The Lagos State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Cornelius Ojelabi, has called on Muslims to maintain the discipline and spiritual renewal cultivated during the Ramadan fasting period.
Ojelabi made the appeal, on Tuesday at the third edition of the party’s annual Ramadan public lecture, held at the LTV 8 Blue Roof in Ikeja.
The event, themed “Maintaining Our Spirituality After Ramadan,” attracted party members, Islamic clerics, and supporters.
Represented by Muyideen Daramola, Ojelabi urged adherents to avoid returning to habits that could erode the spiritual benefits gained during Ramadan.
He identified three categories of participants in the fasting period: those who begin but fail to complete it, those who abandon it midway, and those who observe it until the end.
“We should be grateful to Allah for the grace to witness this sacred period, and I pray that we are preserved to see its completion,” he said.
He described the theme of the lecture as both timely and significant, encouraging participants to internalise the lessons and sustain them beyond the fasting season.
“All the negative habits we abstained from during Ramadan should not resurface after the period,” he added.
Chairman of the Ramadan Lecture Planning Committee, Moshood Mayegun, expressed appreciation for the successful hosting of the programme despite earlier setbacks.
He explained that the event had been rescheduled three times due to party-related activities, including congresses, conventions, and changes within the state executive structure.
“Despite these challenges, we thank Allah for granting us the opportunity to be here today,” he said.
Mayegun also used the platform to encourage political participation ahead of future elections, urging party members to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards, PVCs, and mobilise others within their communities.
“As we look towards 2027, we must be fully prepared. I urge everyone to mobilise their families and communities to support President Bola Tinubu,” he stated.
Delivering the lecture, the guest speaker, AbdulRahman Lawal, Head Missioner and Imam of Nadwat Global Assembly, emphasised the importance of preserving the spiritual gains achieved during Ramadan.
He described fasting as a means of attaining righteousness, spiritual cleansing, and overall well-being, noting that the essence of Ramadan lies in its lasting impact on the lives of believers.
“Ramadan is a period of reflection where Muslims learn and relearn how to live righteously. The real task is to sustain these values after the fasting period,” he said.
Lawal urged Muslims to remain steadfast in observing the five daily prayers and other acts of worship, stressing that consistency is key to maintaining spiritual growth. He also highlighted the broader social benefits of fasting, including discipline, empathy, and unity within the community.
The cleric also offered prayers for Nigeria, Lagos State, and President Bola Tinubu, seeking peace, stability, and continued national development.