Hijrah 1446: Etsu Nupe tasks Muslims on peace, unity of Nigeria
By Mohammed Baba Busu
Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, the Etsu Nupe and Chairman, Niger Council of Traditional Rulers has called on the Muslim faithful to remain prayerful for the sustenance of peace, unity and progress of the country.
The Etsu Nupe, in a goodwill message on Monday in Bida, congratulated the Muslims on the beginning of the new Islamic year, Hijrah 1446 AH
He said, ”The beginning of every Islamic calendar year reminds the world of the migration of Prophet Muhammad ( PBUH) from his birthplace, Mecca, to Medina, for the sake of Islam.
“This brings to mind the need for everyone to imbibe the lessons of patience, perseverance, tolerance, moderation and compassion.”
The traditional ruler expressed the hope that mankind would be guided by the significance and lessons of the event.
He called for tolerance, mutual respect and compassion among Nigerians, irrespective of their beliefs.
The Etsu Nupe called on the Muslim Ummah to use the period to pray for the leadership of the country at all levels to succeed in their quest to find lasting solutions to the societal challenges.
Abubakar highlighted the significance of prayer for those in positions of authority, adding that collective support was crucial for effective governance.
According to the royal father, the country is confronted with many challenges which need divine intervention in addressing them, in addition to human efforts.
Abubakar urged the faithful to continue to pray for peace and economic development of the state in particular and the country as a whole.
He emphasised the need for the Muslims to always live their lives in accordance with the teachings of the Holy Quran and Hadiths.
The Etsu Nupe stressed that Nigerians’ collective faith in God and sustained prayers for the peace, unity and progress of the country were an essential condition for the realisation of the nation’s founding fathers’ dreams and aspirations.
Abubakar described peace and unity as veritable tools for national development, urging, “Nigerians must strive to maintain them for the nation to move forward.”
