President Goodluck Jonathan on Sunday reiterated the call for Nigerians to embrace peace and remain united for any meaningful development to take place.
The president spoke when a delegation of Muslims in the FCT, led by Vice- President Namadi Sambo, paid him an Eid-el-Fitr homage at his residence in the State House.
“Let me use the opportunity of this unique visit to call on all Nigerians that, first and foremost, for us to progress, we must unite.
“For us to progress there must be peace and I believe that even the challenges we are passing through, we will overcome them if we are united and embrace peace,” he said.
Jonathan said the progress of the country was imperative for the upcoming generations to build on.
He said that the Eid-el-Fitr celebration should be a moment not only for the Muslim?faithful but for all Nigerians to reflect on the nature of their existence in a country.
The president said that with collective prayers of every Nigerian the country would get to its desired destination.
He reaffirmed his administration's commitment to the transformation process, saying his government would build on what the past leaders had done to ensure that Nigeria's uniqueness in global affairs was maintained.
Earlier, Sambo had lauded Jonathan's commitment to the peace and progress of the country.
He commended the exemplary leadership of the president for identifying with the Muslim faithful in observing the Ramadan fasting.
Sambo expressed the hope that with the prayers offered by Nigerians during his visit to Saudi Arabia for the lesser Hajj, the challenges of the nation would be overcome.
He pledged the solidarity and full loyalty of the Muslim community to the president in the execution of the transformation agenda.
Notable personalities at the event included the PDP National Chairman, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur; Sen. Philip Aduda (PDP-FCT), who represented the Senate President, Sen. David Mark; ?FCT Minister, Sen. Bala Mohammed; and Minister of Police Affairs, Navy Capt. Caleb Olubolade.
Others were ministers of state for Finance, Alhaji Yerima Ngama; and FCT, Mrs Olajumoke Akinjide; as well as the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Alhaji Bello Sali.
The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Mohammed Dikko, and the Inspector-General of Police, Mr Muhammed Abubakar, were also at the event.
Also at the event were a former Speaker, House of Representatives, Mr Ghali Na'Abba; a former Minister of State Foreign Affairs, Hajiya Salamatu Ibrahim; a former PDP Chairman, Alhaji Ahmadu Ali, and senior presidential aides. (NAN)