By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja.
AS Muslim faithfuls the world over cerebrate the Eid-el-Fitr, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State has charged them to utilize the lessons of Ramadan fasting to foster unity and peace among the diverse ethnic groups in the state.
Governor Ododo gave the charge while speaking with newsmen after observing the Eid prayers to mark the end of the Holy Ramadan fast on Sunday at Muhammadu Buhari Square, Lokoja.
He charged Muslims to continue to reflect on the lessons of compassion, peace and progress learnt during the period of Ramadan fast in the interest of development of the state.
“I am deeply grateful to God for the gift of life and the rare privilege given to me and my team to serve the people of the state.
“I thank every body in the state for the support and cooperation given to me that have been assisting us in ensuring that we deliver on our campaign promises.
“My message to the people as they cerebrate Eid-el-fitir, is for them to continue to reflect on the lesson of compassion, lesson of peace and lesson of progress”, Governor Ododo said.
The Governor called on the sons and daughters of Kogi State both within and in diaspora to join hands with his administration to build a state that every indigene would be proud of.
Imam Dhahir Hussaini in his Eid-El-Fitr sermon urged Muslims to maintain the fear of Almighty Allah in all their endeavours and dealings saying that a day would come when every human would be call upon to give account of his or her activities on this earth.
He pointed out that God does not accept deeds except from the pious ones, noting that whoever breaks God’s covenant and deviate from the straight path and return to “deficiency and sin” would be denied God’s favour on the day of resurrection.
The Imam further stated that God had commanded human beings to be steadfast in obedience, stressing that it was obligatory for every Muslim to remain steadfast in whatever they say or do at all times.
He cautioned those who are fond of associating and attributing negative and evil manifestations to God to desist, saying such behaviour could easily lead believers astray. (Ends)