In the quiet spiritual rhythm of the holy month of Ramadan, kakalistiq.com reports that the ancient town of Igbooye, Epe became a meeting point of faith, remembrance, and reflection as political leaders, clerics and community members gathered for the annual Ramadan lecture hosted by the Executive Director, Government Relations, Project Management and Business Development at LAGRIDE Nigeria Limited, Hon. Adeniyi Saliu.
The gathering, which had an array of party stalwarts and political leaders in Eredo LCDA, was more than a religious exercise, it was a heartfelt tribute to the enduring legacy of his late father, Alhaji Sikirullai Saliu, whose memory continues to inspire faith, acts of charity and community service.
In his address, Hon. Saliu expressed deep gratitude to political and community leaders across the Eredo for standing with his family in honoring the patriarch whose life embodied devotion and generosity. The former council chairman explained that the Ramadan lecture had gradually grown into a cherished annual tradition, one that now belongs not only to his family but to the entire Igbooye community. Beyond the spiritual nourishment, the event also carried a charitable purpose as palliatives were distributed and funds were raised to support the development of the community’s central mosque, an enduring symbol of Islamic faith in the town.
The guest lecturer and Grand Mufty of Igbooye Land while delivering a deeply reflective sermon, reminded the gathering that wealth and influence must never eclipse the consciousness of God. He praised Soliu for nurturing what began as a modest parlour gathering into a community-wide spiritual assembly. According to the cleric, true leadership lies not only in political achievements but also in steadfast devotion, observing the five daily prayers, practicing charity, and fulfilling the obligations of Zakat despite the pressures of public office.
With a tone both humorous and instructive, he recalled how he often reminds the host about prayer, jokingly asking, “Saliu, have you prayed?” – a reminder he said was necessary in a world where the distractions of politics can easily overshadow spiritual duty. Yet he urged the host to continue his charitable efforts even when politics withholds applause, praying that divine favour would never deny him recognition before God.
Also speaking, the lawmaker representing Epe Federal Constituency at House of Representatives, Hon. Wale Raji, seized the moment to call for unity and harmony among political actors in Eredo. He noted that Ramadan is not only a season of fasting but also a time to strengthen bonds of peace and mutual respect. According to him, the true measure of leadership lies in the legacies it leaves behind.
Raji reaffirmed his commitment to equitable development across communities, revealing that new educational projects, a primary and secondary school, would soon rise in Odomola, alongside the construction of a 1.3-kilometre Town Hall Road. For him, such interventions are acts of service performed with the consciousness that leadership itself is a responsibility before Almighty Allah.
Chairman of Eredo LCDA, Hon. Ismail Akinloye, echoed the call for unity, urging leaders and residents alike to avoid the destructive habit of undermining others. In his words, the sky is wide enough for every bird to fly in Eredo, and no individual’s progress should threaten another’s destiny.
He reminded the gathering that while human appreciation may be fleeting, divine reward is certain, warning that every deed, good or evil, returns to its doer. For believers, he said, the obligation remains clear: continue to do good, even when gratitude is scarce, because ultimately it is Almighty God who rewards sincere service.
As prayers closed the evening, the gathering stood as a vivid reminder that Ramadan does more than discipline the body, it awakens memory, renews faith, and challenges leaders to measure their influence not only by power, but by the legacy they leave in the hearts of their people.
