By Kelvin Obambon
In a significant move to strengthen interfaith harmony and support vulnerable groups, the Cross River State Government has celebrated the holy month of Ramadan by reaching out to the Muslim community, with a specific focus on supporting widows.
The high-powered delegation expressed commitment to the “People First” mandate of Governor Bassey Edet Otu, stressing that Cross River remains a beacon of hospitality and peaceful coexistence in Nigeria.
Speaking during the donation of bags of rice to widows at the Calabar Central Mosque on Friday, the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dr. Erasmus Ekpang, who led the government delegation, noted that the visit was a directive from Governor Otu to celebrate the Ramadan season.
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“It’s a replica of what we always do at almost every other feast of the Muslims. We always come to join our hands together to see how well we can celebrate and live in a peaceful atmosphere for us to understand that we are brothers, regardless of our religion,” Dr. Ekpang stated.
He further noted that the state’s relationship with the Muslim community is “seamless,” highlighting ongoing efforts to renovate mosques and the recent approval of funds by the Governor to assist pilgrims for the Hajj exercise.
According to the Commissioner, this year’s celebration held a special significance as the government focused its outreach on Muslim widows, particularly those whose husbands died in active service. He disclosed that the initiative was also supported by the Governor’s wife, Bishop Eyoanwan Otu, through her NGO, Humanity Without Borders.
Also speaking, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Religious Matters, Apostle Frank Umo, lauded the behavior of the Muslim community and their continuous prayers for the state and nation. He specifically urged the faithful to pray for global peace, particularly in the Middle East, to prevent further escalation of international conflicts.
“We came here to let the world know that it is possible for Christians and Muslims to live together in harmony,” Apostle Umo said. “Let the spirit of Ramadan put us in the right perspective where we know that we should be our brother’s keeper.”
Responding, Imam Kabir, Chairman of the Muslim Pilgrim Welfare Board, expressed profound gratitude for the food packages distributed to the widows.
“The Governor has been so kind enough to send this wonderful food package to all the Muslim widows in Cross River State so they too should enjoy the benefits and the blessing of the holy month,” Kabir said. “Any community where widows are properly taken care of, the blessings of Allah are always there.”
The Imam who led the prayers, commended Governor Otu and the First Lady for their leadership. The Muslim faithful also used the occasion to pray for the recovery of the state’s oil wells and celebrated the Governor’s recent accolades, including being named “Silverbird Man of the Year.”
On her part, Idayat Oyetunde, the Female President of Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat, praised the Governor’s gesture, describing it as a demonstration of the “true virtues of Christianity” and a reflection of a leader who cares for all regardless of faith.
The event culminated in a renewed commitment from both the government and the Muslim leadership to maintain Cross River’s reputation as one of the most peaceful and friendly states in the country.
