Lagos State Ministry of Home Affairs

LAGIS STATE GOVERNMENT
MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS
PRESS RELEASE

Sanwo-Olu Preaches Sustenance of Ramadan Virtues as Lagos First Family Hosts Muslim Faithful for Eid Celebration

The Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has urged Muslim faithful to sustain the virtues of discipline, sacrifice, compassion, and devotion imbibed during the holy month of Ramadan.

The Governor spoke on Saturday at the 2026 Eid ul fitr celebration hosted by the Lagos First Family in collaboration with the Ministry of Home Affairs at Lagos House, Ikeja.

Addressing the gathering, Governor Sanwo-Olu , who spoke through the Secretary to the State Government, Barrister (Mrs. ) Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin, emphasized that the lessons of Ramadan go beyond the fasting period and should reflect in daily conduct, relationships, and service to humanity.

He noted that values such as selflessness, tolerance, and generosity are critical to building a more peaceful, united, and prosperous society, particularly in a diverse state like Lagos.

“Ramadan teaches us discipline, love, and sacrifice. As we celebrate Eid, I encourage all of us to sustain these virtues and continue to promote peace, unity, and understanding in our communities,” the Governor said.

The Governor also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to inclusive governance, assuring residents that efforts would continue to improve the welfare of all Lagosians, irrespective of religious or ethnic backgrounds.

Also addressing guests at the event, the First Lady of Lagos State, Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, highlighted the importance of compassion and care for the less privileged, especially during festive periods.

She encouraged well-meaning individuals and organizations to extend acts of kindness to those in need, noting that such gestures embody the true spirit of Ramadan and Eid.

The First Lady further commended the Muslim community for their prayers and support for the peace and development of Lagos State, urging them to remain steadfast in promoting harmony and mutual respect.

The Commissioner for Home Affairs , Hon. Ibraheem Layode described the annual gathering as a unifying platform that fosters stronger bonds between government and the people.

He appreciated all the invited guests and attendees of the event for creating time to come together to mark the successful completion of Ramadan and the joyous occasion of Eid.

He called for renewed call for continued prayers for Lagos State and Nigeria, as well as a collective commitment to uphold the virtues of Ramadan in everyday life.

A Muslim cleric who delivered the lecture at the event , Dr Sa'eid Ahmad, on the theme: “FulfillingThe Pre-Existence Covenant, Q7:172-174, explained that the referenced verses remind humanity of a divine covenant made with Allah before earthly existence, where every soul affirmed the oneness and sovereignty of God.

According to him, this spiritual agreement forms the foundation of human accountability and serves as a constant reminder of mankind’s ultimate purpose, to worship, obey, and remain conscious of the Creator.

Dr. Ahmad noted that the essence of Ramadan lies in reconnecting with this covenant through acts of devotion such as fasting, prayer, charity, and self-discipline.

The Eid celebration featured prayers and moments of reflection, as participants expressed gratitude to Almighty Allah for the grace to witness the end of Ramadan.

E-Signed
Folashade Adebayo
Director, Public Affairs Unit

Photos from the 2026 Lailatul Quadr organized by the Lagos State Government. Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwoolu was represented by the Head of Service, Mr. Olabode Agoro. The First Lady of Lagos State, Dr.(Mrs.) Claudiana I joke Sanwoolu and Wife of the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Oluremi Hamzat were in attendance.. Other State dignitaries and Divisional Imams also attended the ceremony.

First Lady of Lagos State , Dr. (Mrs.) Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu attended Day 13 of 2026 Ramadan Tafsir/Iftar ongoing at the Mosque Complex of the Lagos House, Ikeja.

LAGOS STATE GOVERNMENT
MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS

PRESS RELEASE

Ash Wednesday: Sanwo-Olu Urges Prayer and Spiritual Reawakening

The Lagos State Ministry of Home Affairs on Wednesday organized an Ash Wednesday service to mark the commencement of the Christian fasting season of Lent, with the theme, “Repairing the Broken Altar.”

The solemn service was held at the State House Church, Alausa, Ikeja, drawing Christian faithful and government officials together in prayer and reflection.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu was represented at the event by his Deputy Chief of Staff, Mr. Sam Abube.

In his opening remarks, the governor described the Lenten season as a period of sober reflection, repentance, and renewed closeness to God.

He urged Christians to seek divine forgiveness and remain steadfast in faith despite challenges, encouraging them to “look unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith” in all circumstances.
Delivering the exhortation, the President Chaplain of Chapel of Christ the Light, Rev. (Dr.) Dele Ajayi, preached from 1 Kings 18:30.

