In line with his people-centric leadership style and in the spirit of Ramadan, the Nigerian Chief of Defence Staff, CDS, General Christopher Gwabin Musa on Thursday joined Muslim personnel at the Defence Headquarters to break the Day 6 Ramadan Fast.
In his remarks, the CDS called on Nigerian to be united, to continue to stay together, to work together, to love one another for the benefits of the country.
"Let's always remember that God Almighty is the one who has created us, who has brought us to this world, who has put us as Nigerians", he added.
General Musa said unity and love are the only ways we can make this country grow.
He said, anybody looking at them would not know who is a Christian, who is a Muslim. "And that God has a purpose for putting us together and it is not to destroy ourselves but to build ourselves on. So I want to encourage us in whatever ways we find ourselves", he said.
He stressed that breaking the fast is the 6th day while day before yesterday was lent for the Christians.
"And so you see God has a purpose that we are all here all at the same time. There are a lot of people that don't know us well for whatever reasons they have but God Almighty is with us and He will never let us down. So I want to thank everybody.
I am really very excited to be here. And we still have time to also come not only for today alone. It is a very good and a very wonderful occasion, he said
He noted that it's a reminder, it's nostalgic as he was born in Sokoto and this is what they normally do during the Ramadan period.
"So for me it is welcome back home. I feel very, very elated. I think for me this is how we are supposed to be living in Nigeria", he added
He commended the Imam for his hard work, members of the mosque committee, and everyone that was there for been together. "We thank God for His blessings", he said.
He urged Nigerians to continue to pray for the leaders so that God will touch their hearts to do the right thing. "Let us continue to pray for our country so that our country will continue to grow and develop. All those evil ones that are planning evil, whether they are bandits or terrorists or kidnappers, wherever they are, God will expose all of them and those supporting them", he said.
"We will continue to survive this country and this country will continue to grow. So thank everyone for the opportunity to be here today. And we say Ramadan Kareem",he added.
The Chief Imam, Defence Headquarters, Navy Captain Gidado Mijdad, in his remarks commended the CDS who graciously considered it necessary for them to sit together and share in the blessings of breaking fast said the Ramadan fast is an annual spiritual experience for Muslims.
"Ramadan fast is an annual spiritual experience for the Muslims. It is also an annual bonanza from Allah to multiply rewards and quardruple the chances of getting closer to The Almighty by showing kindness to the less privileged and being empathetic to their plights. Furthermore, fasting in the month of Ramadan is a period of moral and spiritual awakening to all faithful.
"Allah the Almighty says in the Glorious Qur'an: O ye who believe, fasting has been prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, so that you may learn self restraint.
"It is in line with this that the CDS has graciously considered it necessary for us to sit together and share in the blessings of breaking fast. Accordingly, this is a true reflection of solidarity and camaraderie which galvanizes a sense of unity and love."he said
Therefore, on behalf of the Chief of Defence Staff, I urge us all to sit back and benefit from the Iftar meal. Share this moment together
Therefore, on behalf of the Chief of Defence Staff, he urged them all to sit back and share this moment together.
