Pray for Nigeria to beat challenges, govs inform Muslims

As the Muslim month-long Ramadan fast enters day two today, state governors and other leaders in the country have called for prayers for the nation.

The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, who is the Islamic spiritual leader in Nigeria,  had on Sunday declared (Monday)  March 11, 2024, as the first day of Ramadan.

The Sultan  said the declaration was based on the sighting of the moon in almost every part of the country earlier on Sunday,  “which is the 29th day of the Month of Shaban and thereby signifies tomorrow, 11th of March, as the first day of Ramadan 1445.”

In a statement on Monday by its chairman, Muhammadu Yahaya, the Northern States Governors’ Forum, urged the Muslim Ummah and the entire citizenry to use this holy month to offer prayers for peace, development, and prosperity of the country.

Yahaya, who is the Governor of Gombe State, said, “Ramadan, as one of the five pillars of Islam, provides a golden opportunity for spiritual rejuvenation and devotion through supplication and worship.”

He urged clerics to emphasise peaceful co-existence, unity and piety, “during their Tafsir sessions and other Ta’alimat throughout the month-long fast and beyond.”

While decrying the alarming rate of abductions of vulnerable citizens in Kaduna, Borno, and Zamfara states, the northern governors’ chairman urged Nigerians to support the Federal Government led by President Bola Tinubu to solve the country’s problems.

Also, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye,  appealed to Muslims to pray for the country during the Ramadan fast.

In the same vein, the Emir of Ilorin and Chairman Kwara State Council of Chiefs, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, urged the Muslim faithful in the Ilorin Emirate to continue to support the nation and her leaders in order to overcome all the challenges in the society.

He urged Muslim Ummah to use the month of Ramadan to move closer to Almighty Allah by engaging in good deeds, charity, humanitarian services, and supplications as well as seeking forgiveness at all times.

Also, the Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki,  called on the Muslim faithful to foster good neighbourliness and kindness during the Ramadan season.

“The Ramadan season is coming at a time when many people are faced with dire economic challenges. It is best to show love during this period as we approach the period solemnly.

“Ramadan provides us an opportunity to bond and show love to our friends and acquaintances and the current season calls for such,” Obaseki said.

A former governor of Ekiti State and ex-chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum, Dr Kayode Fayemi, encouraged Muslims to use the annual fast as an opportunity for self-reflection, and prayer, and to deepen community spirit.

Fayemi, in a statement by the Head, of Fayemi Media Office, Mallam Ahmad Sajoh, said, “As our Muslim brothers and sisters embark on this spiritual journey, may these virtues strengthen their faith and inspire them to be examples of peace, justice, and service to our country.”

The Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ismail Mudashir, urged wealthy individuals and groups to support the needy during and after Ramadan.

Similarly, the Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, Malam Jalal Arabi,  emphasised the significance of perseverance and faith in the face of challenges in the country.

‘‘We encourage all Nigerian Muslims to embrace the spirit of Ramadan wholeheartedly, understanding that challenges are opportunities for growth and spiritual development. May this month be a source of blessings, peace, and renewed determination for everyone,” he said.

Borno adjusts school calendar

The Borno State Ministry of Education has directed primary and secondary schools to adjust their calendar and closing times in view of Ramadan.

“Schools should now close by noon, instead of 1.30 pm,” the education ministry said in a statement on Monday by the  Director of School Services, Alhaji Mustapha Bukar,

He said, “In light of the ongoing fasting period of Ramadan for the year 1445 AH, it is hereby directed that all primary and secondary schools across the state adjust their daily closing time to noon.

“Moreover, all non-essential extra-curricular activities should be discouraged throughout the duration of Ramadan.

“Additionally, we kindly request all primary and secondary schools to ensure completion of academic activities, including examinations, for the 2nd term of the 2023/ 2024 academic session by Friday, March 29, 2024,” the ministry said.