The Nation Newspaper

Tag: fasting

  • Religious leaders declare three-day fasting, prayers over Ibadan chieftaincy crisis

    Religious leaders from the Christian, Islamic and traditional faith have declared three-day fasting and prayers for a resolution of the crisis on the 1957 Ibadan Chieftaincy Declaration review.

    Following a meeting with the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Saliu Akanmu Adetunji, at his palace at the weekend, the religious leaders pledged to broker peace between the monarch and Governor Abiola Ajimobi due to imminent crisis if the feud between the duo was not contained.

    Those at the meeting were representatives of Islam, led by Chief Imam of Oyo State Ansar-U-Deen Society of Nigeria, Dr. Basiru Olanrewaju, and Alhaji Daud Amao Alaga. The Christian body was led by Pastor Samuel Abiara, of Christ Apostolic Church, and Pastor Sunday Popoola of World Communications Ministry (WOCOM).

    Members of Traditional Religion Worshippers’ Association in Oyo State were led by Chief Fayemi Fatunde Fakayode and Dasola Adefabi.

    Addressing reporters, Popoola said the delegation urged adherents and residents to fast and pray for three days.

    The cleric said this would ensure that the chieftaincy review did not lead to a crisis.

    He said: “We have observed that there has been some misunderstanding over the issues of the newly appointed obas in Ibadan. We know it could degenerate into a crisis. As religious leaders – Muslims, Christians and traditionalists – we have come to meet the kabiyesi to appeal for peace.

    “We also plan to see the governor.

    “But what we have concluded today is to go and have three days of fasting and prayers.

    “Muslims should fast and pray on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday and Christians should fast and pray in all churches in Oyo State on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. After that, we will meet the governor.

    “We believe we are the people who can resolve this matter, and by the grace of God, we believed God will, through us.”

    On the possibility that the monarch may not agree to allow the sleeping dog lie, Popoola said he could not say anything about this.

    He said: “I am not going to speak on that until we are able to meet the governor and do our prayers.”

    Popoola said the meeting was meant to include only religious leaders, adding that they decided not to include groups, such as Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) and the mogajis (family heads), to avoid politicising the matter.

    He said: “Yes; it’s because we don’t want to bring in politics into this, but religious leaders only. We are neutral; we are not for the governor. We are not for the kabiyesi; we are for the people of Oyo State. And we want peace. That is all. So, we don’t want to bring in any of them.”

  • ASUP begins three-day fasting

    The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnic (ASUP), Oke-Ogun Polytechnic chapter at the weekend began a three-day fasting and prayer to demand the payment of their outstanding salary arrears from the Oyo state government.

    The Union lamented that lecturers are wallowing in abject poverty due to non-payment of their salaries and allowances running to 10 months.

    The Chairman of the union who spoke to reporters in Saki, Comrade Muyiwa Olawumi said reduction in the school’s subvention has crippled free flow of activities and welfare of members.

  • ‘Fasting, living apart destroying Christian homes’

    Long fasting has destroyed many Christian families, a cleric, DrFezie Nnaji, has pointed out.

    He said a situation where Christian couples deprive themselves of sex because of long fasting is not only unwholesome but also unbiblical.

    Addressing reporters in Lagos last week, Nnaji lamented the homes of many great men of God are suffering as a result of long fasting.

    He said Christians who hide under the pretence of fasting to deny their spouses sex are hurting God and the institution of marriage.

    According to him:  “When you deprive your spouse sex, you are giving room for the devil to come in because suspicion will set in.”

    Nnaji, who also warned against couples living apart, said such development amounts to tempting God.

    “If you are living together and you follow your spouse wherever he goes, there is absolute trust,” he stated, adding “homes are tearing apart because people are not wise.”

    Nnaji recalled a minister of God always travelling for mission works, leaving his wife alone.

    The wife, he stated, confided in one of his friends she got a boy in the neighbourhood to satisfy her sexual needs.

    He said Christian couples must be wise and committed to making their home a success.

  • Muslim youths observe weekly fast for Buhari

    The National Council of Muslim Youth Organisation (NACOMYO), Sokoto state chapter has embarked on voluntary prayer and fasting for peace, and success of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.

    The President of the organisation, Aliyu Ibrahim Kyautawa said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Sokoto.

