As Muslims celebrate Mawlid, state governors across the nation have urged Nigerians to emulate Prophet Muhammad and engender peace and unity in their communities and the country at large.
Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State urged Muslims in the state and beyond to use the occasion, which commemorates the birth of Prophet Muhammad, to promote peace and unity.
In his Mawlid message delivered yesterday, Mutfwang highlighted Prophet Muhammad's pivotal role in spreading Islam's message and fostering peace among his followers.
Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, on his part, extended his warmest congratulations to Muslims across the state and beyond.
In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, Governor Oborevwori called on Muslims to use the occasion to pray for peace and prosperity for both Delta State and Nigeria. He highlighted the current economic and security challenges facing the country, emphasising the need for collective prayers and divine intervention.
Also, Governor Douye Diri called on Muslims in the state and nationwide to use the spirit of Eid-el-Mawlid to exemplify patriotism, love and peaceful coexistence.
Diri stressed that the celebration of the birth of Prophet Muhammad is an ideal time to embrace the principles of good neighbourliness and being our brother's keepers.
In a statement on Monday by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Daniel Alabrah, Diri said Eid-el-Mawlid is a period of reflection on the Prophet's teachings of unity, compassion and peace.
As part of their celebration of Eid-el-Mawlid, Muslim youths have cleaned the Calabar market in Cross River State.
Led by Imam Kabir Olowolayemo, they carried out the community service by cleaning the popular Watt Market roundabout, in consonance with the theme of this year's celebration: 'Cleanliness is Next to Godliness'.
Imam Olowolayemo explained that the sanitation exercise is part of the annual Eid-el-Mawlid Nabiyy celebration, which honours the life and teachings of the holy Prophet Muhammad.
Meanwhile, Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State has called on Muslims across Nigeria to use the Eid-el-Mawlid to promote peace and unity.
In a goodwill message signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Nsa Gill, Governor Otu extended his congratulations to the Muslim community, urging them to pray for the country's progress and harmony.
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Meanwhile, the Mawlid procession in Gombe State this year witnessed an impressive turnout of 167,302 students from Islamiyya schools, despite ongoing economic challenges and the high cost of living.
Alhaji Muhammad Nuhu, Chairman of Islamiyya Schools in Gombe, reported that the number of participating schools and students has increased, reflecting a continued commitment to the event.
Additionally, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), presidential candidate of the Labour Party in last year's election, Peter Obi and the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HCSF), Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack have felicitated with Nigerian Muslims on this year's commemoration of the Mawlid.
This is contained in separate statements on Monday by CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh; Peter Obi on his X handle; and Eno Olotu, Head, Information and Public Relations HCSF.
Archbishop Okoh said that the occasion offers Nigerians an opportunity to reflect on the values of peace, compassion, and unity that Prophet Muhammad exemplified and to apply these principles in their daily lives.
On his X handle, Peter Obi, said that this year's celebration comes at a time when many Nigerians are enduring severe hardships, however, stressing that the teachings of the Prophet offer hope.
On her part, the HCSF, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, extends her warmest felicitations to all Muslim faithful within the civil service, across Nigeria, and around the world, as they celebrate the birth of Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him).
