Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has urged Muslim faithfuls across the State to rekindle their faith, seek forgiveness and strive for spiritual growth.
The Governor gave this charge at the 2025 Governor’s Iftar programme (breaking of fast) held at the DOME, on Tuesday.
According to him, the Holy Month of Ramadan is a sacred period of spiritual reflection, self-purification and devotion to Allah.
He urged the revered clerics to use this sacred period to offer concerted supplications to Allah, seeking divine guidance, protection and peace for Nigeria.
“Nigeria is indeed at a critical juncture in our nationhood, facing numerous challenges, including socio-economic, insecurity, ethnic violence, banditry, kidnapping and diverse ethnic agitations. While the Federal and Subnational Governments are tackling the challenges decisively, it is imperative that we seek Allah’s intervention to overcome these challenges and ensure a peaceful and hitch-free year 2025.
“I firmly believe in the efficacy of prayers and I am a living testament to its power. I wish to, therefore, solicit your continued prayers for the success of our administration as we embark on our developmental programmes for the good people of Ondo State. I implore you also to continue to preach against the menace of fake news, unnecessary alarms, activation of unwarranted panic mode All these have far-reaching consequences on our society”.
Governor Aiyedatiwa expressed his appreciation to the Muslim Ummah in Ondo State for their unwavering support and prayers for his administration.
“Despite the global economic challenges of which our country is not an exemption, we are working tirelessly to deliver the dividends of good governance to the people of Ondo State. In line with our policy thrust, our interventions are having positive impacts on various sectors, including infrastructure development, security, healthcare, youth employment and empowerment.
“I am delighted to aver that our administration has maintained a harmonious working relationship with both Christian and Muslim faithful in the State, ensuring that the needs and welfare of all citizens are addressed without discrimination. We also want to appreciate Almighty Allah for the continued peaceful coexistence, especially amongst adherents of the two major religions in our dear State”.
He reiterated his administration’s preparedness to put all machinery and resources in place with a view to flushing out all criminal elements in Ondo State.
“The security and welfare of our people shall remain a priority. We shall not allow Ondo State to become a safe place for criminals. As much as we are receptive to all law-abiding Nigerians, who may wish to live and do legitimate businesses in our State, there shall be no room for those disguising as farmers or herders in order to use our forests as abode for criminal activities.
“Let us continue to work together, driven by our shared vision of a brighter future for Ondo State, wherein our citizens can live in peace, prosperity and harmony”, he concluded.
Earlier in his address, the Chairman, Muslim Welfare Board, Alhaji Dhikrullah Chandy appreciated Governor Aiyedatiwa for his unwavering support to the Muslim community, his tireless efforts in shaping the future of the State and for showing love to all the Muslim faithfuls.
While reassuring the Governor of the Muslim faithful’s loyalty, he urged them to pray to God to touch the hearts of the leaders.
“We Muslims are submissive citizens of the State, we don’t argue or disobey our leaders, we will carry out our duties and ask for our rights”.
In his lecture, The Grand Mufti of Ondo State, Alhaji Sheikh Batuta who spoke on “Omoluabi in Islam” noted that whatever post one finds his or herself, the person must be of good character, virtue and morality.
He added that a muslim faithful must be devoted and be of good character, must know that whatever he or she does on earth, one will definitely leave this earth one day.
He described the Governor as a great example of “Omoluabi”, someone who doesn’t get intoxicated with power, a humble man and down – to – earth.
He urged all Muslims faithfuls to pray fervently during the Ramadan period and avoid whatever that will hinder their prayers.
In his goodwill message, The Grand Imam of Akure Empire, Alhaji Abdulakeem Yayi Akorede applauded Governor Aiyedatiwa’s achievements in the last one month he took oath of office.
While commending the Governor’s choice of cabinet members, he assured him of the Muslim faithful’s support for his administration. “We are fully behind your government and we will keep praying for you”.
Special prayers were made for the Governor, the State, it’s citizens and Nigeria at large.
In attendance were; The deputy Governor, Dr Olayide Adelami, Speaker, Ondo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Olamide Oladiji, State Chairman of APC, Engr Ade Adetimehin, Secretary to the State Government, Dr Taiwo Fasoranti, Chief of Staff, Prince Segun Omojuwa, Head of Service, Mr Bayo Philip, Member representing Ese-Odo/Ilaje federal constituency, Hon. Donald Ojogo, members of Ondo State House of Assembly, members of the State Executive Council, Heads of Security Agencies, Local Government Chairmen, Permanent Secretaries, Political appointees, traditional rulers, religious leaders, among other top government functionaries.