    “We are praying and fasting every two weeks for peace, tranquility and success of President Muhammadu Buhari who means well for the people of this country.’’

    Kyautawa stated that the organisation does not have any link with the President or any of his ministers, nor belonged to any political party.

    According to him, our resolve is borne out of love for the country.
    “We are not sponsored by anybody and we don’t belong to any political party and we are not doing it for any material gain,’’ he said.

    Kyautawa said that the members of the group were convinced that Buhari had the ability to liberate the Nigerian masses from the bondage of poverty, insecurity and bad governance because of his track records.

    He explained that the prayer and fasting was first conceived in 2014 when the country was bedeviled by a myriad of challenges.

    “This is why we decided to embark on voluntary prayer and fasting every two weeks for peace in the country.

    “We are also praying for the success of Gov. Aminu Tambuwal in Sokoto state.

    “Buhari has the masses at heart, but his efforts are being frustrated by some unpatriotic Nigerians.

    “They have been sabotaging his efforts in a bid to make this nation ungovernable for him, but all their efforts would be in vein,’’ he said.

    According to him, the organisation has been sponsoring media campaign to educate the public on the need to also change their attitude and support the government, both morally and spiritually.

    Kyautawa said he was optimistic that the hardship being faced by Nigerians would soon be a thing of the past. (NAN)

  • Encounter with power through prayer & fasting!

    Encounter with power through prayer & fasting!

    We are in the last days in the body of Christ, which are characterized by the manifestation of God’s power. This is when the kingdoms of this world shall become the kingdom of God before the arrival of Christ. It is also an era where the power of resurrection shall be in manifestation more than ever before. Furthermore, in these last days, the redeemed of the Lord shall be manifesting the messianic order of anointing (Mark 9:29; Acts 2:16-20; Psalms 110:1-3; Revelation 11:15; Philippians 3:10; Acts 14:11).

    HOW DO WE ENCOUNTER THIS POWER?

    Through a desperate desire: From scriptures, ‘desperation’ is interpreted as a thirst, a crave, a longing and a panting (Psalm 63:1-2; Isaiah 44:3-4; Isaiah 41:17-18).

    Through the prayer altar: Empowerment answers to demand, not wishes and that is why the altar of prayer is the altar of empowerment. Jesus said: If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him? (Luke 11:13). We must recognize that empowerment is impossible without prayer. It is through prayers that we move from power to great power. For instance, when the apostles prayed in Acts 1:14 and Acts 2:1-4, they were empowered by the Holy Spirit. However, when they prayed again in Acts 4:32-33, they were re-empowered into the realm of great power (Luke 3:21-22, 9:28-35, 43). Likewise, we can pray for the release of God’s power on our lives for greater exploits.

    Through fasting: We discover from scriptures that fasting is primarily ordained for spiritual empowerment, not for making requests. In other words, fasting empowers us to be in command of our needs (Isaiah 58:6). It is important to understand that though we pray to be empowered, we need fasting to walk in power. That’s why Jesus said, “When ye fast… when thou fast…” Fasting is a matter of ‘When’ not ‘If’. That means fasting must be our lifestyle and must be scheduled, just like prayer, in order to walk in the reality of empowerment (Matthew 6:16-17).

    It is also important to note that fasting and prayer enhances our access to the Word which actually empowers us. For instance, it was a Word encounter that empowered Jacob into realms of exploits (Isaiah 58:8, 10; Isaiah 9:8; Romans 1:16). That is why no Word-lazy believer is a candidate for empowerment. Therefore, we must always pray to God to open our eyes to behold wondrous things out of His law (Psalms 119:18; Jeremiah 33:3).Everyone who desires to walk in power must subscribe to the demand of fasting. For instance, Jesus fasted for 40 days and the Bible records that He returned in the power of the Spirit (Luke 4:14). Moses also fasted for 40 days twice. As a result, he was a spirit being in human form. That was why he said: The Lord thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; unto him ye shall hearken (Deuteronomy 18:15; see also Exodus 7:1). He was Christ in a figure and he carried the messianic anointing on him (Exodus 24:18, 34:28). Similarly, Paul the apostle also prayed and fasted often. He said: …in watchings often… in fastings often… (2 Corinthians 11:27; see also 2 Corinthians 6:5). As a result, he was a man imbued with God’s power. No wonder it was said concerning him: …The gods are come down to us in the likeness of men (Acts 14:11).

