Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum, has urged Muslim faithfuls to embrace the virtues of piety, charity and moderation as enshrined in the Holy Qur’an and the teachings of the Prophet.
He highlighted the values of Ramadan as essential tools for fostering a resilient, patriotic and charitable citizenry in Nigeria.
Governor Zulum made these remarks recently during the Annual Ramadan Lecture at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), held in the University campus in Ile-Ife.
Zulum who was the Special Guest of Honour at the event, called on Muslims to remain prayerful, patriotic, and patient throughout the holy month.
He further encouraged Muslims to promote religious tolerance, engage in philanthropic endeavours, and serve as exemplary ambassadors of Islam, fostering unity and understanding with other faith communities.
Delivering a lecture titled “Navigating Economic Difficulties in Nigeria through Reliance on Allah,” the Guest Lecturer, Professor Badmus Yusuf, urged Muslims to uphold the Islamic principles of divine reliance, equitable resource distribution through Zakat and Sadaqah (obligatory and voluntary charity), and compassion for the less privileged in society.
Professor Yusuf advised against wasteful spending and immoral behaviour during the holy month of Ramadan, calling on the faithful to embody discipline and self-restraint.
Meanwhile, Governor Babagana Zulum, on behalf of the people and government of Borno State, donated the sum of ₦50 million to support charitable initiatives, fraternity, and communal harmony within the OAU Muslim Community.
Chairman of the occasion, Professor Yusu Ali, a senior advocate of Nigeria expressed gratitude to Zulum for his generosity and commitment to fostering unity across various communities in Nigeria.
Professor Ali, while commending the Governor’s philanthropic efforts, urged Nigerian Muslim leaders to support faith-based initiatives and charitable activities to promote godliness, civic responsibility and a culture of philanthropy.
Governor Zulum was accompanied to the event by the Member representing Jere Constituency in the Borno State House of Assembly, Honourable Abba Kyari Abba Kolo; the Deputy Chief of Staff, Dr Babagana Mustapha Mallumbe; the Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, Professor Usman Tar; the Senior Adviser to the Governor on Culture and Regional Integration, Dr Hassan Zanna Boguma; and Professor Bobboi Umar.
