By Fatima Mohammed-Lawal
A Kwara-based philanthropist, Dr Kazeem Olayimika-Salam, has distributed food items to over 1,500 residents of Kwara South, as part of his Ramadan support initiatives.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the distribution took place at Omu-Aran, Irepodun Local Government Area (LGA).
The programme, facilitated by the Olayimika-Salam Foundation, aimed at assisting the less privileged during the Holy Month of Ramadan.
In his welcome address, Olayimika-Salam described Ramadan as a sacred month of spiritual rejuvenation, self-reflection, discipline, and generosity.
He urged Muslims to utilise the opportunity presented by the fasting period, to rededicate themselves to the values of compassion, forgiveness, and mercy.
According to him, the essence of Ramadan goes beyond abstaining from food and drink, stressing that it is a time for moral rebirth, renewed faith, and strengthened commitment to peaceful coexistence.
“Nigeria’s progress and stability require collective prayers and responsible actions from citizens, particularly during spiritually significant periods such as Ramadan,” he said.
He further urged Muslims to extend acts of charity to the less privileged, promote harmony within their communities, and uphold Islamic teachings that advocate love, justice, and unity.
In his Ramadan Lecture, an Islamic Scholar, Ustadh Lukman Isalekoto, stressed the need for genuine reforms to rebuild trust between leaders and their followers.
His lecture was titled: “Needed Reform to Build Trust Between Leaders and the Followers”.
Isalekoto described trust as the foundation of sustainable leadership and societal progress.
He noted that the widening gap between leaders and the people has contributed to social unrest, disunity, and a decline in moral values.
The cleric explained that leadership was a sacred responsibility that demanded transparency, accountability, sincerity, and fairness.
“When leaders fail to uphold these virtues, followers become disillusioned, leading to a breakdown of confidence in institutions and governance structures,” he said.
Isalekoto urged leaders at all levels, religious, political, and community leaders to embrace reforms that promote open communication, justice and inclusiveness.
He, consequently, tasked Muslim adherents to play their part by being law-abiding, supportive, and constructive in their criticism.
“Trust-building is a collective responsibility that requires cooperation and mutual respect between leaders and the led,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Josephine Obute/Sandra Umeh