He emphasized that every individual is born with a divine purpose, noting that “none of us came to life by the desire of our parents; we came because God has a purpose for us.”
Rev. Ajayi called on believers to “repair their broken altars,” stressing the need for spiritual restoration and personal revival. He also observed the unique moment of both major religions in the country observing fasting periods simultaneously, describing it as significant for national unity and prayer.

He encouraged Nigerians to take responsibility for the nation’s future through prayer and faith, adding that efforts are ongoing to address the country’s challenges.

Special Adviser to the Lagos State Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Bishop Taiwo Ajose, also joined the faithful to mark the beginning of Lent.

Speaking during the service, Bishop Ajose described Ash Wednesday as a significant event in the Christian calendar, symbolizing the start of a 40-day period of fasting, prayer, and repentance leading up to Easter.

“This is the period we believe we need to pray for our state and our nation,” he said.

“We ask God to grant us the grace to rebuild the broken altars of our state and our country.”

He urged Christians to use the Lenten season to seek God’s guidance, unity, and restoration for Lagos State and Nigeria, expressing hope that sincere repentance and devotion would usher in peace, progress, and divine blessings.

Prayers were offered for the President and his family, the Governor and his family, Lagos State, and Nigeria at large.

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent in many Christian denominations and is traditionally observed with the imposition of ashes on the foreheads of worshippers as a symbol of repentance and humility.

Folashade Adebayo
Director, PAU
Ministry of Home Affairs

Ash Wednesday Ceremony at the Lagos House Chapel to herald the 40days Christian Fast. The Governor was represented at the event by the Deputy Chief of Staff, Mr. Sam Egube.

LAGOS STATE GOVERNMENT
MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS
PRESS RELEASE

Gov. Sanwo-Olu Urges Unity, Peaceful Coexistence at Ramadan Prayer

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has called on residents to embrace unity, peaceful coexistence, and responsible civic engagement as the State enters the holy month of Ramadan.

The Governor made the call at a Special Pre- Ramadan Prayer held on Tuesday at the Lagos House Mosque, Ikeja, where he was represented by the Lagos State Head of Service, Mr. Olabode Agoro.

Speaking on behalf of the Governor, the Head of Service conveyed his goodwill to the Muslim faithful and emphasised the significance of Ramadan as a period of reflection, sacrifice, compassion, and renewed devotion to Almighty Allah.

He noted that the sacred month serves as a reminder of the shared responsibility to uphold justice, kindness, and integrity in all aspects of life, especially in public service.

According to him, Ramadan reinforces the values of patience, discipline, empathy, and selflessness, which are critical to achieving the vision of a Greater Lagos.

“True leadership is measured not by power, but by compassion; not by authority, but by service,” he stated.

The Governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to implementing policies and programmes that uplift the vulnerable, support families, create opportunities for youths, and promote peace and interfaith harmony across the State.

He assured that the government would continue to prioritise inclusion, social support, and community development to ensure that no resident is left behind.

While describing Lagos as a State blessed with diverse cultures, traditions, and religions, the Governor urged residents to use the Ramadan period to pray for unity, peace, and continued progress of the State and the nation.

He also called for prayers ahead of the forthcoming electoral cycle, urging citizens to seek divine guidance and wisdom in the discharge of their civic responsibilities.

The Governor emphasised the importance of peaceful and orderly elections, stressing that the unity and stability enjoyed in Lagos must be sustained.

He further appealed to religious and community leaders to guide young people towards responsible citizenship, encouraging eligible youths to participate actively and peacefully in the democratic process.

According to him, constructive youth engagement remains key to strengthening democracy and building a stable and prosperous society.

The Commissioner for Home Affairs, Hon. Ibraheem Layode, also seized the opportunity of the Special Ramadan Prayer and
urged residents to extend love to one another, support the less privileged, and embrace forgiveness during the holy month.

While wishing Muslim faithful a spiritually fulfilling Ramadan, he prayed that Allah will accept the fasting, prayers, and good deeds, and grant all Muslims the grace to witness many more in good health and prosperity.

The Special Ramadan Prayer was attended by religious leaders, scholars, members of the State Executive Council, Permanent Secretaries and other stakeholders within the Muslim community.

E-Signed
Folashade Adebayo
Director, Public Affairs

Pictorials of the Parade and Wreath Laying Ceremony for Y2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day held at the Remembrance Arcades, Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos.

Interdenominational Thanksgiving Service in commemoration of Y2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day held today at the Chapel of Christ The Light, Alausa, Ikeja.

Dedicated Jumat Service held at the Lagos Secretariat Community Central Mosque, Alausa to commemorate Y2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day.

The event was attended by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, members of the State Executive Council, Body of Permanent Secretaries, Military Personnel and members of the Nigerian Legion, Lagos State Council.