The Senior Special Assistant to the Oyo State Governor on Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Hon. Ramata Agberemi Dabo (RAD), has called on Muslim faithful to use the spiritual period of Ramadan to pray for the peace, progress, and continued development of Oyo State and Nigeria.
Hon. Dabo made the call while gracing the 6th Annual Ramadan Public Lecture organised by the Omituntun Benedict Forum (OBF), an initiative founded by Oloye Akika Benedict Agbaakin Olorunda Abaa, in Ibadan. The event, which held at Delight Estate, Lakuru, Idi-Ape Bus Stop along Olorunda Abaa Road in the Akobo Ojurin area, brought together respected Islamic scholars, government officials, political leaders, traditional rulers, and community stakeholders from across the state.
Attending as the Mother of the Day, Hon. Dabo emphasized the importance of faith, perseverance, and good character in fulfilling one’s destiny. She noted that Ramadan remains a sacred opportunity for believers to seek divine guidance while also praying for the leadership of the state, particularly Governor Seyi Makinde, and for the stability of the nation.
She commended the organisers of the forum for creating a platform that encourages spiritual reflection, unity, and moral reorientation within society. According to her, destiny is not only about divine purpose but also about commitment to service, compassion for humanity, and dedication to societal development.
The Ramadan lecture themed “Destiny (Kadara)” was delivered by the Chief Mufaseer of Ilorin Emirate, Sheikh Usman Sannu Sheu, who offered deep Islamic insights on the concept of destiny. The cleric explained that while destiny is ordained by Allah, faith, patience, and righteous actions play significant roles in shaping the outcome of individuals and societies.
Sheikh Sheu also commended Governor Makinde, Otunba Famojuro, and the founder of the forum, Oloye Benedict Akika, for what he described as responsible leadership and initiatives that positively impact the lives of the people of Oyo State.
The event attracted several high-profile dignitaries including the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Musibau Babatunde; the Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon. Adeyinka Adeniyi Bibire; Chief Babatunde Tijani (Double T); and Mr. Ayo Alatise.
Also present were the Chairman of the Oyo State chapter of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) and Executive Chairman of Egbeda Local Government, Hon. Sikiru Sanda; the Executive Chairman of Akinyele Local Government, Hon. Akinwole Akinleye; the Executive Chairman of Lagelu Local Government, Hon. Mudashiru Kamorudeen; the Executive Chairman of Oluyole Local Government, Asiwaju Akeem Olatunji; and the Executive Chairman of Ogo-Oluwa Local Government, Hon. Seun Ojo, among other political leaders and vice chairmen from different local governments.
Other notable personalities in attendance included the member representing Lagelu State Constituency in the Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon. Akintunde Olajide (AKT); Chairman of the Oyo State Community and Social Development Agency (CSDA), Adetokunbo Adeaga; and gubernatorial hopeful, Ajadi Oguntoyinbo.
Traditional leaders, Baales, chiefs, political functionaries, members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), artisans, and Muslim organisations such as FOMWAN, Jamuiyat Soliat, Nigeria Beauticians and Hairdressers Association, teachers, shoe makers, bike riders, and petrol marketers also graced the occasion.
Religious leaders including the League of Imams and Alfas from Akinyele and Lagelu Local Governments, led by the Grand Chief Imam Sheikh Abdul-Ganiyy Abubakr Agbotomokekere, offered special prayers for peace, unity, and progress in Oyo State and Nigeria.
Speaking on the significance of the programme, the Chief Host and Founder of the Omituntun Benedict Forum, Oloye Benedict Akika JP, Agba-Akin Olorunda and Mayegun of Akoboland, reaffirmed his commitment to sustaining the annual Ramadan lecture as a platform for spiritual growth, community development, and moral enlightenment.
The event concluded with prayers and the spiritual breaking of the fast, as participants urged Muslims and the wider public to reflect on the lessons of faith, destiny, patience, and perseverance during the holy month of Ramadan.
