Governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun, has called on Muslims to allow the spiritual lessons of Ramadan to influence their daily lives through compassion, generosity, and service to humanity.
The governor made the appeal during a Ramadan Special Iftar organised by the state government with the theme, “An Islamic Path to Societal Re-orientation,” held at the Arcade Ground of the Governor’s Office in Oke-Mosan at the weekend.
Speaking at the event, Abiodun urged Muslims across the state to extend support to the poor and vulnerable while demonstrating kindness to people around them, noting that societies become stronger and more peaceful when citizens genuinely care for one another.
He described Ramadan as more than a period of religious observance, emphasising that the holy month serves as a sacred season that nurtures discipline, compassion, and moral character among believers.
The governor 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 Ogun 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,” he said.
Abiodun described the theme of the lecture as timely and relevant, observing that societies around the world are facing growing moral and social challenges that require renewed commitment to ethical values.
He identified dishonesty, intolerance, erosion of family values, and declining civic responsibility as pressing issues that demand collective reflection and decisive action.
The governor 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 praised Imams and Islamic scholars for their sustained efforts in promoting peace, tolerance, and unity, adding that the state has maintained a long-standing tradition of religious harmony among people of different faiths.
According to him, Muslims, Christians, and adherents of other religions have coexisted peacefully in the state for generations.
Abiodun also acknowledged the leadership of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that the president’s public life reflects a deep respect for faith, compassion, and service to humanity.
He said the president has consistently demonstrated that true leadership combines spiritual values with national responsibility.
The governor added that Tinubu’s commitment to justice, fairness, tolerance, and inclusiveness continues to inspire many Nigerians while guiding the country toward 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, 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.
He said 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, Is-haq Oloyede, expressed concern over 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 certain 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 meaningful societal re-orientation.