Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has called for more prayers for Nigeria amid economic hardship in the country.

Mr Makinde made this call in a congratulatory message to Muslims in the state and across the world, on commencement of the month of Ramadan.

 The Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Sulaimon Olanrewaju, made the statement containing the message available to journalists in Ibadan on Sunday. 

The governor, in the message, described the holy month as a blessed one, in which God rewards the worship of the Muslims.

 He noted that though leaders had been doing everything to turn the situation around, “prayers are of greater essence at this time.”

 Mr Makinde equally charged Muslims around the world to demonstrate the lessons of love, kindness and good neighbourliness as taught by Prophet Mohammed,

 He admonished those who had enough to remember their neighbours, noting that more people were going through hard times.

 Mr Makinde said that his administration had been doing everything possible to mitigate the effects of the economic hardship.

 He assured the people of the state that his government would not relent until life became better for all residents of the state.

He said, “This is another opportunity offered to us by God to serve Him and seek His face, and I will encourage all and sundry to make good use of the opportunity as always. I charge the Muslim Ummah to, as they have always done, pray for our dear state and Nigeria, as we have all come to realise that prayer remains the greatest key for believers to make things happen. We do know that our country is in a bit of economic hardship, but while we continue to look up to the leaders to do the needful, we must also support our hopes with prayers to God.’’

The governor urged Muslim brothers and sisters, especially those who have in abundance, to remember their neighbours and show kindness. 

(NAN)