Eid-el-Maulud: Cross River Governor Calls for Peace and Unity

Cross River State Governor Bassey Otu has called on Muslim faithful across Nigeria to draw inspiration from the life and teachings of Prophet Muhammad, promoting peace, compassion, tolerance, and service to humanity. The governor made this appeal in a statement issued on Tuesday to commemorate the Eid-el-Maulud celebration.

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The life of the Holy Prophet Muhammad remains an enduring testament to faith, compassion, humility, sacrifice and unyielding devotion to the service of humanity.

Governor Otu described the birth of Prophet Muhammad as an auspicious occasion that provides an opportunity for reflection on the enduring virtues of faith, humility, sacrifice, and devotion that characterized the Prophet’s life. He urged the faithful to view the celebration not just as a moment of festivity but as a chance for deeper introspection and a renewed commitment to values that foster peaceful and harmonious coexistence.

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This sacred celebration offers us a moment to reflect anew on the profound virtues he embodied: love for neighbour, generosity to the vulnerable, justice for all and peaceful coexistence.

Specifically, Otu encouraged Muslims to embrace the virtues of love, generosity, and justice. He stressed that the Prophet's teachings offer timeless guidance for building a society where every individual is treated with dignity and compassion. "This sacred celebration offers us a moment to reflect anew on the profound virtues he embodied: love for neighbour, generosity to the vulnerable, justice for all and peaceful coexistence," the statement read.

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We shall continue to cherish the rich tapestry of our diversity and promote an environment in which every citizen, regardless of faith or background, can live with dignity, security and a profound sense of belonging.

The governor assured the Muslim community that his administration remains committed to the principles of inclusiveness, mutual respect, and religious harmony in governing Cross River State. He pledged to continue promoting the state's rich diversity and cultivating an environment where every citizen, regardless of their faith or background, can live with dignity, security, and a strong sense of belonging. Otu added that the strength of Cross River lies in the peaceful coexistence and shared aspirations of its diverse population, urging the spirit of Maulud to translate into practical acts of kindness, tolerance, and service.

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Let the spirit of Maulud transcend the festivities, becoming a living call to kindness, tolerance, peaceful coexistence and service to humanity.