Gov. Sanwo-Olu urges religious tolerance for peaceful coexistence, stability
By Oluwatope Lawanson
Lagos Deputy Gov. Dr Obafemi Hamzat at the Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria Annual Ramadan lecture held at Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State says there is need for religious tolerance to ensure peaceful coexistence and stability of the nation.
Sanwo-Olu made the call at the Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria (ADSN) Annual Ramadan Lecture held at the Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos, on Sunday.
He also urged Nigerians to pray for leaders to always have wisdom and direction to enable them think rightly on better ways to provide and address challenges faced in the country.
Sanwo-Olu was represented by his Deputy, Dr Obafemi Hamzat.
“There is need for religious tolerance and humility to ensure peaceful coexistence.
“I commend the efforts of religious leaders in ensuring that Nigerians live in peace and harmony despite the difference in beliefs.”
He said that living in harmony brings understanding and is a key factor to promote growth and development in the country.
“I am admonishing our Muslims faithfuls to pray fervently in this Holy month of Ramadan for healing of our land and safety of our people,” he said.
Alhaji Abd’rahman Salaudeen, ADSN Council Chairman, said that Ramadan fasting purifies minds, souls and spirits, which would lead to greater charity, sensitivity and sound health.
According to Salaudeen, Ramadan also leads to humility, reverence, piety and selflessness, adding that fasting develops holy qualities of empathy and compassion.
He, however, encouraged everyone to strive in the cause of Allah to grasp the ample opportunity of the holy Ramadan.
“Let us assist one another with foods, money and all other items needed to make fasting easy, may Allah reward each and every one of us abundantly for all our sacrifices in His cause.”
Similarly, Sheikh Abdur-Rahman Ahmad, National Missioner ADSN in his lecture tagged: “Before It Gets Darker” urged the people to use the season of Ramadan to make amends.
According to him, I charge you all to repent and prepare for life, now there is still time, this life is all vanity.
“As one ages in life, ones vigour, vitality and strength decreases hence the memory is not as sharp as youthful days and so many parts of the body becomes weaker.
“So, in all our actions, we should remember that there is life after death. How prepared are we for the next level of transition which is inevitable?
“As one gets older, make efforts to correct your wrongdoings, make amends and retrace your steps from bad behavioral acts.
“Be prepared and review everything about life from time to time, and make sure the purpose of being alive is to influence people rightly,” he said
The Missioner cautioned Nigerians especially the leaders to be mindful of their actions, noting that they should always pray and seek forgiveness at all times.
“As one is getting older, take things easy, ensure good lifestyle, be upright in your dealings and remember that death is inevitable,” he said.
(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
