By Mukhtar Tijjani
Kebbi State governor Abubakar Atiku Bagudu has urged the Muslim Ummah to sustain the various virtues learnt during the holy month of Ramadan.
In a statement signed by the Special Assistant (SA) Media to Kebbi State governor Yahaya Sarki and made available to LEADERSHIP Friday, the chairman of the APC Governors’ Forum, identified such invaluable virtues to include, forgiveness, piety, philanthropy, patience and honesty, among others.
He spoke at the Seventh Kebbi Women’s Ramadan Lecture with the theme, “The Spirit of Ramadan” and held at the Presidential Banquet Hall, Birnin Kebbi. The Ramadan lecture was organised by the Kebbi State first lady, Dr Zainab Shinkafi Bagudu.
This year’s theme was taken by eminent scholars like Mufti Ismail Menk, Dr Jabir Sani, Mallama Zainab Jafar Adam and Mallama Juwairiya.
Bagudu further urged Muslims to forgive one another, as well as love each other.
He said, “We should also continue to seek for the forgiveness of the Almighty Allah and for sustenance of His abundant blessings to Kebbi State.
“This lecture is apt and timely and it has happily been sustained for the past seven years. The lecture series has recorded tremendous successes and it should be replicated across the country.”
Bagudu said that the lectures have been enlightening women from across the state and called for the intensification of fervent prayers for lasting peace and unity in the state and the country at large.
Bagudu said, “Women play key roles in national development and that they should be accorded a pride of place in the society.” He also said that both the male and female genders were created by God and were equal before Him.
The governor commended his wife, Dr Zainab Bagudu for the invaluable gesture of organising and sustaining the series of the lectures for seven years saying that it attracts abundant reward from the Almighty Allah. The governor while appreciating all the speakers for spreading Islamic knowledge also asked for forgiveness from all.
The Kebbi first lady, Dr Zainab Bagudu, while speaking, said that the lecture series were aimed at boosting the growth of Islam. She said: ‘’They are aimed at educating the womenfolk especially during the Ramadan Month.”
She said the Ramadan lecture series has been widely accepted by women, organisations and even students.
She commended her husband, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu for his unrelenting support and advice towards the success of the programme.
Earlier, the governor- elect, Dr Nasir Idris, said his incoming administration would not victimise and witch – hunt any political office holder when he assumes office on May 29 in the state.
In their separate remarks, the wives of the governor- elect, Hajiya Zainab Idris and Hajiya Nafisa Idris, lauded Shinkafi-Bagudu’s Ramadan lecture series, assuring that they would sustain the programme with the assistance of their husband.
The commissioner for environment, Hayatu Bawa commended Dr Zainab Shinkafi Bagudu for educating women through the Ramadan lecture for over six years.
He also lauded Governor Bagudu for his unwavering support for the programme while also appreciating all those who have contributed in one way or the other to the success of the programme over the years.
