The Executive Chairman of Ibadan East Local Government, Hon. Emmanuel Oluwole Alawode, has congratulated Muslims in Ibadan East Local Government, Oyo State, and across Nigeria on the commencement of the Islamic New Year, Hijrah 1448 AH.
In a goodwill message marking the occasion, Hon. Alawode described the Islamic New Year as a period of spiritual reflection, renewal, and rededication to the noble virtues exemplified by Prophet Muhammad (SAW), including faith, sacrifice, perseverance, peace, and obedience to the will of Almighty Allah.
The council boss urged Muslim faithful to seize the opportunity of the new year to pray for enduring peace, security, unity, and prosperity in Oyo State and Nigeria at large. He emphasized the need for citizens to remain committed to the values of love, tolerance, compassion, and harmonious coexistence, irrespective of religious or ethnic differences.
Hon. Alawode particularly appealed to the Muslim Ummah to remember in their prayers the students, teachers, and other innocent Nigerians currently held captive by bandits, especially those recently abducted in Oyo State.
He expressed optimism that through divine intervention and the efforts of security agencies, the victims would soon regain their freedom and reunite safely with their families.
According to him, “As we welcome Hijrah 1448 AH, I urge all Muslims to reflect on the lessons of the Hijrah and continue to uphold the values of righteousness, patience, and service to humanity. Let us also pray fervently for the safe release of our children, teachers, and all those in captivity, while seeking Allah’s guidance and protection for our nation.”
The Chairman prayed that the new Islamic year would usher in greater peace, abundant blessings, good health, progress, and renewed hope for all residents of Ibadan South East Local Government and Nigerians as a whole.
The council boss wished the entire Muslim Ummah a peaceful, prosperous, and spiritually fulfilling Hijrah 1448 AH celebration.
