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The All Progressives Congress(APC) in Oyo State has congratulated Muslim faithful in the state on the successful completion of the holy month of Ramadan.
A statement signed by the party’s Publicity Secretary, Dr. AbdulAzeez Olatunde, on Saturday, the month of Ramadan is a reminder that there are many in this world, Oyo State, and Nigeria who regularly suffers the pang of hunger and thirst.
According to Olatunde, this realisation was supposed to make the wealthy ones among us to sympathise with the less fortunate ones.
“Eid-el-Fitr is a continuation of this message as well as a reminder that the philosophy of the month of Ramadan needs to be adopted throughout the rest eleven months of the year.
“The month of Ramadan is also a Refresher or Retraining month for Muslims to always reappraise their faith level.
“If Muslims can break free form backbiting, lying, excessive eating, gambling, alcoholism, adultery and other vices for one month without any bad consequences, then it implies that they can breakaway from the chains and shackles of these filthy habits for the rest of eleven months.
“Muslims should know that they can live their lives without these odious lifestyle.
“Furthermore, Muslims are enjoined to Pray for our leaders starting from President Muhammadu Buhari, the 36 state governors, the national and state legislatures and other appointees in government for divine assistance in the current war against COVID-19 that is threatening human existence.
“We should remember the frontline warriors, the medical professionals for Almighty Allah’s divine support.
“Finally, we should be careful in our celebrations of Eid ul Fitri, conscious that in this war against COVID-19, prevention is the safest and best method against infection. Let us observe social distancing in all our activities.
“Please pray for quick recovery of those under the affliction of COVID-19 and for the repose of those that had lost their lives to COVID-19.
“Please pray also for quickest recovery for the economy of Nigeria from the scourge of COVID-19,” the statement said.
Oyo Speaker congratulates Muslims on completion of fast
The Speaker of Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Adebo Ogundoyin, has congratulated Muslims on the completion of the thirty days fasting, aimed at achieving piety and promoting self restraint.
The Speaker in a congratulatory message to Islamic faithful across the world said that observing 2020 fast in the midst of COVID-19 was no doubt challenging and distressing, hence Muslims should be commended for their steadfastness despite the lockdown.
He said: “On this joyous day of Eid-ul-Fitr, I wish you and your family a very happy Eid. May Allah accept all good deeds and shower his mercy and fulfil your life with happiness and prosperity. Eid Mubarak!”
Ogundoyin stated that it was unthinkable that the virus would restrict adherents to their homes especially during the Eid-ul-Fitr celebration which is normally observed in a community prayer ground with thousands of believing men , women and children in attendance.
The Speaker however urged Muslims to enjoy the festival at home with their loved ones and enjoy sumptuous meals which usually characterize such an occasion.
While calling on Nigerians to use the period of Eid-ul-Fitr celebration to pray for an end to coronavirus in the world and for the nation to get it right in terms of leadership and governance, Ogundoyin charged Muslims to continue to uphold the teachings of Ramadan among which are attaining piety, seeking nearness to Allah, cultivating good manners, abstaining from vices, showing love and giving to charity, reading the Quran among others
” Staying at home to celebrate this year’s Eid ul-Fitr will help to protect friends and family from coronavirus (COVID-19). The great effort on social distancing already achieved throughout Ramadan will be sustained if we all stay in our homes.
“Eid-ul Fitri is normally a day of feasting when people invite one another, share food, and generally celebrate. However, it will be unusual this year because of the global efforts to combat the pandemic,” the Speaker stated.