Lawan, Makinde, Sanwo-Olu Congratulate Muslims On Ramadan Completion
Nigerian Muslims have been congratulated on the successful completion of this year’s Ramadan fasting and the celebration of Eid-el-Fitri, with an urge to continue on the path of spirituality and peaceful co-existence among everyone in the country.
The trio of the Senate President Ahmed Lawan, Lagos governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and Oyo governor, Seyi Makinde enjoined them to keep observing the tenet of the Islamic faith including peace and forgiveness to keep the country as one.
Lawan in a message stated that even as the holy month has ended, he enjoined all to continue to observe the health precautions and sustain the acts of purity, charity, perseverance, and tolerance in our daily lives and general conduct.
“We should also continue to pray for Nigeria, our dear country, for God’s intervention against all the challenges that confront our nation and our world.
“I assure you on behalf of my colleagues that the National Assembly will continue to provide the initiatives and responses expected of a responsible Legislature in a vibrant democracy and as an arm of a caring government”.
He commended the healthcare and other essential services providers who are at the front line of the fight against COVID-19 and assure them of the full support of the lawmakers for victory against the vicious enemy.
Sanwo-Olu in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Gboyega Akosile, on Saturday said the occasion of Eid-el-Fitri is very significant to Muslims across the world as it marks the end of one month of abstinence from worldly pleasures with fasting and prayers, observed in accordance with the Islamic injunctions.
He said: “Today, I join millions of people around the world, to wish our Muslim brothers and sisters in Lagos State and in Nigeria happy Eid-el-fitri.”
“For Muslims, today’s celebration is very unique. It is a feast to mark the end of a month-long spiritual renewal following thirty days of fasting and other religious acts.”
“Ramadan was a period that you denied yourselves the worldly pleasures, turned to your creator for total cleansing and upheld other religious values.”
“Such values as the reaffirmation of your duty to serve one another, helping the poor and the vulnerable in the society, offering gratitude, showing compassion and generosity among other good deeds that guide your faith.”
Sanwo-Olu urged Muslims to continue on the path of spirituality, respect for one another and peaceful co-existence among all Lagosians.
“As Muslims celebrate this year’s Eid-el-Fitri, we must remind ourselves of the need to further reflect spiritually and build communally.’’
The Governor reminded the Muslim faithful of the new reality caused by the global coronavirus pandemic, saying it has altered the way we live, work and celebrate.
He said: “Traditionally, the end of Ramadan is marked with fanfare, where thousands of worshippers head to various designated praying grounds in their localities for special Eid prayer, followed by festive gatherings, visits to families and friends, gift exchanges, feasts among friends, neighbours and relations.”
“However, these activities, which are a reflection of joy and happiness of the season cannot hold this year due to the coronavirus pandemic.”
“As we celebrate, I want us to remember that our fight against the COVID-19 is not over. Let us reflect on the last two to three months of our lives as individuals, as a State and as a nation. We should also remember our health care workers, and thousands of COVID-19 patients who would have loved to be at home to celebrate with us at this moment.”
The Oyo State governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde, rallied Muslims to use the auspicious occasion of the Eid-el-Fitri to make supplications for themselves, the state and Nigeria.
He said it was regrettable that Muslims in the state and across the country cannot observe Eid-el-Fitri prayer at the Eid Praying Grounds, due to restrictions occasioned by the COVID-19 pandemic.
He, however, charged them to see the situation as “part of the sacrifice we all have to make at this time,” saying: “It is gratifying to note that we are concluding this year’s Ramadan on a good note.
“Despite the current COVID-19 pandemic ravaging the whole world, the Almighty Allah allowed Muslims in Oyo State to join the Muslim Ummah in making supplications for the forgiveness of our sins.
“I remain grateful to my Muslim brothers and sisters and residents of the state for remaining steadfast despite the situation imposed on us by the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Governor Makinde sought for the continued support and cooperation of the Muslim Ummah and all residents of the state in adhering to the COVID-19 protocol such as wearing of face masks, observing social distancing, regular washing of hands and eating of immune-boosting foods and others, as directed by the Oyo State COVID-19 Task Force.
He promised to continue to make life more meaningful to all residents of the state, reiterating his administration’s commitment to the socio-economic transformation and the infrastructural revolution currently going on in the state.
“On the part of this pacesetter government, I solemnly promise that we shall continue to make life more meaningful to all the people of Oyo State through policies and programmes that are godly and humane.
“As we look forward to an end to the current gloom and a return to normalcy, let us continue to work together for the safety, wellbeing and prosperity of our state.
“Once again, I felicitate our Muslim brothers and sisters and our community,” the governor said.
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