Sen. Francis Alimikhena representing Edo North Senatorial District has called on Nigerians to use the month of Ramadan to foster peace and unity amongst themselves irrespective of religious or ethnic affiliations.
Sen. Alimikhena made the call during the 2nd Edition of Ramadan lecture organized by the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Uzairue, Etsako West Local Government area.
The Edo North senator who was represented by his Senior Legislative Aide, Sheilk Mukhtar Ilenoba stressed the need for peace, unity and religious tolerance among all Nigerians is the only way the country can achieve socio-economic development and prosperity.
“We need to underscore the importance of the need for unity and good relationship between people of different faiths in Nigeria, because it’s actually a strength,” he added.
The lawmaker commended NTA for organizing the annual programme, saying that the programme would promote and propagate the tenents of Islam.
In her opening remarks, the Zonal Director NTA Benin Network Centre, Mrs. Pauline Igbanor urged faithful to use the Ramadan season to pray for the country and their leaders especially this period of political and economic crises in the country.
“We are gathered here today to have a deep reflection on the teaching of Prophet Muhammad in the holy month which is the most precious month in the Islamic calendar, let us beg Allah to grant them wisdom to pilot the affairs of our nation and for peace to reign in our land.
“Let us also remember our role as followers and to always discharge our duty with diligence, dedication and discipline”, She emphasized.
According to her, “the month of Ramadan reminds us of our great task of always putting the country first in all we do and we must not also neglect the task of being our brothers and sisters keeper”, she said.
The Benin zonal director said NTA as the flagship of broadcasting in the country would continue to provide innovative programmes and quality content broadcast for Nigerians
“We call on all well meaning Nigerians to partner with us in this redemptive month of Ramadan to follow all lined up programme, through the season in order to get nourished spiritually and physically”, she said.
Earlier, the Officer In Charge of the station, Mrs. Liz-Johnson Ibodeme said the programme was organized to enhance societal values for nation building.
“There is no better time to gather than this period of Ramadan when peace and tranquility is being preached by seeking God face diligently.
“Islamic tenets such as sharing of foods, prayers, fasting and abstinence are spiritual exercise that brings us closer to God,” she said.
Mrs. Ibodeme disclosed that the station terrestrial transmission which had been down over the years have been put in place, saying that the people of Edo North senatorial district can now watch NTA Uzairue locally without a decoder.
Highpoint of the event was Quaranic recitation, Asalatu cultural display and donation towards the multi purpose hall of NTA Uzairue.
