Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, has called on Nigerians to use the Ramadan season to deepen empathy, reinforce communal ties and contribute meaningfully to nation-building by caring for neighbours and advancing the common good.
Hamzat made the appeal at a Special Firdaus Prayer for the late Oba Mufutau Hamzat and a Ramadan lecture organised by the United Muslims Council of Nigeria, Mushin Division, held at Yahya Abatan, Ogba, Lagos.
He observed that Ramadan extends beyond fasting and personal devotion, describing it as a period for renewing social bonds and promoting collective welfare, which he said is essential for building a thriving community and a prosperous nation.
“For us as Muslims, the month of Ramadan is special. The essence is to enhance our creation and to worship Almighty God. So that is the essence, to link you more to your God, to deal with humanity better, to have empathy, to be able to live and deal with people. If you live well with people, if you take care of your neighbour, if you take care of your people, then the nation will be better. The community will be better built,” he said.
He recalled that Prophet Muhammad counselled Muslims to live in peace and unity with their neighbours, stressing that adherence to such teachings, including caring for one’s community, would foster social progress and national development.
Reflecting on the parallel observance of Ramadan by Muslims and Lent by Christians, the Deputy Governor encouraged adherents of both faiths to embody the principles they profess.
“We all profess to be Muslims. We all profess to be Christians. Let’s live up to it. Our religion, whether you are a Muslim or a Christian, teaches us to be good neighbours, to take care of ourselves, take care of our community, take care of the environment,” he said.
Hamzat added that both religions promote peace, love, empathy, godliness and acts of kindness towards all, regardless of faith, ethnicity or tribe.
