Gov. Yahaya Bello of Kogi on Sunday tasked the Muslim faithful with preaching peace and unity among followers for the stability and development of Nigeria.

The governor made the appeal during the Kogi Council of Ulamah 1444 Hijrah Celebration and Foundation Laying of its Guest Inn at the Buhari Square, Lokoja.

“Your gathering here today to celebrate the 1444 Hijrah is a clear indication that the Council of Ulamah is united and strong.

“It’s on this basis that I implore you to keep preaching peace and unity to all Muslims for peaceful coexistence, which without there can’t be any progress and development in Nigeria, ” he said.

Bello, who was represented by the Chief Imam of Government House Mosque, Sheik Muhammad Bashir-Musa, said “there is hope for Nigeria in spite of all the challenges it is facing now”.

Earlier, the Council Chairman, Sheikh Salman Adam, said Hijrah should be seen as a continuous positive movement in all aspects of Muslims’ lives, be it personal or public.

“We should continuously shun evil acts for good acts, avoid bad behaviour and embrace good behaviour; avoid greed, selfishness, and indecency in utterances, dressings and behaviour and embrace conducts capable of promoting equality of all within the Nigerian society.

“As Muslims, we should generally migrate from lawlessness to law-abiding citizens at all times and in all places even as we commemorate this year’s Hijrah, ” he advised.

Adam, however, commended the government under the leadership of Gov Yahaya Bello for its continuous support to all religious groups in Kogi and for ensuring that the state was safe and secured at all times.

The event was attended by dignitaries from the Muslim Ummah, including Sheikh Isiaka Isa, who chaired the occasion which featured the launching of the 1444 Hijrah calendar and foundation laying for the construction of the Guest Inn.