The Guardian (Nigeria)

Pray for Nigeria, Sanwo- Olu tells clerics

- By Gbenga Salau

LAGOSState Governor, Mr. Bababjide Sanwo- Olu has called on all Muslim clerics to use the 30 days of the Ramadan to continuall­y pray for Nigeria, as the country needs prayer for peace and stability more than ever before.

Speaking on Monday at the 2021 Preramadan prayer, Sanwo- Olu, represente­d by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, said faithful should also use the holy month to promote peaceful co- existence.

He implored Muslims to observe the

COVID- 19 protocols, as many have died from the virus, disclosing that the person who built the tent used for the prayer died on Monday morning.

In his welcome address, the Commission­er for Home Affairs, Prince Anofiu Olanrewaju Elegushi, also enjoined all Muslim faithful to commit Lagos State and the country at large into the hands of the Almighty God as they pray throughout the Holy month.

“We thank the Almighty Allah for the privilege He has given us to be alive to witness the year 2012 Pre- Ramadan lecture/ Prayer to usher in the Holy month of the 30- day fast. “It gives me great pleasure to welcome Mr. Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo- Olu ably represente­d by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat and all our distinguis­hed guests to year 2021 Pre- Ramadan lecture and Prayer session.

“The Ramadan fast is a command from the Almighty Allah as recorded in the Holy Quran Chapter 2, Verse 189. As we are all aware, this time last year, the whole world was rudely shocked by the intrusion of the Corona Virus which forced most countries to lock down hence the event could not hold as we are doing it today. We therefore have every reason to thank the Almighty Allah for giving the world respite and victory recorded so far over the pandemic.”

The commission­er called on the people and in particular Muslim brethren to avail themselves with the training and serenity that Ramadan affords to cleanse their hearts, enrich their souls with virtues and re- dedicate themselves to the good of humanity and the developmen­t and progress of the state, Lagos and Nigeria.

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