In a powerful message of interfaith solidarity, His Royal Highness, the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, has extended heartfelt felicitations to the Christian community on the occasion of Christmas 2025. The revered monarch, who also chairs the Kwara State Council of Traditional Rulers, used the festive period to issue a profound call for national unity, moral rectitude, and sustained peaceful coexistence among all Nigerians, irrespective of religious or ethnic differences.
The message, delivered through a statement by his spokesman, Dr. Abdulazeez Arowona, transcends seasonal goodwill. It serves as a timely reminder of the foundational values necessary for Nigeria’s progress. The Emir positioned unity not as a mere ideal, but as an essential “panacea” for achieving genuine religious harmony—a critical need in a nation with a complex social fabric.
Emir Sulu-Gambari emphasized that “no sacrifice is too much” for the actualization of the country’s desired peace, growth, and development. This statement underscores a crucial, often overlooked, aspect of nation-building: that stability and prosperity require conscious, collective effort and sometimes, compromise from all citizens. It is a move from passive hope to active participation in fostering a cohesive society.
Speaking directly to the context of his domain, the Emir specifically enjoined residents of the Ilorin Emirate and beyond to safeguard the prevailing peace. He warned against actions that could lead to a breakdown of law and order. This call is rooted in Ilorin’s unique historical identity, which the Emir proudly described as “a melting pot of cultures and traditions with high regard for human dignity.” Ilorin, a confluence of Yoruba, Fulani, and Hausa influences, and a city where Islamic scholarship thrives alongside a significant Christian population, stands as a living testament to the possibility of harmonious blending.
Beyond promoting tolerance, the royal father highlighted the need for “collective efforts against idleness, crimes, and criminality.” This links social and economic well-being directly to security, suggesting that true peace is not merely the absence of conflict but the presence of opportunity and justice. His message implicitly connects moral uprightness—a theme of the Christmas season—with the creation of a functional and safe society for all.
In his concluding remarks, Emir Sulu-Gambari urged Christian faithful to use the reflective period of Christmas to pray for global peace. He extended his warm wishes for a peaceful and fulfilling celebration. This gesture from a leading Muslim traditional ruler during a Christian holiday is a potent symbol of the mutual respect and shared citizenship that his message advocates. It exemplifies the model of leadership that can bridge divides and foster the unity essential for Nigeria’s future.
Edited by Benson Ezugwu/Rabiu Sani-Ali
