By Oboh Linus, Lafia
Stakeholders in Nasarawa State have called for peaceful coexistence, inclusiveness and mutual respect among Nigerians as a foundation for progress and development.
They made the call on Wednesday in Nassarawa Eggon during the Eid-el-Kabir celebration.
Speaking shortly after Eid prayer, Alhaji Isiyaku Abdullahi called on the people to use the occasion to reflect and pray for peace and relief amid the present economic hardship in Nigeria.
“Let us have peaceful coexistence, let us have inclusiveness, let us have respect for one another so that progress, development, and growth will come to us,” he added.
Abdullahi also expressed concern over rising unemployment, calling on the government and private individuals to create opportunities for young people.
“Today we have teeming unemployment, and we ask the government to support other private individuals and us so that our teeming youth will have something to do for the growth of the state,” he said.
Abdullahi prayed for continued peace in Nasarawa Eggon and Nasarawa State, and urged both leaders and citizens to work together for growth and development.
“We prayed today that we continue to witness the peaceful coexistence that we have in Nasarawa Eggon and Nasarawa State, Nigeria.
“We hope that in this period of hardship, leadership and God shall bring some relief for all of us so that we will be able to achieve growth and development in Nasarawa Eggon, Nasarawa state Nigeria, and the world at large,” he said.
Abdullahi also prayed for a fruitful rainy season that would yield good harvests for farmers in Nasarawa state.
Also speaking was Mr Aliyu Iliya, Chairman, Nassarawa Eggon Local Government Area, who called on residents to uphold the lessons of Eid al-Kabir by embracing love, unity, peace, and sacrifice for the progress of society.
He described the sacrifice made during Eid as symbolic, teaching believers to love one another, live in peace, and remain united.
“It’s a day that carries with it a lot of teachings. It’s a day that enjoins each and every Muslim to reflect on his life or her life. To appreciate God, to also look onto the past, and assess his or her deeds or misdeeds,” he said.
He also commended the leadership of Nasarawa State Governor, Engr. Abdullahi A. Sule, for consistently promoting peace and unity.
Chief Imam of Nasarawa Eggon Central Mosque, Sheikh Jibrin Danladi, harped on the significance of Eid al-Kabir and the obedience demonstrated by Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to God’s command.
Sheikh Danladi emphasised the importance of tolerance, peaceful coexistence, and obedience to the government, urging Muslims to embrace such virtues for the success and development of the state. (NAN)
