- By Femi Alabi
The Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde has called for more prayers for Nigeria, in the face of economic hardship in the country.
Makinde made this call in a congratulatory message to all Muslims in the state and across the world, on commencement of the month of Ramadan.
The Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Sulaimon Olanrewaju, in a congratulatory message on Sunday described the holy month as a blessed one, in which God rewards the worship of the Muslims.
He noted that though leaders had been doing everything to turn the situation around, “prayers are of greater essence at this time.”
Makinde equally charged Muslims around the world to demonstrate the lessons of love, kindness and good neighbourliness as taught by Prophet Mohammed,
Also, the Chairman of the Northern States Governors Forum and Governor of Gombe State, Inuwa Yahaya, has called for unity and has urged the Federal Government to provide adequate security for lives and properties during the season.
In a goodwill message signed by the Director-General ( Press Affairs), Government House, Gombe, Ismaila Misilli, Yahaya urged the Muslim Ummah and the entire citizenry, to utilise the sacred month for fervent prayers, to seek relief amid present economic hardships, and pray for peace, development, and prosperity of Gombe State and Nigeria at large.
He called for collective efforts in finding new solutions to the security and socio-economic challenges facing the nation, acknowledging the commitment of President Bola Tinubu and the governors to address the current difficulties.
Meanwhile, Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has asked Muslims in the state to pray for political leaders so that they can provide good governance and also pray for a peaceful and prosperous Plateau State.
Governor Mutfwang, in a statement he issued in Jos on Monday, noted, “I extend my heartfelt greetings and best wishes on behalf of the government and the peace-loving people of Plateau State to you all, as you embark on this month of sacrifice and self-denial.
“Indeed, Ramadan offers a precious window for soul-searching, spiritual renewal, and moral fortification.
It is a time when acts of kindness and charity shine brightest, illuminating the path for those who have less. The observance of the 2024 Ramadan fast holds particular importance for us as a community. It presents a cherished opportunity to pray for our leaders so that they can provide good governance.
“As we undertake this noble spiritual endeavour, I urge each one of us to pray for a peaceful and prosperous Plateau State. As we thank God for the little we have done so far, I wish to seize this moment to reaffirm my unwavering commitment to the welfare of all Plateau citizens
Sokoto State Governor, Ahmed Aliyu approved the payment of half salary as a Ramadan gift to all civil servants, Primary school Teachers, Local Government staff as well as pensioners in the state.
This is to ensure that Muslims in the State start this year’s Ramadan fast comfortably,
“The magnanimous gesture, which is expected to commence tonight is to assist workers in the state to observe this year’s Ramadan fast with relative ease”.
Governor Aliyu, in a statement issued by Abubakar Bawa, Chief Press Secretary to the governor also appealed to the Muslim ummah to use the sacred month to pray for Allah’s intervention in the numerous challenges hindering smooth Nigeria’s development.