By Musa Tanimu Nasidi
Kogi state Governor, Yahaya Bello have congratulated Muslim community in the state on the occasion of Hijrah 1445,the Islamic New year.
The governor, who was represented by the state
Commissioner for Finance and Economic Development, Asiwaju Asiru Idris, described the migration of the Prophet Muhammed from his birthplace to Medina as a watershed in world history.
Speaking at the annual Hijrah event in Lokoja on Saturday, the state capital, Bello said the ideals of Hijrah formed a strong foundation for good ethics and self restrict system built on non-aggression, mutual cooperation, respect for dissents and human rights, and collective security.
He charged Muslims to reflect on the essence of Hijrah and imbibe the lessons of perseverance, tolerance, steadfastness, piety, and amity inherent in the season.
The governor further called for continuous support and prayers from Muslims and Nigerians generally for the nation and its new leader, His Excellency Alhaji Ahmed Bola Tinubu, “so that he’ll be able to conquered all the challenges facing our country “
Bello,who appealed to Islamic clerics to advised their followers on the need to bear with the present Administration, however assured people of the state of his administration’s determinations to alleviate the hardships been face due to the removal of subsidy.
“As an administration that has respect for consensus building and peace, we are working out a palliative measure where everyone would feel the impact” he added.
In his welcome address, chairman of Kogi state council of ulama’u, Sheikh Salman Adam,who was represented by former Gand Khadi of Kogi state,Rtd justice Sulaiman Olorufemi ,commended governor Yahaya Bello for his continuous support to all religious groups in kogi state and for ensuring that the state is secured against criminals.
He enjoined Muslims to use the privilege of witnessing the year 1445 AH to come closer to Allah and rededicate their lives to His divine service and humanity.
“Muslim also enjoined to intensify prayers for good , responsible and responsive leadership in the state and county at large” he added.
In his remarks,the Ohimege igu of koton karfe, HRM Abdulrasaq Isah Koto, while congratulating Muslim ummah on this year Hijrah ,called on them to dedicate themselves to the ideals of Hijrah.
The royal father commended Kogi state Council of ulama’u for organising the annual event and assured them of his commitment to the propagation of Islam.
This year’s ceremony was graced by the Hon Asiru Asiwaju Idris, HRM Ohimege igu of koton karfe, Magajin Gari of Lokoja, Kogi state chairman of JNI,Ambassador Usman Bello.
Others includes: reps of member representing Lokoja Kogi federal Constituency, Hon Suleiman Aguye, Hon Tijjani Shehu Bin-Ebiya member representing Lokoja 1 Constituency, Royal fathers, Islamic clerics politicians and host of others.
Highlights of the event includes: lecture on “SELF ASSESSMENT AND EVALUATION ” delivered by, Ustaz Muhammad Muhammad Bello, Registrar,Shari’a Court of appeal and the launching of 1445 AH calendar.
