Ramadan: Abiodun, Sanwo-Olu, others urge Muslims to pray for Nigeria
…Adeleke charges Muslims to emulate sacrificial living, self control
…Oyetola advises Muslims to strengthen faith
As Muslims all over the world began fasting in the Holy Month of Ramadan, the Ogun State governor, Dapo Abiodun, Lagos State Governor Mr BABAJIDE Sanwo-Olu, Osun State Governor Sen Ademola Adeleke and former Governor of Osun State Alhaji Adegboyega Oyetola have called on Muslim leaders to pray for Nigeria.
Gov. Abiodun felicitated Muslim Ummah in Ogun State for witnessing another mother of mercy and forgiveness.
The Governor, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Kunle Somorin, on Thursday, noted that Ramadan remains one of the holiest months in the Islamic/Hijra calendar, when Allah opens His doors of mercy, urging the Muslims to avail themselves with the virtues of the month.
He said the month also signifies a period to increase one’s good deeds and improve spiritual activities for the pleasure of Allah, calling on the adherents of Islam in the state to use the month for spreading kind words and show love to the less privileged.
The Governor further enjoined Muslims in the state to pray fervently in Ramadan for peace, progress and unity of the country, particularly at this time of political transition in the country.
Abiodun, who declared that his administration would continue to make Ogun a safe haven for the residents and investors, urged Muslims in the state to always put Ogun in their prayers, assuring his second term would usher in more goodies of democracy and good governance.
While noting that Nigeria as a nation is passing through socioeconomic challenges, the Governor expressed optimism that the Holy Month of Ramadan would be a great spiritual upliftment and harbinger of ease after hardship.
In the same vein, Governor Ademola Adeleke charged the Muslims to emulate the sacrificial living, self control and intercessory supplications embedded in the teachings of the fasting period.
Adeleke, in a release personally signed and made available to the journalists through his Spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed said, Adeleke wishes to remind Muslims in the State of the real essence of Ramadan as a period of self-reflection, intended to deepen one’s spiritual growth and renew a sense of appreciation for the many blessings of God.
He said, “In this spirit of thanksgiving and reflection, all of us observing Ramadan can strengthen our sense of commitment to equality and development of our communities. It is a time to offer help to those in need, and serve as an immutable emblem of holy life.
“As residents of Osun State, we are all blessed to live under a government that fosters religious liberty and respects the religious practice of all. Our laws and history ensure Muslims can observe this period in accordance with the dictates of conscience and without detractions.
“It is also a period for our dear State to look up to Muslims for unimpeded prayers and in renewed sense of unity, purpose and desire for a better society.
“As we all unite to celebrate this year’s Ramadan in teachings and reflections, I join in the hope for a blessed month.
“Ramadan Mubarak, dear brothers and sisters in Islam,” he added.
Also, Immediate past Osun Governor, Isiaka Adegboyega Oyetola felicitated his Muslim brethren in the State and across the world, on the commencement of the holy month of Ramadan.
Oyetola in a statement by his media aide, Ismail Omipidan, urged the Muslim faithful to take advantage of the holy month to strengthen their faith, seek closeness to Allah and attain taqwa (piety) which he said, is the main essence of the fasting in this Holy Month of Ramadan.
He described Ramadan as a month of abundant blessings, mercy and forgiveness from Allah, and urged Muslims in Osun to use this period to intensify prayers for the growth and peace of the State and the nation at large.
He also implored Muslims and non-Muslims to demonstrate love, tolerance, empathy, compassion and peaceful coexistence in this month and beyond.
“I congratulate my Muslim brothers and sisters in Osun and across the world on the commencement of yet another glorious month of Ramadan. As we begin this month, I ask Almighty Allah to grant us good health and strength to observe the fasting and other acts of worship.
“Let us also use this period to intensify prayers for ourselves, our dear State and country. I pray Allah accept all our acts of Ibaadah and grant our heart desires. May He continue to grant us His infinite mercies, love, guidance and protection. Ramadan Kareem to you and your loved ones,” Oyetola said.
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has felicitated Muslims faithful across the country, especially in Lagos State on the commencement of the holy month of Ramadan.
He urged Muslims to use the holy month to pray for peace in Nigeria and Lagos in particular, adding that the Ramadan period should be used to exhibit the best virtues that Islam teaches.
Governor Sanwo-Olu in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, on Thursday, implored Muslims, as well as Christians and other religious groups to demonstrate love, tolerance, empathy, compassion, and peaceful coexistence in this month of Ramadan, which coincides with the Church Lenten fasting season.
He said, “I want to congratulate Muslim faithful across the world, especially in Nigeria and Lagos in particular on the commencement of the holy month of Ramadan. As we begin this holy month today, I pray that Almighty Allah will grant us good health and strength to observe the fasting and other acts of worship associated with it.
“I want to also urge Muslims and Christians as well as other religious denominations to avail themselves of the teachings and serenity that the fasting season affords to cleanse their hearts, enrich their souls with virtues, and dedicate themselves to the good of humanity and the development of Lagos State and Nigeria.
“Let us also use this period to commit ourselves, our dear Lagos State, and our country to serious prayers for peace, development and growth as we prepare for the May 29 handing-over ceremony at the federal and state levels. We should also pray for continuous peaceful coexistence among all ethnic and religious groups in our State.”
