NEWS
Ramadan: Foundation holds special prayer for Bago, others
By Suleiman Yakubu
In the spirit of Ramadan, the Maryam Kolo Foundation has held a special prayer session for Niger State Farmer Governor, Hon. Mohammed Umar Bago, to distinguish Senator Mohammed Sani Musa 313 and other elected and political leaders of Zone B in the state.
The prayers, which were held on Wednesday in the residence of the convener of the special prayer, Barr. Maryam Kolo, at London Street, Minna, featured the recitation of entire chapters of the Holy Quran and prayers for peace and unity, as well as the right direction for the leaders.
Explaining the rationale behind organising the prayers, the convener, Barr. Maryam Kolo, who is also a permanent member III of the state Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), said leaders need constant prayers for God's intervention in their affairs.
She observed that prayers were accepted quickly during the Ramadan period and that it was why they seized the opportunity to hold the prayer session for Allah SWT to take control of the affairs of the farmer governor and all other elected and appointed political office holders, particularly those from the B zone of the state.
Barr. Maryam Kolo added that the commitment of the governor in about 10 months of his administration is a pointer that good things are on the way for the state and people of the state, saying they don't want those good things to elude the state, hence the prayers for God's direction in the affairs of the governor and his subordinates.
"You know we are in Ramadan, a month that prayers are accepted quickly without any delay, so we feel we should take advantage of the period to pray for our leaders, of which the governor was top and closely followed by Senator Sani Musa 313 and the Chief of Staff and his deputy, including my big brother, Honourable Nma Kolo," she explained.
Barr. Maryam Kolo added that the governor was passionate about developing the state and came up with the New Niger Agenda, which he is vigorously pursuing and, as such, needs the support and prayers of all Nigerlites.
Mallam Auwal Sheriff Mohammed, who led the special prayer session, said the gesture was rightly done at the right time considering the period we are in now.
He added that the prayer is a good cause that was required by all at this critical period, as nothing a leader requires from his followers more than their support and prayers, quoting from verses of the Holy Quran and Hadith of the Prophet to justify the gesture by Barr. Maryam Kolo.
Mallam Auwal observed that if followers engage in positive prayers for their leaders, they enjoy more dividends of democracy from their leaders and commended Barr. Maryam Kolo for her foresight through her foundation, as he calls on other well-meaning individuals to emulate her, saying the gesture was a sign of genuine love and that they were happy about it.