Ramadan: Oyo ALGON seeks prayers to end COVID-19

Ramadan
By Akeem Abas
Ibadan, April 24, 2020 (NAN) As Muslims across the world commence the Ramadan fast, the Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON) in Oyo State has called for God’s intervention on the COVID-19 pandemic.

The association’s Chairman, Ayodeji Abass-Aleshinloye, made the call in a statement issued on Friday in Ibadan.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that this year’s Ramadan commenced on Friday amidst efforts to contain the COVID-19 pandemic.

NAN also reports that Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and observed by Muslims worldwide as period of fasting to commemorate the first revelation of the Holy Quran to Prophet Muhammed.

Abass-Aleshinloye urged Muslims  to pray fervently for the containment of the deadly virus ravaging the world.

”This year’s Ramadan provides us with a special opportunity to connect with the Almighty Allah and seek his face as we contain the coronavirus  pandemic.

“Let us use this Ramadan period to seek Allah’s forgiveness to make the pandemic a thing of the past,” he said.

The ALGON chairman said that fasting was not just to stay hungry or thirsty, but an opportunity to strive for inner purification, dedication and self-accountability.

He enjoined Muslims to embrace humanity, acts of charity, kindness, generosity and gratitude.

“I call on our people and in particular our Muslim brethrens to avail ourselves of the training and serenity that Ramadan provides to cleanse our hearts and enrich our souls.

“This is a time to rededicate ourselves to the good of humanity, the development and progress of our dear state and our great country, Nigeria,” he said. (NAN)
TAA/CCN/OJO
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(Edited by Chinyere Nwachukwu/Mufutau Ojo)