Eid-el-Kabir: Lagos Deputy Gov. tasks Nigerians on peaceful coexistence
By Borderless Media
L-R: Speaker, House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, Lagos Deputy Governor, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, the Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolola
The Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr Obafemi Hamzat has charged Nigerians to live in peace with one another for national economic growth and development.
Hamzat gave the charge on Tuesday in Lagos at the Eid-el-Kabir prayer held at Dondan Barracks Praying Ground, Obalende, Lagos.
The deputy governor explained that peace in the land would bring stability and economy would be vibrant, adding that lack of peace brought under development and poverty.
”For us as a country, we need to grow our economy. For this, there must be peace in the nation. Insurgency leads to poverty, unemployment and unrest.
“The essence of the Eid-el-Kabir is all about being selfless and caring for one another.
“Therefore, we should be fair and caring to each other and show love to ourselves. I appeal to all Muslim brothers and sisters to abide by the tenets of Islam for love to reign,” he said.
Hamzat cautioned Muslim faithful not to celebrate at all cost and abide by all COVID-19 protocols. He advised Nigerians to be cautious and not hurt themselves, noting that the number of admissions in isolation centres was on the increase.
In his sermon, the Chief Imam, Sulieman Abou-Nolla called for peaceful coexistence, sacrifice for one another and love, noting Islam as a religion, never encouraged hatred and killing.
He, therefore, urged arms of government, civil servants and every stakeholder in governance, charged with the responsibilities of delivering dividends of democracy to discharge their duties without favour and discrimination.
The chief Imam also appealed to government to see religious leaders as partners in reaching out to the vulnerable and grassroot members of the society. “It is my wish and desire that we continue to observe the value of humility and self- reformation in an effort to turn good values into permanent features of our lives.
“Let us be reminded that the condition of people lies in their personal effort of reforming their individual character and attitudes. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that in spite of the heavy downpour, Muslim faithful and dignitaries defied the rain to observe the Eid-el-Kabir prayers.
Among dignitaries at the praying ground were the Speaker, House of Representatives, Mr Femi Gbajabiamila and the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu.
Others were the Chairman, Police Service Commission, Alhaji Musiliu Smith, the All Progressives Congress (APC) Chairman, Lagos State Chapter, Alhaji Tunde Balogun and Muslim clerics. (NAN)
