By Musa Tanimu Nasidi
The Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, has felicitated Muslim faithful in the state and across the country on the occasion of the Islamic New Year, Hijrah 1444 AH.
Governor Bello made the remarks on Sunday at this year’s Muslim New year celebrations organised by Kogi State Council Of Ulama’u, which took place at Muhammadu Buhari Square, Lokoja.
He urged Muslim ummah in the state to continuously pray for the peace and prosperity of the state and Nigeria in general.
He said Hijrah no doubt ,kindled the light of hope in the heart of early ummah who set a shining example for all Muslims to emulate.
.The Governor congratulated Muslim Ummah in the state on the opportunity to witness a new Islamic year, urging them not to relent in praying for the state and the country.
Earlier in his welcome address, Chairman of Kogi state council of ulama’u and chief Imam of Ankpa, Sheikh Salman Adam,Commended Governor Yahaya Bello for his continuous support to all religious groups in the state by ensuring that the state is secured at all time.
He described this year’s celebration as unique, stressing that,”I want to place on record that this year’s commemoration ,just like the last Hijrah commemoration is significant to the council of ulama’u and the Muslim ummah in so many respects. This is because,the Foundation laying ceremony of council of ulama’u Ultra Modern Guest- Inn will be laid today, as part of the Hijrah commemoration ” he said.
The chairman noted that Hijrah began when the Holy Prophet Muhammad migrated from Mecca to Madinah, adding that Muslims must continue to demonstrate good neighbourliness, love and dedication to the state.
He enjoined them to work deliberately to ensure peaceful coexistence at all times.
According to him, the essence of Hijrah is that it is a process of transfer to a better situation, a search for an environment more favourable to the continuous and constructive effort.
Imam Adam admonished Muslims in the state to follow the lessons taught by Prophet Muhammad following his immigration to Madinah.
Highlights of the ceremony includes; unveiling of this year Hijrah calender, lectures , donation by groups and individuals and foundation laying ceremony of the council’s Ultra – modern Guest- inn,which was performed by the representatives of governor Bello, assisted by Lokoja local government council chairman, hon Danasabe muhammed Danasabe.
