Gov Abiodun Tasks Residents On Payment Of Taxes, Protection Of Public Facilities In Ogun

Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State has stressed the need for residents to always pay their taxes and protect public facilities, describing collaborative efforts between government and citizens as impetus for a better country.

Governor Abiodun who was speaking at the 2024 Ramadan Special Iftar with the theme, ‘’Nation Building: Shared Responsibility of Government and the Governed’’, at the Arcade Ground of the Governor's Office, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, charged them be alive to their civic responsibilities by taking full ownership of public facilities  

He enjoined the people to rededicate themselves to prayers and supplications,  particularly in  the holy month of Ramadan, as stipulated by the Almighty Allah 

While noting that fasting during the month of Ramadan holds a prominent place in the lives of the Muslim Faithful, described the practice as the most rewarding which teaches Muslims to control their passion and live productive lives, saying that fasting and praying must be an integral part of the lifestyle of everyone.

“Ramadan is not just a physical exercise but a spiritual one that allows for sober reflection and growth of every Muslim”, he said.

 Ramadan according to him, is more than abstaining from food, but about giving generously, showing compassion and empathy, coming together in a community to support each other.

Guest lecturer at the event, Prof. Tajudeen Yusuf noted that accountability in governance would ensure that government’s resources were judiciously utilised, admonishing citizens to work together for the betterment of the country.

The cleric stressed that Islam as a religion, emphasised the need to always uphold justice, irrespective of religion, race, region or sex, saying that good governance is a shared responsibility between the government and the governed

He then  called on both the government and the governed to synergise for the good of the society

The event attracted top Islamic clerics including Chief Imams in Egbaland, Remoland, Ijebuland and Yewaland, Wakilu Muslim of Yorubaland , Edo and Delta States, Sheikh Iskeel Awwal popularly known as Sugar who is also the Consultant on Islamic Affairs to the governor , Baba Adeen of Yorubaland, Edo and Delta States and former Nigeria High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Alhaji Sarafa Tunji-Ishola, Secretary of the Ogun State Muslim Council, Alhaji Kamaldeen Akintunde amongst other dignitaries 

Similarly prominent traditional rulers at the event included ,Akarigbo of Remoland, Oba Adewale Babatunde Ajayi, Olowu of Owu-Abeokuta, Oba (Prof.) Saka Matemilola who represented Alake of Egbaland,Oba  Adedotun Gbadebo, the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona represented by the Orimolusi of Ijebu-Igbo , Oba Jaiyeoba Adebayo while Olu of Ilaro and paramount ruler of Yewaland, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle represented by Oni imeko of Imeko as some  members of the  both National and State Assemblies and State Executive Council