• First Lady preaches unity, peace
Deji Elumoye and Sunday Aborisade in Abuja
The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has urged Nigerian Muslims to use the occasion of Eid el Maulud to offer special prayers for peace, unity, security and economic prosperity in the country.
Also, the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has preached unity and peace among Nigerians.
In a message to mark this year’s Eid El Maulud, she prayed that the celebration strengthens the bonds of unity “among us and bring renewed hope, peace, and blessings to all Nigerians.”
Mrs Tinubu, in the message stated: “As we commemorate Eid-el-Maulud 2026, I extend my warm greetings to Muslim faithful across Nigeria.
“The celebration of the birth of the Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) reminds us of his exemplary life and enduring virtues of compassion, forgiveness, and peaceful coexistence.
“I encourage all Muslim faithful to emulate these noble virtues and continue to promote peace in our homes, communities and nation.
“May this celebration strengthen the bonds of unity among us and bring renewed hope, peace, and blessings to all Nigerians. Happy Eid-El-Maulud 2026!”
Akpabio, in a goodwill message to the Muslim Ummah in Nigeria and across the world to mark the birth of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), also called on Nigerians to embrace love, forgiveness and mutual respect irrespective of their religious or ethnic backgrounds.
The Senate President’s message was conveyed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Eseme Eyiboh.
Akpabio described the life and teachings of Prophet Muhammad as a timeless model of compassion, tolerance, humility and service to humanity, urging Muslims to reflect on these virtues as they celebrate the sacred occasion.
“As we commemorate this sacred day, I urge our Muslim brothers and sisters to reflect on the virtues of the Prophet and to offer special prayers for peace, unity, and progress in our dear country, Nigeria,” he said.
The Senate President stressed that Nigeria’s diversity remained a source of strength, rather than division, and urged citizens to build a culture of peaceful coexistence and mutual understanding.
“In these times, our nation needs the prayers of all religious leaders and faithful. Let us use this period to pray for our leaders, for security, economic prosperity, and for the unity that binds us together as one people under God,” he said.
He called on Nigerians to draw lessons from the virtues exemplified by Prophet Muhammad, particularly compassion, tolerance, humility and service to humanity, in their interactions with one another.
The Senate President also reaffirmed the commitment of the 10th National Assembly, under his leadership, to advancing legislation and policies aimed at protecting religious freedom, promoting national cohesion and improving the welfare of Nigerians.