Pray for Nigeria, Sanwo-Olu tells clerics

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Bababjide Sanwo-Olu has called on all Muslim clerics to use the 30 days of Ramadan to continually pray for Nigeria, as the country needs prayer for peace and stability more than ever before.

Speaking on Monday at the 2021 Pre-ramadan prayer, Sanwo-Olu, represented by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, said faithful should also use the holy month to promote peaceful co-existence.

He implored Muslims to observe the COVID-19 protocols, as many have died from the virus, disclosing that the person who built the tent used for the prayer died on Monday morning.

In his welcome address, the Commissioner for Home Affairs, Prince Anofiu Olanrewaju Elegushi, also enjoined all Muslim faithful to commit Lagos State and the country at large into the hands of the Almighty God as they pray throughout the Holy month.

“We thank the Almighty Allah for the privilege He has given us to be alive to witness the year 2012 Pre-Ramadan lecture/Prayer to usher in the Holy month of the 30-day fast.

“It gives me great pleasure to welcome Mr. Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu ably represented by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, and all our distinguished guests to the year 2021 Pre-Ramadan lecture and Prayer session.

“The Ramadan fast is a command from the Almighty Allah as recorded in the Holy Quran Chapter 2, Verse 189. As we are all aware, this time last year, the whole world was rudely shocked by the intrusion of the Corona Virus which forced most countries to lock down hence the event could not hold as we are doing it today. We, therefore, have every reason to thank the Almighty Allah for giving the world respite and victory recorded so far over the pandemic.”

The commissioner called on the people and in particular Muslim brethren to avail themselves with 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 and the development and progress of the state, Lagos and Nigeria.

“ Let us remember to cater for the less privileged around us as commanded by the Holy Quran even 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.

“I urge every one of us to avail ourselves of the lectures and practical teachings of seasoned Islamic clerics who have been selected to remind us of our roles as Muslims during this Ramadan period.”

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 distancing and follow all other non-pharmaceutical directives by health experts.