Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has called on the Muslim Ummah to imbibe the spirit of humility, kindness, and forgiveness, urging the faithful to continue practicing the doctrines and lessons of the Holy Quran beyond the Ramadan period.

This was even as Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting the lives and property of all residents, including members of the Muslim community in the state.

Makinde made the call on Friday through the Deputy Governor, Abdulraheem Bayo Lawal, who led a delegation of Muslim faithful, including clerics and political office holders at the federal, state, and local council levels on an Eid-el-Fitri homage to the governor’s residence.

Addressing the delegation after they were received by the governor’s wife, Tamunominini Makinde, the governor congratulated the Muslim faithful on completing the holy month of Ramadan and celebrating Eid-el-Fitri 2026.

He expressed appreciation for the support of the Muslim community over the years, lauding their patriotism, prayers, and commitment to the state.

Makinde highlighted that the peace, stability, and harmonious coexistence being witnessed in Oyo State had contributed to all-round development, noting that the unity and cooperation of residents had enabled the government to record unprecedented achievements.

“We urge our people to continue supporting this administration with the same zeal and commitment until the end of our tenure. The lessons of Ramadan—patience, charity, humility, and kindness—should remain guiding principles in our daily lives, ensuring that our interactions with one another are marked by respect, compassion, and integrity,” Makinde said.

Speaking while receiving a delegation of the Muslim Ummah led by the Vice President-General, Rivers State Council for Islamic Affairs, Alhaji Nasir Uhor, at Government House, Port Harcourt, on Friday, Fubara emphasised that all residents, irrespective of their state of origin or religious affiliation, are regarded as indigenes of Rivers State by virtue of their residence and contributions to the state’s socio-economic development.

“You are here doing business and living here; you are Rivers people. Even if not by birth, your presence, investments and families here give us every reason to assure you that your lives and property will be protected. We will continue to make Rivers State safe for all,” he said.

Fubara commended the Muslim faithful for their dedication during the fasting period, describing Ramadan as a spiritually rewarding exercise.

Earlier, Uhor thanked the governor for receiving the delegation and for promoting religious harmony in the state.

He presented key demands, including the construction of an ultra-modern central mosque in Port Harcourt, the return of the Muslim section of the Port Harcourt Cemetery to the council to address burial challenges, and the allocation of land for a mosque at Rivers State University.