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THE Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria (MUSWEN) has joined in lending support to the government and people of Borno State over the recent flood disaster in the state with a donation of N50 million.
A four-member delegation of MUSWEN comprising the President, Alhaji Rasaki Oladejo, the Executive Secretary, Professor Muslih Yahya; Alhaji Y.K.O. Abdulkareem and Alhaji Murisiku Siyanbade paid a visit to Borno State Friday last week.
According to a statement signed by the chairman of MUSWEN’s media and communication, MUSWEN, Alhaji Abdur-Rahman Balogun, the delegation’s first port of call was the Governor’s Office in Maiduguri where the group donated N50 million to the state government in support of the rehabilitation of victims of the flood disaster.
The delegation was received by the deputy governor, Alhaji Umar Usman Kadafur, on behalf of Governor Babagana Umara Zulum. Kadafur described the flood disaster as an act of God.
The MUSWEN delegation also visited the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Garbai Al-Amin El-Kanemi, in his palace. There, the MUSWEN president, Alhaji Oladejo, said: ”I am here with a delegation, on behalf of South West Muslim leaders, to commiserate with you and stand in solidarity with Your Royal Highness and the good people of Maiduguri on the September 10, 2024 devastating flood that ravaged the city.”
Oladejo, who doubles as the Deputy President-General (South) of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), added: “The flood disaster, which we heard also affected this hallowed palace of Your Royal Highness, brought immense anguish to residents who were still recovering from years of insurgency.
“The disaster, which struck at a critical time, has also aggravated the existing food and nutrition crisis in the North East region.
“The disaster also damaged vital infrastructure such as hospitals, schools, roads and bridges, cutting off connections to various outer destinations.”
Quoting from Qur’an chapter 49 verse 10 which says “Muslims are one single brotherhood. Be mindful of your duty to Allah so He may show you Mercy,” he said: “Thus, whatever affects Muslims anywhere affects all Muslims.
“We feel your pain. We stand with you in this difficult time and our thoughts are with those affected by the flood disaster. The flood’s impact on lives, livelihoods and infrastructure is heartbreaking.
“Let us continue to supplicate to our Maker, Almighty Allah, to forgive our shortcomings, show us mercy and restore absolute peace to Maiduguri and Nigeria in general.”
He told the Shehu of Borno: “Earlier today, we had an audience with His Excellency, Honourable Umar Usman Kadafur, the deputy governor of Borno State, who received us on behalf of His Excellency, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, the Executive Governor of Borno State.
“During the visit, we acknowledged the commendable efforts of His Excellency, the governor. May Almighty Allah continue to strengthen him.
“We also made our little financial contribution to the Borno State government towards providing for feeding and basic needs of our brothers, sisters and children affected by the flood disaster in Maiduguri, to mitigate the effect of the unfortunate incident.
“We are one and we stand with you always, Your Royal Highness. May Almighty Allah continue to show us mercy.”
Responding, Alhaji El-Kanemi thanked the delegation for the visit and donation. He lamented the loss the flood, which he also described as the will of Allah, caused the state.
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