25th April, 2020
Ogun state governor Prince (Dr) Dapo Abiodun has urged Muslims to use the Ramadan to pray against the world pandemic coronavirus.
Abiodun while speaking with journalists at his residence at Iperu, hinted that this is an opportunity which Allah has created for the Muslims to pray against the virus which has taken most of the Ramadan traditions like the ‘Taraweeh’ (Popularly known as ‘Ashamu’), their usual lecture and many more from them.
He said he believes Allah is a God that answers prayer because He has harkened to the prayers of our forefathers, therefore he will do the same at this time.
“My dear people of Ogun State, let me specially congratulate our Muslim brothers and sisters on the sighting of the moon of the holy month of Ramadan, signalling the commencement of the sacred Ramadan fast.
“I pray that Allah in His infinite mercies will grant us the grace to witness many more Ramadan fasts, and service to Allah as our creator. I also pray that Allah will accept our fast as an act of worship to Him and grant us the full benefits and rewards in this life and hereafter.
“Fellow compatriots, I have always believed that there is a divine hand of grace in every situation of humanity. Or, how would we have explained the coincidence of the commencement of Ramadan with this point when humanity is stretched to the limit.
“Simply, and like the days of yore, God is again giving humanity another window to call on Him. And, I am assured that He, who harkened to the prayers of our forefathers when they raised their voices to Him, will also answer our prayers.
“Although, this year’s Ramadan becomes peculiar and different from many in the past because we will not be able to perform some of the traditional congregational prayers such as the “taraweeh” popularly called “Ashamu”; the Ramadan “Tafsir”; and, “Laelatul-Quadri” (the holy night).
“This is because of the expediency of observing the rule of social distancing as necessitated by the prevailing situation across the globe. But, Allah has given us the grace that whether in our individual or congregational capacities, He will answer our prayers.
“As we observe these prayers in our respective homes, I enjoin us to take advantage of this window as provided by the Holy month of Ramadan to raise our voices to God with the belief that He will answer our prayers and look down on humanity with His mercies.
“Before I end this address, let me once again express our heartfelt gratitude to all individuals and organizations who have continued to partner with us in the fight of the survival of humanity and particularly our COVID-19 Taskforce, Deputy Governor, Secretary to the State Government, Chief of Staff, Hon. Commissioner for Health, Hon. Commissioner for Special Duties, Hon Commissioner for Environment and all others. Our partnership and collaboration remain the main thrust and motivating factor for the successful implementation of our “Building our Future Together” Agenda. Together, we will defeat Covid-19 and humanity will move on stronger.
“Once again, I congratulate our Muslim brothers and sisters on the commencement of the Ramadan fast. We pray that God will accept our worship; forgive our sins; and look down on humanity with His mercies and grace. Even as we pray, let us stay home and stay safe,” Abiodun said.