The Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has called on Muslims to allow the spiritual lessons of Ramadan to shape their daily lives by demonstrating compassion, generosity, and service to humanity.
Governor Abiodun made the appeal 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, at the weekend.
The governor urged Muslims across the state to extend support to the poor and vulnerable while showing kindness to people around them, noting that societies become stronger and more peaceful when citizens demonstrate genuine care for one another.
He described Ramadan as more than a period of religious observance, emphasising that it is a sacred season that nurtures discipline, compassion, and moral character among believers.
Governor Abiodun also commended Muslim clerics for their continued guidance and leadership, which he said provides 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 across the state.
“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,” the governor said.
“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.”
The governor described the theme of the lecture as timely and highly relevant, observing that societies across the world are currently confronted with moral and social challenges that require a renewed commitment to ethical values.
He identified dishonesty, intolerance, the erosion of family values, and declining civic responsibility as pressing issues that require collective reflection and decisive action.
Abiodun stressed that religious leaders play a crucial role in shaping societal values through sermons, teachings, and spiritual guidance, noting that their influence helps nurture the moral consciousness of communities.
He further commended Imams and Islamic scholars for their sustained efforts in promoting peace, tolerance, and unity, adding that Ogun State has long maintained a strong tradition of religious harmony.
According to him, Muslims, Christians, and adherents of other faiths have coexisted peacefully in the state for generations.
The governor also acknowledged the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that the president’s public life reflects deep respect for faith, compassion, and service to humanity.
He said the president has consistently demonstrated that true leadership embraces both spiritual values and national responsibility.
Abiodun added that Tinubu’s commitment to justice, fairness, tolerance, and inclusiveness continues to inspire many Nigerians while guiding the nation toward 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, self-discipline, and moral reflection.
He emphasised that charity occupies a central place during the holy month and reiterated that his administration remains committed to people-centred governance.
According to him, leadership should not focus solely on infrastructure and economic development but must also prioritise the welfare and well-being of citizens.
Abiodun explained that this philosophy is reflected in his administration’s Building Our Future Together agenda, which focuses on social welfare, youth empowerment, economic growth, and inclusive development.
Delivering the keynote lecture titled “An Islamic Path to Societal Re-orientation,” the Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Professor Is-haq Oloyede, lamented what he described as the gradual abandonment of parenting responsibilities by some parents.
He noted that many parents now outsource the upbringing of their children, a trend he said has contributed to moral decline among young people.
According to him, some Nigerian universities are increasingly turning into “asylums” as a result of the failure of some parents to instill discipline and moral values in their children.
Professor Oloyede urged Nigerians not to remain silent when they observe behaviours among younger generations that contradict cultural values, particularly respect for elders.
He emphasised that rebuilding the nation’s educational culture, investing more in education, strengthening family ties, and ensuring good governance are essential steps toward achieving.
