The Emir of Keffi in Nasarawa State, Dr Shehu Chindo-Yamusa III, has urged Nigerians to embrace agriculture in order to overcome recession.
Chindo-Yamusa III made the call on Sunday in his Eid-el-fitr message to Nigerians in Keffi.
The traditional ruler also said that going to farm would boost food production and socio-economic development of the country.
“God has endowed the country with abundant fertile land and agile human capital that is capable of mass producing the nation’s food requirement,’’ he said.
The first class traditional ruler said that Nigerians were capable of producing adequate farm produce for local consumption and export, if the entire nation’s potentials were fully harnessed.
On the celebration, Chindo-Yamusa III said: “Eid-el-fitr is not only for merry making, but a time to emulate what Prophet Muhammad (SWA) was sent by Almighty God to come and do.”
According to him, Muslims who are sincere in their faith are expected to adhere and practice the message of the Prophet.
He therefore enjoined Muslims to emulate the lessons of peace, love and unity preached by Prophet Muhammad to enjoy the blessings of God Almighty here and in the hereafter.
“We must maintain our God-fearing acts which we exhibited during the fasting period by sustaining the lessons and change of attitude learnt during the Ramadan fast.
“Such lessons include brotherhood, bond of charity and love sharing as well as abstaining from adultery, cheating, alcoholism and drug abuse, among others.
“Muslims worldwide should endeavour to continue to sustain their good acts and behaviour beyond the one-month period of the Ramadan fast so that we would continue to get Allah’s blessing,” he said.
The monarch also appealed to Muslims faithful and Nigerians to continue to pray for President Muhammad Buhari, and other elected and appointed political office holders to God to assist them pilot the affairs of the country in the right direction.
The emir added that sustained prayers would enable the nation overcome acts threatening peaceful coexistence in Nigeria.
Besides, Chindo-Yamusa III called on Nigerians to continue to be law abiding, respect constituted authorities, tolerate and live in peace with one another irrespective of religious, cultural and ethnic differences.
Earlier, the Chief Imam of Keffi Central Mosque, Alhaji Muhammadu Auwal, while presiding over the Eid-el-Fitr prayers admonished Muslims to adhere strictly to the teaching of the holy Qur’an and Prophet Muhammad for peace and national development.
The cleric also enjoined Muslims to show love and be just at all times for the progress of the country. (NAN)
AKW/MST
Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola