Date: 2014-06-29

Some religious leaders in Omu-Aran, Kwara, on Saturday, urged Nigerians to utilise the Ramadan season to offer prayers for the country's unity.

The leaders made the call in Omu-Aran, Kwara, in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

An Islamic scholar, Sheik Sodiq Alalobo, described the month of Ramadan as a sacred period during which prayers were offered to God and speedily answered.

He therefore urged Nigerians, especially Muslims, to take advantage of the season and pray fervently for the country to overcome its challenges.

Alalobo, who is also the Chief Imam of Omu-Aran Central Mosque, said such patriotic act was necessary in view of the numerous challenges facing the nation.

Also, Alhaji Abdul Razak Aduagba, President-General, Rahmatul Adabiyya Association, said the country needed prayers now to overcome its socio-economic and security challenges.

Similarly, the Bishop of The Cathedral Church of St. Paul, Omu-Aran, Rt. Rev. Phillip Adeyemo, urged Nigerians to imbibe the culture of religious tolerance to move the country forward.

He called on Christians to replicate the type of love and hospitality being extended to people during the Lenten season, to cover the Ramadan period and even beyond.

"We, as Christians, need to use the opportunity of this holy season to join the people of the other faith in offering prayers for the nation to overcome its numerous challenges.

"There is need for us to imbibe religious tolerance as the country passes through its most critical period of political transition, coupled with other social and economic challenges," Adeyemo said.

Also speaking, Prophetess Bosede Adimabua, the President, Women Wing of the Christian Association of Nigeria (WOWICAN), Kwara Chapter, said only a divine intervention could ensure continuous unity in the country.

Adimabua urged Muslims to use the holy season of Ramadan to offer prayers for the country and extend their assistance to the poor and those with disabilities. She said: "Nigerians need to emulate the life of Jesus Christ so that the country can change for the better; those endowed with wealth should reach out to others.

"This will enable the less privileged in the society to also live a meaningful and comfortable life."(NAN)