NIGERIANS, RELIGIOUS LEADERS URGED ON NATIONAL UNITY

Nigerians, especially religious bodies have been urged to continue to pray for the development of the Country and shun acts of violence and tribal sentiments that could brew disunity among various ethnic groups.

          Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun stated this at a Special Prayer session for peace and stability of Nigeria, organised by Sa'adatul Abadiyya Organisation of Nigeria,  Abeokuta branch, saying, ‘’prayer is a  promoter of  peace and when there  is no peace, nothing would be  achievable’’.

         

 Represented by his Deputy, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, the Governor said his administration believed so much in the efficacy of prayers  because it has helped  and  guided his ‘’Building Our Future Together’’ agenda.  

          "Many Nigerians needs attitudinal change. People can pray but if they have wrong attitudes and beliefs, it counters prayers. Greediness, disobedience and other social misdemeanours are counterproductive to prayers, so Nigerians have to moderate their behaviours to make sure that the things they do are in line with their prayers", he said.

          In his welcome address, the Abeokuta Branch Chairman of Sa'adatul Abadiyya Organisation of Nigeria, Dr. Mudashiru Oguntade, said the importance of prayer at a time like this could not be over emphasized.

          Earlier in his address, the Representative of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, (NSCIA) and Secretary-General of the Council, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede said the special prayer was organised to promote peace, development and growth of the nation, stating that, prayer was very essential for progress and stability of any nation, without which the nation cannot move forward.

          Oloyede added that, prayer cannot work in an atmosphere of rancour and sin, enjoining Muslims to shun acts capable of causing disaffection amongst the people.

          In his lecture, the Chief Imam of Gbagura, Prof. Kamaldeen Balogun, attributed most challenges and problems in the country to disobedience to God's injunctions, greed, disunity, injustice and inability to embrace peace between one another in the country.

          Highlight of the event was special prayers for the Nation and Ogun State.