SEKINAH LAWAL/
Lagos State first lady, Mrs. Bolanle Ambode has called on Nigerians to intensify prayers, for an end to all challenges facing the country.
She made the appeal at the special prayer session for the state and the country, organized by Fatima Charity Foundation, at the City Hall, Lagos Island.
Mrs. Ambode said that though Nigeria might be facing some challenges like many other countries, it was not beyond divine solution, as according to her, God will never close His ears to the supplication of His children.
Her words: “Today, our nation like others is faced with challenges which are multi-dimensional and also threatening the peaceful co-existence of the different nationalities that make up the entity called Nigeria.
“At a time like this, we need to unite in prayers for divine intervention. We need to pray to God to give our leaders the wisdom, the strength and the courage to find a lasting solution to the challenges facing the nation and the people.”
In a release signed by the Assistant Director, Public Affairs, Office of the Wife of the Governor, Mrs. Folashade Kadiri reiterated the first lady’s commitment to peaceful coexistence among all Nigerian citizens and the world at large.
Commenting on the theme, “The Practice of Islam in Multi Religious Society”, the governor’s wife noted that our religious diversity, should serve to deepen our understanding and strengthen our social bond.
She said, “We must come to terms with the fact that, it is the will of God that we belong to different faiths. What is expected of us is to see ourselves as brothers and sisters and live together in peace, unity and harmony.
“We must show love to one another. We must be tolerant and be our brothers’ keeper. This, I believe is what every religion preaches and which we must strive to uphold at all times.”
Earlier in her welcome address, president of the foundation, Chief Bintu Fatima-Tinubu, disclosed that the annual prayer which is the 7th in the series, was organized primarily to commit the nation, leaders and the citizenry into the hands of God, convinced that tremendous progress could be made through spiritual guidance despite challenges and diversities.
She urged the people to continue complimenting government’s efforts aimed at building a better society, by advocating good morals among people and encouraging the youths to shun violence and toe the path of Godliness.
The Chairman at the occasion, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, said the programme was timely considering current happenings in the nation and the world, stressing the need for peace, love and fear of God, while also commending the foundation for its philanthropic efforts.
Obanikoro enjoined religious leaders to continue to preach tolerance, peaceful co-existence and love, praying that God would hearken to the prayers offered.
Present at the programme were former deputy governor of Lagos state, Alhaja Sinatu Ojikutu, League of Imams from the five divisions, Baba Adinni of Lagos, white cap chiefs and other eminent personalities.