By Sule ALIYU, Bauchi
Chief Imam of Bauchi, Bala Ahmad Baban-Inna has called upon the Federal Government to critically look at the high rate of over N1.5 million this year’s Hajj fare for possible reduction to allow common man perform the obligatory exercise in Mecca, Saudi Arabia.
Baban- Inna, in his Eid-el-fitr sermon at the Bauchi Eid-el ground marking the end of 2017 year’s Ramadan fast, noted that this year’s hajj fare has skyrocketed beyond the reach of the common man.
He told the Muslims faithful at the Eid-el ground led by the State Acting Governor, Engr. Nuhu Gidado and the Emir of Bauchi, Dr. Rilwanu Suleiman Adamu, of the need for the plea seeking reduction in hajj fare be forwarded to relevant Federal authorities for a succor to intending pilgrims.
The Eid-el fitr prayers were however critically performed when the Acting Governor – Nuhu Gidado, the Emir – Rilwanu Suleiman Adamu, dignitaries, and teeming male and female Muslims faithful were soaked-up in down-pour, a rainfall that lasted for about half an hour.
The Chief Imam drew the attention of the Muslims Umma to the significance of zakkatul fitr as an obligation of the Ramadan fast, and urged the Umma to poster brotherhood among themselves for God’s rewards and peaceful co-existence.
Imam Baban-Inna, who prayed for the quick recovery of ailing President Muhammadu Buhari, and urged idle youths against over-dependence on government for employment, as he want them device ways and means for self-reliance.
In his Eid-el fitr message, the Emir of Bauchi, Alhaji Rilwanu Suleiman Adanmu expressed optimism for the realization of the on-going exploration in the Benue trough that covers Bauchi state, hoping that it will be beneficial to the state and the country at large.
He prayed for the quick recovery of President Muhammadu Buhari from his ailment, and urged parents to give proper parental care to their wards, as well as assist the needy in the society.
The Emir also prayed for the repose of the soul of late Islamic Jihadist, Sheikh Usman Ibn Fodio, as well as bumper harvest for the current farming season.
Governor Mohammed Abubakar, who was on medical vacation in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, has in a Sallah message to the people restated the commitment of his administration towards ensuring peaceful and harmonious co-existence among the various groups and individuals in the state.
He described as paramount, the protection of lives and properties of the entire people of the state and called on them to join hands with the government to enable it succeed.
Abubakar said that government was not unmindful of the difficulties being experienced by the people occasioned by the economic recession, and charged them to use it as a stepping stone to greatness.
He said in line with the present administration’s effort to revitalize agriculture, government has already launched this year’s planting campaign and sales of fertilizer.
The Governor therefore called on the people to take advantage and embark on agricultural activities so as to boost the economy of the state and create job opportunities for the teeming youths of the state.
Abubakar urged Muslims to use the lessons of Ramadan fast and continue to be responsible in both utterances and conduct even after the period, as he charged them to reflect on past activities and take corrective measures towards improving their relationship with Almighty Allah.
The Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Kawuwa Shehu Damina, has also joined hundreds of well-wishers to commemorate this year’s Eid-el-fitr celebration with a call on Muslims to reflect on the teachings of the Holy Prophet.
He prayed Almighty Allah to accept our Ibadat and give leaders the wisdom, honesty and perseverance to lead righteously, and expressed appreciation to traditional, community leaders and leaders of thought for their fatherly advice to the Assembly in the areas of lawmaking, oversight and constituency outreach.
Damina thanked members of the Assembly for their support and encouragement and urged the staff to rededicate themselves and offer selfless service for the betterment of the society, and assured that the Assembly under his leadership would strive to improve its service, accept suggestions and constructive criticisms in good faith with a view to making amend.
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