Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello has greeted Muslim faithfuls on the commencement of the 30-days Ramadan fasting, urging them to dedicate season to pray fervently for the nation and respective states while they also engaged in good deeds and acts of Ibadah.
The Governor gave this charge on Monday through a press statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Muhammed Onogwu after the sighting of the moon which signified the commencement of the Holy Month of Ramadan.
Governor Bello noted that period like this which is globally revered should be utilised by Muslim faithfuls all across the nation to pray for progress and peace noting that when “Ramadan arrives, the gates of Paradise are opened and the gates of hell are locked up and devils are put in chains”
The Governor called on Muslims to devote more time to prayer and acts of charity as they similarly strived to improve their self-discipline, motivated by hadith.
He further admonished that this year’s Ramadan should be a time of spiritual reflection, self-improvement, and heightened devotion and worship, as followers of Islam were expected to put more effort into following the teachings of Prophet Muhammed (S.A.W).
In the same vein, the former governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party in Kogi State, Barr. Natasha Hadiza Akpoti, in her felicitation message on the commencement of Ramadan fast, preached kindness and fairness in all human affairs and endeavors.
Akpoti noted that one of the teachings of Ramadan fasting include the fear of God which inspires self-discipline, love, kindness and fairness.
“As muslim faithful all over the world mark this year’s ramadan with days of fasting and prayer devotions, let us ponder over it’s teachings which include the fear of God that inspires self-discipline, love, kindness and fairness in all that we do. Not just in the month of ramadan but in everyday of our lives. May this holy month bring joy and prosperity into our homes and our nation. Amen,” Akpoti said.
Also, House of Representatives member, Abdullahi Ibrahim Ali Halims of Ankpa Federal Constituency of Kogi state has urged Muslims to use the season of Ramadan for deep reflection and spiritual rejuvenation towards greater service to God and the nation.
In his message to Muslim faithfuls of Ankpa, Omala and Olamaboro Federal Constituency of Kogi State and Nigerians in general, to herald the one month-long Ramadan fast, the Federal lawmaker noted that fasting was a profound religious experience that brings people closer to God. He thus enjoined Muslims to use the season to re-evaluate their service to God and mankind.
“Let us seize this period of Ramadan to rededicate ourselves to the service of God and our father land. Beyond abstaining from food and drink, we must resolve to make the greater sacrifice of eschewing vices that slow down the progress of our beloved country,” he admonished.
Rep. Halims also asked Muslims to reflect on and strengthen their relationship with the Almighty Allah, people of goodwill and the less privileged in particular during the fast, adding that the Noble Prophet Muhammad described Ramadan fasting as a shield against vices, worldly allure and sundry temptations.
Halims urged all to advance the frontiers of love and responsibility to one another stressing that such gesture is a panacea to peace and National development.
The Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Prince Matthew Kolawole, in his message, admonished Muslim faithfuls in Nigeria and particularly in Kogi State to use the occasion of this year’s Ramadan to pray for both the nation and the state.
He urged all Muslim faithfuls as they observe this year’s Ramadan to ensure that they pray fervently for an end to the security menace of kidnapping, banditry and other challenges bedevilling the country.
“It is another Ramadan, the special month of Du’a (supplication) and Dhikr (Allah’s remembrance), the month of zakah and sadaqah (giving to the poor and charity) and the month of Qiyamul-Layl standing in the night for prayers.”
He said though Kogi state is relatively safe occasioned by the proactive measures put in place by Governor Yahaya Bello, the collective prayers during the Holy Month of Ramadan will go a long way for the state.
He called on well-meaning individuals and corporate organizations to reach out to the less privileged in the society especially our Muslim brothers and sisters that are fasting.
The executive chairman of Olamaboro local government, Hon Adejoh Friday Nicodemus urged Muslim Ummah to implore act of love, peace and oneness as thought by Allah through his prophets.
Adejoh, in a statement signed by his media aide, Comrade Okone Samuel, encouraged the Muslim brethren to always practice what they preach and maintain peaceful co-existence amongst people of different ethnic tribes, irrespective of their faith and religion for us to get attracted to more dividends of democracy.
He also enjoined the Muslim community to continue to pray for the government of Kogi state led by Governor Yahaya Adoza Bello, his deputy, Dr Edward David Onoja, the New Direction team and all sphere of leadership in the state and the local government.
