Bauchi State Governor, Sen. Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed; President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Archbishop Daniel Okoh; Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike; and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, have felicitated with Muslim faithful across Nigeria on the occasion of the 2026 Eid-el-Maulud celebration, urging them to embrace peace, compassion, unity and peaceful coexistence.
Governor Bala, in a goodwill message to mark the celebration commemorating the birth of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), urged Muslim faithful to intensify prayers for peace, security and economic prosperity in Bauchi State and Nigeria, especially in view of the prevailing national challenges.
He expressed gratitude to Almighty Allah (SWT) for granting the people the opportunity to witness another celebration and reaffirmed the commitment of his administration to sustaining its development agenda until the end of its tenure.
According to him, ongoing investments in critical sectors, including healthcare, education, agriculture and infrastructure, will continue to receive priority attention, while his administration remains determined to complete ongoing projects and deliver a lasting legacy of development and prosperity for the people of Bauchi State.
The Governor also called on Muslims and all citizens to reflect on the virtues of peace, love, honesty, patience, humility and selflessness exemplified by Prophet Muhammad, stressing that the diversity of Bauchi State in ethnicity, culture and religion remains its greatest strength rather than a source of division.
“Bauchi State is blessed with a rich diversity of people and traditions. We must continue to appreciate our differences, reject prejudice, and extend hands of fellowship to one another irrespective of religious or ethnic background. Our collective progress depends on our ability to live together in peace and harmony,” he stated.
Similarly, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, congratulated the Muslim Ummah on the celebration and urged them to sustain prayers for peace, prosperity and progress in Nigeria.
Kalu described Eid-el-Maulud as an important occasion for reflection on the exemplary life and teachings of Prophet Muhammad, particularly his virtues of humility, compassion, forgiveness, tolerance and peaceful coexistence.
He encouraged Muslims to draw inspiration from these values and demonstrate them in their daily lives by showing love, kindness and understanding to one another.
Also, CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, urged Nigerians to embrace mercy, compassion and peaceful coexistence as Muslims celebrate Eid-el-Maulud.
Okoh called on Muslim faithful to use the occasion to reflect on the values associated with the life and teachings of Prophet Muhammad, including mercy, justice, compassion for the poor and vulnerable, honesty and peaceful coexistence.
According to him, the values are particularly relevant at a time Nigerians are facing economic hardship and insecurity.
“This celebration comes at a difficult time for many Nigerians. The pressure of rising living costs and insecurity is being felt in homes and communities across the country. People are tired of promises; they want to see their lives improve,” he said.
The CAN president urged the Federal Government and leaders at all levels to move beyond promises and take concrete steps to improve the welfare and security of citizens.
He also cautioned politicians against exploiting religious and ethnic differences for political advantage ahead of the 2027 general elections, urging Christians and Muslims to resist attempts by political actors to divide them.
“As we approach the 2027 elections, I also appeal to politicians not to exploit religion or ethnicity for political advantage. Elections will come and go, but the bonds that hold Nigeria together must remain,” Okoh said.
Meanwhile, the FCT Minister, Barr. Nyesom Wike, felicitated with Muslim faithful in the FCT and across Nigeria, describing the celebration as a sacred period for reflection on peace, compassion, sacrifice, patience, tolerance and fellowship.
Wike said the FCT was established on the principles of unity and tolerance and urged residents to exhibit those values in their daily interactions.
“The FCT was built on the foundation of unity, diversity, and tolerance for all Nigerians.
“There is the need for us to embrace the true meaning and virtues of sacrifice, patience, tolerance, and fellowship in our daily interactions,” he said.
The Minister also reassured residents and visitors of adequate security throughout the festive period and beyond, calling on the public to support security agencies by providing useful information to help keep communities safe.
“May the lessons of Eid-el-Maulud bring peace to our homes, progress to our communities, and continued prosperity to the Federal Capital Territory and Nigeria,” Wike added.
The four leaders wished Muslim faithful a peaceful, blessed and hitch-free Eid-el-Maulud celebration and prayed for peace, unity, security and prosperity across Nigeria.
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