Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has flagged off the Muslim Feeding Program at the Edo State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board office, in Benin City, as part of the State support program.
Obaseki who appreciated Muslim faithful for their continuous prayers for his administration, acknowledged the coincidence of the support program with the mandate of Islam which advocates care for the needy, noting that a similar gesture had earlier been extended to Christians in the state.
According to the Governor, “This morning, I am here to launch the Muslim Feeding Programme. We have done same for Christians. Fortunately, Islam mandates us to take care of the needy, and to continue to give alms. It is part of the doctrine. So, what we are doing is nothing new.
“What is different this time, is that we are looking at those who do not have at all, those who cannot reach the government, but they will come to the mosque to look for help. That is why I have taken money, to say, I will buy food every month, at least for the next 3 months; I will not give it to politicians and government workers; I will give it to Imams and Pastors to look for those people who cannot eat and give them food.”
Obaseki also used the opportunity to bid Hajj intending pilgrims farewell, charging them to pray for the nation, touching specially on the current challenges.
He said: “What we have done in the last 7 years is because we believe that Edo is one; whether you are Muslim or non-Muslim, it does not matter. You are Edo. And as your Governor, I am responsible for you; and that is what we have tried to demonstrate.
“So, when you are fulfilling your religious obligations, such as going for Hajj, and you have made your own sacrifices, and you face challenges, we as government should come and support you where we can, just like we support others.”
On his part, the Chairman, Edo State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Sheikh Ibrahim Oyarekhua, appreciated the Governor for his support, highlighting the state government’s provision regarding the feeding programme.
He said: “In this journey to the Holy Land, we have a total number of 300 intending pilgrims – 164 males and 136 females. For the feeding program, We have 10,000 10 kg of rice and 4,000 10kg of beans, that are shared in the manner below: 4,750 for Edo South, 2,750 for Edo Central, 6,500 for Edo North.”
Also present at the occasion were the Peoples Democratic Party candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo and his running mate, Barr. Osarodion Ogie; Commissioner for Youths and Humanitarian Affairs, Hon. Zubairu Dada Abubakar; Chief Imam of Benin Central Mosque, Alhaji Abdulfatai Enabulele; amongst others.