Abdul-Azeez Onike, the Chief Missioner Nasrul-Lahi-l-Fatih (NASFAT), has urged Nigerians to keep faith alive in spite of Nigeria’s gloomy and overwhelming security challenges.

Mr Onike was speaking on Sunday in his message to Nigerians on the celebration of the new Islamic Calendar Year 1444, urging Muslims to be optimistic.

The Chief Missioner said that “the Holy Qur’an,… ‘Certainly, no one despairs of Allah’s Mercy, except the people who disbelieve.(Q12:87)’.

“I congratulate Muslims worldwide, witnessing a new year is an opportunity to retrace one’s steps from bad conducts and habits and consolidating on good conducts and behaviours.”

Mr Onike, therefore, urged Muslims to use the opportunity of the new year 1444 to be better in religious activities and nation building.

The cleric prayed for the return of peace and urged the government to seek assistance from community leaders, civil society organisations and neighbouring countries.

Mr Onike said that his prayer was for “the revitalisation, refitting, retooling, intelligence gathering and effective prosecution of the war against terrorism and insecurity.”

(NAN)