• Chief Imam urges children to obey parents
Imo State governor, Hope Uzodimma, has donated 600 bags of rice and five cows to Muslims in the state to mark Eid-el-Kabir. The donation, which took place, yesterday, at Government House, Owerri, was handed over by Secretary to the State Government, Cosmas Iwu.
The governor described the gesture as a “show of brotherliness, love and care.”
He admonished Muslims to pray fervently for peace, unity, love, prosperity, stability and security. According to him, there is no better time to pray for Nigeria than now when the country is being threatened by security breaches and crimes.
In a message signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Oguwike Nwachuku, Uzodimma charged Muslim faithful to use the opportunity offered by the Sallah celebrations to strengthen peace, love and unity.
“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 Mobilisation,” the message reads in part.
In his speech, the head, Muslim community in the state, Sariki Hassan Awwal Baba Sule, said the occasion gives them a chance to be close to all and especially their Maker.
The chairman, Muslim Council of Imo State, Prince Basheer Uwakwe, expressed gratitude to Uzodimma for the gifts and the harmonious relationship with Igbo in the state.
The Chief Imam, 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, Enugu, Col. Isah Sadiq, meanwhile, has urged children to obey their parents to attract Allah’s blessings on their future.
Sadiq, who is also the Deputy Director of 82 Division Islamic Affairs, gave the admonition in a sermon during a prayer to commemorate Eid-el-Kabir at Abakpa Military Cantonment, Enugu, yesterday.
He said obedience is a debt children owe their parents. He described it as the only path to attracting Allah’s blessings and progress.
He said: “Goodness to one’s parents is a virtue every child must learn and imbibe to be uplifted to greatness by Almighty Allah. Children must learn from the obedience and submissiveness of Ismail, the son of Prophet Ibrahim, to his father, Prophet Ibrahim, in the course of the sacrifice as written in the Holy Quran.”
He also urged Muslims and Nigerians to continue to pray for President Muhammadu Buhari; Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Faruk Yahaya and the Division’s General Officer Commanding, Maj.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, for Allah’s guidance and protection.
Also, Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi State, yesterday, tasked Muslims to imbibe the lessons of the religious festival, which reinforces sacrifice, tolerance and total submission to the will of God.
The governor, in a statement signed by Special Assistant to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Mr. Francis Nwaze, restated the determination of his administration towards ensuring peace, growth and development of the state and the country.
