Our Reporter
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu has urged Muslim clerics to use this period of Ramadan to advocate perseverance and educate their Followers about government is initiatives aimed at ensuring food security and improving citizens’ lives amidst the present economic situation in the country.
Speaking at a Special Ramadan Prayer held at the State House Mosque Complex on Monday, Governor Sanwo-Olu emphasised the importance of community leaders’ role in guiding and encouraging the populace during times of adversity.
He stressed the need for religious leaders to leverage their influence to reassure the public that the present pains and discomfort would soon be over as the government is exploring a multidimensional approach to bring succour to the populace.
Governor Sanwo-Olu highlighted the government’s ongoing efforts to address the economic downturn and ensure the well-being of Lagosians just as he called upon Muslim clerics to communicate these efforts effectively to their congregations, fostering a sense of solidarity and collective responsibility in overcoming the prevailing challenges.
Urging Muslims in the country to show love and help the needy at this time, he implored kind-hearted individuals to cater for the less privileged around them as commanded by the Holy Quran, especially during this critical economic downturn.
In his words, “This is a time of love and giving. For both Christians and Muslims, during the period of Lent and Ramadan, we should learn to give out our excesses and share what we have with people. We should show compassion during Ramadan and Lent”.
While referring to his visit to Minna, Niger State earlier in the day where he accompanied the President to commission some projects, the Governor informed that the journey was an exposure to how the government can improve and enhance the quality of food in the country.
According to him, “Mr. President led all of us to Niger State this morning which happens to be the food basket of the country, the largest land area of the country close to three million hectares of land and it is a good way to start because what we saw there was extensive mechanisation”.
He added that Lagos State is collaborating with Niger State and other states such as Kwara and Benue to bring their produce to Lagos as the state has the ability to consume it.
“Mr. President is leading from the front in ensuring that in the subsequent farming seasons, we are all ready to get the best out of the opportunity of extensive farming in all of our farming communities in the country”, the Governor stated.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Home Affairs, Hon. Ibraheem Layode enjoined all Muslim faithful to commit the state and the nation at large into the hands of the Almighty Allah throughout the Holy Month.
He said, “I call on our people and in particular our Muslim brethren to avail ourselves with the training and serenity that Ramadan affords to cleanse our hearts, enrich our souls with virtues and re-dedicate ourselves to the good of humanity and the development and progress of our dear State, Lagos and our great country, Nigeria”.
“Let us remember to cater for the less privileged around us as commanded by the Holy Quran, especially during this critical economic downturn even as we abstain from all forms of wrongdoing during and beyond the fasting period”, he appealed.
One of the Guest Lecturers at the event, Dr. Munirideen Ar-Riyadi, during his lecture titled: “Observing Ramadan Like Never Before”, tasked Muslims to see Ramadan as a spiritual journey beyond self-denial or abstinence from food alone.
“Let us approach this period with the belief that this Ramadan is a spiritual journey. We look at Ramadan as a commandment from Almighty Allah. Ramadan is made compulsory for you, you must fast and you cannot just fast Ramadan the way you like or the way you want, you need to understudy what you are expected to do during that month”, he stated.
The 2024 State House Special Ramadan Prayer was attended by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat; the Head of Service, Mr. Olabode Agoro; State Executive Council members, Body of Permanent Secretaries, a member of the Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC), Mutiu Are and Muslim clerics, among others.
