By Olohunkemi Tajudeen
… Seek Government Intervention for the Motherless Home
The League of Imams and Alfas, Southern Nigeria, Edo and Delta, has appealed to the Ekiti State Government to urgently intervene in the challenges confronting the Erelu Adebayo Motherless Home in Iyin-Ekiti, particularly the lack of a vehicle to transport children to hospital for medical treatment.
The President-General of the League, Alhaji Dr. Jamiu Bello Kewulere, made the commitment on Thursday when he led a delegation of Islamic scholars and Imams on a humanitarian visit to the home as part of activities marking this year’s Eid-ul-Maulud celebration.
The visit followed a press conference held by the League on Tuesday to herald a week-long programme of activities lined up to commemorate the birth of Prophet Muhammad (SAW).
Sheikh Kewulere explained that the visit was inspired by the teachings and exemplary life of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), particularly his emphasis on compassion, care for the vulnerable, kindness and support for people in need.
He said the Maulud celebration should go beyond ceremonies and provide an opportunity for Muslims to demonstrate the values preached and practised by the Prophet through meaningful acts of service to humanity.
According to him, the decision to visit the motherless home was also aimed at identifying with the children, showing them love and reminding them that they are valued members of society.
He said the League considered it important to use the occasion to provide immediate assistance while drawing attention to the challenges requiring longer-term intervention.
The Matron of the home, Mrs. Modupe Ajayi, who received the delegation, had identified the absence of a dedicated vehicle for conveying the children to the hospital as one of the major challenges facing the facility.
She appealed to governments, organisations and well-meaning individuals to assist the home in addressing the problem.
Responding, Sheikh Kewulere pledged to draw the attention of the Ekiti State Government, through the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Habibat Adubiaro, to the urgent needs of the home, with a view to securing appropriate government intervention.
The delegation also presented food items and financial assistance to the home to support the feeding, welfare and general upkeep of the children.
The gesture was appreciated by the management, which commended the Islamic leaders for demonstrating compassion and remembering the children during the Maulud celebration.
The visit was attended by the Chief Imam of Ire-Ekiti, Alhaji Jamiu Zubair; Imam of Iyin-Ekiti, Alhaji Hussein Sanusi; Secretary of the League of Imams and Alfas and Imam of the Government House Mosque, Alhaji Abdul Fattah Olohunkemi; and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Faith-Based Organisations (Muslim), Hon. Arimiyah Owoeye.
Others included the Imam of Iworoko-Ekiti, Alhaji Abdus-Salam Hassan Taiwo; Imam Abdul Hakeem Afenifere, Faharu-l-Ulamohu Ekiti; Imam of Ode-Ekiti, Alhaji Idris Yunus; Sheikh Jamiu Ajise, representing the Tijaniyyah in Ekiti State; the Media crew headed by Imam Olorunda Community, Alhaji Yusuf T. Akeusola; representatives of FOMWAN, Iya Sunnah and Alasalatu, as well as other Islamic leaders and dignitaries.
At the end of the visit, Sheikh Kewulere offered prayers for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, seeking divine guidance, wisdom, good health and success for the leaders.
He also prayed for peace, stability and prosperity in Nigeria and Ekiti State, stressing the importance of compassion, brotherhood and service to humanity, which he said remained central to the teachings of Islam.
The humanitarian outreach, according to the League, reaffirmed its commitment to supporting vulnerable members of society and promoting the spirit of love, care and communal responsibility beyond religious celebrations.
