Calls on Young People to Embrace the Spirit of Sacrifice, Love, Tolerance, and Nation Building
The Chairman of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Osun State Chapter, Akinbode Olakolupo Oluwasegun, has felicitated with the Muslim Youth Community across Osun State on the occasion of this year’s Eid Kabir celebration, calling on them to embrace peace, unity, love, and harmonious coexistence.
In a statement issued to commemorate the Islamic festival, the NYCN Chairman described Eid Kabir as a season that symbolizes sacrifice, obedience, faith, tolerance, and total submission to the will of Almighty Allah, as exemplified by Prophet Ibrahim (AS).
Akinbode, who noted that NYCN Osun remains the apex and umbrella body for all youth organizations in the state with over 25 affiliated Muslim youth organizations, emphasized the need for Muslim youths to uphold the virtues of compassion, discipline, selflessness, and mutual respect during and after the celebration.
According to him, the essence of Eid Kabir goes beyond merriment, stressing that the period should serve as a time for reflection, renewed commitment to humanity, and promotion of peaceful coexistence among citizens irrespective of religious, ethnic, or political differences.
He cautioned youths against all forms of division, hate speech, violence, religious intolerance, and actions capable of threatening the peace and unity currently enjoyed in Osun State.
“The future of our society lies in the hands of young people. We must therefore resist every attempt to divide us along religious, ethnic, or political lines. As Muslim youths and leaders of tomorrow, this is the time to continue to promote unity, understanding, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence among our people,” he stated.
The NYCN Chairman further appealed to youth leaders, Muslim organizations, community stakeholders, and religious bodies to continue advocating for peace and interfaith harmony, adding that Osun State has continued to stand out as one of the states known for religious tolerance and communal peace.
He also encouraged youths to extend love and support to the less privileged, widows, vulnerable persons, and those facing one challenge or another, noting that sacrifice and generosity remain central lessons of Eid Kabir.
Akinbode reaffirmed the commitment of the NYCN Osun State Chapter toward youth development, peacebuilding, and inclusive participation for all young people across the state.
He prayed for Almighty Allah to accept the sacrifices and prayers of the Muslim faithful and grant Osun State and Nigeria lasting peace, progress, and prosperity.