Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, on Wednesday urged Muslims and all Lagosians to carry on with the principles of the holy month of Ramadan which are love, peace, kindness, compassion and happy co-existence.
Mr Ambode, who spoke in Lagos House, Ikeja at a special Eid el-Fitri celebration organised by the state government to mark the end of fasting, said it is only when the principles of the season are sustained beyond Ramadan that the fasting period can be given true meaning.
The governor, who said that this year’s Ramadan was unique in the sense that the 30-day fasting period was fully observed, thanked the faithful for their prayers and urged them to continue to pray for the state and the country in general.
He said: “As your governor, I seek for your support and cooperation as we move into the second year of this administration. We must all play our parts and keep relating with this government and we will not fail in making Lagos work for all of us.
“While thanking everyone that has spared time to join us in this get-together, I enjoin Muslim faithful and indeed all Lagosians to sustain the lessons of Ramadan,” Governor Ambode said.
Earlier, in her welcome address, Wife of the Governor, Bolanle Ambode, thanked God for giving Muslims the strength to complete the thirty-day fasting, but stressed the need for them to remember the essence of the holy month and the expected renewal of faith and spiritual cleansing of souls.
She said: “It is important for us to continue with the principles of the Holy Month. Ramadan represents love, peace, kindness, compassion and happy co-existence. The Holy Prophet held these principles in high esteem and lived His whole life around them.
“Therefore, as brothers, sisters, neighbours, co-workers, we must love one another, show kindness to one another and live together in peace. It is when we do these beyond the fasting period that we give true meaning to the Ramadan.”
The event, which attracted hundreds of Muslims who flocked the Lagos House to celebrate the season with the governor and his family, was also attended by dignitaries from all walks of life including members of the State Executive Council.
Highlight of the celebration was the Quran recitation, Islamic quiz and dancing competition, with winners going home with prizes from Mrs Ambode.
