The Minister of Steel Development, Shuaibu Audu, says the economic reforms by President Bola Tinubu’s government are harsh but necessary for Nigeria’s growth.

Mr Shuaibu urged Nigerians to continue praying for Mr Tinubu and other leaders in the country as they carry out their duties.

“Nigeria is at its toughest but necessary economic reforms under the ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’ of President Tinubu, which has marked a new dawn for our great nation,” Mr Shuaibu said in a statement to felicitate with Muslims on Eid-el-Maulud, the birth of Prophet Muhammad (SAW).

“It is, therefore, a critical time for us as citizens to embrace the values of hard work, integrity, and resilience so that together we can overcome the challenges we face and build a brighter future for generations to come,” he added in the statement issued by his media aide, Lizzy Okoji, on Monday in Abuja.

The minister urged the Muslim faithful to reflect on the life, teachings, and principles of Prophet Mohammed.

He emphasised that Nigerians should draw inspiration from the prophet’s life and work towards creating a nation characterised by peace, unity, and understanding among its diverse groups.

“Eid-el-Maulud celebration is not just a celebration; it is a reminder of the teachings and principles that the prophet embodied throughout his life.

“ His commitment to justice, kindness, and service to humanity should be an inspiration to us all,” said Mr Shuaibu.

He urged the Muslim faithful to take advantage of the occasion to extend acts of kindness to the less privileged to give them a sense of belonging.

“I pray that this year’s Eid-el-Maulud brings joy to our hearts, strengthens the bonds of friendship and love, and inspires us all to be better citizens for the peace, progress, and development of our beloved country,” he said.

(NAN)