SANWO-OLU ENCOURAGES PEACE AMONG LAGOSIANS AS FIRST FAMILY CELEBRATES EID-UL-ADHA

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By Aishat Momoh. O.

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has encouraged Lagosians to continue to live in peace and love like the state is known.

The Governor made the statement at an Eid-UL-Adha Celebration organised by the First Family held at the Lagos House, Ikeja on Saturday.

The Governor, who was represented by his deputy, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, said that it is important that there is no division amongst us while adding that sacrifice and obedience can make it easy to live in unity.

The Governor said, “It is important for us to be Obedient as our theme of this year says, “When the Lord said to him, “Submit!” He said, “I have submitted to the Lord of the Worlds.” Q2:131, which simply means sacrifice to our Nation, sacrifice to our State, sacrifice to our families and Neighbours. By doing this,it makes it easy for us to live together because it is the right thing.”

He also noted the importance of being careful with hygiene especially with the recent outbreak of Cholera.

He advised everyone to make sure that their environment is always clean and clear as cleanliness is part of religion and also the will of Almighty Allah.

He added that washing of hands with soap and clean water at all times should not be ignored.

“We must make sure that we listen to the jingles as done by the Ministry of Health and follow the instructions. Cleanliness is part of religion and also the will of Almighty Allah. Therefore, we must live a clean and healthy lifestyle.”

He, however, prayed for the peace, guidance and protection of Almighty Allah to rest on Nigeria, the Leaders, Lagos State and the citizenry.

“We also pray that Almighty Allah will protect and take our children away from illnesses as deadly as Cholera,” he said.

Earlier in her welcome address, the First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. Mrs. Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu reminded everyone that the yearly event, has grown beyond a mere gathering for merriment into a significant platform for our Muslim brothers and sisters to share and exchange valuable lessons through meaningful engagements and by taking actionable steps towards the good of the society.

She added that event was preceded by a seminar session which was held last Tuesday, where critical topics such as contentment in facing life’s challenges, the role of technology in addressing emerging security issues, the importance of family ties in nation-building, environmental cleanliness for health, and new economic possibilities through Entrepreneurship were extensively discussed.

“The impact of the past editions of the seminar have been profound. We have addressed topics ranging from violence against women, marital issues, child upbringing, work-life balance, women’s rights, health and wellness, security, financial management, and mental health. These discussions have not only enlightened participants but also empowered them to take decisive actions in their homes and communities.”

“Why these important lessons are not limited to our Muslim sisters, I urge our Muslim brothers and fathers to also embrace these virtues for us to have a balanced society. ”

“With the chosen theme for this event: Q2:131 “When his Lord said to him, “Submit!” He said, “I have submitted to the Lord of the Worlds.”, we are reminded of the importance of sacrifice and obedience to Allah’s will.”

“Also, if we examine the topic for this year’s celebration, “Leveraging on the Gains of Hajj and Eidul Adha for Building a Better Society,”, it provides a profound reflection on how the spiritual lessons from Hajj and Eidul Adha can be harnessed to foster societal growth and development.”

She appreciated the Islamic Clerics and the Muslim Community in Lagos State for their immense support and cooperation with the administration of Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu and by extension the Lagos State Government.

The First Lady also encouraged everyone to continue to pray for the peace and progress of the state and country, especially the leadership, for God to grant them the grace and wherewithal to do His will at all times and lead with the fear of Allah.

She also said in her speech that, “In addition to the spiritual perspective of today’s event, and being the usual practice of our office, we always leverage on every gathering of eminent personalities like this to harp on issues of drug abuse and Sexual and Gender-Based Violence such that you all can also become our ambassadors against these societal ills.

We can not underestimate the havoc which abuse and misuse of drugs have caused to our society especially to our children who are leaders of today and tomorrow. As Muslims, you must increase public awareness about these vices through the Minbars in your various mosques.

The outcome of a recent Stakeholders Engagement organised by the y office underscored the need for all relevant organisations and religious bodies to unite in the fight against drug abuse.”

“In the same vein, the issue of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence, SGBV, also requires that all hands must be on deck in the area of continuous advocacy and sensitization at every given opportunity.”

“Permit me to reemphasize that SGBV remains a crime against humanity and it negates the teachings of the Holy Quran, hence, I encourage everyone here present to always say something when you see something. We must not relent in giving our women and girls a strong voice in the society.”

Mrs. Sanwo-Olu emphasized the need for personal hygiene especially at this very crucial period in our dear State and country in view of the recent Cholera outbreak.

She said, “As a Medical Director, I am aware of the contagious nature of this bacteria disease, hence, I urge everyone to be vigilant and take necessary precautions for the protection of ourselves and our family members.

Maintaining good hygiene is essential in preventing the spread of cholera. Ensure that you drink clean water, wash your hands regularly with soap and clean water, and practice proper sanitation. By following these simple, yet effective measures, we can safeguard our health and the health of our community.”

She, urged that not be wasteful as she charged Nigerians to have positive mindset because it will change the nation.

Dr. Onibon Nosirudeen Olajide, while giving his lecture, titled: “Leveraging on the gains of Hajj and Eidul Adha for Building a better Society.” urged all muslim faithfuls to submit totally to the will of ALLAH.

He reminded them that sacrifice is forgoing all entitlement for others while using Prophet Ibrahim S.A.W as an example, who decided to use his son as a sacrifice in order to fulfil his promise to Allah.

“He let go of his entitlement and we all know the reward he got from that act. If we forgo some of our entitlement for others, there will be happiness, joy and love in our society,” he said.

The Arabcist went on to say that, Doing good at individual level, collective level can be tagged as charity, emphasizing that by putting a smile on other’s faces is part of faithfulness in Islam.

“If we put a smile on other people’s face, then smile will radiate.”

However, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs, Mrs. Lolade Aina in her closing remarks expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the Governor, Mr. Deputy Governor and their wives for the good things they have been doing in handling the affairs of the state.

She further thanked all dignitaries, members of staffs and invited guests for their support while wishing for a safe journey back to their respective destinations.

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