Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has urged Nigerians to use the Lent and Ramadan periods to pray for solutions to the numerous challenges confronting the country.

Governor Abiodun, who spoke at the second Iftar (Breaking of Fast), organised for Judicial Officers, members of the Legislature and executives of All Progressives Congress (APC), at the Presidential Lodge, Abeokuta, acknowledged the power of prayers, noting that God would answer Muslims and Christians who could pray with sincerity.

"Our God is intentional. He has intended that this year, both Christians and Muslims observe fasting together because we are serving the same God. Almighty God is granting us the grace to be here again this year to observe Lent and Ramadan’’, he said

The Governor noted that the period of Lent and Ramadan, apart from teaching forgiveness, kindness and love, it is also a period where one should shy away from keeping malice, as well as other actions that could hinder prayers from being answered.

Prince Abiodun, who commended the people for ensuring peaceful co-existence and support his administration, said his administration had taken some initiatives to ameliorate the current economic hardship in the state, such as the education cash transfer of N10,000 to pupils in primary and secondary schools, N50,000 to all state indigenes in tertiary institutions, among others.

"We are offering our elderly men, women and children free medical care. We have registered all these categories of people under our health insurance scheme which provides free surgeries to those in need.

"To date, we have conducted surgeries for over 1,000 Ogun State indigenes. Our market men and women are not left out; we will grant the sum of N 50,000 for 5,000 of them across the state. As we have identified each of our vulnerable, we will continue to be creative and see how we can offer the needed support", he said.   

While pleading for more understanding and patience from people, the state helmsman promised that his administration would continue with its infrastructural strides, just as he pledged commitment to sustaining the socio-economic development envisioned in the state’s policies and programmes.

Contributing, the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Oludaisi Elemide, said the fasting period was a time to ponder on past actions or inactions and make amends, in order to make prayers acceptable to God.

On her part, the Chief Judge, Hon. Justice Mosunmola Dipeolu, described fasting of the two religions at the same time, as an act of God and an omen which would usher in good things for the country.

Remarking, the state Chairman, All Progressive Congress (APC), Chief Yemi Sanusi, stressed the need for forgiveness and continued support for government at all levels, to overcome current economic challenges.

prayers were said for the peace and progress of the state, nation as well as Governor Dapo Abiodun.