Member of the House of Representatives, representing Warri Federal Constituency in Delta State, Rt. Hon. Thomas Ereyitomi, on Saturday, 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 LGAs, 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.
Also, former Chairman of Warri North LGA, Ambassador Adughe Okorodudu, former Vice-Chairman, Warri South West LGA and Senior Special Assistant to Delta State Governor on Political Affairs, Mr. Bleson Omadoye, Secretary, Warri South LGA, Mr Emma Nunu, PDP’s Chairman, Warri South, Mr. Richard Pessu, PDP’s Publicity Secretary in Warri South LGA, Mr. Emiko Oghomienor and PDP’s Woman Leader, Warri South West LGA, Ms. Rose Tulu, among other notable personalities, were guests of the federal lawmaker at the Iftar dinner.
In his welcome address, Ereyitomi, urged the Muslims to continue to dedicate their time for prayers to 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.
Ereyitomi, according to excerpts of his speech revealed by his Special Assistant in charge of New Media, Mr. Great Kpenosen, 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.
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 and urged them to sustain the tempo.
“Let us try to know that we are a community of one people. Let us try to know that the North, South and West are just for administrative convenience. Let us be united for if we are segregated, 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 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 the cash donations to tbe various mosques in Warri and its neighbourhood.
No fewer than 15 mosques in Warri and Effurun received a cash donation of N1m each from Ereyitomi in aid of Infrastructural upgrade, amidst ecomiums poured on the lawmaker by jubilant recipients.
The appreciative recipients described the gesture variously as “unprecedented and uncommon.”
In his vote of thanks, the spokesman to the Muslim faithfuls, Mallam Ahmed Abdul-Kadiri Shuru, prayed and thanked Ereyitomi for his usual sense of benevolence to the Muslim community in Warri and its environs.
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 Ereyitomi of their unwavering support and solidarity, now and in the future.
“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. No one has shown such a kind gesture as you, Rt. Hon. Thomas Ereyitomi. 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 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.
