In an exemplary display of hospitality and goodwill during the sacred month of Ramadan, His Excellency Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, the Governor of Kogi State, hosted members of the Muslim Corpers Association of Nigeria (MCAN) for an elaborate Iftar celebration in Lokoja. The event, marked by spiritual reflection and community bonding, demonstrated the administrationβs commitment to supporting young Nigerians serving in the state through the distribution of rice and cash gifts.
The evening began as the sun descended over the horizon, with Corps members arriving at the residence where they were greeted with warm smiles and traditional Kogi hospitality. The atmosphere was serene yet festive, with Islamic recitations providing a spiritual backdrop to the gathering. Alhaji Siyaka Yakubu Adebenege, the Auditor General for Local Government who represented the Governor, personally received each Corps member, creating an environment that felt less like an official function and more like a family gathering.
As the call to Maghrib prayer echoed through the air, Corps members and dignitaries alike broke their fast with dates and water, following the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad. The subsequent feast featured an array of traditional North-Central Nigerian delicacies, carefully prepared under the supervision of the Auditor Generalβs wife, Hassanat Onize Siyaka Yakubu Adebenege, whose culinary expertise received numerous compliments from the attendees.Β
In his welcome address, Alhaji Adebenege, speaking on behalf of Governor Ododo, emphasized Lokojaβs dual heritage as both a historic city and a modern community known for its exceptional hospitality and security. βLokoja stands as a testament to Nigeriaβs diversity and unity,β he remarked, βand as custodians of this heritage, we maintain zero tolerance for criminal activities while embracing visitors with open hearts.β The Auditor Generalβs words resonated deeply with the Corps members, many of whom were experiencing their first Ramadan away from home.
The MCAN President, Adeyanju Habeebullah, in his response, expressed profound gratitude for Governor Ododoβs generosity. He detailed MCANβs extensive network across Nigeriaβs 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, highlighting their collaboration with organizations such as the National Council of Muslim Youth Organizations (NACOMYO) and the Federation of Muslim Womenβs Associations in Nigeria (FOMWAN) to enhance their impact nationwide. President Habeebullahβs speech provided valuable insight into MCANβs structure and objectives, emphasizing their role in supporting Muslim Corps members throughout their service year.
Mr. Etsu Muazu, the NYSC Zonal Inspector for Lokoja Zone, who doubles as the schedule officer for MCAN delivered a compelling address that underscored the significance of such community engagements. βWhat we witness today transcends mere hospitality; it represents the bridge between government and the youth who represent Nigeriaβs future,β he stated with conviction. βThe NYSC scheme was established to foster national unity and development, and events like this demonstrate how state leadership can enhance the Corps membersβ experience while serving away from home. I commend His Excellency Governor Ododo for this commendable initiative that aligns perfectly with NYSCβs core values of integration, development, and empowerment. The Governorβs gesture today reinforces our confidence that Kogi State remains a welcoming environment for all Corps members.β
The Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Hon. Monday A. Anyebe, offered spiritual guidance in his remarks, emphasizing the values of contentment and forgiveness that Ramadan teaches. Drawing from Islamic teachings and universal wisdom, he encouraged Corps members to find strength in gratitude even amidst challenges. βEvery difficulty you face during your service year is not merely a challenge but an opportunity for growth and development,β he counseled, his words carrying the weight of experience and compassion.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Youth and Women Affairs, Achimugu Eunice, provided concrete assurances regarding the state governmentβs commitment to Corps membersβ welfare. She detailed ongoing security enhancements at NYSC facilities, including the construction of perimeter fencing at the Asaya Kabba camp. Her presentation included statistics on government investments in Corps membersβ accommodation and transportation, demonstrating a data-driven approach to addressing their concerns.
The highlight of the evening came with the distribution of palliative materials, as the Governorβs representative personally handed out bags of rice and cash gifts to Corps members. The donations, substantial in quantity and quality, were received with visible emotion by the beneficiaries, many of whom later confessed that the assistance came at a crucial time during their service year. The generosity displayed went beyond mere charity, symbolizing the stateβs recognition of Corps membersβ sacrifices and contributions.
Meanwhile, Mr. Ezekiel Otohinoyi, the Lokoja Local Government Inspector, offered insightful context to the challenges faced by Corps members in the region. He presented a detailed analysis of accommodation shortages, transportation difficulties, and other logistical issues that affect Corps membersβ daily lives. His appeal for additional assistance was not merely rhetorical but backed by specific recommendations for interventions that could improve service conditions significantly.
In acknowledgment of Governor Ododoβs generosity, MCAN executives presented a thoughtfully crafted gift to the Auditor General of the state. The moment captured the essence of gratitude and mutual respect that characterized the entire gathering.
As the event concluded, the Auditor General delivered closing remarks on behalf of Governor Ododo that reassured Corps members of prompt attention to their concerns. He announced the establishment of a special committee to address issues raised during the interaction, promising regular follow-up meetings to ensure implementation. βGovernor Ododo has instructed that you are not merely serving in Kogi State; you have become our children, and we take our parental responsibilities seriously,β he affirmed, earning a standing ovation from the appreciative audience.
