The Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his Deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat on Monday played host to Muslims across the State in celebration of this year’s Eid-ul-Fitr and enjoined them to imbibe the basic principles and teachings of the holy month.
Speaking at the event held at the Lagos House Ground, Ikeja, the Governor said that the annual celebration of Eid-ul-Fitr by the State Government is a way of appreciating God for the successful completion of the fasting period, saying that the Eid-ul-Fitr is worth celebrating.
Sanwo-Olu acknowledged the love and selfless service displayed by Muslims during the Month of Ramadan, urging them to keep up the good deeds and sustain it further even as the fasting period is over.
He thanked Islamic Clerics who have been supporting the plans, programmes and policies of his administration towards achieving a Greater Lagos, assuring that the State would continue to practice inclusive governance that will recognise the roles of religious leaders in the development of the State.
Also speaking, the Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat gave thanks to Almighty Allah for the opportunity to witness the Eid-ul-Fitr celebration in sound health.
He cited examples of countries experiencing war and political unrest while expressing gratitude to God for protecting Nigeria from facing similar unrest, despite the outcry that followed the just concluded general elections.
Hamzat, therefore, enjoined Muslims to maintain peace and allow the teachings of the holy month to guide their conduct and relationships with other people both within their Muslim faith and other religions.
The First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. (Mrs.) Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu in her address, said Ramadan teaches selflessness and love, adding that it requires Muslims to think less about themselves and more about the welfare of less privileged persons.
She added that the Holy Month also teaches everyone to reach out to the needy, to put smiles on people’s faces, and to be a source of blessings to people around them.
Dr. Sanwo-Olu, however, urged Muslims to allow the good virtues of Ramadan to continue to reflect in their actions, public conduct and inter-personal relationships with everyone around them, saying this is the only way they can improve the cordial relationship that exists among the various ethnic groups and adherents of different religions in the State.
The Guest Lecturer and Chief Imam of Lagos State University Mosque, Prof. Amidu O. Sanni in his lecture titled: “Charting a New Course for our Nation – Drawing on the Ideals of Ramadan”, maintained that the only way to achieve a greater Nation where peace and harmony will prevail is to surrender the affairs of the State to God, abstain from what God forbids and ensure everyone is treated fairly, in line with what Ramadan teaches.
Speaking on the theme of the programme “After Difficulty Comes Ease”, Sanni made reference to the Holy Quran 94 verses 5 – 6 where God said difficulty and ease flow simultaneously, saying that whichever comes first, has been destined by God.
He said when difficulty comes, first, a true Muslim should remain resolute and pray to Almighty God to ease the situation. He urged Muslims to always remember that Allah has the power and capacity to make them experience both difficulty and ease, adding that for every situation, prayer is the key.
In his vote of thanks, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Religion (Islam), Abdullah Jebe, expressed appreciation to all the Muslim Faithful, especially the committee saddled with the responsibility of the Eid-Ul Fitri celebration, praying that God will give them the strength and long life to see more of the celebration on earth.
