Lagos State
Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode on Sunday congratulated Muslims for the
successful completion of Ramadan, just as he urged them to sustain the Godly
virtues exhibited during the fasting period.
Governor
Ambode, who spoke at some of the twenty centres designated by the State
Government to celebrate the Eid-el-Fitri, urged Muslims to sustain the spirit
of love, brotherhood, tolerance and care which were dutifully demonstrated
during the Ramadan, and also not forget the lessons which the season was meant
to teach. He said:
“As you celebrate this special day, I enjoin you all to sustain
the spirit of love, brotherhood, tolerance and care which were dutifully
demonstrated during the Ramadan. Let us not forget the lessons that Ramadan was
meant to teach us which include the fear of Allah and care for the
less-privileged in our society.”
The Governor identified harmonious
co-existence among all adherents of various religions in the country as a
necessary impetus to bring about peace, progress and prosperity. He said every
religion preaches peace and harmonious co-existence among all people, and that
it was important for the people to continue to live by such principle to foster
growth and economic prosperity. The Governor said he was highly appreciative of
the support extended to his administration by religious leaders, as well as the
religious tolerance and cooperation existing in the State, pledging never to
take it for granted.
While specifically thanking Islamic scholars and leaders
in the State for their prayers and support, Governor Ambode assured that the
State Government would continue to uphold and protect the right of all citizens
to freedom of belief and freedom of worship. “Let me again use this opportunity
to pledge our commitment to uphold and protect the right of all citizens to
freedom of belief and freedom of worship. Every religion preaches peace and
harmonious co-existence among all people. “We must continue to live by this
principle so that our State and nation will continue to grow in peace, progress
and prosperity,” he said.
Besides, the Governor reiterated the commitment of
his administration towards upholding and enhancing security of lives and
property of residents, just as he urged the people to continue to support and
cooperate with all security agencies including the recently inaugurated
Neighborhood Safety Corps as they strive to keep the State safe. In his sermon
at Evans Square, Ebute-Metta, Leader of Conference of Islamic Organizations of
Nigeria, Imam Abdulahi Shuaib thanked God for the Governors He has blessed the
State with, and the wisdom given to former Governor of the State, Asiwaju Bola
Ahmed Tinubu to identify the leadership qualities in Governor Ambode. He said
in just two years, the State has witnessed massive transformation in all
sectors and sections, saying that it was obvious that Governor Ambode was
governing with the fear of God.
“Look at the 114 roads that were constructed in
all the Local Government areas and Vanguard reported that Local Council Development Areas; the traffic
nightmare in Abule Egba has been solved with the construction of flyover and
inner roads; over 365 streets have been light up courtesy of the Light Up Lagos
Initiative; security has been enhanced with purchase of 3 helicopters, gun
boats, patrol vehicles and Armored Personnel Carriers, among others; the
healthcare system too has received massive boost with the purchase of Mobile
Intensive Care Ambulances and upgrade of our health centres. “Governor Ambode
has done a lot but like Oliver twist, there is room to do more but all I will
say is to ask the people to continue to support him with prayers,” Shuaib said.
Also, Chief Imam of Lagos Central Division, Sheik Sabiti Akani Owowunmi
commended the Governor for his giant strides so far, and prayed for a
successful tenure of office. The Governor was represented at some of the twenty
centres by his wife, Mrs Bolanle Ambode and other State functionaries, while
the celebration featured recitation of Quran, quiz and dance competitions,
among others.
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