As Muslim faithful begin the month-long Ramadan fasting today (Wednesday), state governors and other eminent personalities have called on Muslims to pray for success in governance and security in Nigeria.

Leading the session of admonitions on the eve of Ramadan on Tuesday were members of the Northern States Governors’ Forum, led by its Chairman, Governor Babangida Aliyu of Niger State.

Other governors, who sent out goodwill messages included governors Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti State), Aregbesola (Osun State), Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun), Jonah Jang (Plateau), Abdulfatah Ahmed (Kwara), Seriake Dickson (Bayelsa) and former Abia State Governor, Kalu Orji.

The NSGF called on Muslim faithful to use the holy month of Ramadan to pray to Almighty Allah for quick resolution of the security challenges currently confronting the nation.

Aliyu made the call on Monday in a Ramadan message signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Danladi Ndayebo

Aliyu enjoined Muslims to conduct themselves very well during the holy month in order to maximise the spiritual and physical benefits inherent in the month.

Ahmed, Kogi State Deputy Governor, Yomi Awoniyi, and  the 2011 governorship candidate of the Action Congress of Nigeria in Kwara State, Mr. Dele Belgore (SAN), called on Muslim faithful  to intensify their prayers during the Ramadan for the quick resolution of the security and other challenges currently confronting Nigeria.

Ahmed urged Muslim faithful to pray more for the continued peace and unity of the country especially with the security challenges across the country.

Fayemi, congratulated Muslims for witnessing another season of Ramadan.

He described Ramadan as "the glory of all months in the Islamic calendar."

According to the governor,  Ramadan offers an opportunity to draw closer to Allah and deepen relationship with him in submission to his will.

Amosun, on his part, urged Muslim faithful to observe the injunctions of Ramadan, as contained in the Holy Koran.

He said attributes, such as self discipline, compassion, alms giving, studying of Koran and prayers, among others, should define the Holy month for all Muslims.

Aregbesola said as a nation, what the people, leaders and followers, needed to do is to come together and forge a harmonious relationship for the betterment of the country.

He said, "This is a month of sacrifice, perseverance and austere discipline; a period of humility, sober reflection, prayer and shower of blessings."

 Kalu called for sober reflection during the Muslim fasting season, Ramadan. He congratulated Muslims on the commencement of the exercise.

Dickson said, "The period of the Fast also offers you a unique opportunity to demonstrate our love for one another as Nigerians, Muslims and non-Muslims alike."