As Muslims in Nigeria join the global Islamic community to begin this year’s Ramadan fasting, President Goodluck Jonathan has assured the Islamic faithful of their safety.

He also urged them to reflect on the lessons of Ramadan and make them a greater part of their daily lives to promote peaceful co-existence and greater unity in the country.

In a statement signed by his media aide, Dr. Reuben Abati, the president also called on all Nigerian Muslims to offer special prayers during the period for peace, stability and progress in the country.

“President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan greets all Muslims in Nigeria as they join the global Islamic community to begin this year’s Ramadan fasting.

“As they start the annual month-long fast which is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, President Jonathan urges all Nigerian Muslims to offer special prayers during the period for peace, stability and progress in the country.

“Noting that the Ramadan fast teaches Muslims to practice piety, self-discipline, self-control, sacrifice, tolerance, justice, fairness and empathy for the less fortunate in society, the President calls on all Nigerian adherents of the Islamic faith to reflect on these edifying lessons as they fast and make them a greater part of their daily lives to promote peaceful co-existence and greater unity amongst the diverse groups in Nigeria.