Stories from KABIRU YUSUF, Abuja

“Irrespective of our acclaimed religions, when we join each others to dine and celebrate major events together, we are blunting the religious divisions and bringing each other closer”, he stated.
According to the President who stated this at the first breaking of fast he hosted for ministers and some of his personal aides at State House, Monday, doing so will make all religious followers to understand each other.

He said Christian clergymen who had joined him to break the fast during Ramadan in the past found the experience worthy of emulation and pledged to do the same in their locations.
The month of Ramadan, the president added must be recognised as a period for “rededication, personal sacrifice, worship and commitment to God. We need all these in our country today”.

He thanked the ministers and his aides for their commitment, dedication, loyalty and sacrifice, and added that “any worthy service must cost you something”.

Earlier, in his speech, the Head of Service of the Federation, Alhaji Yayale Ahmad, had commended the President for taking spiritual leadership by participating in the Ramadan fast even though he is not a Muslim.

The Head of Service explained that this year’s fast is at a time when the country is passing through trials, but added that President Obasanjo was no stranger to trials, and God had always seen him through.

He stated that the President’s consistent stand for truth and correctness is a great example to Nigerians worthy of emulation.
Those at the breaking of the fast included the ministers of water resources, commerce, labour, works (state), education (state), Director General, Budget, Chairman, Nigerian Railway Corporation and Senior Special Assistant, Aviation.