Governor of Oyo State, Abiola Ajimobi, has rejoiced with the Muslim Ummah and Christian community on the unique occasions of this year’s Eid-el-Maulud and Christmas, which commemorate the birth of Prophet Mohammed (SWT) and Jesus Christ respectively.
The governor said that this year’s celebrations of the birth of the holy ones, which follow in quick succession, was a rare coincidence and a momentous occasion that should be accordingly savoured by adherents of Islam and Christianity.
Ajimobi urges Christians and Muslims to use the occasion to rededicate themselves to the worship of the Almighty and to emulate the sterling lifestyle of both the son and messenger of God.
The governor advised the people of the state to remember the less privileged in orphanages, homes, hospitals and prisons during the season by extending love to the inmates through visits, gifts and money.
As the nation grapples with the fallout of the economic downturn, the governor encouraged the privileged ones to be their brother’s keepers.
He urged residents of the state to embrace modesty in celebration and to be security-conscious during the season, which he said, always witness upsurge in criminal activities.
Ajimobi commended the fighting spirit of citizens and workers in the face of biting economic realities, assuring the people that the state government was working hard to turn around the fortunes of the state in the coming year.
The governor admonished the citizens, especially the youth to shun the use of fireworks and explosives, as well as careless handling of combustible materials to guard against destruction of lives and property.
He said that the warning became necessary in order not to play into the hands of criminal elements, who have been found to always hide under the guise of celebratory fireworks to rob during end-of-the-year festivities.
Ajimobi urged Christians and Muslims to use the occasion of the Maulud and Christmas to pray for sustained peace, progress, economic revival of the country.
While assuring citizens of adequate protection, the governor reminded all and sundry that the full weight of the law would be brought down on troublemakers and outlaws that might attempt to test the resolve of the police and other law enforcement agents during the yuletide season.
