Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State on Sunday urged Muslims to utilise the period of Ramadan to pray for political office holders as they strive to address the challenges facing the country.
Ambode, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Dr Idiat Adebule, said this at the 2016 Ramadan Lecture of the Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria (ADS), Lagos Branch.
According to him, only prayers to God to show mercy and the co-operation of all Nigerians can help to revive the dwindling economy of the nation.
“I urge you to remember our state and the nation in prayers. Our nation is in dire need of prayers at this challenging time.
“Let us also remember our political leaders in prayer as they strive to improve the economy of our dear country for the benefit of all, ” he said.
Ambode urged Muslim leaders to continue to be at the forefront of ensuring peaceful co-existence, understanding and religious harmony, to eliminate the problem of terrorism and local insurgency in the country.
He promised that his administration would continue to recognise and treat all religious groups equally in the state.
In his lecture entitled: ‘Our Values, Our Homes, Our Future’, Sheikh Abdur-Rahman Ahmad, the National Chief Missioner of ADS said that teaching of values in the homes could impact positively on the society.
Ahmad urged parents, religious leaders and the community to contribute to the moulding of the younger generation by teaching morals and values to build and secure a better future.
In his remarks, Alhaji Ligali Agbomeji, Lagos Chairman, ADS, said that the month of Ramadan called for sober reflection, forgiveness, perseverance in prayers solidarity with the less privileged, among others.
Agbomeji urged Muslims to continually pray and support Gov. Ambode-led administration as it strives to meet the people’s needs.
He also urged residents to play their part as citizens by discharging their civic duties – paying taxes and obeying the laws of the land.(NAN)
