L-R: Chief Imam of Lagos State House, Ikeja, Alhaji Mutiu Ogunbado; Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Religion (Christian), Very Rev. Bukola Adeleke; Wife of Vice Chairman, All Progressives Congress (APC), Lagos chapter, Mrs Arinola Ajose; Wife of Head of Service, Mrs Abisola Muri-Okunola; Ex-Officio, Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO), Mrs. Rhoda Ayinde; Senior Pastor, Abundant Life Gospel Church, Rev. (Mrs.) Janet Onaolapo; representative of Lagos State First Lady/Wife of Deputy Governor, Mrs Oluremi Hamzat; COWLSO General Secretary, Mrs Yewande Olorunrinu; COWLSO member, Mrs Nkem Sofela; Chief Imam, Habeebat Mogaji Central Mosque, Ikeja, Alhaji Akilapa Musa; and Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Religion (Muslim), Alhaji Hammed Jebe, during a special prayer by Lagos women for peace and security in Nigeria, held at Lagos House, Alausa, Ikeja, on Friday, June 18, 2021.
The wife of the Lagos State Governor, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu has called on Lagosians to be vigilant in view of the security situation in the country.
A statement by Olubukonla Nwonah, Assistant Director, Public Affairs, Office of the First Lady, informed that the governor’s wife made the plea while leading women in prayers against insecurity on Friday, June 18 at the Lagos State House.
Dr. Sanwo-Olu was represented at the event by the wife of the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Oluremi Hamzat.
She said prayer had become imperative in view of the challenges confronting the country.
She however reiterated the need for residents, especially women to be security conscious, adding: “We have to take the bull by the horns and be mindful of movements around us. When you notice something strange or suspicious, please alert your neighbors and promptly report to security agencies.”
The governor’s wife is reported to have said further that, “the situation in the country requires all hands to be on deck to seek God’s face for the return of peace and tranquillity into the nooks and crannies of the nation.”
She said, “As mothers in the land, we have come together under the auspices of the Nigerian Governors’ Wives Forum (NGWF) to seek the face of God and pray for the peace and security in Nigeria. This prayer session is part of the seven-day National Prayer Programme declared by Governors’ Wives across the country.
“Any situation in God’s control can never get out of control. We have the assurance and firmly trust that our God will restore peace and tranquillity into the nooks and crannies of this country, and it is for this reason that we have gathered here today to pray,” she said.
She described prayer as the master key and potent solution to all mysteries and challenges of life.
Dr. Sanwo-Olu said the fact remains that the country at the moment was going through difficult times judging by the increase in cases of kidnappings, banditry, domestic and sexual violence, among other social ills.
“In the absence of peace, there can be no development. We are truly and genuinely interested in the progress of this country.”
She opined, “when women pray, speedy answers are granted from above, and this is why I am confident that as we lift our voices to God today, He will hear us and deal decisively with those troubling the peace of this country,”
Prayers according to the statement “were offered by religious leaders in the state, while the event was attended by members of the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO), among other women groups.”