The Minister of Information, Culture and National Orientation, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, on Monday called on Nigerians to reflect on the significance of the Eid-el-Kabir celebration as well as imbibe religious tolerance and peaceful co-existence.
Mohammed made the call in his Sallah message after observing the two obligatory (rakaats) prayers to mark the Eid-el-Kabir at the Oro praying ground in Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara.
He also urged religious leaders in the country to close ranks and remain role models to their followers in order achieve the desired socio-economic development envisioned for the country.
The minister, who lauded the high level of perseverance of Nigerians in the face of the nation’s economic challenges, urged them to remain supportive of government’s developmental initiatives.
He noted that the much desired positive change could only be achieved in an atmosphere devoid of rancour and acrimony.
The minister said that the country was in dire need of unity and peace in the quest to find solutions to its numerous challenges.
“We have to be our brothers keepers irrespective of our diverse ethno-religious culture and political back ground.
“It is therefore a significant part of of the Sallah celebration for Muslims and other Nigerians to be tolerant, honest and peaceful,” he said.
The Chief Imam of Oro Central Mosque, Alhaji Mikail Jamiu, in a message, urged Muslims to imbibe good deeds and shun anti-social vices.
He also enjoined leaders to be more committed to ensuring good governance for the overall benefit of the citizenry.
“Your appointments into position of authority should be a clarion call to service toward impacting on the less privileged and the needy,” he said.
The Oloro of Oro, Oba Abdulrofiu Oyelaran, urged wealthy individuals to extend support to the less privileged.
He said such move would go a long way in ameliorating the impact of the nation’s economic difficulties on the citizens.
The Olofa of Offa, Oba Mufutau Gbadamosi, on his part, urged Nigerians to imbibe the virtues of honesty and transparency in their daily activities.
“It is only these acts of righteousness that will assist our collective efforts to transform the country socially and economically,’’ he said. (NAN)