What have you set out to achieve for the board and for Muslims in Ondo State?
First, I want to say that we are happy to have Mr Rotimi Akeredolu as our governor. He has shown considerable interest in the programmes of the state’s Muslim community. Now, the perception of many people is that the duty of the Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board is limited to hajj operation, but it goes beyond that. The late former Governor Olusegun Agagu had amended the law in 2005 such that the board was now charged with the responsibility of taking care of all things that affect the welfare of Muslims in the state. So, our duty is not limited to hajj operation; we engage in many other things that enhance the propagation of Islam in the state and particularly the welfare of Muslims.
The board is also involved in establishing a good relationship between Muslims and Christians so we can tolerate one another and live together peacefully. The Muslim community has expressed its readiness to work with me and the board. The head of the Muslim community in the state and the chairman of League of Imams and Alfas have visited me to express their support. They also mentioned to us, some of the things they expected from us. While expressing delight that this was the first time the government would be putting a round peg in a round hole, they expressed their readiness to work with me to ensure the growth of Islam in the state. Our board will always protect and promote the welfare of Muslims in the state and advise the government on matters relating to our well-being.
We will also ensure a harmonious relationship between Muslims and Christians and among members of the general public in the state. The board will, within the limits of its resources and provisions of the law, safeguard the interests and welfare of Ondo State pilgrims. Apart from this, we assist pilgrims in matters relating to foreign exchange.
Muslims have complained of being sidelined in terms of appointments by previous governments in the state. Do you think the present administration will correct the situation, especially considering the fact that the percentage of Muslims in the state is low?
I want to assure you that Akeredolu’s government will be different from what we had in the past. He has been able to identify with our cause as regards many issues.
Looking at the first set of appointments he made when he assumed office, Muslims got three of the six slots. This is a pointer to the fact that Akeredolu is ready to involve Muslims in the administration of the state. This was not the practice in the past. Although we had people who were qualified, most of them were sidelined. But now, this imbalance will be corrected. The governor has promised to be fair to Muslims in forming his cabinet. With some of the actions he has taken so far, Akeredolu has established himself as the best Muslims-loving governor the state has ever produced and we will not relent in praying for the success of his administration.
Muslims in the state have expressed delight at the return of the hajj camp to them. What efforts are you making to put the facility back in shape?
We thank Allah for making the return of the camp possible. It is a Christian governor who has returned the camp to us. This is commendable. I want to give the assurance that with this development, this year’s hajj operation will be smooth and every Muslim in the state will have cause to smile. I also want to assure the governor of our support at all times.
Would you say the recession facing the country is affecting this year’s Ramadan fast?
Although the recession has been biting hard, we thank God for providing for us at every point of our needs. I can assure you that the country is gradually coming out of the recession and I want to use this opportunity to call on all Muslims across Nigeria to pray for the country in this holy month of Ramadan. Again, I want to appeal to foodstuff sellers across the state against hiking the prices of commodities at this period, considering the economic situation. There is no reason for traders to make life unbearable for their neighbours. Let us observe this Ramadan period with the fear of Allah and guard against atrocities that could prevent our prayers from being answered. We need Allah to get us out of this recession. I want to appeal to well-to-do individuals in our society to be generous to the underprivileged and be charitable towards the needy at this period. Cheerful givers stand to be richly blessed in return by Allah in this blessing-laden month.
How would you describe the relationship between Muslims and Christians in the state?
We are living together peacefully here. We are brothers and sisters and this is one thing the state has been enjoying – peace. Peace is an important ingredient of development and I am sure that the peace being enjoyed in the state will usher in unprecedented development under the present administration in the state. Muslims love peace. Islam does not preach violence. We are peace-loving people. The Holy Bible also preaches peace and love and that is why we are going to use this Ramadan period to pray for the consolidation of the cordiality between us and our Christian brothers and sisters. We all must pray for the peace and development of Nigeria. God has brought us together. And He does not make mistakes. He does His things with care. He has not brought us together to fight and kill one another but to live together peacefully under His sun.
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