As Muslims in Nigeria join their counterparts across the world to commence the annual Ramadan, the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode sent his heartfelt greetings to all Muslim faithful in the State just as he called on them to see the period as a time to promote culture of tolerance and peaceful co-existence.
In a statement issued on Monday by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Habib Aruna, the Governor said the commencement of Ramadan as a Holy month should be seen as an opportunity to learn self-restraint, sacrifice, piety and love.
He said this was in line with the admonition of the Holy Quran, Chapter 2 Verse 183, which says, “Fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you so that you can learn self-restraint (Piety)”.
The Governor therefore urged Muslims in the State to take the opportunity of this Holy month to promote a culture of religious tolerance and peaceful co-existence among people of diverse ethnicity.
“At this critical period of rebuilding our nation and ensuring that the Change we promised is delivered, the lessons of the Holy month of Ramadan must permeate all of our actions and deeds in such a way that each person must act as his brother’s keeper at all times”, the Governor said.
He also wished all adherents of the Islamic faith a most spiritually rewarding Ramadan.
