The Chairman of Ido/Osi Local Government Council in Ekiti State, Hon. Bamidele Omoleye, has distributed food items worth millions of naira and an undisclosed amount of money to over 200 Muslims.
According to Hon. Omoleye, the gesture was borne out of his desire to celebrate the Idel-Fitr festival and the break of Ramadan fasting with the Muslim community in the area.
While distributing the food items at the Local Government council headquarters in Ido-Ekiti, Hon. Omoleye noted that all food items used for the Iftar were sourced from local vendors. This, he said, reinforces the administration’s commitment to community empowerment by patronizing traders in the council area for economic stability and productivity.
Hon. Omoleye emphasized the need for solidarity and kindness while presenting the gift items. He expressed hope that the donation would ease the burden on fasting families and urged them to uphold the virtues of the holy month, emphasizing the importance of unity, compassion, and love.
The council boss highlighted the need for continued support to vulnerable groups within the community, particularly during times of religious observance. He pointed out that the initiative aimed to alleviate the burden on families during this sacred time and ensure that all citizens can observe Ramadan with dignity and ease.
“Giving gifts during Ramadan, also known as ‘Zakat’ or ‘Sadaqah,’ holds significant spiritual and cultural importance in Islamic tradition,” Hon. Omoleye said. “I learned that giving gifts during Ramadan demonstrates charity and generosity, essential virtues in Islam. This gesture, without any political undertones, was borne out of this understanding.”
The Chief Imam of Usi-Ekiti, Alhaji Dahud Alagbede expressed gratitude to the Chairman and his executive council on behalf of the Muslim faithful. He stated that the assistance means a lot to them, especially during Ramadan, and would serve as succor to citizens during this period.
“It would surely cushion the hardships faced by the majority of people in our Local Government council and neighboring towns and villages,” he said. “We pray that Almighty Allah guides the leadership of the council to pilot the affairs of the council to safety.
