By Stella Odueme
The Director General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, has felicitated with Muslims on the occasion of the Eid-el-Fitr celebration, calling on all Nigerians to imbibe the spirit of sacrifice, unity and tolerance in their daily lives.
According to the DG, the discipline, sacrifice, and devotion that characterised the month of Ramadan should not be confined to the fasting period alone, but carried forward as enduring virtues reflected in the daily conduct and interactions of every Nigerian.
Issa-Onilu, in a statement by the Deputy Director, Communications and Media, Paul Odenyi, on Friday, also emphasised the significance of collective prayers at a time when the nation faces considerable security challenges, urging the faithful to seek divine intervention for lasting peace and stability.
Speaking further, he encouraged Nigerians to embrace peaceful coexistence irrespective of religious, ethnic, or political differences, stressing that national unity remains critical to surmounting the country’s present challenges.
Issa-Onilu commiserated with the families of those who lost their lives in the recent bomb explosions in Borno State, praying to God to grant the deceased eternal rest and their families the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
The DG also assured Nigerians that the present administration remains unwavering in its pursuit of lasting security across the country, stressing that government efforts to tackle insecurity are ongoing and yielding gradual progress
He further called on citizens to support the efforts of government and security agencies by staying vigilant and providing timely information that could assist in curbing insecurity within their communities.
Onilu concluded by urging Muslims to celebrate in moderation and extend acts of kindness and generosity to the less privileged, in keeping with the noble teachings of Islam.
