The Chairman of the Arewa Community in Anambra State and Deputy Director-General of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Gidado Siddiki, has called on Nigerians to embrace peace, tolerance and unity as Muslims celebrate Eid-El Maulud, the birth anniversary of the Holy Prophet Muhammad.
In a statement on Tuesday marking the Islamic celebration, Sarki Fulani urged Northerners residing in the South-East and their host communities to strengthen the culture of mutual respect, dialogue and peaceful coexistence.
He described the occasion as an opportunity to reflect on the Prophet’s teachings of compassion, justice and forgiveness.
Siddiki said the celebration should inspire Nigerians to strengthen relationships across ethnic and religious divides while praying for lasting peace, stability and prosperity in the country.
“Eid-El Maulud provides us with an important opportunity to reflect on the exemplary life and teachings of the Holy Prophet Muhammad, particularly his messages of peace, compassion, justice, tolerance, unity and peaceful coexistence,” he said.
The MACBAN official reaffirmed the commitment of the Arewa Community in Anambra and Northerners living across the South-East to responsible citizenship and harmonious relationships with their host communities.
According to him, Northerners have continued to contribute meaningfully to the region’s economy through agriculture, trade, commerce, transportation and other lawful businesses.
He also commended Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, other South-East governors, traditional rulers, religious leaders and community stakeholders for promoting peace, security and inclusivity across the region.
Siddiki further acknowledged host communities for fostering dialogue and maintaining cordial relationships with residents from different parts of the country.
The Arewa leader also paid tribute to the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, whom he praised for his leadership as President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs and Chairman of MACBAN’s Board of Trustees.
He also applauded MACBAN National Executive Chairman, Alhaji Othman Ngelzarma, the association’s Board of Trustees and National Executive Council for advancing responsible pastoralism, strengthening engagement with government and security agencies, and promoting peaceful coexistence nationwide.
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He urged Nigerians to uphold the values of compassion, justice, forgiveness and respect for one another, expressing optimism that sustained cooperation between Northerners and their host communities would continue to foster national unity and development.
“We particularly encourage Northerners living in the South-East and their host communities to continue to strengthen the bonds of friendship, cooperation and mutual understanding that have existed for generations.
“On behalf of the Arewa Community in Anambra State and Northerners residing across the South-East, I reaffirm our commitment to peace, respect for our host communities, responsible citizenship and meaningful contributions to the development and prosperity of the South-East and Nigeria as a whole,” Siddiki said.
The Sarki Fulani of Awka prayed for God’s guidance for Nigeria’s leaders and for enduring peace, stability and prosperity across the country.
