The El Birru Muslim Association of Nigeria (EMAN) has called on Muslims and residents of Ebiraland to embrace moral transformation, peaceful coexistence and productive living as part of the lessons of the Islamic New Year.
The call was made by the Chairman of the Hijrah 1448AH Activities Committee, Alhaji Abu Imam Onizeiza (Dan-Amana Ebira), during the Hijrah Lecture, Launching of the Islamic Calendar and Awards Ceremony held at the Ohinoyi Palace Conference Hall, Okene, Kogi State.
Addressing participants, Alhaji Onizeiza said the Hijrah of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) was not merely a physical migration from Makkah to Madinah but a transition from oppression to justice, ignorance to knowledge, division to unity and poor character to exemplary conduct.
He urged Muslims to undertake their own personal Hijrah by abandoning negative attitudes and embracing honesty, patience, forgiveness and humility in their daily lives. According to him, the values of good character and compassion remain central to the teachings of Islam and should guide relationships within families and communities.
The EMAN chairman also stressed the importance of peaceful coexistence among people of different faiths in Ebiraland, noting that Muslims, Christians and adherents of other religions have lived together harmoniously for generations. He called on residents to reject hate speech, tribalism and violence, describing unity as the strength of the community.
Speaking on the role of youths, Alhaji Onizeiza encouraged young people to take education, skills acquisition and entrepreneurship seriously. He advised them to combine Islamic knowledge with modern education in science, technology and vocational training, while avoiding drug abuse, thuggery and other social vices.
He further urged Muslims to build on the legacies of renowned Islamic scholars and leaders in Ebiraland, including Sheikh Imam Yahaya Tajudeen, Sheikh Ahmad Rufa’i, Imam AbdulRahim Yahaya and Imam Musa Abdullahi Galadima, all of blessed memory, who he said laid strong foundations for the growth of Islam through sacrifice, discipline and knowledge.
The chairman called on the faithful to support mosques, Islamic schools and Da’wah activities, while ensuring that children are raised with sound Qur’anic education and good moral upbringing.
The event featured a Hijrah lecture delivered by Professor Adam Ahmad Okene, the official launch of the 1448AH Islamic Calendar and the presentation of awards to deserving individuals.
In a vote of appreciation, EMAN Secretary-General, Ustaz Yunus Salahudeen Anda, thanked donors, sponsors, guests and participants for their contributions towards the success of the programme. He said their support made the production of the Hijrah calendar, lectures, awards and community outreach activities possible.
He prayed for Allah’s blessings, protection and abundant rewards for all supporters, while reaffirming the association’s commitment to promoting unity, knowledge and service to Islam and humanity.
The Hijrah 1448AH celebration concluded with prayers for peace, progress and greater commitment to Islamic values among Muslims in Ebiraland and beyond.
