Edel kabir promotes Christian/Muslims relationship in Enugu.

By Maurice Okafor,Enugu.

The claims of peaceful co existence between the Hausa muslim community and their Igbo Christian hosts in Enugu state can be proved beyond reasonable doubt. The claims of inter marriage and exchange of culture/traditional values are equally cementing the brotherly relationship.

It is also a justifiable fact that some members of the Hausa community in the state who were born over forty years ago,proudly boasts of their citizenship of the state,on the claims that they were born in the state and since thereafter their up bringing, training and economic activities are majored and derived in Enugu. It is also fact that some members of the Hausa community in Enugu state,especially those in the city metropolis speaks Igbo vernacular fluently.

The above findings played out at the sallah celebrations of the last ‘Edel Kabir’ feast held on Tuesday,July 20,as the pomp and pageantry that followed after prayers at Asata road quaters was a jamboree for both the Hausas and Igbos alike.

The AUTHORITY South East post observed that an Igbo cultural troupe (Aku na echeze) that ignited the celebration comprised of young men with Igbo background while some of the Hausa’s led in the dance steps.It was a re mix of culture as some of the prominent Hausa men exhibited dancing steps and styles of Igbo tradition.

An Igbo man,Suleiman Onyeama(Jnr),who actively participated in the Jamboree told The AUTHORITY that he is a true Muslim by birth and have always cherished the doctrines and practises which has kept him steadfast to it.

He said he was not fortunate enough to have gone to Saudi Arabia,to join in stoning Satan, therefore he deemed it fit to join his muslim brothers at their Asata quarters.

He commended Governor Ugwuanyi for donating gifts and food materials earlier on the Hausa community in Enugu state.

Likewise, an Enugu recognised traditional ruler,Igwe Ezeani,who came to celebrate the sallah with the muslims,commended Governor Ugwuanyi for enthroning enabling peace which is encouraging peaceful co existence among the Hausa and Igbo community I’mn the state. He urged members of the Hausa communïľy in Enugu state to continue promoting peace in Enugu.

Igwe Ezeani donated cartons wine and a cash of five hundred thousand naira(N500,000) to support the Hausa community in Enugu state to support the celebration.

The Serikin Hausa,for Enugu state,Alhaji Yusu Gambo,expressed gratitude to Igwe Ezeani for coming to fecilitate with them on the feast of Edel Kabir,promising that the Hausa community in Enugu state,will continue to be law abiding and very supportive to the state administration.