A GIFT OF FRIENDSHIP BEYOND RELIGIOUS BORDERS

-


In 2012, during my university years, I received a precious gift – a Jalabia from Saudi Arabia, given to me by a new Muslim student Ahmed Anavami I accommodated in our Fellowship secretariat. It was heartening to witness the joy and surprise that a Christian student like me could extend hospitality to him within the Fellowship community. We shared moments of cooking and dining together, fostering a sense of unity.


As he left for the next semester, he graciously gifted me with an original Jalabia, a gesture that resonates even 12 years later as the garment remains in use today.


Over the years, I've experienced numerous acts of kindness from Muslim friends who treated me without any prejudice based on my religion. It leaves me contemplating why, in a world where God advocates love, some choose to foster division or hostility in the name of religion.


May God bring healing to our world and enlighten us about the true essence of religion. Let our interactions be guided by love, transcending religious boundaries for a harmonious coexistence. The Peace of the Lord be with you (Asalamu wa leikum).

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Kogi Drug Agency Expands Reach, Offers Free Medical Supplies to Federal, State Institutions

-
Image
  The Kogi State Drugs and Medical Supply Management Agency has intensified efforts to improve access to essential medicines by extending free drug donation support to federal, state, and corporate organizations, aligning with Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo's healthcare vision. Executive Secretary of the Agency, Pharmacist Salamat Onize Ibrahim, disclosed that, beyond the Agency's statutory responsibility of supplying drugs to state-owned health facilities, it has, under Governor Ododo's directive and the Coordinating Health Commissioner, Dr. Adams Abdulazeez Adeiza, consistently provided free medical supplies to various institutions across the state. She made this known during a Sallah chat with journalists in Lokoja on Wednesday, 18 March 2026. Highlighting some of the Agency's interventions, Pharmacist Salamat noted that free drugs have been distributed to: - The Department of State Services (DSS) Clinic to tackle the issue of shortage of essential drugs, especially with...
Read more

Kogi Housing Commissioner Commences Borehole Drilling in Ebiya, Badoko, Sets Sights on Ogodo

-
Image
In line with the directive of His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, Executive Governor of Kogi State, to ensure the provision of potable water across all local government areas, the Honourable Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development, Hon. Abanika Taiye, has commenced the drilling of boreholes in Ebiya and Badoko, both in Ajaokuta Local Government Area. He also disclosed that drilling in Ogodo Ward will commence soon. In a statement, the Commissioner emphasized that, as a loyal member of the State Executive Council, he remains committed to driving the people-oriented policies of the Governor, aimed at delivering the dividends of democracy to the grassroots. Hon. Abanika noted that, as an indigene of Ajaokuta who grew up in the area, it is deeply fulfilling to give back to his community, especially in a capacity that enables him to impact lives meaningfully. He further commended other prominent individuals who have contributed to improving access to basic social amenities in A...
Read more

Hon. Abanika Hails Gov. Ododo as Unifier and Father of Peace During Ganaja Visit

-
Image
The Honourable Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development, Hon. Abanika Taiye, has commended the recent visit of His Excellency Alh Ahmed Usman Ododo, the Executive Governor of Kogi State, to Ganaja in Ajaokuta Federal Constituency on Wednesday, 18th March 2026. Hon. Abanika described the governor’s visit as a clear demonstration of his love, commitment, and dedication to the development, unity, and progress of the Ajaokuta Federal Constituency and its people. He also lauded the residents for coming out in large numbers to warmly welcome and receive the governor. The Commissioner further acknowledged the leadership of Hon. Abdulraheem Sanni Egidi, the representative of Ajaokuta Federal Constituency, for his continuous efforts in driving development in the area and maintaining a cordial working relationship with the state governor, which has resulted in consistent attention and projects in the region. Hon. Abanika expressed appreciation to all critical stakeholders present during th...
Read more

Ministry of Housing to Enforce Strict Supervision as Hon. Abanika Joins Gov. Ododo in Project Kickoff at PAAU Teaching Hospital

-
Image
The Kogi State Ministry of Housing and Urban Development has reiterated its commitment to ensuring strict compliance with quality and project standards across the state. This assurance was given by the Honourable Commissioner, Hon. Abanika Taiye, while addressing journalists in Ayingba shortly after the the official handover of designated construction sites to contractors at the Prince Abubakar Audu University (PAAU) Teaching Hospital, Anyigba. Hon. Abanika, who joined the Executive Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo ably represented by the Commissioner for Health at the ceremony, emphasized the ministry’s supervisory mandate and dedication to delivering value-driven infrastructure. “Our ministry is committed to carrying out thorough oversight to ensure that every project executed under this administration reflects the excellence Governor Ododo stands for,” Hon. Abanika stated. “We will leave no room for substandard work. Every contractor must adhere strictly to the proje...
Read more

KOGI STATE SPECIALIST HOSPITAL LOKOJA Press Release

-
Image
Season’s Greetings and Clarification on KSSH Health Insurance Services The management of Kogi State Specialist Hospital (KSSH), Lokoja extends warm season’s greetings to our esteemed patients, hospital community, and the general public. We appreciate your continued trust and cooperation as we remain committed to delivering quality healthcare services. We commend His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, the Executive Governor of Kogi State, for his unwavering support towards the health sector. His strategic appointments and investments in healthcare infrastructure have significantly empowered facilities across the state, with KSSH being a proud beneficiary. We wish to categorically state that Kogi State Specialist Hospital is fully committed to providing accessible, efficient, and quality healthcare services to all patients, including enrollees under various health insurance programs. We take great pride in the over 12,000 enrollees currently under the Kogi State Health Insurance Schem...
Read more

Kogi Government Cracks Down on Illegal Occupants of National Housing Estate in Lokoja

-
Image
  The Kogi State Government has issued a firm directive to individuals unlawfully occupying properties within the National Housing Estate at Crusher, Lokoja. This call, issued by the Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development, Hon. Taiye Abanika, on January 3, 2025, mandates immediate evacuation from Phases I, II, and III of the estate. Hon. Abanika decried the illegal occupation, stating it undermines the objectives of the National Housing Programme (NHP), which aims to provide affordable housing to Nigerians. Shockingly, over 85% of the estate’s units are occupied without authorization, with reports of fraudulent resale of these properties. The government detailed the affected units as follows: Phase I: 76 units (4 one-bedroom, 48 two-bedroom, 24 three-bedroom bungalows). Phase II: 92 units (20 one-bedroom, 28 two-bedroom, 44 three-bedroom bungalows). Phase III: 92 units (16 one-bedroom, 28 two-bedroom, 48 three-bedroom bungalows). Illegal occupants have been urged to vacate ...
Read more