The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Inclusion in Oyo State, Hon (Mrs) Toyin Balogun, has expressed her thankfulness to Allah(SWT) for granting the grace to the Muslim Ummah in Oyo state to see another Eid-el-Kabir celebration.
She expressed her gratitude to the Almighty by the distribution of rams,cow meat,food items and cash to Islamic leaders,Muslim faithful and different vulnerable groups from the 33 local governments of the state.
This initiative was predicated opon the holiday’s core values of sacrifice and sharing with inspiration from the the trying times experienced by Prophet Muhammed( PBUH) who never stopped extending a hand of fellowship and love to other despite his own challenges and particularly her dedication towards welfarism for women groups,widows,children,the elderly & the physically challenged in our society.
In her statement, she emphasised the imperative for her to complement the efforts of her Principal;His Excellency Governor Seyi Makinde in his drive to improve the quality of life lived by his people,particularly during these trying times and especially for the vulnerable members of society.
“This holiday is a reminder of our responsibility to extend love to our Brothers and sisters within the Muslim Ummah,to care for our neighbors ,the less privileged and other vulnerable members of society,” she said.
This initiative,she stated, was motivated particularly in the light of the ongoing economic crisis in the Country.
With inflation on the rise,agitation for salary increment by organized labor which will exacerbate the economic crisis once granted and food insecurity affecting millions,this initiative,she believes,is a lifeline for many families struggling to make ends meet.
Balogun also acknowledged Governor Seyi Makinde’s pivotal role in fostering peace and unity in the state with his even handed distribution of development across all zones and his model of inclusivity for all major faiths across board
She described the Governor as “an iconic and worthy role model,a shining example of selflessness and generosity of spirit,” citing his commitment to providing infrastructure and also his support for social welfare initiatives and interventions that will benefit our people ,particularly from the vulnerable demographic in the state
“His Excellency’s commitment & dedication to serving the people of Oyo State is highly commendable and emulatable.
Im inspired by his positive precepts to emulate his leadership mantra which can be encapsulated as ‘Selfless service to the people’, and have keyed into his drive to create a more equitable and just society,” she said.
I wish the entirety of the Muslim Ummah both home and abroad and all the vulnerable groups in our society a very happy Eid Ul Adha!
Oju wa a ma a rodun o!
Hon( Mrs) Toyin BALOGUN
COMMISSIONER FOR WOMEN AFFAIRS & SOCIAL
INCLUSION