Prominent traditional rulers and Islamic leaders in Kogi State have called on citizens to embrace unity, moral discipline, and peaceful coexistence as essential ingredients for sustainable development and social stability.
The call was made during the 1448AH Hijrah celebration organised by the Kogi State Council of Ulama at the Muhammadu Buhari Square in Lokoja, where thousands of Muslims, traditional rulers, government officials, and community leaders gathered to mark the Islamic New Year.
Speaking at the event, the Ohimegye Igu of Koton Karfe, His Royal Majesty Alhaji Dr. Saidu Akawu Salihu, stressed the need for residents of the state to live together in harmony, noting that peace, love, and unity remain the bedrock of a prosperous society.
The monarch expressed concern over growing insecurityThe and other social challenges, attributing them largely to a decline in moral values.
He maintained that restoring ethical standards should not be left solely in the hands of government, urging Islamic scholars to adopt more effective approaches in addressing societal problems through their teachings.
According to him, religious leaders have a crucial role to play in supporting government efforts to tackle insecurity, adding that meaningful progress in other sectors would remain difficult without improved security.
Delivering a goodwill message on behalf of the Makama of Kakanda and Chairman of the Trade Modernisation Project, Alhaji Saleh Ahmadu, OON, the Agankyu of Kakanda Kingdom said the Muslim Ummah is confronted with numerous challenges, including poverty, moral decadence, youth restiveness, insecurity, and social division.
He noted that Islam offers enduring solutions through the teachings of the Qur’an and Sunnah, emphasizing that the true strength of any community lies in unity, justice, compassion, and reverence for Allah rather than material wealth or population size.
Drawing inspiration from the leadership of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), he urged Muslims to foster mutual respect and peaceful coexistence among people of diverse backgrounds.
He also encouraged the Kogi State Council of Ulama to sustain its efforts in promoting moral values, quality education, and interfaith harmony.
The traditional ruler further appealed to young people to embrace education, entrepreneurship, and good character while shunning drug abuse, violence, criminality, and other social vices capable of undermining their future and the progress of society.
In his keynote address, the Chairman of the Kogi State Council of Ulama and Wefi Imam of Ankpa, Sheikh Salman Adam, described Hijrah as more than a historical event, saying it symbolizes a continuous journey away from wrongdoing and toward righteousness and obedience to Allah.
He urged Muslims to use the new Islamic year as an opportunity for spiritual renewal, self-reflection, and greater commitment to serving humanity.
Sheikh Salman called on the faithful to uphold good character, modesty, justice, and compassion, particularly towards the poor, elderly, sick, and vulnerable members of society.
On the issue of security, he encouraged Muslims to combine prayers with vigilance and cooperation with security agencies, while avoiding actions that could fuel fear, misinformation, or division within communities.
He urged the Ummah to make this year’s Hijrah a transition from apathy to responsibility and from disunity to solidarity in order to achieve lasting peace and stability.
The cleric also offered prayers for victims of violence, displaced families, widows, orphans, and grieving communities, asking Allah to grant them comfort and relief.
He commended Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for supporting religious organisations and strengthening security efforts across the state, while praying for wisdom and divine guidance for the administration.
The Council of Ulama equally acknowledged the government’s efforts toward improving security and fostering unity, expressing optimism for continued progress in peace and development across Kogi State.
Among dignitaries present at the celebration were the Ejeh of Ankpa, HRH Alhaji Abubakar Sadiq Ahmad II; HRH Alhaji Dr. Usman Obaje, OON; and the Ohimegye of Koton Karfe, HRH Alhaji Saidu Akawu Salihu.
The event concluded with prayers for peace, prosperity, and a blessed 1448AH Islamic New Year for Muslims in Kogi State and beyond.
