Ishola Michael
As the Ramadan fast begins today, Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has enjoined the Muslim Ummah in the State and the citizenry, in general, to use the opportunity the Holy month provides to pray fervently for peace, development as well as prosperity of the State and Nigeria.
In a goodwill message to mark the commencement of the Ramadan fast, Inuwa Yahaya stressed the need for all and sundry to play their roles in finding new directions toward fixing the problems bedeviling the country.
He particularly admonished Muslims to embrace piety as demanded during the month-long fast.
He 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.”
The Governor added, “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 socio-economic challenges facing our nation and humanity.”
He expressed optimism that with the citizens’ prayers, commitment, and patriotism, the country will surely overcome its challenges and emerge stronger.
He also urged the clerics to preach 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.
The Governor, 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 also 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.
The Governor concluded saying, “On our part, we shall continue to live up to our commitment of ensuring peaceful coexistence as well as guaranteeing security and wellbeing of the people,” as contained in a statement by Ismaila Uba Misilli, Director-General.”
