Benjamin Omoike l Wednesday, May 30, 2018
LAGOS, Nigeria – A group operating under the platform of Itesiwaju Ipinle Eko Vangaurd has urged Muslims to imbibe virtues that enthrone peace, saying selfless service to humanity during and after Ramadan would go a long way in making the country a better place to live. Speaking at a Ramadan Tafsir, Organised by the group held at Lagos State Public Service Club in Ikeja area of the state, to sensitise adherents and pray for continuity in office of governor Akinwunmi Ambode beyond 2019, the Executive Chairman, Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Dr. Sopeyin Ganiyu Oluremi, said those that have excess must show gratitude by helping others and also exhibit total submission to God’s commandments.
Sopenyi, who represented the state governor, thanked the Itesiwaju Ipinle Eko Vangaurd for their tireless efforts and resolve to mobilise over five million votes for the Lagos state governor to continue in office beyond 2019.He urged the people to get their PVCs, saying it is in their power to guarantee the transformation of the state.
Sopenyin said, “To all my Muslim brothers and sisters, I just want to use this opportunity to greet all of you that as we commence the Ramadan month and with all the lectures we have heard, we are doing this to be in tune with Allah and to be in sync with the kind of supplication that we want to give and we know 30 days out of 365 days are not enough to really show our total submission to Allah.
“What I just want to say is that the important thing in all these 30 days that we are going to have the Ramadan is to show love to ourselves, also show love to our neighbours and also to mobilized for the continuity of good governance in Lagos state.
Also speaking, state coordinator of Itesiwaju Ipinle Eko Vanguard, Hon. Seyi Bamigbade, said, “You need to love yourself first before you can even show love to another person. So, when we have in excess, we must show the attitude of gratitude to be able to give to others.”
He said since governor Akinwunmi Ambode assumed office, the guiding philosophy of his administration had been about inclusion and to positively touch lives, admonishing Muslims to imbibe the spirit of giving selflessly to others at all times.
“Beyond Ramadan, we must also show the attitude of giving at all times; that is the philosophy of the Ambode led-government; that is the practice we have been doing in the last three years; the Governor is touching lives the less privileged and touching our people. Please collect your PVCs to be relevant in current political disposition.
“There are people who have been neglected, suffering and that is why he doing projects that are people-oriented across the state, that is why he is going to areas that have never been touched before; that is why he went into Ayobo, Akute, Badagry, Epe and places that have not been touched and that is the whole essence of why Allah has brought us on earth,” he said.
In his lecture on importance of good governance, Chairman, Council of Imams and Alfas (Clerics), Imam Semiu Khidir Olojeola, said Allah, through the month, was calling on Muslims to learn the spirit of piety and service relationship with Him.
“What we need in this country is a leader who will stand up for the truth, who will stand up for credibility, who will stand up for what is important not for religion, not ethnicity. Your Excellency Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode we are really proud of you,” he said.
