By Amuda Dan Sulaiman Fab
The Kogi State Council of Ulama’u on Sunday celebrated the commencement of the 1448 Hijrah Islamic New Year and unveiled the 1448 Hijrah Calendar at a colourful ceremony held at the Muhammadu Buhari Square, Lokoja.
The event attracted a large gathering of Islamic scholars, traditional rulers, government officials, politicians, students, and members of the Muslim community from across the state.
The ceremony commenced with an opening prayer offered on behalf of the Chief Imam of Lokoja, Sheikh Aminu Shaban, by Sheikh Abubakar Adamu, followed by the recitation of verses from the Holy Qur’an.
Special prayers for Kogi State and the nation were offered by the State Chairman of the Council and Chief Imam of Ankpa, Sheikh Salman Adams.
In his welcome address, Sheikh Salman Adams, represented by the Council’s Vice Chairman, Justice Isa Okino, appreciated guests for honouring the invitation and emphasized the significance of Hijrah in the lives of Muslims.
He urged Muslims to imbibe the lessons of sacrifice, unity, and perseverance associated with the migration of Prophet Muhammad (SAW).
“Let our Hijrah this year be a migration from indifference to active responsibility, from disunity to solidarity, and from complacency to purposeful action,” he stated.
He also advised Muslim youths to shun social vices and embrace education, discipline, and good moral values.
The Chairman of the occasion, Alhaji Dr. Saleh Amodu, the Madaki of Lokoja and Makama of Kakanda Kingdom, commended the organizers for sustaining the annual Hijrah celebration and promoting Islamic values in society.
He was represented by the Agankyu of Kakanda Kingdom, Engr. Faruq Mohammed Kakanda.
The Royal Father of the Day, the Ohi of Koton-Karfi, Dr. Saidu Akawu Salihu, praised the Council of Ulama’u for its efforts in fostering religious enlightenment and unity among Muslims.
He called on the faithful to remain committed to peace, tolerance, and nation-building.
A major highlight of the event was a lecture delivered by Hon. Justice Yakubu Abbas, Kadi of the Kogi State Sharia Court of Appeal, who spoke on the lessons and contemporary relevance of Hijrah.
The celebration also featured a colourful march-past by students of various Islamic schools and the official unveiling of the 1448 Hijrah Calendar.
Dignitaries in attendance included the Kogi State Commissioner of Police, senior government officials, traditional rulers, Islamic clerics, political leaders, community stakeholders, and other distinguished guests from within and outside the state.
The event ended with prayers for peace, security, unity, and continued development in Kogi State and Nigeria as Muslims across the world commence the 1448 Hijrah calendar year.
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