Date: 2010-11-14

Kwara State Governor, Dr Bukola Saraki has called on religious leaders in the country to continue to preach peace and unity to their followers and display love towards one another as only these attributes can make Nigeria to attain greatness and return to her glorious era.

He also charged Nigerians to exhibit the spirit of courage, tolerance, fortitude and enterprise and as well embrace a new direction in the accomplishment of our vision of building a new Nigeria.

Dr. Saraki, who made the call in his Sallah message to all Muslims in the State to mark this year’s Eid-el-Kabir celebration, urged Nigerians to always emphasize the positive side of the country.

The governor also urged the Muslim Ummah to manifest the teachings of sacrifice and love for their fellow countrymen, asking them to ensure total submission to the will of Allah as exemplified by Prophet Ibrahim (A.S.W), which formed the basis of the observance of Eid-el-Kabir.

"All of us should continue to live in peace irrespective of our religious differences and ethnic orientation. We must cement the bond of unity in the nation by reaching out to one another in love", the governor said.

He noted that our old way would not lead to the accomplishment of the vision of our founding fathers; we must therefore get together immediately and let the world know that Nigeria is ready to take its rightful place in the comity of nations.

"The way of old will not accomplish our vision of tomorrow, we must move in a new direction and let’s together get it done", the governor said.

Dr. Saraki equally admonished Nigerians to celebrate with moderation while extending the goodwill of the period to the less privileged.

He enjoined Muslim faithful nationwide to reflect on the import of Sallah celebration as a mark of God’s love for all mankind.

Saraki reminded the Muslim Ummah to continue to pray for the country and the safe return of their brothers and sisters who were on pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia.

Dr Saraki, expressed appreciation to the people of the State for their massive support during the last local government election in the State and enjoined them to continue to eschew politics of bitterness and destruction as the nation approaches the 2011 general elections.

He assured that his administration would continue to live up to expectation in the bid to turn around the economic fortunes of the State and promised to continue to serve the State even after his tenure as governor.

While congratulating the entire Muslim Ummah in the State for witnessing yet another Eid-el-Kabir celebration, Dr Saraki appealed for caution and orderliness so as not to disturb the public peace of others during the festive period.
 

Mas’ud Adebimpe
Chief Press Secretary to the Kwara State Governor
14/11/2010