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• Sultan, NSCIA, Ajadi urge Nigerians to embrace peace, hope
From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Fred Ezeh, Abuja and Seye Ojo, Ibadan
President Bola Tinubu yesterday extended warm felicitations to Muslims in Nigeria and across the world as they marked the Islamic New Year, 1st Muharram 1448AH, urging citizens to use the occasion to renew commitments to patriotism and good citizenship.
In a statement by his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu reflected on the significance of the Hijrah, the migration from Mecca to Medina that begins the Hijri calendar, and said its lessons remain relevant for national renewal.
“The lessons of sacrifice, renewal, patience and faith in Allah’s divine plan are central to building a peaceful, just and prosperous nation,” Tinubu said. “As Muslims mark the beginning of a new Hijri year, I admonish all Nigerians, particularly the Muslim faithful, to embrace the spirit of the new year by rededicating themselves to the ideals of good citizenship.”
He urged acts of kindness, tolerance, honesty and devotion to duty, saying those virtues are necessary contributions to national unity, security and development.
President Tinubu also prayed that the new Islamic year would bring blessings, peace and prosperity to every household and asked that Allah continue to guide Nigeria on the path of progress.
In the same vein, the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) and its President-General, the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, have called on Nigerians to embrace peace, unity and hope as Muslims across the country join the global Muslim community in celebrating the Islamic New Year, 1448 AH.
The call was contained in a statement by its Public Affairs Officer, Abbas Jimoh, to mark the commencement of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar.
The Allied Peoples Movement (APM) candidate for Oyo Central for the 2027 general elections, Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, also urged Nigerians to intensify prayers for political leaders and public office holders
He warned that the country’s worsening insecurity and mounting challenges require divine intervention and collective support.
NSCIA congratulated Muslims on the beginning of the new year and urged them to reflect on the enduring lessons of the Hijrah (migration) of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), which it described as a symbol of faith, sacrifice, perseverance, resilience, unity and trust in Almighty Allah.
The NSCIA said the declaration of Muharram 1448 AH followed the successful sighting and verification of the new moon by the National Moon Sighting Committees across the country, in line with earlier directives by the Sultan of Sokoto.
The Council said the new Islamic year presents an opportunity for spiritual renewal, self-examination and recommitment to the values of righteousness, justice, compassion and service to humanity.
While celebrating the occasion, the NSCIA expressed concern over Nigeria’s prevailing security and economic challenges, noting that many citizens continue to grapple with fear, uncertainty and hardship.
It lamented the persistent threats posed by banditry, insurgency, kidnapping and other criminal activities across different parts of the country, describing the recent abduction of schoolchildren and teachers as particularly disturbing. “The safety of citizens remains a critical concern that must be addressed with urgency and sincerity.”
The NSCIA also acknowledged the economic difficulties facing Nigerians, including rising living costs, food inflation and unemployment, which it said continue to place immense pressure on households and urged the government to ensure that the ongoing economic reforms were accompanied by targeted interventions and social protection measures capable of reaching the most vulnerable segments of the society.
The Council called on Nigerians, regardless of religious, ethnic or political affiliations, to reject divisive tendencies and work together in addressing the nation’s challenges.
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NSCIA said the threats confronting Nigeria affect all citizens, and therefore, require collective action and national unity to overcome.
It further urged the government at all levels to sustain dialogue with stakeholders and pursue lasting solutions to insecurity and socio-economic difficulties, while encouraging religious leaders and community influencers to promote tolerance, mutual respect and peaceful coexistence.
It stressed that meaningful development cannot thrive in an atmosphere of fear and insecurity, adding that justice, accountability, good governance and a sustained fight against corruption remain essential to national stability and progress.
The Council also called on security agencies, traditional institutions, religious leaders and citizens to intensify efforts aimed at restoring peace and security across the country, and urged political leaders and public office holders to place national interest above partisan considerations and demonstrate integrity, inclusiveness and accountability in the discharge of their responsibilities.
Ajadi, in a statement to commemorate Hijrah 1448AH, said Nigerians must seek God’s guidance for leaders at all levels of government to enable them steer the nation through its current difficulties and towards peace, stability and prosperity.
According to him, the security challenges confronting the country have made it imperative for citizens, irrespective of religion, ethnicity or political affiliation, to unite in prayers for those entrusted with the responsibility of governance. The APM chieftain noted that leadership comes with enormous responsibilities and challenges, stressing that political office holders need wisdom, strength and divine direction to effectively address the nation’s problems and restore public confidence.
He said all holy books enjoined adherents to pray for and support leaders, adding that sustained prayers would help those in authority make decisions capable of moving Nigeria to greater heights.
“As Nigerians, we must continue to pray for our leaders and those in positions of authority. At a time when insecurity and other national challenges are testing the resilience of our country, we need divine guidance more than ever before,” he said.
Ajadi, who also felicitated with Muslims in Oyo Central of Oyo State and across Nigeria on the occasion of Hijrah 1448AH, described the Islamic New Year as a period of reflection, renewal and renewed commitment to faith, peace and service to humanity.
While congratulating Muslims on the commencement of the new Islamic calendar, he commended the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, for declaring yesterday a public holiday across the state to mark the occasion.
“This is to appreciate Governor Seyi Makinde, for declaring the beginning of the Muslim New Year a public holiday. It is a testimony to his religious tolerance and love for all citizens without discrimination,” he said.
He also urged Muslim faithful to remember the 46 abducted pupils, students and teachers from Oriire Local Government Area of the state in their prayers. He expressed concern over their continued captivity.
He appealed to Muslims to use the Hijrah celebration to seek divine intervention for the safe return of the victims and for lasting peace across the country.
“Please, I urge our Muslim brothers and sisters to use the occasion of the New Year to pray fervently for the safe return of the kidnapped victims in Orire Local Government.
“We should also pray that the Almighty Allah will continue to strengthen Governor Makinde as he strives day and night to secure the release of the Oriire kidnapped victims,” he added.
The businessman and philanthropist further advised Muslims to celebrate the Islamic New Year with modesty and a sense of empathy for families affected by insecurity and other hardships.
Hijrah 1448AH commenced on the evening of Monday, June 15, with Muslims across Nigeria observing the beginning of the new Islamic year yesterday, June 16.
