Hon. Adebisi Adeniyi Olabode, Commissioner for Trade, Investment and Cooperatives, has implored Muslim faithful to seize the Holy Month of Ramadan as a profound opportunity for spiritual renewal, moral reflection and committed service to community and nation.
In a statement issued at the onset of the 2026 fasting period, Hon. Adebisi extended heartfelt greetings to the Muslim ummah across Oyo State and Nigeria at large, urging adherents not only to observe the obligatory fast but also to internalise and demonstrate the core principles embodied in Ramadan.
“The sacredness of Ramadan, beyond abstinence from food and drink, calls on each believer to deepen their spiritual resilience, embrace patience in adversity, and manifest compassion towards the less privileged in our society,” Adebisi emphasised. He described Ramadan as a “season of mercy and solidarity,” urging citizens to leverage this period to build stronger bonds of fellowship within families and communities.
In his address, the commissioner highlighted that the fasting season arrives at a time when the socio‑economic landscape of Oyo State and Nigeria demands unity, empathy and collective resolve. He reminded Muslims that Ramadan is an invitation to reflect on societal challenges from economic hardship to inequality and to renew their commitment to social justice.
“Let this sacred period inspire believers to pursue not only spiritual fulfilment, but also humanitarian action — reaching out to neighbours in need, offering charity to the vulnerable, and being advocates for peace and harmony,” Adebisi stated.
The commissioner’s message also took on a civic dimension, as he appealed for prayers for peaceful coexistence, economic stability, and effective governance — urging that the moral lessons of Ramadan be extended into everyday civic life.
Commissioner Adebisi specifically underscored the importance of zakat (alms‑giving) and sadaqah (voluntary charity) as transformative acts that elevate individual faith and materially support disadvantaged populations. He encouraged Muslims to be at the forefront of philanthropic engagements, especially those that enhance education, health, and food security within the state.
“The strength of our communities lies in our ability to share our blessings,” he said, while calling on businesses, cooperatives and market associations to undertake initiatives that embody compassion and collective responsibility.
Acknowledging that the Ramadan period often overlaps with the Christian Lenten season this year Adebisi appealed for interfaith harmony and unified commitment to peace. He emphasised that the shared values of sacrifice, love for neighbour, and peaceful coexistence should serve as bridges across religious lines in Nigeria’s multi‑faith society.
“Ramadan reminds us that our diversity is a strength, and our unity, a source of national resilience,” he noted, reaffirming that the state government remains dedicated to promoting peaceful coexistence and mutual respect among all faith communities.
