Ny: Our Reporter, Calabar
Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Edet Otu, has urged Muslim faithful in the state and Nigeria to draw inspiration from the life and teachings of the Holy Prophet Muhammad by promoting peace, compassion, tolerance and service to humanity.
Governor Otu, in a goodwill message released by his Chief Press Secretary and Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Linus Obogo, to mark the Id el Maulud celebration, described the birth of the Holy Prophet as an auspicious occasion that offers Muslims and humanity at large an opportunity to reflect on the enduring virtues of faith, humility, sacrifice and devotion which characterised the Prophet’s life.
According to the Governor, “The life of the Holy Prophet Muhammad remains an enduring testament to faith, compassion, humility, sacrifice and unyielding devotion to the service of humanity.” He urged the faithful to use the occasion not merely as a moment of celebration, but as an opportunity for deeper reflection and renewed commitment to the values that promote peaceful and harmonious coexistence.
The Governor particularly called on Muslims to embrace the virtues of love, generosity and justice, stressing that the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad provide timeless guidance for building a society in which 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,” he said.
Governor Otu assured Muslim faithful that his administration would continue to uphold the principles of inclusiveness, mutual respect and religious harmony in the governance of Cross River State. He stressed his administration’s continuous quest to promote the state’s rich diversity and build an environment where every citizen, irrespective of faith or background, could live with dignity, security and a deep sense of belonging.
“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 said, adding that the strength of Cross River lies in the peaceful coexistence and shared aspirations of its diverse peoples.
He further urged the Muslim faithful to allow the spirit of the Maulud celebration to transcend the festivities and become a practical call to kindness, tolerance, peaceful coexistence and service to humanity. “Let the spirit of Maulud transcend the festivities, becoming a living call to kindness, tolerance, peaceful coexistence and service to humanity,” he admonished.
The Governor prayed Almighty Allah to accept the prayers of the faithful, bless their homes with peace and prosperity, and continue to guide the people of Cross River State towards greater unity and progress. “May the noble lessons of the Prophet Muhammad continue to guide us towards a more united, peaceful and prosperous Cross River State,” Otu said, as he wished Muslim faithful a joyous and spiritually rewarding Id el Maulud celebration.
