National Telescope national telescope newspaper
By Deborah Ayantoye, Joshua Adebayo
As Muslim across Nigeria commence their Ramadan fast today, the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has called on Muslims use the period to pray for country as it battles Coronavirus.
The governor in a statement on his twitter handle enjoined Nigerians to remain law abiding while ensuring maintaining proper hygiene.
“I welcome our Muslim brothers and sisters to the Holy month of Ramadan. I urge you all to use this period of spiritual connection with the almighty Allah to pray for our dear State, our country and the entire world as we battle the novel #COVID19 pandemic.
“Let us remain law abiding by following strict instructions on social distancing and proper hygiene.”
In the same vein, the Ogun State Governor, Prince (Dr.) Dapo Abiodun admonished Muslim faithfuls not to neglect humanitarian service during this period
“I join all Muslims in Ogun State to welcome the Holy Month of Ramadan.
“The period offers all faithful, time for spiritual growth and reflection, family bonding, and dedication to community.
“As we offer our prayers to Almighty Allah (SWT), let us be reminded of the humanitarian side of the season: to have in mind, the wellness of our neighbours. This ensures that we comply with measures aimed at curbing the spread of the killer Coronavirus.
“This should check our conduct during the season, as we continue to comply with distancing and hygiene measures.
Similarly, the Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq congratulated the Muslim community on the dawn of another Ramadan, the ninth Islamic month in which fasting is prescribed for healthy Muslims.
He said “I felicitate with the Muslim ummah on the coming of another Ramadan, a month in which God’s mercies are exceptionally abundant and His forgiveness far-reaching. I wish the Muslim ummah a very rewarding fasting season,” the Governor said.
“I fully appreciate the fact that this is a peculiar moment for all of humanity during which movement is restrained to contain the spread of COVID-19 in the interest of everyone. I call for the understanding of all at this time, especially the Muslim community whose special acts of worship during Ramadan are affected by the restrictions on movement and public gatherings.
“I am consoled however by the fact that history is replete with examples of the best of the Muslim generations having to suspend group activities on safety grounds. Let us have our sahuur and Iftar in conditions that would not spread the virus and endanger ourselves and others.
“Finally, I urge the Muslim community to remain true to the dictates of this special period while also praying to the Almighty Allah to shower His unqualified mercies on the human community and save us from all afflictions like COVID-19. I also pray to the Almighty Allah to grant every fasting person multiple rewards of the holy month of Ramadan. #RamadanAtHome.” He added.
On his part the Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki urge Muslim faithfuls to pray for peace, unity and progress as they embark on Ramadan fast.
He said “I celebrate with our #Muslim brothers and sisters in #EdoState and across the world this #Ramadan. The period is a time of reflection and dedication to God.
“As you observe this sacred devotion, remember to pray for peace, unity and progress in.” The governor added
