The Speaker, House of Representatives, Alhaji Aminu Tambuwal, on Friday called on Muslims to use the Ramadan period to pray for peace, unity and progress of the country.

According to him, Ramadan is a time of sacrifice, a time when Muslims abstain from the physical pleasures of this life.

In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs, Malam Imam Imam, Tambuwal said it behoved on all Nigerians, especially Muslims to dedicate much of their time to acts of worship.

He said all Nigerians should use the Ramadan period to embrace love for one another, sacrifice for the overall growth and development of the nation.

The Speaker further urged Nigerians to let their actions match their prayers.

"As we begin the Ramadan fast, we must take actions that match our prayers.

The holy month is a period of sacrifice, prayers and reflection on our attitudes and contributions to nation-building.

"It bears here that without peace and unity, socio economic development will continue to elude our society,"he said.

Tambuwal prayed for an end to the spate of bombings, ethno-religious conflicts and other acts of insecurity bedevilling the country.

In another development, Rep. Mulikat Akande-Adeola (PDP-Oyo), the majority leader of the House has condoled with Gov. Abiola Ajimobi over the death of his mother Sikirat Ajimobi.

This is contained in statement issued and signed by her Principal Information Officer, Mr Adesoro Austen.

Akande-Adeola described the death of Ajimobi as a huge and irreparable loss to the entire people of Oyo state.

She said that Ajimobi died at a time her advice and wisdom was mostly needed by her son.