Ogun State Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun said that Nigeria is on the verge of recovering from its economic challenges as a result of the corporate prayers offered by Nigerians during the Lent and Ramadan fasting.
This, as the state government on Wednesday continued its palliative distribution to mark the Eid-el-fitri celebration.
Governor Abiodun, who stated this while playing host to Muslim faithful at his Iperu residence in Ikenne Local Government Area, noted that the country’s challenges are surmountable but needed all hands to be on deck.
He averred that the current policies and programmes of the President Bola Tinubu-led federal government are yielding fruits as the economy is gradually taking shape.
“Naira continues to appreciate against the dollar. We will soon start to enjoy. The development of Nigeria is now paramount. It is a must. Nigeria is going to rise again,” he said.
According to the governor, Ramadan is a period to seek forgiveness and be kind to fellow humans, stressing the need for Nigerians to always be good to one another and uphold religious harmony.
He added: “Ramadan is a season of self-denial, a season of self-discipline and prayer to Almighty God. It is also a season of religious tolerance for both Christians and Muslims. Without a doubt, the Almighty has answered and is still answering all our prayers.
“My message to our people is that the same way we denied ourselves in the past 30 days, the same way that we forgive those that offended us, the same way we choose to live a life of impact by giving freely to the less privileged, let us continue in the same fashion and be good to our neighbours.”
Abiodun congratulated the Muslim faithful for the successful completion of Ramadan, describing it as a spiritual exercise that is beneficial to both individuals and the nation.
In the same vein, the state Deputy Governor, Engr (Mrs.) Noimot Salako-Oyedele also urged Nigerians to continue to pray for the success of the policies and programmes of the President Tinubu-led administration towards repositioning the country.
Speaking at the Ota Central Eid ground, Engr. Salako-Oyedele called on the citizens to be optimistic about the emergence of a new Nigeria soon, even as she expressed delight that the new policies of the government at the centre are already yielding the desired results on the economy.
While renewing the commitment of Governor Abiodun at ensuring the even distribution of the dividends of democracy across the state, the deputy governor urged Muslim faithful to continue to pray for the government so they will be able to do more for the people.
She also advised Muslims to adhere to the tenets of Islam as well as live by the various teachings imbibed during
Ramadan.
Meanwhile, the palliative distribution took place at the various Eid praying grounds across the state.
At the Eid praying ground, Sagamu, the Grand Chief Imam of Remo kingdom, Alhaji Abdul-Quadri Jinadu, expressed gratitude to Governor Dapo Abiodun for continuing to put smiles on the faces of residents of the state.
Alhaji Jinadu noted that the palliative would alleviate the current economic hardship and bring succour to the people.
“The various ongoing interventions by the state government are ways to ameliorate the economic situation. It is a sign that Nigerians will soon come out of the current economic hardship,” he said.
In his remarks, the Asiwaju Adinni of Ogun State and Baba Adinni of Remoland, Alhaji Samsideen Apelogun, appreciated the government for the palliative distribution, noting that this would go a long way in ameliorating the economic situation and put food on the table for the vulnerable.
In separate interviews, Mrs. Selimotu Tijani and Alhaji Nimotalai Adekunle commended the governor for the palliatives that were distributed during and after the fasting period, pointing out that the gesture had brought succour into many homes.
Muslim faithful who thronged the Ilaro Central praying ground were full of excitement with the food palliative.
Speaking with newsmen during the distribution of the palliative, the Chairman of Yewa South Local Government, Hon. Lateef Salami appreciated Governor Abiodun for the gesture, adding that this year, Eid-el-Fitr would remain a memorable one as it served as a relief to the needy.
Speaking earlier, the Chief Imam of Ilaro Central Mosque, Imam Tajudeen Adewunmi, who thanked the governor for the gesture, pointed out that it would go a long way to ameliorate the suffering occasioned partly by the fuel subsidy removal.
He implored Islamic adherents to always reflect on the lessons learnt during the month of Ramadan while enjoining them to embrace peace at all times, love one another, and be kind to all, especially those in need.
In their separate remarks, Mr. Raheem Ismail and Alhaja Fasina Mopelola, who were some of the beneficiaries, thanked the governor for the food palliatives with prayer that Allah would continue to bless him and grant him success in office.
The palliatives were also distributed at Ijebu Ode and Ikenne Eid praying grounds.