President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged Nigerians, particularly the Muslim faithful, to seize the opportunity of the holy month of Ramadan to bless the country and pray for its ongoing peace, unity, and prosperity.
Tinubu stated that peace and unity are essential for progress and prosperity to flourish, encouraging Nigerians to seek God’s assistance in empowering the nation’s leaders to undertake good deeds that will usher in prosperity.
The President spoke in Ayetoro, the headquarters of Yewa North Local Government Area of Ogun State, on Sunday evening during a special Ramadan Tafsir and Iftar. Special prayers were offered for him, Nigeria, the Salako family in Ayetoro, and the souls of the departed.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Ali Pate, represented President Tinubu during the Ramadan Tafsir and Iftar prayers organised by the Honourable Minister of State for Health, Dr. Iziaq Kunle Salako, who recently lost his nonagenarian mother.
The President noted that regardless of the age at which one loses a parent, the experience is always painful and prayed to the Almighty God to grant the Salako family the strength to bear their loss while also praying for the peaceful repose of the departed souls.
He encouraged the Minister to find comfort in the values instilled by his late parents (Yunus Akande Omotosho Salako, the first convert to the Ahmadiyya sect in Ayetoro, and his wife, the late Anike Salako), remarking that these qualities would continue to provide solace and support in the days ahead
“He (the President) became aware of this Iftar and Tafsir. He requested that I also attend. He further extended his condolences to the Honourable Minister of State for Health, Dr. Iziaq Salako, and the entire family for their loss and the pain they are experiencing.
“We pray that Allah forgives her sins and grants her Al Janah. On behalf of myself and all our colleagues, I also extend our condolences to Salako and all family members, as well as the community here in Ayetoro. May God bless the soul of the departed, and may He grant you the strength to endure the loss. May the good deeds your parents instilled in you provide comfort in the days to come.
“Whatever the age at which one loses a parent, it is a challenging experience. Therefore, we pray God will provide you with solace, and the upbringing they provided along the path they have shown will serve you well, with the Almighty God watching over you.
“And the President (Bola Ahmed Tinubu) wishes to convey his message at this moment: We should continue to bless our country and pray for peace, unity, and prosperity in all our endeavours during this month of Ramadan. May God strengthen the hands of our leaders in good works that will bring prosperity to the nation. We must remain committed to peace and unity, as these are vital for the progress and prosperity that lie ahead,” he said.
Earlier, Dr. Iziaq Salako praised President Tinubu for his “fatherly role” and his active involvement in the burial of his late mother. He also praised him for sending Coordinating Minister Ali Pate to represent him at the special Ramadan Tafsir and Iftar in Ayetoro.
Salako also commended Pate for consistently demonstrating team spirit in his leadership style at the Ministry of Health and Social Services, noting that these qualities have fostered a conducive working environment and high productivity.
He expressed gratitude to Deputy Governor Noimot Salako-Oyedele, who represented Governor Dapo Abiodun, Senator Olamilekan Adeola, Hon. Gboyega Nasir Isiaka, Hon. Abiodun Akinlade, and several others who attended the event and generously contributed to the rebuilding of the community mosque.
