The Muslim Media Practitioners of Nigeria, MMPN, Lagos has handed out Eid-al-Fitr packages to Muslim journalists in the state.
The items which include rice, halal chicken, milk, vegetable oil and packs of Malta Guinness were distributed to members across all traditional and online media at Alausa Secretariat Mosque, Ikeja, Lagos, today.
The Malta Guinness was donated to the Muslim media body by Muslim News Nigeria in collaboration with Guinness Nigeria as part of the “Free Malta Guinness distribution” exercise conducted during Ramadan for fasting Muslims in Lagos state.
The chairman of the Association, Alhaji AbdulKabir Garba said the move was not only as a result of the lockdown occasioned by the COVID-19 pandemic but mainly in fulfillment of Islamic injunction to give out during Ramadan and celebration of Eid-il Fitr.
Alhaji Garba who led other executive members of the association in the distribution said:
“No doubt, Nigerians have been subjected to untold hardship including journalists as a result of the outbreak of COVID-19, which eventually led to the lockdown and restriction of movements. The distribution of this package however, was not only as a result of the current situation but in line with the Islamic injunction especially during Ramadan and celebration of Eid-il-Fitr.”
He stressed the need for Muslims to collaborate to ease the affairs of one another at a critical time like this.
He urged Muslims to always stay safe, obey government’s orders and precautionary measures towards curbing the spread of the pandemic.
He expressed appreciation to Muslim News Nigeria, Malta Guinness, MURIC, Nasru-Lahi-l-Fatih Society, NASFAT, Zakat and Sadaqat Foundation, Jaiz Foundation,MSSN Lagos State and Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaa’t.
Personalities also appreciated include Former deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Idiat Adebule; NUJ Lagos Council Chairman Dr Qasim Akinreti; Alhaji Kayode Awobadejo, Alhaji Tajudeen Uzamat among others for their support in the procurement of items that were distributed.
Publisher, Muslim News Nigeria, Mr Rasheed Abubakar was filled with happiness over the distribution of the Eid-il-Fitr package organised by MMPN, Lagos State.
“The happiness is coupled with the fact that this is the first time something of this nature is witnessed, where members of the fourth estate of the realm, whom on many occasions have written reports and covered events of other organizations and institutions but this time they have chosen to be celebrated for the good job well done.
“Most times, members of the media get nothing to support themselves as palliatives while they keep reporting how others got but this time, they chose to take the bull by the horn.
“The MMPN, Lagos State has chosen to do this for the fasting Muslims to have a good Eid experience specially due to the fact that many are yet to receive their monthly pay from their employers and organisations. This kind of package would definitely assist them to have a sumptuous and rejoiceful Eid with their families.
“Muslim News Nigeria is specially happy because we are also part of the initiative with the contribution of 100 packs of Malta Guinness gotten from Guinness Nigeria. We are proudly happy to be part. We pray and are hopeful that numerous other Muslim Organisations would join in this course and it will grow bigger than this for a wider coverage and reach.”
Also speaking, the Amir, MSSN Lagos, Dr Saheed Ashafa expressed his excitement about the initiative, saying that the Muslim Students’ body will continue to work together and appreciate the media for their support towards the propagation of Islam.
He said, “We feel it is important as we appreciate frontline health workers during this period, our Muslim journalists should also be appreciated as well. They are also essential front line workers during this period.
According to him, “We believe if not for them who have been reporting MSSNLagos activities, our contribution with Covid-19 Incident Volunteers, nobody would have noticed our efforts toward the fight against the pandemic virus in Nigeria.
“It is one of the reasons we have to contribute our quota toward them ahead of eid-fitr because Journalists also have families as they risk their life working at this period non-stop even during lockdown when some of us were at home staying safe,” he added.
Barakallahufihi