The people of Ibadan NorthWest have been charged to intensify more efforts in their good deeds during and after Ramadan so as to get everlasting rewards from Almighty God.
The words of advice was given by an Islamic Cleric Fadilat Sheikh Idris Asaka (Motala) at the Annual 4th Ramadan Lecture of Ibadan North West Local Government organised by the Executive Chairman, Alh AbdulRahman Olanrewaju Adepoju.
The topic of the lecture was ‘REWARD FOR FASTING”and was held at the Council secretariat Onireke, Ibadan.
According to the Guest Lecturer, Islam is a religion of peace that preaches peaceful co-existence while Ramadan is a unique month in the Muslim calendar that encompasses peace,unity charity, forgiveness, love and harmony hence the need to move closer to Allah to earn remarkable rewards. He stressed that Fasting, during Ramadan, is believed to bring numerous rewards, including spiritual purification, increased awareness of blessings, and potential physical health benefits. He added that fasting is seen as a way to draw closer to God,fostering a sense of humility and gratitude for His blessings.
He implored Muslims to use the period to move closer to Almighty Allah through recitation of the Holy Quran, following the hadiths of Holy Prophet Muhammed(PBH), giving alms to the poor and observing the solat. He said ” it is Sunnah to fast,not only in Ramadan, but also regularly throughout the year and there are clearly many benefits to it. However, we should always remember to keep our intentions pure.Ultimately we fast for the pleasure of Allah”
Sheikh Asaka eulogised the Executive Chairman, Alh AbdulRahman Adepoju for his steadfastness in the path of Islam among which is the sustainability of the annual Ramadan Lecture since his assumption of office. He enjoined him not to relent in the good deeds as there is reward for whoever that gathered people together to listen to the words of Almighty Allah especially during the Holy month of Ramadan. He said, “there is reward for you on this earth and in the hereafter”
In his remarks, the Executive Chairman, Alh AbdulRahman Olanrewaju Adepoju congratulated everyone for the privilege to witness this year Ramadan with a task to be more committed in their good behaviors after Ramadan. He said “you should strive in sustaining all your good deeds as practiced in the holy month to enhance your spirituality and the growth of the society”. Alh Adepoju enjoined all and sundry at the lecture to adhere strictly to the lessons learnt in the Holy month which include perseverance, humility, love, care for one another, abstaining from sins and fostering a sense of appreciation.
He further appreciated all the Islamic clerics present at the lecture for their prayers and unflinching supports in ensuring peaceful co-existence within the Local Government and the state in general. He charged them not to relent in praying for the present administration under the leadership of His Excellency, Engr Oluwaseyi Abiodun Makinde in making his visions for the state come to reality.
Earlier in her welcome address,the Head of the Local Government Administration, Mrs Rachael Olabode appreciated the guest lecturer for the chosen topic of the lecture and also acknowledged all invited guests for gracing the occasion. She however, appealed to all and sundry to emulate all the teachings and hadiths of Prophet Muhammed(PBH) during and after Ramadan so as to earn an everlasting rewards from Almighty Allah. She maintained that fasting during the month of Ramadan brings more benefits to mankind. She said apart from being spiritually inclined, one is medically and mentally fit during and after Ramadan. The HLGA charged Muslim ummahs to observe their fast as prescribed by Almighty Allah for more rewards from Allah and for personal benefits. She further implored all and sundry to let the teachings of the Ramadan reflects in their ways of life as good Ambassador of Islam.
In their separate goodwill messages, Oyo State PDP Secretary; Alh Wasiu Adeleke, PDP Ibadan Northwest Chairman; Alh Lukman Adesina and Alfa Najimdeen Abdul Moruf commended the Executive Chairman for his initiative in organizing the annual Ramadan lecture.They stressed that the gathering is an opportunity to help individual develop self discipline, foster empathy for those who are less fortunate and cultivate patience and resilence. These, according to the speakers will go a long way in transforming society. On the topic of the lecture, the speakers stressed the need for all to be mindful of their attitudes to their fellow man, as there is reward for everything done either good or bad. They said” What goes around comes around”.
Dignitaries at the program were the Vice chairman, Alh Ganiy Omotosho, PDP State Secretary, Alh Wasiu Adeleke, Alh Lukman Adesina, State Assembly; Hon (Dr) Dawood Olalere D-Al-Ameen, S. A. Governor; Alh Labule Ishola and Hon Abayomi Bibire.
Others were Oba Tajudeen Afolabi Ajibola(Balogun Olubadan of Ibadanland I), Alh. Nureni Akanbi Baba Isale Musulumeen, Alhaja Basirat Ajibola, Alhaji Olalekan Salaudeen, Chief Babatunde Tijani Double T, Prof Kehinde Sangodoyin, Hon Aderemi Aleshinloye, Chairman of LG Chairmen; Hon Sikiru Sanda, PDP SouthWest Women’s Leader; Yeyeluwa Abosede Adedibu, Alhaja Alirat Adepoju, Alh Abdulateef Iba Oluyole, Prof Lateef Mudasiru, Leader of the House; Hon Nelson Gbemileke, Secretary and Assistant Secretary; Mrs Sarah Shobowale & Hajia Bolanle Oladeji, Alhaja Mujidat Ojewumi, Chief of Staff; Hon Kazeem Fantola, Councillors, Supervisory Councillors, Special Assistants, League of Imams & Alfas, Staff and management of the Local Government led by the Head of the Local Government Administration Mrs Rachael Olabode.
E-signed
Ramat Alade
Head of Information Unit,
Ibadan Northwest Local Government, Onireke.
March 25,2025.
