By Kelvin Obambon
The Muslim community in Cross River State marked Eid Maulud with heartfelt celebration, reflecting on the birth of Prophet Muhammad and emphasizing messages of peace, unity and love.
Speaking at an event that gathered Imams from across the state at Bogobiri in Calabar on Friday, Chairman of the Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Alhaji Imam Kabir, stated that loving one’s country and community is an integral part of faith, urging Muslims to participate actively in the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration to enable them exercise their civic duty.
“We are sensitizing the Muslim community on the essence of them involving in the PVC exercise. That is their right, and that is the instrument or the tool that will enable them to choose a credible leader,” he said.
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Kabir expressed gratitude to the state government, particularly the governor and his wife, for supporting Muslim initiatives such as sponsoring pilgrims for Hajj and for their generosity during celebrations. He also prayed for sustained blessings upon the state leadership and encouraged all Muslims to “Think Cross River” in all they do as they honor the Prophet’s birth.
“We pray for the entire team, and especially to the Chief of Staff, who has been paddling the affairs of all the staff in this state. We pray for him, and we thank him for all his support to the Muslim community during our celebration. We pray for every cabinet member, the executive member, and the legislative. May Allah bless Cross River,” he said.
On his part, Apostle Frank Umo, Special Adviser to the Governor on Religious Matters, highlighted the peaceful nature of Muslims in Cross River, attributing it to their adherence to the teachings of Prophet Muhammad, who is revered as a prophet of peace. He advocated for continuous practice of these teachings to maintain peace and harmony within the state.
“It has been established that the Muslims in Cross River have been very peaceful and that’s why we believe that they are professing and practicing the teaching of Muhammad because Muhammad was a prophet of peace,” he said.
Apostle Umo conveyed the governor’s wishes for a joyful and safe celebration, calling on Muslims to continue to live in unity and love under the peaceful governance witnessed in the state. He echoed the message that the Muslim community and the broader populace stand united.
“I’m bringing you greetings from our dear governor which you have given the title of Sariki. So we have a governor. He’s an apostle who is a Sariki and who is one of your own sincerely speaking. He knows most of you one by one and by name,” he said.
In his remarks, the Councilor of Ward 1, Hogan Ekpenyong, assured the Muslim community of a peaceful and conducive atmosphere to celebrate their events, urging them to imbibe the teachings of Prophet Muhammad at all times.
