enacting legislation and supporting policies that would protect religious freedom, strengthen national cohesion and improve the welfare of Nigerians.
He maintained that promoting unity and peaceful coexistence remained essential to the country’s development, adding that Nigerians must continue to work together despite their different faiths and ethnic backgrounds.
The Senate President also felicitated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima on the occasion of Eid el Maulud.
He wished Muslim faithful across Nigeria and the world a peaceful and joyous celebration, while urging them to use the occasion to renew their commitment to peace, compassion, tolerance and service to humanity.
