The officiating Imam at the special Independence juma’ah (Friday) prayer held at the Abuja National Mosque, Prof. Luqman Zakaria, has urged Nigerians to unite for the nation’s development as the country marks its 66th Anniversary.
Professor Zakaria made the call while delivering a special Jumaat Khutba (Friday sermon) to mark Nigeria’s 66th Independence Day Anniversary in Abuja.
He said the task of moving Nigeria forward rested on both government and citizens, listing knowledge, responsible management of resources, sincerity in the discharge of duties and love for one another as key drivers of national development.
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The cleric called on government to do more to improve education, stressing that acquiring knowledge would enable citizens contribute meaningfully to society.
“Education should not be limited to obtaining university certificates, but should include the teaching of Nigerian culture and values in schools to help young people appreciate the importance of their country, ” he said.
Prof. Zakaria warned that inadequate knowledge and awareness were contributing to security challenges facing the country, including banditry, terrorism and extremism.
Protect Public Infrastructure
He urged Nigerians to make responsible use of the resources provided by God, warning against waste and mismanagement, and called for greater commitment to protecting public infrastructure for the benefit of citizezens.
On sincerity and commitment to duty, the Imam urged workers and employers to honour their responsibilities and the terms of their employment.
“Workers should always be punctual, disciplined and respectful to their superiors, because honest discharge of duties was essential for the country’s progress,” he said.
Professor Zakaria also called for greater love and unity among Nigerians, urging government to strengthen relations among the country’s ethnic groups and ensure every citizen feels a sense of belonging.
“Geopolitical zones must work together in recognition that Nigeria belongs to all its citizens irrespective of ethnic, religious or regional differences,” he explained.
The cleric called on Muslims and Christians alike to uphold the teachings of their faiths and demonstrate good citizenship through their conduct.
Lead Nigeria
He prayed for the country’s leaders, asking Allah (God) to grant them the wisdom to lead Nigeria to greater heights, and prayed for an end to insecurity and other national challenges.
Professor Zakaria urged Nigerians to recognise their responsibilities and contribute positively to the nation’s development.
Also a cross-section of Nigerian Muslims joined in prayers for the peace and unity of the country, echoing similar call made by the Imam.
The Independence day Anniversary Jumaat special prayers has long served as a symbol of national unity, that usually draws worshippers from various walks of life, including uniformed personnel and political figures, which reflects love and unity among Nigerians.
