As Muslims across Nigeria and the world commemorate Eid-el-Maulud, a day marking the birth of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him), Hon. Francis Barthlomew Chima, popularly known as OmoBarca, has sent warm greetings and prayers to the Muslim faithful, particularly his constituents in Ajeromi-Ifelodun Federal Constituency of Lagos State.
OmoBarca, a philanthropist and politician widely admired for his grassroots empowerment initiatives, urged Muslims to use the spiritual lessons of the Prophet’s life as a guiding compass in promoting peace, unity, and compassion in society.
In his goodwill message, he noted that the Prophet Muhammad epitomized virtues such as truthfulness, selflessness, humility, and unwavering faith in God, qualities which, if emulated, could transform communities and strengthen the moral fabric of Nigeria.
“On this blessed occasion of Eid-el-Maulud, I felicitate with all Muslim brothers and sisters in Ajeromi-Ifelodun and across Nigeria. The life of Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) is a beacon of guidance for humanity, reminding us of the values of love, tolerance, justice, and peaceful coexistence. I urge us all to reflect on these values and embody them in our daily lives,” OmoBarca said.
He emphasized that religious celebrations such as Eid-el-Maulud should go beyond rituals and merriment to inspire social responsibility, communal harmony, and renewed dedication to nation-building. According to him, Nigeria’s diversity—religious, cultural, and ethnic—should be a source of strength rather than division.
A Call for Peaceful Coexistence
Hon. Chima also used the opportunity to appeal to Nigerians to work together in addressing challenges of insecurity, economic hardship, and moral decline. He argued that the teachings of the Prophet remain relevant in modern times, particularly in fostering peace in communities experiencing tension or unrest.
“Eid-el-Maulud calls us to rise above bitterness and hatred,” he remarked. “It calls us to love our neighbors, respect one another, and work for the common good. In the face of difficulties, we must emulate the Prophet’s resilience and unwavering hope in God’s plan. I strongly believe that if we live out these values, our nation will overcome its present challenges.”
Empowerment and Community Service
Known for his philanthropic interventions in Ajeromi-Ifelodun, OmoBarca linked the spiritual significance of the day to acts of kindness and charity. He encouraged well-meaning individuals to extend hands of support to the less privileged, saying that the Prophet Muhammad’s life was defined by care for the vulnerable and generosity to the needy.
“In keeping with the spirit of the celebration, I appeal to all to remember the poor, the widows, the orphans, and those struggling to make ends meet,” he said. “Eid-el-Maulud should inspire us to share what we have, to uplift those around us, and to make sacrifices for the progress of our communities.”
OmoBarca reaffirmed his commitment to youth empowerment, education, and infrastructural development in Ajeromi-Ifelodun. He stated that his political journey is anchored on service to humanity, a philosophy consistent with the values the Prophet exemplified.
Strengthening National Unity
The House of Representatives hopeful further stressed that Nigeria needs unity more than ever, especially as citizens from diverse backgrounds navigate the challenges of modern governance. He called on leaders to rise above partisanship and sectionalism and focus on policies that improve the welfare of citizens.
“Prophet Muhammad brought together people of different backgrounds under one message of peace and justice. We, too, must embrace unity and reject all forms of division,” OmoBarca said. “Let us not allow politics, religion, or ethnicity to create walls between us. Nigeria is stronger when we work together.”
Prayers for Nigeria
In conclusion, OmoBarca offered prayers for Nigeria, asking God to bless the country with enduring peace, prosperity, and progress. He prayed for the leadership of the nation to govern with wisdom and justice, and for ordinary Nigerians to experience better living conditions.
“As we celebrate Eid-el-Maulud, may God’s mercy and blessings be upon every family,” he prayed. “May He guide our leaders aright, protect our communities, and grant Nigeria a future filled with hope and opportunity.”
The Significance of Eid-el-Maulud
Eid-el-Maulud is observed annually by Muslims worldwide to honor the birth of Prophet Muhammad, who was born in Mecca in 570 AD. The occasion is often marked with prayers, lectures, processions, and community service. For Nigerian Muslims, it is both a spiritual renewal and an opportunity to reflect on the Prophet’s teachings of devotion, justice, and moral uprightness.
As Muslims in Ajeromi-Ifelodun and across Nigeria join the global community in marking this year’s Eid-el-Maulud, OmoBarca’s message resonates as both a call to faith and a reminder of the shared responsibility to build a just, peaceful, and prosperous society.