Vice President Kashim Shettima has urged Nigerians to use the occasion of Eid-el-Maulud to renew their commitment to peace, compassion, justice, and service to humanity.

Shettima, in a goodwill message to Muslims to mark the birth of Prophet Muhammad, described the occasion as an opportunity for reflection on the Prophet’s enduring values.

In Kano State, Governor Abba Yusuf yesterday joined millions of Nigerian Muslims to commemorate the Maulud – the birthday of Prophet Muhammad – urging them to use the occasion to reflect on the prophet’s life, teachings and exemplary character.

Yusuf urged them to be particularly dedicated to Muhammad’s virtues of peace, justice, compassion, honesty, patience and tolerance, demonstrating these values in their daily lives and promoting peaceful coexistence, unity and mutual respect among people of different backgrounds.

In the same vein, the representative of Kogi Central District, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has urged Muslims to use the occasion to reflect on the life, teachings and exemplary character of the prophet, saying that his values of peace, compassion, humility and justice remain relevant to Nigeria’s challenges.

According to the vice president, Muhammad’s life and teachings remain powerful examples of mercy, humility, justice, patience, and selfless service to humanity, with his teachings demonstrating that true strength lies in compassion, while effective leadership must be anchored in fairness, justice, and concern for others.

Shettima urged Nigerians to draw inspiration from these values, stating that the occasion’s values should encourage Nigerians to strengthen the bonds of unity, care for the vulnerable, and reject hatred, intolerance, and divisive tendencies.

“Our diversity remains one of Nigeria’s greatest strengths. We must continue to build a country where people of every faith and background can live together in peace, dignity and mutual respect,” he said.

He also called on Nigerians to remember the less privileged and extend kindness and support to neighbours and members of their communities as they celebrate, stressing that the essence of Eid-el-Maulud goes beyond remembrance to reflect the Prophet’s virtues in their daily lives.

Meanwhile, in a statement by his spokesperson, Sanusi Bature, Governor Yusuf urged parents, religious leaders and community elders to intensify efforts at educating younger generations about the prophet’s teachings and exemplary conduct.

He prayed for continued peace, stability, and prosperity in Kano State and Nigeria, while urging the people to continue supporting efforts to improve the well-being of citizens.

In a statement yesterday felicitating with them, particularly the faithful in her district, on the occasion of the Mawlid an-Nabi, Akpoti-Uduaghan said Mawlid should go beyond festivities, urging Muslims to strengthen their faith, promote unity, and extend kindness to people irrespective of their religious, ethnic, or political backgrounds.

Stating that “these timeless values remain essential to building a peaceful and prosperous Nigeria,” the senator urged Muslims to preserve the longstanding tradition of peaceful coexistence among the various communities and faiths in the district.

According to her, Kogi Central has a rich history of religious and communal harmony; therefore, the bonds of brotherhood and mutual respect among residents must be preserved and strengthened.

Akpoti-Uduaghan also called on Nigerians to reject religious intolerance, hatred, violence and divisive rhetoric, saying that the country needs greater unity and understanding.