Oghenenyerhovwo Ohwotemu, Warri
Rt. Hon. Thomas Ereyitomi, Member of the House of Representatives, representing Warri Federal Constituency hosted Arewa Muslims and other Islamic faithfuls in his Constituency to an Iftar dinner in Warri, the commercial hub of the state.
The Islamic faithfuls, including Imams, women and youths were drawn from the various mosques in Warri Federal Constituency, particularly those in Warri and neighbouring Effurun.
Members of the political class in Warri South, Warri South West and Warri North Local Government Areas, which made up the Warri Federal Constituency were present at the gathering.
Seated to join Ereyitomi to host the Muslim Community were business mogul, Evangelist Tony Aderojo, alias TONCO, Special Adviser to Delta State Governor on Community Development, Dr. Tony Agbolayah, Chairman, Warri South LGA, Mr. Weyinmi Agbateyiniro, his Vice, Mr. Kingsley Edafiadjebre and his Warri South West LGA counterpart, Mrs. Christy Omamofe.
In his welcome address, Rt. Hon. Ereyitomi called on the Muslims to dedicate their time for prayers for Delta State in particular and Nigeria in general, adding that the Ramadan period offers a moment for every Nigerian to reflect and pray for the country.
Chief Ereyitomi reflected on the significance of Ramadan, which coincides with the Lenten Season and called for a deep introspection and reaffirmation of commitment to Nigeria’s unity.
Chief Ereyitomi, who is the Chairman, House Commitee on Petroleum Resources, Training Funds, commended the Arewa and other Muslim adherents for living in harmony and concord with their hosts, he charged them to sustain the tempo.
According to Rt. Hon. Ereyitomi, “let us try to know that we are a community of one people. Let us know that the North, South, East and West are just for administrative convenience. Let us be united, if we are divided, we are not helping ourselves and the government at all levels.
“This sacred month (Ramadan) of reflection and renewal reminds us to choose stability over strife, collaboration over conflict and dialogue over discord,” Ereyitomi further implored his guests.
Highlight of the ceremony was a special prayer session for Chief Ereyitomi, his family and Constituents by the elated Muslim faithfuls.
They were later treated to a sumptous Iftar dinner ahead of presentation of Ramadan gifts and cheques for donations to tbe various mosques in Warri and its environs.
No fewer than 15 mosques in Warri and Effurun received cash donations of N1m each from Chief Ereyitomi in aid of Infrastructural upgrade, amidst encomium poured on the lawmaker by jubilant recipients.
The appreciative recipients described the gesture variously as “unprecedented and uncommon.”
In his vote of thanks, Mallam Ahmed Abdul-Kadiri Shuru, spokesman to the Muslim faithfuls prayed and expressed his deep heart felt appreciation to Chief Ereyitomi for his kind gesture of benevolence to the Muslim community in Warri and its environs.
Mallam Shuru particularly thanked him for the huge Ramadan gifts and donations he made to them, ìncluding the women, youths and others whom they represented in the visit.
He assured Rt. Hon. Ereyitomi of their unwavering support and solidarity, now and in the future.
According to Mallam Shuru, “permit me to say the truth, we have had some individuals representing Warri Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Abuja, since the advent of the ongoing political dispensation in 1999 to date. None of them has shown such a kind gesture as you, Rt. Hon. Thomas Ereyitomi has done now. We thank you for always showing respect and concern for the Muslim Community in your Constituency, especially the Arewa nucleus of the Islamic faith.
“No Representative of Warri Federal Constituency till your time has ever invited the Muslim faithfuls to his house to celebrate a Muslim festival. In fact, your own is quite unique because you invited us at a time that every Nigerian needed help. Thank you sir”, Shuru added.
The cheques were presented to beneficiaries by Ereyitomi and his guests.
