As the Ramadan fast begins today, Oyo State former Deputy Governor, His Excellency Barrister Hazeem Gbolarumi has enjoined the Muslim Ummah in the State and the citizenry, in general, to use the opportunity the Holy month provides to pray fervently for peace, development as well as prosperity of the State and Nigeria.
In a goodwill message personally signed by his Spokesman, Hon. Olaniyi Stephen, was released to the press in Ibadan today, to mark the commencement of the Ramadan fast, Gbolarumi stressed the need for all and sundry to play their roles in finding new directions toward fixing the problems bedeviling the country.
He particularly admonished Muslims to embrace piety as demanded during the month-long fast.
He said, “as one of the five pillars of Islam, Ramadan fast avails the Ummah a golden opportunity for spiritual rejuvenation and devotion through supplication and other acts of worship.”
He added, “We, therefore, must use this opportunity to pray fervently for our dear governor of the State, His Excellency Engr Oluseyi Makinde and the nation as well as for those in authority as we collectively battle to combat the many socio-economic challenges facing our nation and humanity.”
He expressed optimism that with the citizens’ prayers, commitment, and patriotism, the country will surely overcome its challenges and emerge stronger.
He also urged the clerics to preach the importance of peaceful coexistence during their Tafsir sessions and avoid anything that would jeopardise the peace and unity of the state and the country, just as he admonished the well-to-do individuals in the society to assist those in need.
Gbolarumi, particularly, admonished the Muslim Ummah to always demonstrate in their lives the spirit and ideals of Ramadan and, by extension, Islam by living according to the tenets of the religion, which promotes peace, kindness, and obedience.
He also urged the people of Oyo state to continue to be law-abiding and not to compromise the prevailing peaceful co-existence of the jewel state with any myopic sentiment.
He concluded saying, “On my part, I shall continue to live up to my commitment of ensuring peaceful coexistence as well as guaranteeing security and wellbeing of the people in Oyo State.”
