By Dipo Olowookere
Nigeria’s Senate President, Bukola Saraki, has reminded Nigerians on the importance of prayer, especially at this trying period, saying it is what is needed to make the country remain at peace as well as out of recession.
In his Eid el-Kabir message on Sunday, Mr Saraki said though he realises that times are tough at the moment, but Nigerians are tough people too, expressing optimism that Nigerians would survive the hardships.
“Truly, times are tough, but we are a tough people too. Therefore, I have no doubt that we shall overcome our present economic setback sooner than anticipated, if we all commit to the ideals of nation building,” he said.
Mr Saraki urged the people to “love one another, eschew all forms of violence, adhere strictly to the noble tenets of Islam and peaceful coexistence.”
He said, “We must not relent in being our brothers’ keeper and playing our part to achieve the New Nigeria of our dreams.
He described this time as a period to “sacrifice and obedience to divine guidance”, adding that it is also a “time to share our resources with our neighbours no matter how little.”
The Senate President further appealed to all “to contribute in strengthening the bond of unity and oneness that exists among us. This, I believe, will spur us to avoid negative tendencies that could derail our efforts at ensuring faster economic revival and socio-political stability.”
Adedapo Adesanya 
Modupe Gbadeyanka