The founder, Peter Olaoluwa Foundation, Olaoluwa Peter Abidemi popularly called OPA has felicitated Muslim faithful in the state and across the country on the occasion of the Islamic New Year, Hijrah 1446 AH.
Olaoluwa who is also a stalwart of the All Progressive Congress, Oyo state chapter wished Muslims in the state, Nigeria and across the world a New Year filled with blessings and benevolence of the Almighty Allah, asked them to continuously pray for the peace and prosperity of Nigeria.
A statement made available to journalists in Ibadan through his media office indicated that the philanthropist equally admonished Muslims to, in the spirit of the New Year, pray for a smooth and refreshing season in the state.
According to him “Hijrah (immigration to Madinah), no doubt, kindled the light of hope in the hearts of the early Muslims who set a shining example for all Muslims, in every generation to emulate. It symbolises a new beginning.
“So, it is my prayer that all Muslims in Oyo State and the country will experience positive improvements and progress as the Hijrah 1446 AH begins.”
The statement further indicated that Olaoluwa congratulated the Muslim Ummah in the state on the opportunity to witness a new Islamic year, urging them not to relent in praying for the state and the country.
He said that Hijrah began when the Holy Prophet Muhammad migrated from Mecca to Madinah, adding that Muslims must continue to demonstrate good neighbourliness, love and dedication to the state.
He enjoined them to work deliberately to ensure peaceful coexistence at all times.
According to him, the essence of Hijrah is that it is a process of transfer to a better situation, a search for an environment more favourable to the continuous and constructive effort.
He noted that Muslims in the state should follow the lessons taught by Prophet Muhammad following his immigration to Madinah.
“In short, the Hijrah teaches that wherever Muslims go, they should bring goodness to that land.
“That Muslims should work for both moral and material goodness of the society.
“Therefore, I enjoin the Muslim Ummah in the state to continue to show their dedication to the wellness of the state, by contributing their quota in different ways to its development.
