As Muslims celebrate the Eid-el-Fitr, Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun has enjoined Nigerians of all faiths to pray for the peace and unity of the country.
Aregbesola, who made the call in a Sallah message in Osogbo on Friday, said peace and tolerance with prayers would go a long way in saving the country from its current challenges.
The governor also called on Muslims to use the Eid-fitr celebration to reflect on their deeds and make adjustments according to the teachings of Prophet Muhammad.
In Ilorin, the two-rakat prayer at the Eid praying ground on Yidi Road held under tight security.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that hundreds of security operatives, including military personnel, provided security during the prayer.
The state Commissioner of police, Alhaji Aminu Sale, and the Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Adeyinka Ayinla, were on ground to ensure security.
Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed and the Emir of llorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari as well as some members of the State Executive Council were among thousands of Muslim faithful at the praying ground.
Ahmed, who spoke with newsmen after the prayer, congratulated Muslims in the state for successfully undertaking the Ramadan fast.
The governor urged Muslims to remain connected to the virtues of love, compassion and generosity exhibited during the Ramadan.
He said: “As we mark the end of the holy month of Ramadan, let’s remember and pray for our brothers and sisters who were unfortunate victims of the Offa robbery.”
Ahmed also urged Nigerians to pray for peaceful general elections in 2019.
The governor later paid the traditional Sallah homage to the emir.
Meanwhile, Najeem Salaam, the Speaker of Osun House of Assembly, has urged Muslims to imbibe the lessons of discipline and perseverance symbolised by the Ramadan.
Salaam also counselled all citizens on moderation in their lifestyle and interaction with others, saying these qualities would help curb violent behaviour that could arise as a result of excesses.
He equally charged security agencies to be alert during the festive period as adequate security measures were required to protect lives and property.
The Chief Imam of Ife Kingdom, Alhaji Abdulsemiu AbdulHammed, also urged Muslims to imbibe the fear of Allah and ensure they remember and act according to the lessons learnt during the Ramadan.
The cleric charged politicians to shun political violence to enable Nigerians realise their dream of true democracy.
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