    Unfortunately, many people do not crave for empowerment because they believe that they are already empowered. However, it is important to understand that empowerment is in levels and we understand from scriptures that we can grow from one level of power to an overflowing realm. As it is written: Afterward he brought me again unto the door of the house; and, behold, waters issued out from under the threshold of the house eastward: for the forefront of the house stood toward the east, and the waters came down from under from the right side of the house, at the south side of the altar. Then brought he me out of the way of the gate northward, and led me about the way without unto the utter gate by the way that looketh eastward; and, behold, there ran out waters on the right side. And when the man that had the line in his hand went forth eastward, he measured a thousand cubits, and he brought me through the waters; the waters were to the ankles. Again he measured a thousand, and brought me through the waters; the waters were to the knees. Again he measured a thousand, and brought me through; the waters were to the loins. Afterward he measured a thousand; and it was a river that I could not pass over: for the waters were risen, waters to swim in, a river that could not be passed over (Ezekiel 47:1-5). ‘River’ in the above scripture connotes the Holy Spirit or anointing. That was the realm of immeasurable anointing under which Christ operated. Remember, Jesus was anointed without measure and that is God’s target for us. This is why it is wisdom to take spiritual responsibility in order to increase our levels of empowerment to command dominion over situations and circumstances in our lives (Proverbs 24:10; John 3:34, 7:37-39).

    However, dominion over situations and circumstances in our lives begins with being born again. Are you born again? To be born again means to accept Jesus Christ as your Saviour and Lord? If you haven’t, you can do so by saying this prayer: “Lord Jesus, I come to You today. I am a sinner. Forgive me of my sins. Cleanse me with Your precious Blood. Deliver me from sin and satan to serve the Living God. Today, I accept You as my Lord and Saviour. Thank You Jesus for saving me! Now I know I am born again!”

    For further reading, please get my books: Anointing For Breakthrough, Understanding the Anointing, Anointing For Exploits, Release of Power.

    I invite you to come and fellowship with us at the Faith Tabernacle, Canaan Land, Ota, the covenant home of Winners. We have four services on Sundays, holding at 6:00 a.m., 7:50 a.m., 9:40 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. respectively.

    I know this teaching has blessed you. Write and share your testimony with me through: Faith Tabernacle, Canaan Land, Ota, P.M.B. 21688, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria; or call 7747546-8; or E-mail: feedback@lfcww.org

  • Theme: When fasting is not an hunger strike

    The pervasive lethargy across the length and breadth of the body of Christ to critically study (and not only read) the Holy Scriptures has led to a gradual erosion of truth of His word and permanent tenancy with ignorance and falsehood (2 Timothy 2:15). There are lots of facts of the Scriptures that have been distorted because of ‘microwave Christians’ – people that are desirous only of having the shortest cut to everything in life – forgetting that our God is the Lord of order and due processes. To receive anything from Him, obedience to His order or command is very key (Is. 1:19; Deut. 28:1-13 cf 1 Sam. 15:1-23).

    One of the maladies of the Christian faith is with regards to fasting which is now being bandied as a mantra to resolution of problems or challenges. It is very common nowadays for ignorant people to be quick to recommend fasting whenever any ignorant believer comes up with an untoward issue of life. Not only that, lots of congregation’s spiritual ego is massaged and lifted to high heavens when long days of fasting is declared either for a specific program, to climax a year or at the start of a new year among many others. It is instructive to note that lots of people even engage in different shades of fastings like white fasting, fruit fasting or fasting without food or water. It is needful to note that fasting had been since time immemorial and has the support of our Lord Jesus Christ.

    From the passage where we picked our text, a man brought a report to Jesus Christ concerning his son who was a lunatic and would usually fall into fire and water. The man brought his son to His disciples to heal him but all their efforts were in vain. With a word, Jesus Christ rebuked the demon and the son was healed instantly. The disciples now asked Him why they were unable to heal the boy. Jesus then said unto them, “Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you. Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting. (Matt. 17:20-21).

    Beloved in Christ, any fasting that is devoid of faith and prayer is merely a hunger-strike and perhaps a weight reduction tool, loss of appetite mechanism or detoxication method.

