The Kaduna State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Sadiq Mamman Lagos, has called on Nigerians, irrespective of religious or ethnic background, to embrace peace and intensify prayers for the country, saying peace remains critical to the progress and development of Nigeria.
Mamman Lagos made the call while speaking with journalists at a Maulud gathering attended by thousands of Muslims to commemorate the birth of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), stressing that the peaceful conduct of the event demonstrated the importance of tolerance, unity and peaceful coexistence.
According to him, Islam is fundamentally a religion of peace, adding that the peaceful atmosphere at the gathering was a reflection of what Nigerians should promote across the country.
“Islam is about peace, and what we are looking for in this country now is peace,” Lagos said, urging both Muslims and Christians to continue praying for the peace, stability and progress of Nigeria.
The commissioner also commended the peaceful atmosphere in Kaduna State, saying the state was fortunate to have Governor Uba Sani as its leader because of his commitment to peace, dialogue and peaceful coexistence among the people.
He said the Governor’s leadership had contributed significantly to the prevailing peace in the state, stressing that Kaduna had witnessed a serious improvement in peaceful coexistence under the present administration.
“Kaduna State is lucky to have a leader like Governor Uba Sani who loves peace. Under his leadership, we are witnessing serious peace in the state,” he said.
Mamman Lagos, however, urged Nigerians to sustain prayers for an end to terrorism and kidnapping, calling on citizens not to allow individuals or groups to exploit religious or other differences to create division and instability.
He said the large turnout at the Maulud celebration, which was conducted without fighting or confrontation, was evidence that Nigerians could live together peacefully, urging citizens to emulate the spirit of tolerance and unity demonstrated at the gathering.
The commissioner therefore appealed to Muslims and Christians to continue praying for Nigeria and work collectively for peace, saying unity, mutual understanding and peaceful coexistence remained essential to overcoming the country’s security and developmental challenges.