YPF Congratulates Muslims On Maulud, Calls For Religious Tolerance

By Ayobami Agboola, Osogbo

The Yoruba Progressives Forum (YPF), a leading sociocultural organisation, has congratulated Muslims across Nigeria and beyond on the celebration of Maulud Nabiyy, commemorating the birth of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), urging Nigerians to embrace religious tolerance, peaceful coexistence and mutual respect.

The National Coordinator of YPF, Alhaji Abdullateef Olalekan, popularly known as Asiri Ede, conveyed the message in a statement issued to mark this year’s Maulud celebration.

Olalekan described the occasion as an opportunity for Muslims to reflect on the exemplary life, teachings and virtues of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), particularly his emphasis on peace, justice, compassion, forgiveness and respect for humanity.

According to him, “the lessons of the Prophet remain relevant to Nigeria at a time when the country needs greater understanding and unity among people of different religious, ethnic and cultural backgrounds”.

He urged Muslims to use the celebration to demonstrate the true values of Islam by showing love, kindness and tolerance to people of other faiths, stressing that peaceful coexistence is essential to the progress and development of the nation.

The YPF National Coordinator said religious differences should never be allowed to become a source of hatred, division or violence among Nigerians, noting that the country’s diversity should be regarded as a strength rather than a weakness.

“Prophet Muhammad (SAW) was a messenger of peace, compassion, justice and tolerance. As Muslims celebrate his birth, we should reflect these virtues in our daily lives and extend them to our neighbours, irrespective of their religion or ethnic background,” he said.

Olalekan also called on religious leaders across the country to continue to use their platforms to promote peace, responsible citizenship, mutual respect and dialogue, particularly among young Nigerians.

He appealed to Nigerians to reject religious bigotry, hate speech and actions capable of creating tension in their communities, saying the responsibility for building a peaceful and united Nigeria rests on all citizens.

The YPF National Coordinator wished Muslims a peaceful and spiritually rewarding Maulud celebration, praying that the occasion would bring renewed peace, unity, prosperity and harmonious coexistence to Nigeria.