BY JOHN EBIOFINI
Muslim faithful in Ondo State have converged on Akure Township Stadium to mark this year’s new Islamic year HIJRAH 1443.
HIJRAH is the migration of Prophet Muhammad from Mecca his birth place to Medina as a result of stiffed oppositions of pagans.
The occasion was organised by the National Council of Muslim Youth Organization, NACOMYO, Ondo State.
The event was also used to read the whole Quran as a page was given to every individual to read.
The Chief Imam of Akure Land Abdulhakeem Yayi Akorede led the reading of the Quran as he prayed for peaceful coexistence among Nigerians.
Speaking on the topic “Insecurity in all fronts: the way forward”, the Executive Secretary, Muslim Umman, Southwest Nigeria, Professor Muslih Yahaya stressed that the nefarious activities of men had destroyed the nation
Also speaking, the chief Imam, Government House, Akure Ustaz Yunus Anola explained that HIJRAH was the migration of Prophet Muhammad to Medina.
Ustaz Anola therefore beckoned on Nigerians to imbibe the spirit of accomodation as Prophet Muhammad brought all people together to promote peace among different tribes.
Presenting a book to the Muslim leaders, the UNICEF Representatives, Nigeria, Peter Hawkins represented by communication of Development Specialist, UNICEF Akure Field Office, Mrs Aderonke Akinola-Akinwole said the agency was identifying with the Muslim community to promote child’s Rights.
In a welcome address NACOMYO Coordinator in Ondo State, Alhaji Yekini Alli advised Ondo State government to employ more Arabic teachers into the public schools.
Alhaji Alli also demanded from the state government to declare HIJRAH as a public holiday for the Muslim community to mark the exact day as it was being declared in neighbouring states.
Among those that attended the ceremony were Ondo State Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu represented by the Chairman Ondo State Muslim Welfare Board Alhaji Adams Sikirullahi, Ondo state NOA DIRECTOR MRS ADEFOLALU A. O. REPRESENTED BY MR . AGUNBIADE, ONIBUJI OF IBUJI LAND HRM OBA SUNMONU FOLAGBADE OJO,
ALAFIN OF AFIN- AKOKO HRM OBA PROF. ABDRAHEEM MUSTAPHA ADEJORO, OLU OF ITA-ONIYAN, Chief ISIAQ AKINYEMI, THE CHIEF IMAM OF IDANRE KINGDOM SHEIKH ALH. JIMOH ALLI, THE CHIEF IMAM OF OKA-AKOKO SHEIKH ALH. ABUBAKAR MOHAMMED ISA, THE STATE MISSIONER OF TIJANIYYAH AND OBRAHIMIYYA, SHEIKH ALH IBRAHIM ARIKEUSOLA.