Managing Director of National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Chief Dr. George Moghalu has enjoined Muslims across the country not to spend the Eid-el-Maulud on festivities, but to spend the moment in deep reflection.
He said the ocassion was another opportunity of taking a deep breath and reflecting on the current realities before the country, especially in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has taken a heavy toll on the people’s spiritual, social and economic lives.
In a congratulatory message on the occasion of Eid-El-Maulud, the NIWA boss extended greetings to Nigerians especially Muslims, rejoicing with them on the occasion of Eid-el-Maulud, marking the birth of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him), commemorated on every 12th of Rabi’ul Awwal of the Islamic calendar.
Moghalu felicitated with President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR and other Muslim faithful, noting that the occasion was another opportunity to uphold the deeds and virtues as typified by the Holy Prophet, which border on faith, sacrifice, obedience, love, tolerance, charity and peaceful co-existence, among others.
While reflecting on the current happenstances in the country, Chief Moghalu counseled the youths to remain calm and peaceful as Mr. President have taken note of their grievances as mentioned in his statement: “We have heard you loud and clear,” thereby assuring of a clear determination to take all necessary measures to address their complaints.
He said, “First of all, I wish all Muslims a happy and memorable celebration of the birth of the great Prophet, whose teachings particularly on peaceful living, tolerance, sobriety, generosity, sacrifice and honesty, will continue to resonate.
“We must imbibe these lessons and make it a duty to sacrifice for others, and to always remember those who are less fortunate than ourselves.
“The reality of our temporal challenges, should not undermine our hope, reverse our collective will to succeed, or divide us; rather it should remind us of why we need to stay together.
“As a father, brother and uncle I plead with our youths to give peace a chance and remain optimistic that government will attend to their complaints.
“Therefore, on this occasion of Eid-El-Maulud, I implore all Nigerians to rise above personal, group, sectarian and other interests, and to promote harmony and tolerance in dealing with one another at all times”.
While wishing Muslims a happy celebration, the Nnewi born philanthropist prayed that all the blessings that go with such a memorable day will accrue onto them.
