Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, yesterday, implored residents, especially the youths, not to talk ills about the country and its leaders rather they should constantly pray for a better nation and the leaders doing what is right.

Speaking at the 2024 Eid-il-fitr celebration by the first family of Lagos State themed “Allah will not change the way of a people until they change what is in their heart’, Sanwo-Olu, represented by his deputy, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, said: “It is important for us not to talk ills of our country. If we say negative things about Nigeria that means that is what we want for the nation.

“So, we must pray for our country so that the leaders can do the right things. As Muslims, we must guide our children and raise them well. Many young people do not respect our leaders which is un-african.

“As a people, we need to know the right things to do and say about our country and leaders.” In her welcome address, the First Lady of Lagos State, Dr ClaudianaIbijokeSanwo-Olu, has said as Muslims begin a new life after Ramadan, they should carry with them the lessons learnt during the month and strive to be beacons of light in a world that yearns for hope and healing.

“The last 30 days of Ramadan was a period of self-denial from food and a season of personal discipline in total submission to Almighty Allah’s commandments.

“During this period also we can count several lives that are no more. For this reason and several others, we say Alhamdulillah, because we have every reason to be grateful to Allah for the strength and good health to witness the end of this holy month.

“During the holy month of Ramadan, we embarked on a journey of self-reflection, introspection, and spiritual renewal. We fasted, prayed, and engaged in acts of charity, all aimed at purifying our hearts and souls. Yet, the essence of Ramadan extends beyond personal piety; it beckons us to contemplate the state of our communities and societies.

“As we celebrate the end of the holy month of Ramadan, we must heed the message of this verse and recognise our collective responsibility to instigate positive change.”

She noted that the world is beset by myriad challenges, from social injustice to environmental degradation, and it is incumbent upon every citizen to address these issues with the uttermost sincerity they deserve.

“It is a fact that we live in a wicked world where divisiveness and discord often overshadow unity and compassion. But just as Ramadan teaches us the power of transformation through inner change, we also can transform our society when we collectively strive to cultivate empathy, tolerance, and justice.

The guest speaker, Justice Abdulrraheem Ahmad Sayi, said that the challenges the country is grappling with cannot be put at the door steps of the leader because the followers contributed to the crisis.

He, therefore, said that the solution would require the people agreeing to have a change of heart of doing good and the things that are right. He maintained that God is constant while the people must be the variable to adapt to his commands in different situations.

He added that Nigerians must develop good thought and positive statement to move into positive action. Sayi stated that Nigerians must be deliberate about making the change and contributing to change in the society.

At the event, Muslim clerics prayed for the president, governor, deputy governor, the state and other leaders across the state including traditional rulers. There was also musical interlude by Alaka twins.