• Super Admin
• 06 Mar, 2026

...clerics, political leaders pray for national unity, success of Tinubu administration A political support group, Asiwaju Project Beyond 2027, has urged leaders at all levels of government to uphold integrity, accountability, and a sense of trust in the discharge of their responsibilities. The call was made on Thursday evening in Abuja during the 2026 Asiwaju Ramadan Lecture and Special Prayer for the Nation, where participants reflected on the theme "Ramadan and Responsible Leadership: Amanah (Trust)." Speaking in a welcome address, Mr. Abdulhakeem Olugbode, who represented the leadership of the group, said the gathering was organised to promote reflection on leadership as a sacred responsibility and to pray for the peace and progress of Nigeria. Olugbode described the annual lecture as an opportunity to unite Nigerians across political and social divides while reinforcing values of service, discipline, and accountability. "On behalf of the leadership and the entire members of Asiwaju Project Beyond 2027, it is my distinct honour and privilege to warmly welcome you to this year's Ramadan lecture and special prayer for the nation, held in honour of our President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu," he said. He thanked participants drawn from different parts of the country, including government officials, members of the National Assembly, and other stakeholders, noting that their presence underscored a shared commitment to nation-building. Olugbode also acknowledged the support of the group's patron, Barrister Oluwaseyi Tinubu, and commended the organisers of the event -- Special Adviser to the President on Agriculture, Mufutau Yinusa, and Senior Special Assistant to the President on Industrial Training and Development, Adamson Ayinde -- for their efforts in bringing the programme together. According to him, the theme of the lecture was both spiritually meaningful and nationally instructive, as it emphasises the moral foundations of leadership. "Leadership is a sacred responsibility, a trust from God and from the people," he said. "Ramadan is a season of reflection, discipline, sacrifice, compassion, and accountability. It teaches us that authority is not ownership; it is stewardship." Olugbode explained that the concept of Amanah, which means trust, requires leaders to remain faithful to the responsibilities placed in their care, whether in public office, private enterprise, or personal relationships. He said Nigerians had placed enormous trust in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu when they elected him to lead the country, adding that the administration had taken difficult but necessary decisions aimed at repositioning the economy and strengthening national institutions. According to him, effective leadership is often tested during challenging periods, and bold decisions are sometimes required to secure long-term national stability. He said the current administration had introduced major economic reforms intended to stabilise public finances, improve revenue generation, and lay the foundation for sustainable growth. "These reforms, though challenging, reflect a leadership committed to structural transformation rather than temporary comfort," Olugbode said. He added that steps had also been taken to enhance transparency in fiscal and monetary management, strengthen infrastructure development, and expand social intervention programmes to support vulnerable Nigerians. Olugbode further noted that youth empowerment had been prioritised through initiatives aimed at expanding access to education, entrepreneurship support, and financing opportunities. He also pointed to ongoing efforts to strengthen the country's security architecture as part of broader attempts to protect lives and property across the federation. "These are not just policies; they are expressions of Amanah in action, deliberate efforts to honour the trust of more than 200 million Nigerians," he said. He also commended the role of the National Assembly, saying collaboration between the legislative and executive arms of government remains vital for effective governance and democratic stability. In his keynote lecture, the Chief Imam of the National Mosque, Abuja, Prof. Shehu Galadanci, who was represented by Muhammad Kabir Adam, emphasised the spiritual lessons of Ramadan, particularly the virtues of discipline, sincerity, and accountability. According to him, fasting during the holy month teaches Muslims to remain conscious of their responsibilities before God and society. He said the values cultivated during Ramadan should guide the conduct of leaders and public office holders. "Ramadan is a trust between you and God, and this should reflect in our actions," he said. The cleric urged leaders to remain faithful to the trust placed in them by the people and to always prioritise the public good. He also offered prayers for divine guidance for President Tinubu and members of his cabinet as they navigate the country's economic, security, and social challenges. "We call on Allah to bless this country, secure it and provide solutions to our security, economic and social challenges," he said. In another lecture, Sheikh Abdulmumin Ashiribo stressed that Ramadan encourages ethical leadership built on patience, sincerity, and self-discipline. According to him, the ultimate purpose of fasting is to attain Taqwa -- God-consciousness -- which inspires individuals, especially leaders, to make responsible and ethical decisions. Ashiribo said leaders who embrace the values of Taqwa are better positioned to govern with fairness and integrity. Participants at the event also offered special prayers for Nigeria's unity, peace, and prosperity, while expressing hope that the country would continue to experience stability and progress. They also prayed for wisdom and strength for President Tinubu as he continues to lead the nation and pursue reforms aimed at economic recovery and development. The event was organised by Mufutau Yinusa, Special Adviser to the President on Agriculture, and Adamson Ayinde, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Industrial Training and Development, and drew Muslims from different walks of life, including public officials, scholars, and community leaders. Source: https://thenationonlineng.net/ramadan-group-urges-responsible-leadership-offers-prayers-for-nigeria/