Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, the Etsu Nupe and Chairman, Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers, has urged Muslims to emulate the virtues and teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) for peace, unity and progress of the nation.

Abubakar made the call on Tuesday at his Wadata Palace, Bida, during a Maulud celebration commemorating the birth of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

The traditional ruler said being a Muslim was not merely about professing the faith, but also about demonstrating the fear of Allah and conducting oneself in a manner acceptable to fellow human beings.

“It is not just enough to be a Muslim; you must also have the fear of Allah and behave in the most acceptable manner toward your fellow human beings.

“Let us revive the teachings of the Prophet by preaching peace wherever we find ourselves,” Alhaji Abubakar said.

The Etsu Nupe urged Muslims to use the Maulud period to offer prayers for peace, unity and progress of the country, stressing that the occasion should go beyond merrymaking to reflection and practical emulation of the life and teachings of Prophet Muhammad.

According to him, the Prophet was sent by Almighty Allah to guide humanity and teach people the virtues of peace, love, compassion, forgiveness and unity.

“Maulud is not only for merrymaking, but also a time to emulate what Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was sent by Almighty God to come and do.

“As Muslims who are sincere in our faith, we are supposed to follow all that the Prophet of Islam preached and taught,” he said.

The first-class traditional ruler noted that Prophet Muhammad preached peace, love and unity, adding that Muslims, as his followers, should reflect those virtues in their daily lives.

He said such values were essential for peaceful coexistence and national development, particularly in a diverse country such as Nigeria.

Abubakar also urged Nigerians to cultivate tolerance and live peacefully with one another, irrespective of religious, ethnic and cultural differences.

“Peace and unity are veritable tools for national development.

Nigerians must therefore strive to maintain them for the nation to move forward.

“Without peace and unity, socio-economic development will continue to elude the country,” he said.

The Etsu Nupe expressed optimism that sustained prayers would enable Nigeria to overcome the security and other challenges threatening its peaceful coexistence.

He observed that the two major religions in the country preached peace, unity and love, urging Nigerians to focus more on strengthening their relationship with God rather than engaging in acts capable of causing conflict.

The traditional ruler further called on Muslims to embrace forgiveness, noting that Allah Himself forgives those who sincerely repent and seek His mercy.

He urged the faithful to remain prayerful, describing prayer as a key means of seeking divine guidance and overcoming challenges.

Abubakar also advised Muslims to shun all acts capable of tarnishing the image of Islam, stressing the need for them to demonstrate the religion’s true values through their conduct and relationship with others.

He prayed for continued peace, stability and prosperity in Niger State and Nigeria, and called on Nigerians to continue to work together for the development and progress of the country.