Ebonyi State Governor, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, has felicitated Muslims in Ebonyi State, Nigeria and beyond on the occasion of Sallah, urging them to promote peace, unity, forgiveness and peaceful coexistence.
Nwifuru, in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Dr. Monday Uzor, described the celebration as a profound reminder of the virtues of sacrifice, humility, compassion, obedience and submission to the will of Allah.
The governor said the lessons of the occasion should extend beyond religious celebration and inspire citizens to make sacrifices for the good of others and the nation.
“The story of Prophet Mohammed teaches humanity that true faith is demonstrated not only by words, but by the willingness to make sacrifices for Allah and for the good of others,” he said.
Nwifuru urged Muslims to use the occasion to renew their commitment to peace, forgiveness, brotherhood and peaceful coexistence, while looking beyond religious, ethnic and political differences.
“As we celebrate, I urge our Muslim brothers and sisters to renew their commitment to the values of peace, forgiveness, brotherhood and peaceful coexistence.
“Let us continue to look beyond our religious, ethnic and political differences and recognise the divine bond that makes us one people under God,” he said.
The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to building an inclusive Ebonyi State where citizens, regardless of faith, ethnicity, social status or political affiliation, enjoy equal dignity, security, opportunity and a sense of belonging.
He said the administration’s People’s Charter of Needs remained focused on ensuring that governance translates into tangible improvements in the lives of citizens.
Nwifuru also called on Muslims and other residents to extend the joy of Sallah to the poor, vulnerable, displaced persons, widows, orphans and other less privileged members of society.
“The joy of celebration becomes more meaningful when it is shared with those who have little or nothing,” he said.
The governor further urged residents to support peace and security in the state, stressing that meaningful development could not thrive in an atmosphere of hatred, violence and division.
“We must continue to choose dialogue over confrontation, love over bitterness, unity over division and development over destruction,” he said.
Nwifuru commended the Ebonyi Muslim community for its contributions to the peace, progress and development of the state, describing its faith, resilience and patriotism as valuable to the state’s collective development.
He prayed that Allah would accept the sacrifices of the faithful, forgive their shortcomings, answer their prayers and bless their families and the state.
He also prayed for enduring peace, prosperity and stability in Nigeria, saying the Sallah celebration should bring renewed hope, abundance, healing and greater national unity.