As thE Muslim Ummah begin the holy month of Ramadan, Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde and his counterparts in Ekiti and Osun states, Biodun Oyebanji and Ademola Adeleke respectively have charged them to rededicate themselves to Allah and use the month to pray more for the country.
The governors who gave the charge following the sighting of the crescent moon, which signifies the commencement of Ramadan yesterday, felicitated the Muslim Ummah on witnessing another Ramadan.
In his message, Governor Makinde charged them to seize the opportunity presented by the holy month to rededicate themselves to the worship of Allah and to loving humanity more and being more patriotic to their state and the country.
He said, “I felicitate the Muslim Ummah in Oyo State and across Nigeria on the sighting of the crescent moon, which signifies the commencement of the holy month of Ramadan.
“The Ramadan period is an auspicious season for us all to rededicate ourselves to the worship of Allah, the love of humanity and other virtues taught by the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him).
“The urge to rededicate to serving Allah and becoming better citizens finds a root in Surah Baqarah Verse 183, which says “O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous.”
In his message, Ekiti State governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji urged Muslims to use the holy month of Ramadan to pray for peace in Nigeria and Ekiti State.
The governor who felicitated Muslim faithful in the state and across the country on the commencement of the holy month said Ramadan period should also be used to exhibit the best virtues that Islam teaches.
Governor Oyebanji, in a statement by his special adviser on Media, Yinka Oyebode, enjoined Muslims, as well as adherents of other religions to continue to live in love and harmony for peaceful coexistence in this month of Ramadan and beyond.
He said development and progress thrive better in peaceful environments and peace should be sought through prayers and positive actions.
Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State, in his message, felicitated with Muslims on the advent of the holy month of Ramadan and called for prayers for sustenance of peace and upholding of godliness in national politics.
In a statement to mark the beginning of the holy month, the governor highlighted the importance of godliness in national politics and state governance as he urged Muslim faithful to intercede on behalf of leaders for adherence to the will of God whether in or out of power.
The governor who described the Ramadan period as a month of spiritual rebirth, called for closer relationship with the creator of heaven and earth through fasting and prayers to achieve ultimate submission to the will of Allah.
