Some Nigerian Governors have congratulated the Muslim Ummah on the completion of the Ramadan fast which ultimately heralds the Eid-el-Fitr celebration, calling on them to sustain prayers for the state and its leaders.
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, in a statement released by hia Chief Press Secretary, Mr Taiwo Adisa, said that though the Ramadan season is over, Muslim faithful must continue to practise the lessons that the Holy Month taught us all by remaining pious and close to Allah and denying themselves in total submission to His will.
He said: “I also want to charge our brothers and sisters in Islam that though the Ramadan fast is over, their commitment to the ideals of prayers, selflessness and service to the community should not wane as these are values that can make our society a better place.
“I will also plead that they do not relent in their prayers for Oyo State and the country at large.
“We believe that it is in doing these that we all can derive joy and bring about an Oyo State of our dreams.”
Ekiti Governor, Biodun Oyebanji has congratulated Muslims in Ekiti State and Nigeria at large on the successful completion of the holy month of Ramadan.
The Governor, in a congratulatory message signed by his Special Adviser on Media, Yinka Oyebode, said completing the 30-day Ramadan fast is an act of grace from the Almighty Allah who consistently accepts the prayers and supplications of the faithful during Ramadan and at other periods.
Oyebanji, who noted that Ramadan is an important pillar in Islam, urged the Muslim faithful not to forget the lessons of piety, devotion, humility, sacrifice and submission to the will of Allah which were the hallmark of the 30-day spiritual journey.
He admonished them to put those lessons into action in their relationship with one another as well as adherents of other faiths as Ramadan does not end in the festivity but in a lifestyle that pleases Allah.
While noting that the season calls for spiritual renewal and closer relationship with Allah, Governor Oyebanji further admonished Muslims to sustain the holy living exhibited during Ramadan in their daily lives and not to return to vices which they had renounced during the holy month.
Oyebanji who prayed to Allah to grant the Muslims a peaceful and joyous Eid-El Fitri festival called on them not to relent in praying for his administration, the peace and development of Ekiti State and Nigeria.
Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa also urged all Muslim faithful to sustain the peaceful lessons learnt during the Ramadan period.
The Governor made the call Friday in Gudi, Akwanga Local Government Area of the state shortly after the Eid-el-Fitri Prayers.
He said that for the past 29 days, Muslims all over the world observed the fasting in the sacred month of Ramadan in compliance with the Islamic injunction.
“As you are all aware, fasting in the month of Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam, aimed at strengthening our faith through spiritual engagements such as abstinence from eating, drinking and satisfying other desires from dawn to sunset.
“It also encompasses intense prayers, recitation and interpretation of the Holy Qur’an, as well as increased acts of kindness, charity and humility, among other moral virtues,” he added.
He implored all Muslims to remain steadfast in applying the virtues of Ramadan through sustained supplication, hospitality and good neighbourliness, as well as imbibe the spirit of sharing in their daily lives.
