Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, the Governor of Osun State has urged Nigerians to re-dedicate themselves by living disciplined, focused and pious lives that will translate to prosperity for the country and her people.
He called on Nigerians to work in unity, love, peace and harmony and form a formidable force that will help to stimulate the commonwealth of the nation for the benefit of all.
Aregbesola made the statement while addressing the Muslim faithful during the 2018 Eid-el-Fitri prayers at Osogbo ‎Central Eid Praying Ground.
He named productivity as the panacea to nation’s challenges, saying Nigerians must begin to champion hard work in the quest to reposition Nigeria to the path of greatness.
Governor said the time has come for Nigerians to keep hope alive and engage in things that will enhance productivity.
Aregbesola admonished Nigerians to jettison any act capable of promoting and aggravating resentment, anger and bitters in the course of their national daily lives.
The Governor implored those at the helm of affairs to justify the essence of their positions by being sensitive to the needs of the electorate in the implementation of their policies and programmes.
He called on Nigerian leaders to see leadership as service to humanity and not to amass undue gratification, adding that the interest of the people must be at heart of every leader for the nation to be great again.
While speaking on the significance of Ramadan and Eid-el-fitri, Governor Aregbesola admonished Muslim Ummah to maintain the virtues they have inculcated during the Holy Month of Ramadan.
He charged Muslims on love, peace, patience and perseverance, saying it has become incumbent on every Muslim to love others as he or she loves himself or herself.
Congratulating Muslim Ummah on the occasion of the Eid-el-fitri, Aregbesola said the celebration could only be better rewarded if the teachings, lessons and dictates of the Ramadan are maintained and respected after the Holy Month.
“The time has come for us to rededicate ourselves by living a disciplined, focused and pious life that will translate to abundance and prosperity.
“We must work together as a united entity and support ourselves in the critical areas of needs that will bring about the desired growth and development.
“It behoves on us to collectively build our economy by being productive in all aspects of the economy in a bid to have a virile economy and healthy nation.
“While we are striving to build our economy and reposition our nation to the path of greatness, we must not fail to keep hope alive and engage in things that will enhance productivity and create values to us”, he added.
Earlier in his sermon, the Chief Imam of Osogboland, Sheik Musa Animasahun, admonished Muslims to stick to the teachings and lessons of Ramadan by being closer to God and abstain ‎from all He forbids.
He warned politicians and those in the positions of authority to use their positions ‎to change people’s lives for better by extending to them the dividends of democracy.
While warning politicians to jettison politics of acrimony, the cleric said every leader must imbibe the spirit of sportsmanship and the belief that it is God that appoint and anoint leaders.
Sheik Animasahun therefore urged Muslim Ummah to be Muslims in truth and deed and the ambassadors of peace, even after the holy month of Ramadan.
Packaged by Rahman Salami
