Amidst coronavirus pandemic which has rendered many businesses prostrate and make lives miserable to many, a former Secretary to the Oyo State Government, Chief Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli on Thursday, admonished spirited Nigerians to support the needy, to jointly mitigate the effects of excruciating economic downturn in the land.
Alli spoke to journalists at his Oke Aremo, Ibadan North local government family house after observing Eid prayers in Ibadan, the State capital.
The 2019 gubernatorial candidate of the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) in the State who alongside three other contenders stepped down to form coalition that brought to power, the current government of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) said there was still room for the living to thank Allah and celebrate with moderation.
According to him, “like Eid-el-Fitri that we witnessed about three months ago after Ramadan, this Sallah which signified piety, sacrifice and absolute belief in Allah who is worthy of our supplication, came amidst Covid-19.
“This pandemic has reconstructed our lives and we now live in a new world of what we now know as new normal. Many businesses are today lying prostrate with its attendant effect on people’s means of livelihood.
“Yet we must remain prayerful and own our action as individual and as a people. Also, there is still room for us to thank God for His unfailing blessings over us.
“We may not be where we want to be at the moment but God who has the absolute control of our lives and future, will grant us His grace to celebrate many more Sallah in abundance laced with quality life of meaningful contributions to lift many out of poverty.
“I rejoice with all Muslims especially our leader and former Governor of the State, Senator Rashidi Ladoja; the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi; Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Adetunji, the Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Oyewumi Ajagungbade, the Aseyin, Oba Abdulganiy Ajinase and all royal leaders in the State.
“I urge all to celebrate with moderation and follow all Covid-19 protocols so as not to fall victims of this ravaging pandemic. May Allah heal our world and grant the sick quick recovery, amen,” Alli prayed.
