The Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu has called on Muslims and other religious bodies to pray fervently for the country as Muslims across the world commenced this year’s Ramadan fast.
The Governor who affirmed that the nation wass currently shaking with numerous challenges, called on everyone to pray for peace to reign in the country.
Governor Sanwo-Olu was speaking at the 2021 Pre-Ramadan lecture and Prayer, at the State House, Alausa Ikeja.
The Governor who was represented by his Deputy, Dr Kadir Hamzat, appealed to
citizens to imbibe the spirit of sharing this season, as it would prevent perennial crisis the nation is currently facing.
“It is very important for all of us to act together in peace it’s only when there is peace that we can co-existence and do things together.
The message is for us to imbibe the teachings of Ramadan, peaceful co-existence, love your neighbor as yourself and do well. You can’t be eating and your neighbor is hungry.
It’s time for us to consider others that are less privileged, let’s look for the needy, let’s share, no matter how small, if you do that as a country, them we won’t fight ourselves,” he said.
He however challenged worshipers during this holy month to ensure strict compliance to the Covid-19 protocols as it is for the benefits of all.
Lectures
Delivering a lecture titled: “The Purposefulness of Life- not a matter that can be wished away”, the Head of Daru Dawah School, Isolo, Sheikh Is-haq Zuglul said, men should be conscious of their deeds while alive, by ensuring that people around them feel their impacts.
He urged public office holders and individuals to remember that their existence would one day come to a halt and they would be made to face the Almighty God to account for their deeds, stressing that the main purpose of existence is to serve God and people.
In another lecture, Dr Sa’eid Ahmad, while speaking on the topic: “Availing the teachings of Ramadan for a peaceful & progressive society amidst Covid-19 challenges”, called on Muslims to see the sudden emergence of COVID-19 as a reason to fear the Almighty God and to ensure they maintain social distance and follow all other non-pharmaceutical directives by health experts.
Essence of Ramadan
In his welcome address the Commissioner for Home Affairs, Prince Anofiu Elegushi explained that Ramadan fast was a command from the Almighty Allah as recorded in the Holy Quran Chapter 2, Verse 189 which has its thrust in ensuring self restraint at the end of the month and there after.
The Commissioner who was elated that this year’s Prayer and Lecture was holding after the intrusion of the coronavirus which forced most countries to lockdown and Ramadan programs shutdown last year enjoined people to cater for the less privileged and cohabit peaceful.
According to him “As we abstain from all forms of wrongdoing even beyond the fasting period; a call to fellow-feeling, harmonious co-existence devoid of prejudice, hatred, acrimony and bigotry and exhibit attributes of charity and good neighbourliness.”
He therefore called on Muslims to avail themselves with the training and serenity that Ramadan affords to cleanse the hearts enrich souls with virtues and re-dedicate themselves to the good of humanity and the development and progress of the State and Nigeria at large.
Confidence Okwuchi
