*Photo: Oba Saka Adelola Matemilola, President-General of the Ogun State Muslim Council (OMC)*
The President-General of the Ogun State Muslim Council (OMC), Alayeluwa Oba Saka Adelola Matemilola has felicitated with Muslims in Ogun State, Nigeria and across the world on the commencement of the Islamic New Year, 1448 A.H., urging the faithful to reflect on the lessons of the Hijrah and renew their commitment to righteousness, unity and service to humanity.
In a statement to commemorate the new Hijrah year, Oba Matemilola, who is also the Olowu of Owu, described the migration (Hijrah) of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) from Makkah to Madinah as a turning point in the history of Islam and a timeless lesson on faith, sacrifice, perseverance, and the pursuit of justice and peace.
The President-General noted that the occasion presents another opportunity for Muslims to undertake spiritual stocktaking and rededicate themselves to the values of piety, honesty, hard work, compassion, tolerance and peaceful coexistence with people of other faiths.
According to him, “The significance of Hijrah goes beyond the marking of a new calendar year. It symbolizes a transition from darkness to light, from discord to unity, and from despair to hope. Muslims should, therefore, imbibe the virtues exemplified by the Prophet (SAW) and his companions during the migration.”
Oba Matemilola called on Muslims not to limit the lessons of Hijrah to sermons and ceremonies but to translate them into actions capable of promoting peace, social harmony, and national development.
He urged religious leaders, traditional rulers, political office holders, and other stakeholders to work together in fostering mutual understanding and strengthening the bonds of unity among the diverse ethnic and religious groups in the country.
The monarch also appealed to Nigerians not to lose hope in the face of prevailing socio-economic challenges, noting that difficult periods often provide opportunities for renewal and positive transformation.
“As the Prophet (SAW) and his companions overcame trials and adversity through faith and perseverance, Nigerians should remain optimistic and continue to support efforts aimed at building a peaceful, secure and prosperous nation,” he stated.
The OMC President-General further called on Muslims to use the sacred month of Muharram to increase their devotion to Allah through prayers, fasting, charity and other acts of worship, while also remembering the less privileged and vulnerable members of society.
He enjoined the faithful to pray for leaders at the local, state and federal levels for wisdom, sincerity and the fear of Allah in the discharge of their responsibilities, as well as for peace, security and sustainable development in Ogun State and Nigeria.
While wishing Muslims a rewarding and blessed 1448 A.H., Oba Matemilola prayed that Almighty Allah grants the Ummah abundant mercy, accepts their acts of worship, and blesses Ogun State and Nigeria with unity, stability and enduring prosperity.