The Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has urged Muslims to allow the spirit of Ramadan shape their daily conduct by demonstrating compassion, generosity and service to humanity.
Abiodun made the call during a 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.
The governor encouraged Muslims across the state to support the poor, uplift the vulnerable and extend kindness to people around them. He said communities become stronger and more peaceful when citizens show genuine care for one another.
According to him, Ramadan is more than a period of religious observance, describing it as a sacred time that nurtures discipline, compassion and moral character.
Abiodun commended Muslim clerics for their guidance and leadership, saying their teachings continue to provide moral direction for communities while strengthening the spiritual foundations of society.
“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,” he said.
The governor described the theme of the lecture as timely, noting that societies across the world are facing moral and social challenges that require renewed commitment to ethical values.
He identified dishonesty, intolerance, erosion of family values and declining civic responsibilities as issues that demand collective reflection and action.
Abiodun added that religious leaders play 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 Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that his public life reflects 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.
He said the president’s commitment to justice, fairness, tolerance and inclusiveness continues to inspire many Nigerians, adding that he remains steadfast in guiding the nation towards stability, growth and shared prosperity.
Abiodun 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.
He said charity occupies a central place during the holy month, adding that his administration recognises the importance of people centred governance.
According to him, leadership should not focus only on infrastructure and economic growth but must also prioritise the welfare of citizens.
He explained that government has 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.
In his lecture titled “An Islamic Path to Societal Re-orientation,” the Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, Is-haq Oloyede, lamented that many parents are gradually abandoning their responsibilities by outsourcing parenting.
Oloyede 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.
He urged Nigerians not to remain silent when they observe behaviours among younger generations that contradict cultural values, especially respect for elders.
The professor added that rebuilding the nation’s educational culture, investing more in education, strengthening family ties and ensuring good governance are essential steps toward achieving societal re-orientation.
