Eid-el-Maulud: Cross River gov calls for peace, unity

Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu, has urged Muslim faithful in the state and across Nigeria to draw inspiration from the life and teachings of Prophet Muhammad by promoting peace, compassion, tolerance and service to humanity.

Otu made the call in a statement issued on Tuesday by his Chief Press Secretary and Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Linus Obogo, to mark the Eid-el-Maulud celebration.

The governor described the birth of Prophet Muhammad as an auspicious occasion that offered Muslims and humanity an opportunity to reflect on the enduring virtues of faith, humility, sacrifice and devotion that characterised the Prophet’s life.

The statement read, “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 values that promote peaceful and harmonious coexistence.

Otu particularly called on Muslims to embrace the virtues of love, generosity and justice, stressing that the teachings of Prophet Muhammad provided timeless guidance for building a society in which every individual was 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.

The governor 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 said the administration would continue 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 statement read.

Otu added that the strength of Cross River lay in the peaceful coexistence and shared aspirations of its diverse peoples.

He urged 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.

“May the noble lessons of the Prophet Muhammad continue to guide us towards a more united, peaceful and prosperous Cross River State,” the statement read.