According to reports on DAILY POST, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has called on Nigerians to use the period of Hijrah 1446 to pray for the unity and peace of the country.
The governor made this declaration through a statement released on Monday by his Special Adviser on Media, Sulaiman Olanrewaju.
The new Islamic calendar year, Hijrah 1446, began on Sunday, and Governor Makinde had earlier declared Monday as a public holiday in Oyo State to mark the occasion.
In his message, the governor expressed hope that the new calendar year would be filled with the mercies and blessings of Almighty Allah.
Makinde emphasized the significance of the migration of Prophet Muhammad from Makkah to Madinah, urging Nigerians to imbibe the lessons it symbolizes.
"As we commence Hijrah 1446, I urge Muslims and all citizens of Oyo State to imbibe the lessons of hard work, determination, perseverance, love, harmony, positivity, and spreading goodness, which the migration of Prophet Muhammad from Makkah to Madinah symbolizes.
These are values and virtues which, if imbibed by every one of us, irrespective of our station in life, would transform us and our society," Makinde said.
He further encouraged all citizens, regardless of their religious beliefs, to reflect on these values and incorporate them into their daily lives.
It is my candid opinion that doing so would profit us individually and collectively," the governor added.
The governor’s call for unity and peace resonates at a time when Nigeria faces various challenges, and his message serves as a reminder of the importance of solidarity and collective effort in fostering national harmony and development.