Soliu Owoyabu, Abeokuta
The daughter of former Nigerian President, Prof. Iyabo Obasanjo has disclosed that, she was begged by groups of people to contest for governorship position in 2027 general elections to continue her good legacy as the Ogun state governor.
Iyabo Obasanjo stated this on Tuesday while speaking at the 2026 Ramadan Lecture organized by Ogun state chapter of Freelance and Independent Broadcaster’s, Association Of Nigeria (FIBAN), themed “Fasting Beyond Hunger: Sustaining Hope and Integrity in an Era of Economic Inflation
held at June 12 Cultural Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta, the state capital.
She revealed how people reminded her the good things she had done in the past when she was the commissioner of Health in the state, saying that, people have believe in her to perform more than how she did in the past, and the only avenue she can use to bring dividend of democracy closed to people is by been the state governor.
She noted that, her declaration for the governorship position not for the popularity sake as some people use to, and stressed that, she has popularity before and people know her in the state, Nigeria and the whole world, assuring her supporters of victory as her antecedents will speak for her during the poll.
She however, concluded that, no single indigen and resident of the state would be isolated or deprive from his/her fundamental human right irrespective of Religion, ethnicity and political affiliation when she becomes the state governor.
“People like you came to me and said they want me to repeat the good things i did before in order to do more. They said I was given a small position in the past and i did well, so they want me to do more by accepting the big position and be the state governor. Initially, i ignore but when i came back home, people were reminding me what i have done for them, and i later accepted the offer when i see that, it is God that sent them to approach me”, she said.
“My declaration not just for popularity or playing game like some other people, I’m a well known personality anywhere i am across the globe, so this journey is going to be a positive one and i will win the election. You all knew what i did when i was a commissioner, and i will do more than your expectations when i become the governor of this state, as we all know the wonderful things women have been doing in Ogun state,” she noted.
“By the grace of God, my governance would be an inclusive one, irrespective of religion, ethnicity and political affiliation,” she concluded.
The Guest lecturer of the day, a renowned Islam scholar, Sheikh Abdulfatai Raji As-Thaqofy, While highlighting the benefits of fasting, he disclosed that, some animals that are useful for medical benefits by human beings were given the power of sustainability by God through fasting as sacrifice before they can be useful for mankind.
He emphasized that, not untill the scientific proof, which discovered the benefits of fasting in human health, human beings only see fasting as religion obligation most especially during Ramadan as a way of obeying the will of Allah by only Muslims, adding that, medical doctors are also prescribing it for their patients who are battling with some particular ailments to have quick recovery.
He told Muslims that, fasting as one of the pillars of Islam is given to them to be the leading beneficiaries of it, enjoining them not take grad the opportunity and do not take it for granted.
Earlier in his address, the chairman of the day, who is the Asiwaju Adinni of and Amir Hajj of Ogun state, Alhaji Samsudeen Adebayo Apelogun called on media professionals and Nigerians at large to uphold integrity, sustain hope and strengthen compassion in the face of prevailing economic challenges, describing integrity as their greatest capital.
Alhaji Apelogun, who is also the President of Amalgamated Commercial Motorcycle Owners and Riders Association of Nigeria (ACOMORAN), represented at the event by Imam Mikhail Adesanya, the Eketa Adinni of Remo Kingdom, also emphasized that fasting during Ramadan goes far beyond abstaining from food and drink, describing it as a spiritual discipline aimed at attaining Taqwa (piety) and moral consciousness.
Quoting Qur’an 2:183, he reminded participants that fasting is prescribed to develop righteousness and self-restraint, noting that in times of inflation and economic hardship, Ramadan teaches resilience, empathy, and social responsibility.
Citing a Hadith of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) as recorded in Sahih Bukhari, he stressed that fasting without integrity is incomplete, warning against falsehood, dishonesty, and unethical practices, especially in difficult economic periods.
Referencing Qur’an 65:2–3, he assured participants of Allah’s promise of provision and relief for those who remain steadfast and God-conscious, affirming that while markets may fluctuate, Allah remains Ar-Razzaq — the Ultimate Provider.
