The Emir of Ilorin and Chairman of the Kwara State Traditional Rulers Council, Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, has urged Muslims performing the Lesser Hajj (Umrah) in Saudi Arabia to pray for peace and harmony in Nigeria.

The monarch said peaceful coexistence, religious harmony and respect for law and order are essential for the country’s growth and development.

Sulu-Gambari made the appeal in a goodwill message issued on Monday by his Press Secretary, Abdulazeez Arowona.

“I urge you all to use this auspicious occasion of the Umrah pilgrimage to intensify fervent prayers for Ilorin Emirate, Kwara State, Nigeria and humanity at large for the actualisation of global peace amid ongoing tension and insecurity,” the emir said.

He also appealed to pilgrims from Kwara State and other parts of Nigeria to be good ambassadors of the country during their stay in Mecca and Medina, urging them to avoid acts that could tarnish Nigeria’s image.

The emir further extended goodwill messages to members of the Muslim Ummah who intend to observe I’tikaf in Juma’at mosques across the country.

He prayed that Almighty Allah would make the spiritual exercise easy for them and grant them acceptance and rewards.

Sulu-Gambari also prayed for a successful Umrah pilgrimage, asking God to grant the pilgrims good health and protection for their families back home.