In a gesture of compassion and support during the holy month of Ramadan, the Secretary to the Edo State Government (SSG), Umar Ikhilor, has provided N1 million to empower 100 Muslim widows.
The donation was announced at the Eminent Muslims Forum of Nigeria’s Ramadan Lecture and Empowerment Programme held on Tuesday in Benin City.
The initiative aims to alleviate the economic pressures faced by widows during Ramadan, a period of fasting, prayer, and increased charitable giving.
Representing the SSG at the event, Alhaji Yusuf Bako, Secretary-General of the Forum, conveyed Ikhilor’s commitment to supporting vulnerable members of the community.
“I inquired about the arrangements for this programme and learned that 100 widows were being supported,” Bako quoted Ikhilor as saying. “I decided to contribute N1 million—N10,000 per widow—to ease their burden during the Ramadan.” he added.
The SSG lauded the Eminent Muslims Forum for its ongoing commitment to empowering widows and promoting Islamic knowledge, encouraging other Muslim organizations to follow suit. He expressed hope that the financial assistance would provide much-needed relief to the recipients.
Alhaji Ali Muhammad, President of the forum, highlighted the organization’s dedication to spreading Islamic teachings and providing practical support to the Muslim community through empowerment initiatives.
“This programme, held annually during Ramadan, provides both spiritual guidance and material support to Muslims in Edo State,” he stated, adding, “It has become a cherished tradition, like a ‘festival of yam,’ as we also distribute food items at the end of the programme,” explained Muhammad, who was also represented by Alhaji Yusuf Bako.
Mallam Luqman Muhammad, Chairman of the occasion, urged attendees to embody the principles of Prophet Muhammad by extending kindness and love to all, regardless of their faith.
Several beneficiaries expressed their sincere gratitude to the SSG and the Eminent Muslims Forum for their timely intervention, emphasizing the significant impact the support would have on their lives during Ramadan. They also appealed for the continuation of such impactful initiatives. The empowerment program underscores the importance of community support and compassion during the holy month of Ramadan.