    For your fasting to have an effect on any mountain, it is imperative to first have faith in the Almighty God, that He is and that He has power to save and deliver for “..without faith, it is impossible to please Him” (Heb. 11:6). Then, you can embark on the fasting and must lade it with serious regular prayers. It might be necessary to digress here that for prayer to be effective brethren, you must ensure that you don’t have sin in your life, you must have also genuinely forgiven all that have erred against you and come to Him in penitence ( Is. 1:15-18, 59: 1-3; Matt. 6:12-14). When you have done this, whatever mountain before you shall be lifted up at your command. And, this shall be your portion, as you embark on this fasting, in Jesus’ name.

    What is a mountain? A mountain is that frightening ‘Goliath’ in your life; it is that problem asking, ‘where is your God?’; it is that power that is behind aimless life journey; it is that problem that is capable of turning a 40 days trip to a 40 years journey; it is that power that has introduced strange sicknesses into your life or problems into your family, education or staff of bread; it is that issue that you have prayed about but which has decided not to shift but abide with you; it is that drug or life challenge that people have agreed will be with you as long as you live. A mountain can also be an animate being (Zech. 4:7).

    When you fast with faith and prayer, it doesn’t matter for how long the mountain had been with you, it shall relocate of it’s own accord and your life shall experience peace, in the name of Jesus. Besides that, Jesus Christ had promised that nothing shall by any means be impossible with you – what an awesome promise!

    Lastly, during this Lenten season, and in your desire to allow it have a meaning, you must forsake every act of wickedness, commit yourself to doing good, be charitable to the hungry, attend to the poor, pay attention to the less-privileged, assist brethren and be a blessing to your community. God has promised that “Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily: and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the Lord shall be thy reward”. (Isaiah 58:8).

     

    Prayers: Oh Lord, help me during this time of lent to do your will and do not allow me to fast in vain, in Jesus’ name.

  • Feeding fasting Muslim sparks fury

    Outraged by the incident of force feeding an Indian Muslim man fasting for Ramadan by an Indian lawmaker representing Ultra-nationalist Shiv Sena Party, Muslim leaders and opposition parties have demanded an investigation of the racial incident.

    “The incident turns much controversial and inhuman as the victim of this barbaric act is a Muslim who is fasting during Ramadan,” India’s opposition parties wrote in a letter to parliament speaker Sumitra Mahajan demanding an inquiry into the incident, Hindustan Times reported on Wednesday, July 23.

    “We would request you to uphold the dignity of the House by ordering an inquiry and also direct the government for an immediate inquiry and appropriate action so that such wanton behavior is no longer repeated.”

    Considering the incident a threat to their religious freedom and a blow to secularism, Muslim leaders announced, during a meeting in New Delhi, plans to meet President Pranad Mukherjee over the incident.

    “The Shiv Sena has always spread communal hatred. The MP should be arrested. But what is more shocking is Parliament did not censure the MP,” asked Zafarul Islam Khan, the editor of Milli Gazette, a community magazine.

    The incident has revived Muslims’ fears of facing restrictions on religious freedom and being discriminated against under the leadership of Narendra Modi.

    “My worry is that we will face more incidents like this under the Modi government,” said Professor Arshad Gauhar, the president of the Mumbai-based National Muslims Alliance, a think-tank.

    Describing the incident as “shocking”, Congress member M I Shanavas said it is “cutting at the root of secularism.

    “MPs who should be role models have become bad models … the faith of minorities has been tarnished. The House should condemn it,” the Press Trust of India news agency reported.

  • Beyond fasting

    Beyond fasting

    Emirs and Northern leaders must fully join  the war against insurgency in the North East

    The directive by the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar ibn Garbai, that all residents of Borno State should embark on three-day fasting and prayer to seek divine intervention to the insurgency that has led to killings of hundreds of people in the state is welcome, if only for the fact that it marks active engagement by traditional leaders in the zone in the quest for solution to the crisis. Exasperated that all measures taken so far by the Federal Government, including an all-out military offensive, have failed, the traditional ruler said only God could return peace to the state and the other two states where a state of emergency had been imposed since last year. He called on all Muslims to offer special prayers in all mosques in the state, and Christians in all churches.

