Hon. Ibrahim Akintayo, the executive chairman of Ibadan Northeast local government has called on the Muslim Ummah to offer special prayers for the progress and development of Oyo State and the nation as a whole as they mark the beginning of the new Islamic calendar year of 1446 AH.
Akintayo in a statement issued and made available to journalists on Sunday morning congratulated Muslims in his local government, Oyo state, and across the country on this significant occasion.
The council chairman, also called on Muslims to continue to pray for Nigeria to overcome its current economic challenges as well as the success of Governor Makinde’s administration.
He said as Muslims enter a new year, they must not only celebrate alone but strive, as part of what Allah commands, to internalize the lessons of the essence of the Hijrah as exemplified by uncommon patience and endurance by Prophet Muhammad (SAW) in the face of hardship.
“ Hijrah is a special period in the Islamic calendar. It is another opportunity for Muslims worldwide to reflect on their past and channel a new way of life
” I want to encourage Nigerians, Oyo state residents, particularly Muslim ummah to utilize the period to offer special prayers to the Almighty for our nation and leaders at all levels for God’s wisdom and guidance.
” Moreso, I will urge the people of Oyo state to put aside our religious and political differences and come together to build a more united and peaceful state with Governor Seyi Makinde, his administration’s success will surely reflect on the glory of the state,” Àkintayo said.
He further urged Muslims to embrace the values of the Hijrah by fostering unity, understanding, and goodwill among neighbors, saying it’s the only way their prayers could be answered by God.
