Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu has enjoined all Muslims in the state to practice and learn the lessons of Ramadan which are compassion, love for oneself, and neighbors to make the state a better place.
Speaking on Thursday at the Year 2023 Annual Ramadan Prayer (1444 A.H) with the theme “Indeed, After Difficulty, Comes Ease” (Q94:5) at the State House Mosque Complex, Ikeja, Lagos, Sanwo-Olu who was represented at the programme by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, stated that Muslims must practice what they are told during the month of Ramadan and all through the year.
He said, “We must practice what we are told during the month of Ramadan and all through the year, that we show compassion, we show love, we help those who are in need,people who are the less privileged so that we can raise everyone’s standards across the State”.
Speaking further, he urged the gathering to commit the President-Elect, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu into the hands of the Almighty Allah for a successful tenure and to surround him with good people that have the interest of Nigerians and the country at heart, as he steers the ship of the country effective May 29, 2023.
While berating the high rate of social vices in Nigeria, the governor noted that it is important to re-examine the country fundamentally noting that the family structure is breaking down and that religious leaders need to act quickly before things get out of hand as the government alone cannot do it.
Sanwo-Olu, therefore, urged the clerics to always during their sermons; preach values, good virtues and manners, among others. They should tell their congregation the teachings of Allah and not necessarily what they want to hear.
While appreciating the Islamic Clerics and leaders for their prayers and support during the just concluded elections, Sanwo-Olu thanked Lagosians for their show of love and prayed that Allah gives everyone good intentions for the development of Nigeria.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Commissioner for Home Affairs, Prince Anofiu Olarewaju Elegushi urged the Muslims to avail themselves of the training and serenity that Ramadan affords, to cleanse their hearts, enrich their souls with virtues and re-dedicate themselves to the good of humanity, the development, and progress of Lagos State and country.
He added that they should also remember to cater for the less privileged around them as commanded by the Holy Quran and abstain from all forms of wrongdoing even beyond the Fasting period.
In his lecture, titled “Indeed, after difficulty, comes ease” (Q94:5), the National Missioner of the Ansar- ud- deen Society of Nigeria, Sheik Abdur Rahman Ahmad stated that the selected theme is a message of hope to the entire humankind, illustrating that no difficulty persists forever.
Citing the Hadith, the Missioner said, “Allah created one difficulty and two ease, no difficulty walks alone, in every difficulty, there is always a solution close by”. He, therefore, urged everyone to always remember Allah and be thankful to Allah for turning the country’s fears into security and sadness into joy.
Also, in his lecture, titled “Avoiding Losses in the Month of Profound Gains”, An Associate Professor, Dept. of Actuarial Science, University of Lagos. Prof Tajudeen Yusuf noted that the month of Ramadan is a month of Mercy, Forgiveness, and blessing, adding that Ramadan is a month of reconciliation with Allah.
He stated that ten major things are expected to be done in Ramadan to attract blessings namely; regular reading of the Quran, observing special prayers, giving arms to the poor, listening to the word of Allah, constant remembering of the servants of Allah, constantly remembering Allah, winning souls for Allah, feeding Muslim brethren that are fasting, calling people to serve Allah, among other.
Prayers were later offered for the President, the nation, the President-Elect, The State Governor, the Deputy Governor, their families, all arms of government, the State, and the State public service amongst others.