    In the early period of the armed uprising, traditional and other leaders of the region were accused of refusing to comment on the untoward development. Earlier in the month, The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, called for continuous prayers for peace, unity and development in the country. He noted that, without peace and stability, there cannot be progress.

    While noting that the Emirs are coming late to the party, and are yet to employ strong enough terms in deprecating a development that has turned many into internal refugees, destroyed families and disrupted social relationships, the actions and comments being made now represent a new face in the concerted efforts to combat the threat to national sovereignty.

    It must be noted, however, that prayer and fasting alone are not enough to combat the menace. The military has been deployed in the area. A Civilian Joint Task Force has evolved to complement the armed forces and governments of the three states where the emergency has been declared have been unsparing in condemning the war against the Nigerian state. We call on the traditional rulers and leaders of the North to step up their engagement. The moving speech by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Alhaji Aminu Tambuwal,at the plenary of the House is a step in the right direction. The resolution by the House to probe allocation of funds for troops’ welfare is equally commendable. Other leaders of the North should join in the quest to isolate the murderous gang.

    As we noted in previous editorials, what is obviously lacking is intelligence gathering. The military cannot win the war against suicide gangs except its moves are guided by intelligence. All governments, federal, state and local, must work together to stamp out the menace. It does not help efforts to curb the menace when the Borno State Governor, Alhaji Kashim Shettima sends out distress call based on his observation and appraisal of the situation, only to be abused by federal agents. The various governments must work in concert. The Federal Government, especially President Goodluck Jonathan who is the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, must appreciate that the state government is closer to the people and its views must be respected.

    We join conflict resolution and security experts who have called on the Federal Government to seek cooperation of neighbouring countries like Cameroun, Chad, Mali and Niger Republic in prosecuting the war. Fundamentalism and terrorism has assumed international dimension and require collaboration by friendly states to successfully terminate the evil.

    As Governor Shettima said, the Nigerian State is at war. Huge resources are being used to execute the war plans and the opportunity cost is that funds that could have been expended in revamping the education system, fix infrastructure and arrest the growing tendency to seek medical attention abroad are being diverted to fighting this senseless war.

    The traditional rulers should realise that they were part of the process that gave rise to the menace. Many traditional rulers who are supposed to be closest to the people, observe trends and report to the government have lost the local touch and are more of mouth-pieces of governments in the bid to live big. They are regularly spoilt with exotic cars bought with state funds and they depend on governments to build mansions for them. Thus, they lost their relevance in the social setting. Besides, in the Boko Haram case, they kept silent for too long, thus giving the impression that they condoned the development. It took attacks on palaces and emirs for them to issue tame statements.

    If the war against the Boko Haram insurgency must be fought and won, it must go beyond prayer and fasting. The insurgents must be made to see that all Nigerians, irrespective of religious, ethnic and social orientation are one in condemning their actions. Emirs have a crucial role in mobilising their people to denounce and fight the insurgents.

  • Unveiling the blessedness of prayer and fasting! (2)

    Last week, I brought to you the first segment of this monthly teaching. I said we don’t wait for prophecies to be fulfilled; we are to engage in spiritual warfare to actualize the fulfilment of prophecies (1 Timothy 1:18).

    So, prayer and fasting are not for our punishment, but for our ‘furnishment.’ They are the covenant platforms for the fulfilment of our glorious destiny.

    Also, I taught on profitable approach to fasting. Among others, I said before we embark on prayer and fasting, our purpose must be clearly defined.

    This week, in continuation of that teaching, I will be considering the benefits of prayer and fasting.

    •They are platforms for deliverance from all evil: ‘All evil’ here means unwanted habits, addictions and all sins that easily beset us. So, we lay aside every weight that easily besets us on the platforms of prayer and fasting (Isaiah 58: 6, 8). Please understand that we are not righteous by our confessions, but by practice.

    •They facilitate answers to prayers: We can only maximize the blessings of fasting by effectual prayers. Then shalt thou call, and the Lord shall answer; thou shalt cry, and he shall say, Here I am. If thou take away from the midst of thee the yoke, the putting forth of the finger, and speaking vanity (Isaiah 58:9). So, fasting is a platform for guaranteed answers to prayers.

