Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State on Sunday enjoined all Muslims to sustain the spirit of love, brotherhood, tolerance and care which were dutifully demonstrated during the month of Ramadan.
Ambode spoke while addressing Muslim faithful at the Eid-el-Fitri celebration marking the end of Ramadan held at the Evans Square in Ebutte-Metta area of the state.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the celebration was held simultaneously in twenty Local Councils in the state.
Ambode urged the people not to forget the lesson that Ramadan was meant to teach, which include the fear of God and care for the less privileged in the society.
The governor pledged his commitment to uphold and protect the right of all citizens to freedom of worship.
“Every religion preaches peace and harmonious coexistence among all people.
“We must continue to live by these principles so that our state and our nation will continue to grow in peace, progress and prosperity,” he said.
Ambode also promised to make security of lives and property his priority, no matter what, and called on residents to provide useful information to security operatives at all times.
“I urge everybody to continue to cooperate with our security agencies, including the recently inaugurated Neighbourhood Safety Corps, as they strive to keep our communities safe,” he said.
Ambode said the idea of the celebration in designated areas of the state was an attestation of his all-inclusive government and bringing of governance closer to the grassroots.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Home Affairs, Dr. Abdullateef AbdulHakeem, said that this was the first time a Muslim festivity would be decentralized.
NAN reports that highlight of the event included Quranic recitation and quiz, while winners went home with various cash gifts.
Source: NAN
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