By Ikhili Ebalu , Benin City.
Bar. Ken Imansuangbon, the Edo State Born Nationalist and Philanthropist, popular known as Rice Man, has joined Muslim faithfuls to celebrate the birthday of Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) as they mark this year’s Eid-El-Maulud.
The celebration, he said, should be filled with joy and happiness, it should be used as a day for reflection and intercession for Nigeria and Edo State. His message was made available to press men in a handwritten note personally signed by him.
“As I celebrate with you brothers and sisters on the birthday anniversary of Holy Prophet Muhammad, I want you to take time out to reflect on His messages of peace, unity and coexistence with peoples of other faiths. That’s what tolerance is all about; being able to listen and accommodate other human beings, their views and religious persuasions.
“Even as a man of a different faith, I have taken time out to felicitate with you because one way or the other, we are neighbours who must partner for nation building regardless of differences in faith.
“No doubt, the Muslim community in Nigeria and Edo State is needed for peace and progress and I want to use this occasion to appeal that we spread the ideals of tolerance and make efforts to extinguish the banality of violence among us.
“There are challenges before the country and Edo State, we must acknowledge this, but with your cooperation, strong alliances, alignment and support, the nation and the state can easily surmount them. Let’s support President Mohammed Buhari to succeed, let’s support Governor Godwin Obaseki to succeed in Edo State too. It is only peaceful coexistence that can engender growth, development and progress.”
The business magnate ended his message by asking Allah to make this day a day of repentance, forgiveness and closeness to the noble Prophet Muhammad as Muslims faithfuls around the world celebrate His birthday anniversary.