Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa has sued for unity among Nigerians to enable the country surmount its myriad of challenges.

He made the appeal while congratulating Muslims on the occasion of the 2019 Eid-el-Maulud to celebrate the birth of Prophet Muhammad, urging the citizenry not to despair.

In a statement yesterday in Asaba by his Chief Press Secretary, Olisa Ifeajika, the governor implored the faithful to “pray particularly for a peaceful and united Nigeria”, advising them to use the celebration for sober reflection and supplicate for peace and unity in the nation for an all-round development.

According to the governor, “Muslims should use the period to reflect on the challenges bedevilling the country and to share with one another, whatever means of sustenance they have, to spread the virtues of peace, love and charity which Holy Prophet represented.”

He added: “Muslims should also follow the exemplary leadership of Muhammad by promoting and ensuring peaceful co-existence within the society. And should eschew ethnic, political and religious tendencies in all their dealings, but work towards building a secure and prosperous nation where peace, justice and equity should reign.”

Okowa pointed out that the commemoration of the birth of the prophet should regenerate faith and unity among Nigerians.

“On behalf of the government and people of Delta, I congratulate all Muslim faithful on the occasion of the celebration of Eid-el-Maulud, the birth of the Holy Prophet Muhammad. It is a clarion call on all adherents of Islamic faith to rededicate themselves to upholding the admonitions of the Holy Qur’an in their personal lives and in their relationships with others,” he stated.

The governor noted: “It is imperative that Muslims and indeed, all Nigerians, (should) use the opportunity of the celebration of the prophet’s birthday to reflect on his teachings and live a life of piety, prayer, honesty, selflessness, charity, tolerance and good neighbourliness,” adding: “As we continue to build on our Stronger Delta vision, we will continue to partner our Muslim brothers living in the state by promoting the welfare of all citizens while ensuring the protection of lives and property.”

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