Ramadan: Baale Donates Bags Of Rice To Support FUMCI Iftar Project
Moshood Aliyu
In the spirit of peaceful coexistence and religious tolerance, the Baale of Apapa road and Otumara Community and its environs, High Chief Kehinde Kalejaiye who is a Christian has extended his philanthropic acts to an Islamic non-governmental organization, Faith Unites Muslims Charity Initiatives (FUMCI) as he donates bags of rice to the organisation to support the organisation’s Ramadan Iftar project which has been on since the beginning of the Muslim fast.
Speaking on the reason for the gesture, High Chief Kehinde Kalejaiye at the FUMCI secretariat said the rice donation is an expression of the oneness of adherents of Islam and Christianity and that we must try to tolerate one another regardless of differences in our religious doctrines.
In a continued reaction, he said “I am a Christian but in spite of the obvious differences in our mode of worship, both Christians and Muslims are one and the same. We are all creatures of the same God. So, I felt there is need to felicitate and identify with the muslims during this period of fasting. Again, as this season is all about sharing, I felt it will be ideal to share God’s favour in my life with my fellow Muslim brothers and sisters. And I can only pray and hope for a more peaceful and harmonious community because both Christians and Muslims have been living in peace here in Lagos State. No religious intolerance, no violence of any kind and we are grateful to Almighty God for that.”
He added “ Muslim ramadan fast is a period for the Muslims to seek the blessings and forgiveness of God. But Christians too can tap into the blessed month, to seek forgiveness of sins and also pray to God to grant our heart desires both as individual, community and as a nation and for God to continue to strengthen the bond that unites us as a nation.“
Reacting to the largesse by the Baale, Amir of FUMCI, Ustadh AbdMuiz Zubayr said High Chief Kalejaiye has been a perfect example of a leader with a heart of gold.
He said, “We have been hearing about his philanthropic acts within and outside the community but it has never occurred to me that it will soon get to our turn. Our Baale has shown that he does not discriminate with people of other religion. He exhibits religious tolerance which I think is what we need to check insecurity and inter-religious conflicts in the country. I want to urge others to see those that do not belong to their religion not as enemy. We are one from Allah and despite the differences in our religions, we should learn to tolerate one and another for national and community prosperity.”
