The Sokoto State Government has declared Tuesday, August 25, 2026, a public holiday to enable residents commemorate Eid-el-Maulud, the birthday of Prophet Muhammad.
Governor Ahmed Aliyu urged Muslims to use the occasion to reflect on the teachings and virtues of the Prophet while praying for an end to insecurity in the state.
He said the celebration should promote peace, unity and brotherhood among Nigerians.
“The Maulud celebration should provide Muslims with an opportunity to promote peaceful coexistence, unity and good brotherhood among Nigerians,” Aliyu said.
He urged Muslims to teach younger generations the virtues associated with Prophet Muhammad, including patience, generosity, trustworthiness, compassion and good neighbourliness.
The governor also called for prayers for divine intervention in the security challenges confronting parts of Sokoto State.
“As we celebrate this year’s Maulud, I rejoice with Muslims across the globe and urge the faithful in Sokoto State to use the occasion to pray fervently for Allah’s intervention in the security challenges bedevilling some parts of the state,” he said.
Aliyu said insecurity remained a major obstacle to development, affecting economic activities, education, agriculture and investment.
“No meaningful development can be sustained in an atmosphere of fear and insecurity, because peace remains fundamental to economic growth, education, agriculture, investment and the general wellbeing of our people,” he said.
The governor pledged continued government support for security agencies.
“At our own level, we have done our best and will continue to provide the necessary support to our security agencies in their fight against banditry in the state,” he said.
He urged residents to cooperate with security agencies and provide timely information that could help prevent attacks.
“The fight against insecurity requires collective responsibility, and government alone cannot guarantee lasting peace without the cooperation and support of the citizens,” Aliyu said.
He also called on Muslims to translate the lessons of Maulud into their daily conduct.
“The lessons of Maulud must not end with prayers and religious gatherings; they must be reflected in our everyday conduct, relationships and dealings with fellow citizens,” he said.
Aliyu prayed for divine protection, an end to insecurity and lasting peace in communities affected by violence.
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