The Chief Imam of the Central Mosque, Calabar Road, Calabar, and Chairman of the Cross River State Pilgrims Board, Imam Kabeer Olowolayemo, has called on Muslims and Christians to promote love, kindness and peaceful coexistence, saying the life and teachings of Prophet Muhammad offer enduring lessons for building a better society.
Imam Olowolayemo made the call on Tuesday while speaking with journalists during the Eid-el-Maulud celebration at the Central Mosque, Calabar, held under the theme, “Islam and Neighbourhood.” He said the theme was intended to highlight Prophet Muhammad’s exemplary relationship with his neighbours and his teachings on respect, kindness and care for others, irrespective of religion, tribe or social status.
He explained that the concept of neighbourhood extended beyond those living close to one’s home to include colleagues, people encountered in daily activities and others within one’s sphere of interaction. He urged Muslims to emulate the Prophet by showing compassion and ensuring that people around them do not suffer while they live in comfort.
According to him, Prophet Muhammad’s life offered lessons beyond religious practice, citing his exemplary conduct as an orphan and youth, as well as his contributions to economic and political development as an adult. He said the gathering, which brought together Muslims, Christians, politicians, business leaders and other members of society, was itself a demonstration of the Prophet’s teachings on unity and peaceful coexistence.
The Imam also urged Nigerians to approach the 2027 electoral process with peaceful mindsets, describing elections as an opportunity to contribute to national development rather than a cause for conflict. He prayed for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Bassey Edet Otu, commending the Governor for what he described as kindness and inclusive leadership across religious and ethnic lines.
Imam Olowolayemo said Muslims in Cross River had continued to enjoy freedom to practise their faith without intimidation, noting that the support and goodwill from their Christian neighbours had strengthened peaceful coexistence in the state. He pledged that the Muslim community would continue to protect the interests of its neighbours and promote harmony.
Also speaking, the APC State Woman Leader of the Muslim community, Mariam Abashe, said the celebration provided an opportunity to reflect on Prophet Muhammad’s life and teachings, urging Nigerians to embrace love, generosity and care for their neighbours. She commended Governor Otu for his support for the Muslim community and expressed confidence in his re-election bid in 2027.
Ambassador Mrs. Adejoke Oyeleye, Chairman, Oodua Progressive Women in Politics, described the celebration as a demonstration of the peace and tolerance associated with Islam, commending the Muslim community for bringing people of different faiths together. She urged Nigerians to be their brothers’ keepers and teach younger generations to love one another irrespective of religious or ethnic differences.
The Commissioner for Lands, Dr. Erasmus Ekpang, who attended the celebration, described the Central Mosque as a home for all and reaffirmed the Cross River State Government’s commitment to sustaining its cordial relationship with the Muslim community.
Ekpang said Governor Otu’s administration had supported the Muslim community through interventions in some of its facilities and assured that government would continue to address issues affecting its members. He also expressed optimism that the government would consider the community’s request for land for a cemetery.
He noted that Cross River had remained a safe home for Muslims, attributing the peaceful atmosphere to the administration’s commitment to protecting all residents regardless of religion. He urged the Muslim community to continue supporting peace and peaceful coexistence in the state.
The commissioner stressed that despite differences in religious practice and language, humanity remained one, assuring that the Otu administration would continue to promote inclusiveness, mutual respect and harmonious relations among the various religious and ethnic groups in Cross River State.
The event also attracted a delegation of clergymen led by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Religious Affairs, Apostle Frank Umo, underscoring the spirit of interfaith solidarity and peaceful coexistence that characterised the celebration.
By Kingsley Agim
