By Amuda Dan Sulaiman Fab
The Kogi State chapte of the Islam
ic Forum of Nigeria on Saturday held its 1447AH Pre-Ramadan Lecture at the Isah Kutepa Central Mosque in Lokoja, attracting a large gathering of Muslim faithful ahead of the holy month.
The programme commenced with the recitation of the Glorious Qur’an by Muhammad Bulama, setting a solemn and spiritually uplifting tone for the event.
In his opening remarks, the Chairman of the occasion, Justice Etsu Umar, commended members of the Forum for sustaining the annual lecture series, describing it as a commendable initiative that continues to enrich the spiritual lives of Muslims in the state.
He called on Muslims to embrace the forthcoming Ramadan with sincerity, humility, and total devotion to Allah, urging them to use the sacred month as a period of self-reflection, unity, and generosity towards the less privileged.
He also stressed the importance of peaceful coexistence and mutual respect among residents of Kogi State, irrespective of religious or ethnic differences.
Earlier, Malam Nasiru Eldeen Yusuf, noted that the programme marked the 16th edition of the pre-Ramadan lecture, explaining that the objective remains to adequately prepare Muslims spiritually and morally for the fasting period.
He expressed appreciation to scholars and members of the Forum for their commitment to sustaining the annual gathering.
Delivering the keynote lecture titled “Ramadan: A Pathway to Jannah,” Ustaz Abdullahi Idris of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) Headquarters, Lokoja, described Ramadan as a divine opportunity for self-discipline, increased worship, and spiritual purification.
He emphasized that fasting goes beyond abstaining from food and drink, stressing that Muslims must guard their speech, actions, and intentions.
According to him, true success in Ramadan lies in developing taqwa (God-consciousness) and sustaining the lessons learned even after the fasting period.
Ustaz Idris further encouraged parents to use the month to instill moral values in their children, urging families to pray together and study the Qur’an regularly.
He also called on wealthy individuals to support vulnerable members of society, especially during the fasting period.
The event featured goodwill messages from Islamic scholars and community leaders, who praised the Islamic Forum of Nigeria for its consistency in promoting religious enlightenment in Lokoja.
The lecture concluded with special prayers for peace, unity, economic stability, and development in Kogi State and Nigeria at large, as participants described the programme as timely and spiritually rewarding ahead of the 1447AH Ramadan.
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