By Tinu Ajiboye.
As the Ramadan fast begins today, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya ( Dan Majen Gombe) has enjoined the Muslim Ummah in Gombe State and the citizens in general to dedicate more time to pray for Nigeria in the holy month and beyond for Allah’s intervention as the country grapples with security and other socio-economic challenges.
In a goodwill message to mark the commencement of the Ramadan fast, Governor Inuwa stressed the need for all and sundry to play their roles in finding new directions toward fixing the problems bedevilling the country.
He encouraged the people to use the opportunity provided by the Holy month to pray fervently for peace and security as well as properity of the State and Nigeria.
Inuwa said, “ as one of the five pillars of Islam, Ramadan fast avails the Ummah a golden opportunity for spiritual rejuvenation and devotion through supplication and other acts of worship”.
Governor Inuwa added that “We therefore must use this opportunity to pray fervently for our dear state and the nation as well as for those in authority as we collectively battle to combat the many challenges facing our nation and humanity such as banditry, kidnappings and insurgency among other criminalities.
He expressed optimism that with prayers, commitment and patriotism of the citizens, the country will surely overcome its challenges and emerge stronger.
The Governor urged the clerics to preach on the importance of peaceful coexistence during their Tafsir sessions and avoid anything that would jeopardise the peace and unity of the state and the country, just as he admonished the well-to- do individuals in the society to assist those in need.
Governor Inuwa, particularly admonished the Muslim Ummah to always demonstrate in their lives the spirit and ideals of Ramadan and by extension, Islam by living according to the tenets of the religion, which promotes peace, kindness and obedience.
He urged the people of the state to continue to be law- abiding and not to compromise the prevailing peaceful co-existence of the jewel state with any myopic sentiment.
“On our part, we shall continue to live up to our commitment of ensuring the provision of basic amenities, equitable distribution of infrastructural facilities and social services across the nooks and crannies of the state to promote unity and facilitate social inclusion”.
The governor’s Ramadan message is contained in a statement issued by Alhaji Ismaila Uba Misilli, Director-General ( Press Affairs) Government House, Gombe.
