L-R: Ogun State House of Assembly; Rt. Hon. Oludaisi Elemide; the Guest Lecturer and the Registrar, JAMB, Prof. Is-Haq Oloyede; Ogun State Governor; Prince Dapo Abiodun; wife of the Governor, Mrs Bamidele Abiodun; Deputy Governor, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, during the Ramadan Special Iftar with the theme: "An Islamic Path to Societal Re-orientation," held at the Arcade Ground of the Governor's office, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta on Friday.
By Our Reporter
Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has called on Muslims to allow the spirit of Ramadan reflect in their daily lives by demonstrating compassion, generosity, and service to humanity.
Governor Abiodun made the call during the Ramadan Special Iftar organised by the Ogun State Government with the theme, "An Islamic Path to Societal Re-orientation," held at the Arcade Ground, Governor’s Office, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, held on Friday.
The governor, while making the call, urged Muslims in the state to support the poor, uplift the vulnerable, and extend kindness to people around them, noting that communities become stronger and more peaceful when citizens showed care for one another.
Governor Abiodun described Ramadan as more than a religious observance, saying it is a sacred period that nurtures discipline, compassion, and moral character.
The governor commended Muslim clerics for their guidance and leadership, which he said continues to provide moral direction for communities while strengthening the spiritual foundations of society.
According to him, their teachings and counsel have played a vital role in promoting peace, stability, and socio-economic harmony.
“Your insights have reminded us that the renewal of society must begin with the renewal of our values, our character, and our commitment to justice, compassion, and integrity.
"We are confident that the ideas shared today will continue to guide and enrich our collective efforts towards building a more principled and responsible society," Abiodun said.
Speaking further, the governor described the theme of the lecture as timely and relevant, noting that societies across the world were facing moral and social challenges that required renewed commitment to ethical values.
He identified dishonesty, intolerance, erosion of family values, and declining civic responsibilities as issues that demanded collective reflection and action.
Abiodun added that religious leaders played a crucial role in shaping societal values through sermons, teachings, and spiritual guidance, as they help nurture the moral consciousness of communities.
“I once again commend our Imams and Islamic scholars for their continued efforts in promoting peace, tolerance, and unity.
“Ogun State has long been known for its tradition of religious harmony. Muslims, Christians, and people of other faiths have lived together peacefully for generations,” he said.
The governor also acknowledged the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that his public life reflected respect for faith, compassion, and service to humanity.
According to him, the president has consistently demonstrated that true leadership embraces both spiritual values and national responsibility.
Governor Abiodun said President Tinubu’s commitment to justice, fairness, tolerance, and inclusiveness continues to inspire many Nigerians, adding that he remained steadfast in guiding the nation towards stability, growth, and shared prosperity.
The governor further noted that Ramadan goes beyond abstaining from food and drink between dawn and sunset, describing it as a period of spiritual purification and self-discipline.
This was just as he emphasised that charity occupies a central place during the holy month and that his administration recognises the importance of people-centred governance.
According to him, leadership must not be focused solely on infrastructure and economic growth, but must also prioritise the welfare of citizens.
The governor stated that government had the responsibility to design policies and programmes that support the vulnerable and strengthen communities, noting that this commitment is reflected in his administration’s "Building Our Future Together agenda," which prioritises social welfare, youth empowerment, economic growth, and inclusive development.
Delivering a lecture, titled: “An Islamic Path to Societal Re-orientation,” Professor Is-haq Oloyede lamented that many parents were gradually abandoning their responsibilities by outsourcing parenting.
He observed that some Nigerian universities have increasingly become “asylums” due to the failure of some parents to instill discipline and moral values in their children.
Oloyede urged Nigerians not to remain silent when they observed behaviours among younger generations that contradict cultural values, especially respect for elders.
He noted that rebuilding the nation’s educational culture, investing more in education, strengthening family ties, and ensuring good governance were essential steps toward achieving societal re-orientation.
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