Muhammed Musa Bello, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has urged Muslims in the nation’s capital not to limit their act of charity to the just concluded month of Ramadan.
“I urge us not to limit these acts of charity, love and tolerance to only the holy month but should inculcate this culture into our everyday lives,” the Minister said in his congratulatory message to the Muslims on the occasion of Eid-el-Fitr.
“Over the last 30 days, our Muslim brothers and sisters had, in keeping with the Islamic injunctions, engaged not only in fasting and prayers, but also in various acts of charity and caring for one another.”
” I hereby congratulate all on the successful completion of this religious obligation and pray that the supplications made to Almighty Allah would be answered.”
He noted that it was heartwarming to note that residents seized the opportunity provided by the Holy Month to show compassion and care for each other, especially the less privileged, irrespective of religious or ethnic differences.
According to the Minister, the end of Ramadan “should also not signal an end to our prayers.”
He enjoined “all to continue to offer supplications to the Almighty for our dear country Nigeria and her leaders for divine wisdom and guidance, especially as they fight our security challenges and political activities take center stage.”
Addressing residents of the nation’s capital, Bello said they should remember as residents of the Federal Capital Territory, which was founded on the ideals of unity and peace, that they “are obliged to live up to the dreams of our founding fathers.”
He emphasised the need to “resist the machinations of those who seek to destroy these ideals and in our actions and utterances, seek always to sow the seeds of unity, peace and tolerance in our communities.”
“Abuja, our beautiful national capital city is the pride of every Nigerian. As residents, we should please commit ourselves to ensuring that she does not lose her allure due to our actions.”
“As the raining season commences, please let us maintain our drainages and make sure they are clean and free of debris and avoid construction on flood plains and river courses to avoid unfortunate incidences of flooding.”
The Minister assured that the FCT Administration remains committed to the implementation of projects that will have the greatest impact on the majority of residents especially in the provision of social service infrastructure.
He also gave assurance of security of lives and property across the territory, noting that security agencies have put measures in place to ensure the peaceful celebration of Sallah.