Ex-Oyo Commissioner, Afonja felicitates with Muslims, urges prayer for end of hardship in Nigeria

The former Commissioner for Works and Transportation in Oyo state, Professor Abdul-Rahmon Rapheal Afonja, also known as PARA, has extended his congratulations to the entire Muslim Ummah in Oyo state and across the nation on the blessed occasion of Eid Maulud, marking the birthday of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him).

In his congratulatory message on Monday, the PDP chieftain in Ogbomoso North Local Government, noted that Eid Maulud is a special occasion for Muslims to reflect on the exemplary life, teachings, and virtues of the Prophet, who embodied peace, compassion, humility, and love for humanity.

He urged muslims in the state to use the opportunity of the occasion to pray for end of hardship in the nation, adding that the occasion signifies a time of celebration and reflection. 

According to Afonja, in order to get Allah’s blessings in this life and to gain entry to the hereafter, we as sincere and devout Muslims must imitate and work to sustain the model virtues of Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) in our daily interactions with one another. 

Noting that the auspicious event presents an opportunity to pray for divine intervention for peace, stability, and prosperity, the former commissioner urged religious leaders to admonish their followers to take the appropriate lessons from Prophet Muhammad’s life in their commitment to the country.

He called on the good people of Oyo state, particularly the well-to-do, to help their neighbors and the needy as the economic hardship bites harder and deeper.

In addition, he exhorted businesspeople to fix commodity prices in the spirit of brotherhood taught by the Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) and with compassion and fear of Allah for the benefit of all people. 

The statement read: “I want to congratulate the Muslim Ummah both at home and in the Diaspora on this occasion of Eid-ul-mawlid, the birth of the Holy Prophet Muhammad, this year.

“This is indeed a time for celebration and introspection. The momentous anniversary also calls for earnest prayer for the end of the country’s challenges. 

“It is crucial that our religious leaders take appropriate action and warn their followers to learn the right lessons from Prophet Muhammad’s life in order to strengthen their commitment to the country during this time of economic downturn in Nigeria.”