Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, has implored Nigerians to put aside all differences and come together to build a better nation that future generations will be proud of.
Dr. Hamzat made the appeal after the Eid-el-Kabir Prayer held at the Lagos Central Mosque, Lagos Island, adding that Nigerians should shun violence and live in harmony because no one benefits from violence.
The Deputy Governor said: “Nobody gains anything from violence. What God desires from us all is to live in peace and accord ourselves respect, irrespective of our religion. Nobody can fight on behalf of God, as only God can fight for Himself. The Quran is very clear about that; when you kill a soul, the Almighty Allah said it is regarded as if you destroyed the whole city”.
Speaking further, Dr. Hamzat charged Nigerians with the need to avert negative occurrences, not only by reporting crimes but also strive to prevent calamity from occurring, noting that the present situation of the country has gone beyond the popular cliché of ‘see something and say something, it’s now “see something and prevent the something. We cannot just stand by and allow evil to happen”
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Stressing the need for everyone to engage and take ownership of their community as well as be their brother’s keepers to live a sustainable life, Hamzat prayed that God continues to be merciful to the nation and that Nigerians shall also continue to experience God’s peace.
Earlier in his message, the Chief Imam of Lagos, Alhaji Sulaiman Oluwatoyin Abou-Nolla urged Muslims to live a life of sacrifice by giving and being good to one another, which is the significance of the Eid-El-Kabir celebration.
He noted that Islam is a religion of peace and totally against violence, saying “It is against the tenet of Islam to kill or kidnap, killing one person is like wiping out a generation, Islam makes us brothers and Sisters”.
He advised Muslims to obey Allah, adding that obedience to Allah is the core aspect of the Sallah celebration.
While charging the government at all levels to make the country a haven for all, the Chief Imam urged them to equip the security agencies with more tools to tackle the various security challenges facing the nation.
