Abuja, Nigeria - As the observance of Ramadan began across Nigeria Monday, President Goodluck Jonathan has urged all Nigerian Muslims to seize the opportunity of the Holy Month to offer prayers for peace, unity, stability and rapid socio-economic development in the nation.

In his goodwill message to Islamic faithful at the commencement of Ramadan, President Jonathan said the Holy Month was a most favourable period for such prayers since Muslims believe that God answers prayers more during Ramadan than at any other period.

The President said, in a statement, that while increasing their acts of worship as enjoined during the month, Nigerian Muslims should also rededicate themselves to projecting the Islamic virtues of brotherly love, peaceful co-existence, honesty, tolerance, piety, fairness, equity and justice for all in their dealings with others.

He assured Muslims in the country of his solidarity with them as they uphold one of the pillars of their faith through the observance of Ramadan, and pledged that his administration would continue to do all within its powers to give all Nigerians a true sense of belonging in the country.

Pana 01/08/2011