Political Leaders, Citizens Must Sacrifice for the Country to Progress – Ajimobi

Sakin Babalola, Ibadan

The Governor of Oyo State, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, has enjoined the country’s leaders and followers to be prepared to make sacrifices for its development in the spirit of collective responsibility to bail the country out of the pervading trying times.

The governor gave the advice in an interview with journalists shortly after participating in the Eid-el Kabir prayers at Agodi prayer ground, Ibadan, in company with some members of the state executive council, as well as the Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Alhaji Dauda Makanjuola, and other Islamic faithful.

He called on citizens of the country and by extension the people of the state to perform their civic responsibilities and to play the role expected of them for the progress and prosperity of the country.

Speaking on the essence of the Sallah celebration, the governor admonished the people and those in position of authority to ensure that they fulfilled every promise they made, which, he said, was in line with the teachings of the holy Quran.

Ajimobi said, “For every position we occupy in life, there is a responsibility. As Prophet Ibrahim sacrificed his son, we should also be ready to sacrifice. We should not always expect that only God must give, every individual must also give in order to get.

“For me, Eid-el Kabir signifies promised fulfilled. When a promise is made, we must ensure that we fulfill it. As government, we must endeavor to fulfill all our promises.”He admonished the people to have strong believe in the ‘Change Agenda’ of the present administration, noting that the problem being faced by the country today was as a result of long time financial indiscipline by political leaders as well as the followers.

He added,  “The problem being faced today emanated from past mismanagement of our resources, lack of adequate planning, lack of infrastructural development and lack of adequate structure to propel development. So, every individual must play his or her role for the economic situation to improve.”

The Chief Imam of Ibadanland, Sheikh AbdulGaniyu Agbotomokekere, had earlier led prayers at the ground and slaughtering of ram, in accordance with Islamic teachings.

While delivering his sermon, the chief Imam called for tolerance and peaceful coexistence among all residents of Ibadan, which, according to him, was in line with the teachings of the Holy Quran.

He counselled the people of the state to be vigilant and report any suspicious movement of unknown people to the security agents, just as he prayed for peace and tranquility of the state.