The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, hosted a special Iftar gathering on Thursday, bringing together former First Ladies of Nigeria, female members of the National Assembly, wives of lawmakers, and other prominent figures in a symbolic breaking of fast during the holy month of Ramadan.
The event, held to mark the unity and solidarity that Ramadan brings to both Muslims and non-Muslims alike, was a moment for reflection, prayer, and communal gathering. It also served as an opportunity for the First Lady to reassure Nigerians that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is working diligently to improve the country’s fortunes and make life better for its citizens.
During her remarks at the Iftar, Senator Oluremi Tinubu called on Nigerians to focus on helping one another, stressing that the challenges the country faces can be alleviated by small acts of kindness. She urged those present to extend their compassion to others, emphasizing that even small gestures could have a significant impact on the lives of others.
“It is time for us to take one person at a time and lend a helping hand, as this will go a long way in alleviating the hardship of others,” Senator Tinubu said.
Her words resonated with the attendees, as she highlighted the importance of collective responsibility in tackling societal issues, particularly during this holy season. She also acknowledged the co-occurrence of Ramadan and Lent this year, calling it an event ordained by God.
“It is the time of sober reflection for our Muslim brothers and sisters and even our Christian brothers and sisters. They are having the Lent. God had ordained it to be so even at this time in our nation,” she added, reminding Nigerians that both religious observances offer an opportunity to reflect, pray, and practice compassion for others.
The First Lady took the opportunity to encourage Muslims to continue living by the virtues they exhibit during Ramadan, particularly the values of self-restraint, charity, and empathy. She urged them to carry the spirit of the holy month beyond the fasting period, incorporating these virtues into their daily lives as a way of promoting peace, harmony, and understanding across the nation.
She reminded everyone to continue praying for God’s mercy, especially for the country, the President, and all citizens, in these challenging times.
“The virtue you have exhibited during Ramadan should continue, and I pray that God grants us all His mercy,” she said. “Let us continue to pray for the well-being of our nation, for peace, and for prosperity.”
In her own remarks, the wife of the Vice President, Mrs. Nana Shettima, thanked the First Lady for hosting the Iftar and acknowledged the significance of the event in fostering unity among the women of the nation. She urged everyone present to remember the President, the Vice President, and indeed the entire nation in their prayers.
“Let us continue to keep our President, the Vice President, and all Nigerians in our prayers as we journey through this holy season. Prayer is essential for the progress and well-being of our nation,” Mrs. Shettima said.
Her comments served as a reminder of the collective effort needed to support the government in its efforts to bring about positive change in the country, especially in these times of economic and social challenges.
The gathering also included a lecture by Professor Fatima Mukhtar, the Vice Chancellor of Azman University in Kano. Professor Mukhtar gave a powerful and insightful lecture on the spiritual significance of Ramadan and its teachings. She highlighted the importance of fasting not only as an act of worship but also as a means of spiritual purification and self-discipline.
She also stressed the role of Ramadan in encouraging Muslims to focus on their relationship with God, their families, and their communities, urging all Muslims to use this time for reflection and to strengthen their faith. The lecture resonated with attendees, reminding them of the deeper meanings and spiritual rewards of fasting.
Following the lecture, special prayers were offered for the nation, its leadership, and the citizens. The event provided an opportunity for the gathering to come together in unity, lifting their voices in prayer for peace, prosperity, and continued stability in Nigeria.
The prayers also focused on the welfare of President Bola Tinubu and his administration, seeking divine guidance for effective governance and success in the face of the challenges the country is currently facing. The call for unity and collective effort to support the government in building a better Nigeria was a key theme throughout the event.
One of the highlights of the Iftar gathering was the significant presence of women leaders from various sectors, including former First Ladies, female National Assembly members, and wives of National Assembly members. Their participation in the event underscored the important role that women continue to play in the development of Nigeria.
By bringing together influential women from different backgrounds and political affiliations, the First Lady created a platform for dialogue, solidarity, and cooperation among the key women in the country. This is a vital step toward ensuring that women have a seat at the table when it comes to shaping the future of Nigeria.
In her remarks, Senator Oluremi Tinubu acknowledged the vital role of women in the nation’s progress, urging them to continue to support one another and contribute to the betterment of the country. She also emphasized that women have a unique opportunity to influence positive change in Nigeria, particularly in areas such as education, healthcare, and social welfare.
As the holy month of Ramadan continues, the First Lady’s Iftar gathering serves as a reminder of the need for unity, prayer, and compassion in the face of the country’s challenges. Through her words and actions, Senator Oluremi Tinubu continues to set an example of leadership and commitment to the betterment of Nigeria.
The event also demonstrated the importance of women in national development and their potential to drive positive change in Nigerian society. By fostering cooperation and dialogue among women leaders, the First Lady is contributing to the creation of a more inclusive and united Nigeria.
As the nation moves forward under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, the message from this Iftar gathering is clear: the government is committed to improving the lives of its citizens, and it is crucial that all Nigerians, regardless of faith or background, come together in unity and support one another.
