Story from Kenneth AFOR, Lagos
The Federal Government has declared Thursday, October 29, 2020, as public holiday to mark this year’s Eid-el-Maulud, the Islamic festival commemorating the birth of Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW).
In a statement issued by the Director, Press and Public Relations, Mohammed Manga on Monday, the Interior Minister, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola congratulated Muslim faithful in the country and the diaspora for witnessing this year’s occasion of the birth of the Prophet.
The Minister admonished Muslims to follow the teaching of the Holy Quran in chapter 4, verse 59 which says: “O you who believe! Obey God and obey the Messenger, and those from among you who are vested with authority; and if you are to dispute among yourselves about anything, refer it to God and the Messenger if indeed you believe in God and the Last Day. This is the best (for you), and fairest in the end”.
Aregbesola enjoined them to imbibe the spirit of love, patience, and perseverance which are the virtues of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), adding that doing so would guarantee peace and security in the country.
He urged Nigerians, particularly Muslims, at this moment, to abhor violence, lawlessness, wantonness and daylight robbery as witnessed across the country most recently, stressing that Nigeria is the pride of the black race and should provide responsible leadership for the greatness and development of the African continent and all black people,” the statement added.
The Minister, however, urged Nigerians and the youths, in particular, to embrace peace cooperate with the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari in his effort in building a vibrant nation that would be accepted by all.
Aregbesola who described the youth as the hope and future of the nation advised them further to deepen democracy and not dampen it. For him, it is with more democracy that we can overcome our challenges, noting that the challenges of nationhood that we face are surmountable if we work through the democratic process.
He wished all Muslims a happy Eid-el-Maulud celebration and all Nigerians a happy holiday.
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