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Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, yesterday urged the clerics in the state to remain steadfast in their prayers and support for his administration, saying that their continuous support and prayer are critical to the development of the state.
The governor said that without the prayers and supports, it would be difficult for his administration to achieve its THEMES development agenda aimed at ensuring a Greater Lagos for all, adding that Lagosians are seeing the impact of the administration because some people are praying for the successful implementation of his peoples-oriented policies.
Delivering his goodwill message at the 2021 Eid-Ul-Adha celebration, held at Lagos State House, Alausa, Ikeja, Sanwo-Olu sought Lagosians especially the clerics’ prayers and support for his administration in order to deliver on all other electoral promises.
The governor, who spoke through the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs Folasade Jaji, called for harmonious relations between the religious groups in the state for peace in the state. He added that Lagos would continue to wax stronger when there is a peaceful coexistence of the residents.
“I want to thank all the Muslim Ummah in Lagos State for the smooth Eid-Ul-Adha that we had in the state. I also want to thank all the people, especially for the election into the Local Government Councils and LCDAs that we had yesterday that was very peaceful.
“If it was not for all of you, the peace and tranquility that prevailed would not have happened and I want to appreciate the youth especially and also thank God for being in control of everything happening in Lagos State,” the Governor said.
He assured that with the continued support and collaboration of the people, his administration would achieve the dream of a greater Lagos.
Also speaking, the first lady of the state, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, in her welcome address, said Lagosians have every reason to thank God and celebrate, especially with the successful conduct of the local council elections, because some people were afraid that there would be riot and crisis after the election. “But we thank God that things went well during and after the election.”
She also praised and thanked Almighty Allah for granting the grace and enablement to witness another Eid-El-Kabir, which is a significant event in the Islamic calendar.
Mrs. Sanwo-Olu said: “The essence of this festival is such that lays emphasis on the virtues of sacrifice, love, peace, unity, helping the needy and most importantly, total submission to the will and commandment of God as aptly demonstrated by Prophet Ibrahim.
“Prophet Ibrahim, as a mark of clear sincerity to Allah’s will, was prepared to offer his son, Isma’il as a sacrifice despite the fact that it was a tough call for him. Both father and son proved their love and obedience to Allah.
“Therefore, this special Eid-El-Kabir celebration put together by the Lagos State Government through the First Family and the Ministry of Home Affairs is geared towards appreciating Allah and serving as a veritable reminder of the need for people to remain faithful to the ideals of the festival.”
The governor’s wife said that more than before, this is the time to come together and make the communities, cities, states and country a better and safer place for everyone. “This is the time for us to truly treasure brotherly love and harmonious co-existence; and also pray for the peace and tranquility of Lagos State and Nigeria.
“Beyond the festivities, it is a time for us to renew our faith in our nation and implore Almighty Allah to restore to us those values that place a high premium on human life, love of neighbor and genuine commitment to the growth and development of our dear state and country.
“It is on this note that I have the pleasure to heartily welcome you all to this celebration. We have lined up interesting Lectures, Prayer Sessions, Quran Recitation, and Musical Entertainment by great Islamic singers, among others.
“Therefore, relax and prepare to get the best from this celebration, even as we pray that Lagos State shall continue to experience peace, prosperity and boundless transformation across all sectors and sections of the state.”
