The Speaker of Osun State House of Assembly, Timothy Owoeye, has urged Muslims and Nigerians to use the occasion of this year’s Eid-el-Fitr to pray for peace and prosperity in the country.
In a statement by his media aide, Kunle Alabi, on Friday, he charged them to continue with the significance of Ramadan, which teaches them to practice self-discipline, self-control, sacrifice, and empathy for those who are less fortunate, thus encouraging actions of generosity and compulsory charity (zakat).
“Having observed strictly the injunctions of Almighty Allah through fasting and prayers and by offering Zakat, the lessons learnt during the period should not be lost, rather they should be part of the daily lives of the true Muslim in his dealings with fellow Muslims and people of other faith.
“The spiritual intercession offered by the faithful during Ramadan for peace, progress and stability of Osun and Nigeria should be sustained, especially as the country goes into another phase of transition of power from one President to another.
“Let us remain strong in our hope that Nigeria will become what we fervently pray for it to be positively, a nation that fills its citizens with happiness and pride.
“Every true Muslim feels the joy of the month by participating in the Ramadan fast, which is a key obligation in Islam. May Almighty Allah, therefore, reward us for the spiritual exercise and grant our wishes for families and dear country.
“The current challenges faced by country requires positive contributions of all citizens, our country Nigeria needs the prayers of every patriot now more than ever before as we transit towards another face of governance to achieve the peace, unity and progress that were the dreams of the founding fathers,” Owoeye said.
