As Ramadan starts across the world on Monday, March 11, the governor of Oyo State, ‘Seyi Makinde, has charged Muslims to intensify their prayers for Nigeria generally and the pacesetter state, particularly.
He also enjoined them to display good neighbourliness during the fasting and beyond, just as he prayed for reward and acceptance of the acts of worship by God.
The governor gave the charge on Sunday, March 10, in a statement by his Special Adviser (Media), Mr Sulaimon Olanrewaju.
Governor Makinde, who congratulated the Muslim Ummah,
described the holy month as a blessed month in which Allah rewards the worship of the Muslim Ummah, stressing the importance of increased prayers for the country amid the economic hardship facing the people.
He noted that though leaders had been doing everything to turn the situation around, prayers are of greater essence at this crucial time.
He equally charged Muslims around the world to demonstrate the lessons of love, kindness and good neighbourliness as taught by Prophet Mohammed, admonishing those who have enough to remember their neighbours, as more people are going through hard times.
According to the governor, his administration had been doing everything possible to mitigate the effects of the economic hardship and it will not relent until life becomes better for all residents of the state.
He said: “I felicitate my Muslim brothers and sisters on the occasion of the commencement of the month of Ramadan 1445.
“This is another opportunity offered to us by Allah (SWT) to serve Him and seek His face and I will encourage all and sundry to make good use of the opportunity as always.
“I charge the Muslim Ummah to, as they have always done, pray for our dear state and Nigeria, as we have all come to realise that prayer remains the greatest key for believers to make things happen.
“We do know that our country is in a bit of economic hardship, but while we continue to look up to the leaders to do the needful, we must also support our hopes with prayers to God.
“I also want to charge my Muslim brothers and sisters, especially those who have in abundance, to remember their neighbours and show kindness.
“It is my prayer that Allah SWT will reward your acts of worship and accept it as Ibadah.”
