Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has congratulated Muslims in the state, Nigeria and across the world, on the commencement of the 2021 Ramadan fasting.
The governor also urged Islamic faithful to pray relentlessly for the peace and development of the country during the fasting period.
He specifically asked the Almighty Allah (SWT) to show mercy on the state and Nigeria in general during this season and beyond.
A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, quoted the governor as inviting Muslims across the world to embrace piety as demanded of them during the Ramadan fast.
He also prayed the Almighty Allah (SWT) to put an end to insurgency and insecurity which he said has been ravaging the whole country in recent years.
He also enjoined Muslims in the state to use the month-long fasting period to pray for peaceful coexistence and security in the state and the country at large.
According to the governor, sacrifice and ceaseless prayers are important and critical at this time when our country is facing general insecurity.
According to him: “Muslims should use this fasting period to pray fervently for the security of this country.
“I also enjoin our brothers and sisters in Islam to please use the opportunity of this month of blessings to seek Almighty Allah’s (SWT) forgiveness to make insecurity a thing of the past in our country.”
He further admonished Muslims to tune their minds to the messages of love, brotherliness and peaceful co-existence inherent in the messages of the Holy Prophet Mohammed (SAW) while also being their brothers’ keepers.
“As our Muslim brothers and sisters are expected to adhere strictly to abstinence from food and other things during the month of Ramadan, I wish to enjoin them to extend their hands of fellowship to other fellow Muslims and non-Muslims alike.
“It is only by doing this, coupled with sharing whatever they have with others, particularly the underprivileged in the society, that their supplications can be answered and the world will be a good place to live in for all and sundry,” the governor said.
Governor Makinde, who quoted Qur’an 2 v 267, which says “O ye who believe, give of the good things which ye have,” said this act would help the underprivileged in the society to reduce the hunger and poverty confronting them.
He wished Islamic faithful a successful fasting period, while also praying to God to grant them the strength needed to sustain them throughout the Ramadan.