    •They are platforms for explosive grace: That is where we are standing in God’s agenda. We saw this grace at work in the life of Christ, when He returned from the 40 day-prayer and fasting. His level of command changed sporadically. The Bible in Luke 4:14 says: And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee: and there went out a fame of him through all the region round about.

    •They are platforms for securing favour from God: Queen Esther bade Mordecai to engage in a fast with her and her maidens for three days. After the fast, she received divine favour (Esther 4:16-17; Esther 5:2-3).

    •Also, Nehemiah obtained a very strange favour from God, while in a fast (Nehemiah 1:4-11). Thereafter, he went to the king with his petition and the king had no resistance because the hand of God was upon him (Nehemiah 2:4-11).

    •Empowerment for fulfilment of prophecies (1 Kings 18:41-44): We pray and fast prophecies to speedy fulfilment. There are certain oppositions that will never surrender except by prayer and fasting (Matthew 17:21). And Elijah the Tishbite, who was of the inhabitants of Gilead, said unto Ahab, As the Lord God of Israel liveth, before whom I stand, there shall not be dew nor rain these years, but according to my word (1 Kings 17:1).

    Elijah spoke as he was commanded by God, yet, he did not wait idly for the prophetic word to be fulfilled. Rather, he engaged in spiritual warfare and prayers for its fulfilment.

    The Bible says in James 5: 17-18: Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months. And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain…. So, he didn’t just speak, he engaged in prayers to see the Word fulfilled. So, prophecies may lie fallow forever, if nobody prays them into fulfilment.

    Therefore, we must beware of selling our birthright to our stomach like Esau did (Genesis 25:29-34). We are not waiting on the Lord by being without food; rather, we wait on the Lord by standing in His presence and praying our lives into higher realms of grace. And as he prayed, the fashion of his countenance was altered, and his raiment was white and glistering (Luke 9:29).

    Receive grace to maximize this great prophetic season of exceeding grace that will launch you to your realms of exceeding greatness!

    Friend, the power to benefit from the above is available, if you are born again. You get born again by confessing your sins and accepting Jesus as your Saviour and Lord. If you are set for this new birth experience, please say this prayer: “Lord Jesus, I come to You today. I am a sinner. Forgive me of my sins. Cleanse me with Your precious Blood. Today, I accept You as my Lord and Saviour. Thank You Jesus! Now I know I am born again!” I will continue this message next week.

    Every exploit in life is a product of knowledge. For further reading, you can get my books: Winning Prayer and Keys To Answered Prayer and Born To Win.

    I invite you to come and fellowship with us at the Faith Tabernacle, Canaan Land, Ota, the covenant home of Winners. We have four services on Sundays, holding at 6:00 a.m., 7:35 a.m., 9:10 a.m. and 10.45 a.m. respectively.

     

    I know this teaching has blessed you. Write and share your testimony with me through: Faith Tabernacle, Canaan Land, Ota, P.M.B. 21688, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria; or call 7747546-8; or E-mail: feedback@lfcww.org

  • ‘Fasting should not be seen as ritual’

    Majority Leader of the Lagos State House of Assembly Ajibayo Adeyeye has said Ramadan period should not be seen as a ritual but rather a way of life.

    He enjoined people not go back to the bad behaviour they left when Ramadan began.

    Adeyeye spoke at the Ramadan lecture he organised for Muslims in his constituency at Kosofe.

    According to him, “you leave some bad behaviour during fasting and I know the holy books preach that you should not go back to them after fasting. That is the most important message any Muslim and Christian should take out of the fasting period. Whatever you left during fasting, you should strive not to go back to them after the period of fasting.”

    Though a Christian, Adeyeye said as a public officer, he has both Christians and Muslims in his constituency.

    Commenting on the lecture, delivered by Imam AbdulQuadri Kilani, Adeyeye said it is all about peace, well being and for the people to behave well.

    “I don’t see any reason why any well-meaning Nigerian will not support that. That was why I decided to support them and ensure that the lecture went well and you can see it was well attended.

    “The most important message in the lecture was that of unity and peaceful co-existence among Christians and Muslims and the fact that we have enjoyed a relative peace in this part of the country than other parts; to encourage our people to continue to live together as we have always done. We have inter-marriages between Christians and Muslims here and we don’t want that to stop because that has gone a long way to help peaceful co-existence,” Adeyeye said.