The Oyo State Governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi has been commended by the Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Edo and Delta States, Alhaji Daud Makanjuola for declaring the first day of Islamic calendar (Hirah 1439 AH) public holiday.
Alhaji Makanjuola gave the commendation during the celebration of this year’s event organized by the National Council of Muslim Youth Organization (NACOMYO) held at Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, Ibadan.
The Aare Musulumi of Yoruba land, Edo and Delta States described Governor Abiola Ajimobi’s step as another great achievement the present administration in the state has recorded. He added that this has never happened in the history of the state despite the fact that the state has paraded Muslims as governors both as military administrators and civilians.
Alhaji Makanjuola, who compared the present situation in Nigeria to persecutions experienced by Prophet Mohammed (SAW) from his kinsmen that led to his migration from Mecca to Medina (Hijra), admonished Muslims all over the world to be focused, resilient and to believe that there will always be light at the end of the tunnel.
While commending the state governor for balancing the equation among major religious groups in the state, Alhaji Makanjuola advised Muslims all over the country to see themselves as brothers and sisters irrespective of class, ethhicity and colour as preached by Prophet Mohammed during the course of Hijrah.
Speaking at the event, Governor Abiola Ajimobi, who was represented by the Special Adviser on Community Matters, Alhaji Mursiq Siyanbade, stated that the Hijrah holiday was in tandem with the promise he made during last year’s celebration of Hirah to make every first day of Islamic calendar year a work free day.
Governor Ajimobi, therefore, urged Muslims in the state and beyond to imbibe and continue to uphold the lessons and principles of tolerance, steadfastness, dedication and goodwill in all their endeavours as established by Prophet Mohammed.
Earlier in his sermon, the Chief Imam of Basorun/Akobo Muslim Community, Sheik Habeebulahi Buhari, while speaking on “Good Governance and Recession Question: What Roles For Muslims?” stated that empowerment by distributing motorcycles “okada” and tricycles is not the way out of poverty.
The cleric urged governments at all levels to double their efforts in ensuring that more youths are engaged in agriculture to solve the problems of unemployment and food security if the country really wants to go out of recession completely.
This year’s Hijrah celebration was graced by the Chief Imam of Ibadan land, Sheik Abdulganniyy Agbotomokekere, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Azeez Adeduntan, Commissioner for Women Affairs, Atinuke Osinkoya, Chief (Mrs.) Olanrewaju Otiti, Alhaji Lateef Oyelade, Iyaloja of Ibadan land, Chief Iswat Ameringun, Chairman, Oyo State Muslim Community, Sheik Kunle Sanni and many other important personalities.
Packaged by Kunle Gazali and Dare Alesinloye
