The Muslim community in Imo State on Monday was put in a Sallah mood ahead of Tuesday when the leadership took delivery of 600 bags of 50kg of rice and five big cows donated to them by Governor Hope Uzodimma to enable the Muslim faithful in the state have a joyous 2021 Eid-El-Kabir celebration.
The Governor’s gift was presented to the Muslim Community in Imo State by the Secretary to the State Government, Chief Comas Iwu, in a brief ceremony at the Government House Owerri.
Iwu who commended the cordial relationship between the Muslims and non-Muslims in Imo State said that as a result of their role in helping to maintain peace and tranquility in Imo state, Governor Uzodimma always enjoys fraternizing with them, more so during an ocassion like the Sallah.
Iwu said in order to assist them join their brothers and sisters all over the world to celebrate the feast of sacrifice, the Governor was pleased to donate the 600 bags of 50Kg rice and five cows, noting that “it is just a show of love that Governor Uzodimma has for Muslim faithful in Imo State.”
Iwu added: “Since inception of the Shared Prosperity Government in Imo State, the Governor has demonstrated a lot of love and magnanimity to the Muslim community. This is exemplified in his inclusive governance system that accommodated Muslims in his cabinet, the SSA on Northern Affairs and the SSA on Northern Women Mobilization.”
The SSG advised them to continue in their peaceful disposition and sincere practice of their religion as it proffers peace, harmonious relationship and co-existence of all human beings created by God.
Receiving the gifts, Head of the Muslim community in Imo State, Seriki Hassan Awwal Baba Sule acknowledged the cordial relationship between the government and the people of Imo with Muslim faithful in the State.
He informed that Eid-el-Kabir is a Muslim celebration used to remember the total submission of Abraham to Allah when he answered the call to use his son, Ishmael for sacrifice to God.
On behalf of the Muslim community, he said the gifts presented to them by the governor were a “show of brotherliness, love and care to, not only the Muslims, but all citizens of Imo State.”
He called on all Muslims in the state to ensure that peace, which Imo State is known for, continues to reign.
In an address, the Chairman Muslim Council of Imo State, Prince Basheer Uwakwe expressed their profound gratitude to the Governor for all his love and care since assumption of office in Imo State.
He recalled the support, gifts, encouragement and care that the Governor extends to them from time to time and prayed Almighty Allah “to reward him immensely” and give the Governor peace in his tenure.
The Muslim Council of the State seized the opportunity to call on all Muslims and non Muslims in Imo State to join hands to ensure that there is peace and love among all the different ethnic groups, especially between the Muslims and the Christians. “This will bring progress and development to the benefit of all in Imo State.”
They thanked the Governor for the Sallah gifts and assured they will endeavour to ensure they get to those they are meant for.
Those present at the event were the Chief of Staff Government House, Barr. Nnamdi Anyaehie, the Principal Secretary to the Governor, Dr. (Mrs.) Irene Chima, the Oba of Yoruba, the Chief Imam of Imo State, Barr. Suleman Njoku, the SSA to the Governor on Northern Women Mobilization, Hajia Fatima Hansan, among others.