Fayemi, clerics, TUC sue for peace

The Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, has felicitated with Muslims on the occasion of the Sallah, urging them to continue to uphold the lessons of love, loyalty and sacrifice which are the hallmark of the festival.

Fayemi, in a goodwill message signed by his Special Assistant on Media, Mr. Olayinka Oyebode, said the festival also offers another opportunity for sober reflection, soul-searching and spiritual renewal which Allah demands from the faithful.

The minister, who urged Nigerians to continue to pray and work for peace and unity in the country, also implored the Muslim faithful and adherents of other faiths to always demonstrate love and understanding towards one another.

In a similar vein, the Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, Most Rev. (Dr.) Alfred Adewale Martins, and the Deputy Chief Missioner of Nasrul-Lahi-L-Fatih Society (NASFAT) World Headquarters, Lagos, Imam Morufu Onike Abdul-Azeez, have congratulated the Muslim brethren as they celebrate this year’s festival.

Martins, who called on them to pray for Nigeria, especially now that the country is faced with a lot of challenges, said: “We rejoice with them because whoever is rejoicing, we also must rejoice too because we all belong to the same one God and Father.”

He also used the occasion to call on government to address the yearnings and aspirations of Nigerians.Abdul-Azeez, who enjoined Muslim brothers and sisters to emulate Prophet Ibrahim, said: “If we give the government all the necessary supports, our dear country Nigeria could eventually be the toast of other nations.”

Meanwhile, the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has called on Nigerians to be self-disciplined and law-abiding to achieve the desired development the nation craves for.

In a statement jointly signed by its President, Bobboi Bala Kaigama and Secretary General, Musa-Lawal Ozigi, the Congress said this is the time, as a country, to submit ourselves to the will of Allah.

It said: “We have a challenge in our hands as it is common to other nations of the world. But we can overcome it if we live a selfless life and be willing to work together.

“We expect that this celebration should humble every Muslim in particular and Nigerians in general in their service to God, and to humanity.“While we celebrate with our Muslim brothers and sisters, we must be committed to sharing and caring for one another as Allah has directed.”