By Our Reporter
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has urged Nigerians, especially religious leaders, to pray to God to grant peace across the land and guide those entrusted with leadership with wisdom and fairness to ensure that the collective actions of the citizens reflect justice, unity and the common good.
Governor Sanwo-Olu made the appeal on Monday during the State House 2026 Lailatul Qadr Prayer held at Lagos House Mosque, Ikeja, themed: "God-conscious living beyond Ramadan: A possibility or an illusion."
The event was attended by First Lady, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu; wife of the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Oluremi Hamzat; Head of Service (HOS), Mr. Olabode Agoro; Commissioner for Home Affairs, Mr. Olanrewaju Layode; Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Mr. Gboyega Akosile; Body of Permanent Secretaries; top government officials; League of Chief Imams; religious leaders; Muslim faithful; journalists, among others.
Speaking at the event, Governor Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by the HOS, Mr Agoro, said the smallest act of sincere prayer can carry the weight of a lifetime and that Allah's mercy descends upon those who turn to Him in humility and devotion.
"Laylat al-Qadr is a night described in the Quran as better than a thousand months, a night that invites reflection, forgiveness, and renewal. For the faithful, this is a time to seek Allah's guidance, to purify our hearts, and to renew our commitment to justice, compassion, and service to humanity.
"On this auspicious night, I want us to remember our state, our nation, and the countless souls around the world who look to Allah for peace, mercy, and guidance. When we offer our prayers tonight, I want us to remember our nation and its future.
"As we approach another important juncture in our democratic journey, let us humbly ask Almighty Allah to grant peace across the land, to guide those entrusted with leadership with wisdom and fairness, and to ensure that our collective actions reflect justice, unity, and the common good," the governor said.
Governor Sanwo-Olu also commended the commitment of the Muslim community to the upliftment of Lagos State, saying that their "steadfast devotion strengthens the moral foundation of our society and reminds us of the values that bind us together as one people."
"I am deeply grateful to our revered scholars and the Muslim community for continually lifting Lagos and our nation in prayer. Your steadfast devotion strengthens the moral foundation of our society and reminds us of the values that bind us together as one people," he said.
Also speaking, the First Lady, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, implored Nigerians to continuously live in peace, unity and harmony and equally appealed to them to pray against war in Nigeria.
She said: "I want to appeal to us to sustain the state of grace as observed during the Ramadan period. We should not return to all the bad behavior we stopped during the Holy month. Let us go back to our home and pray against war."
In his sermon, the Guest Lecturer, Sheikh AbdulHakeem Lawal (Ikhwanu Muslimoon, Lagos), urged Muslims to remain steadfast in righteousness beyond the holy month of Ramadan.
Sheikh Lawal noted that while Muslims observed fasting for 30 days each year and abstain from certain acts, many tend to return to their previous lifestyles after Eid.
The Islamic cleric emphasised the importance of sustaining the discipline and spiritual growth attained during Ramadan, calling on Muslim faithful to stay away from sin and reflect deeply on the reality of life.
He also expressed appreciation to Governor Sanwo-Olu and his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Kadri Hazmat, for hosting and inviting guests to the event.
Sheikh Lawal said the purpose of the gathering was to deliver Tafsir and remind Muslims of their obligations during the sacred month, urging them to remain devoted, uphold good character, and continue practising the teachings of Islam beyond Ramadan.
During the Lailatul Qadr, prayers were offered for President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Governor Sanwo-Olu and First family, Deputy Governor and wife, the executive, judiciary and legislature; the Head of Service and civil service; the people of Lagos State, Nigeria and the rest of the world.
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