Ramadan begins today, Makinde calls for more prayers

BY STEPHEN GBADAMOSI

The Muslim community in Nigeria begins the 30-day long Ramadan today upon announcement of sighting of the new crescent.

This was confirmed by the Sultanate on its X handle late Sunday evening.

According to the statement, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar would make it official.

“The Sultanate has confirmed a single sighting claim and His Eminence the Sultan will soon make an announcement. Ramadan Mubarak,” the tweet read.

The Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has congratulated the Muslim Ummah in the state and across the world on the commencement of the month of Ramadan.

The governor, who described the Holy Month as a blessed month in which Allah rewarded the worship of the Ummah, charged Muslims to increase their prayers for the country and the state.

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A statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Pastor Sulaimon Olanrewaju, on Sunday, noted that Governor Makinde called for increased prayers for the country amid the economic hardship facing the people, noting that though leaders had been doing everything to turn the situation around, prayers were of greater essence at this time.

He equally charged Muslims around the world to demonstrate the lessons of love, kindness and good neighbourliness as taught by Prophet Mohammed (SAW), admonishing those who had enough to remember their neighbours, as more people were going through hard times.

According to the governor, his administration had been doing everything possible to mitigate the effects of the economic hardship and it would not relent until life became better for all residents of the state.

“I felicitate my Muslim brothers and sisters on the occasion of the commencement of the month of Ramadan 1445.

“This is another opportunity offered to us by Allah (SWT) to serve Him and seek His face and I will encourage all and sundry to make good use of the opportunity as always.

“I charge the Muslim Ummah to, as they have always done, pray for our dear state and Nigeria, as we have all come to realise that prayer remains the greatest key for believers to make things happen.

“We do know that our country is in a bit of economic hardship, but while we continue to look up to the leaders to do the needful, we must also support our hopes with prayers to God.

“I also want to charge my Muslim brothers and sisters, especially those who have in abundance, to remember their neighbours and show kindness.

“It is my prayer that Allah SWT will reward your acts of worship and accept it as Ibadah,” he said.