Governor Nasir el-Rufai of Kaduna state has appealed to Muslims to see the special circumstances under which Ramadan is being observed this year as a necessary sacrifice to safeguard public health.
Speaking in a message to mark the commencement of Ramadan season, Governor el-Rufai expressed gratitude to Allah for his mercy even in this difficult moment.
El-Rufai in the message, which was signed by the Special Adviser on Media and Communication, Mr Muyiwa Adekeye, salutes Muslims as the fasting begins.
The Governor urged Muslims to pray for the country, peace in the land and the containment of Covid-19 as they observe the discipline of fasting, worship and spiritual renewal in the holy month of Ramadan.
El Rufai also commended the commitment of Imams and other leaders of faith to ensure that the activities connected to Ramadan are conducted without mass gatherings and congregational worship.
The statement described this rational approach to the practise of faith as exemplary.
The governor also argued that ‘’the severe challenges posed to lives and livelihoods make it impossible to relax the quarantine conditions at this time
“If the necessary sacrifices are made now, and everyone observes public health advice such as social distancing, regular hand washing with soap and water, wearing face masks in public, avoiding large gatherings and the practise of respiratory hygiene, then we will be nearer to fully containing Covid-19,” he said.
