We are happy to be involved in this laudable program – Funsho Tooki
Reaching out to the needy reduces crimes – Aminah Muhammad
It was all fun and merry-making at Bab-Salam Homes recently as Lotus Bank in partnership with AIMS Media Company Limited hosted orphans and children with special needs to a memorable and impactful Eid-ul-Adha get-together.
The Managing Director of Lotus Bank, Hajia Kafilat Araoye, founder, City of Knowledge Academy, Mrs. Mosun Belo-Olusoga; MD, Media Reach, Mr Yinka Adebayo and other dignitaries were all around to share their time and wealth of experience with the children.
The event featured impactful lectures from many dignitaries in attendance, nasheed presentation, choreography, treasure hunt, quiz competition, outdoor games with various gift items for all the children in attendance.
The children were full of smiles moving from one competitive event to the other.
Other invited schools and associations that joined Bab-es-Salam Homes were Pacelli School for The Blind, Deaf Women Association of Nigeria, Baytu Sakinah Home, Halal Children’s Home, At-Tanzeel Schools, Great Khalifah College and Al-Musineen Cradle and College.
Cross sections of children from the invited schools commended Lotus Bank and other sponsors for giving them a sense of belonging and showing them love.
We are happy to be involved in this laudable program – Funsho Tooki
Speaking at the event, the Divisional Head, Corporate Services, Lotus Bank, Mr. Funsho Tooki, expressed happiness that the Bank has been able to put smiles on the faces of orphans and people with special needs.
According to him, At Lotus Bank, we believe in inclusiveness. We believe in equal opportunities for all. We are always looking for the underbanked and ways of ensuring financial inclusion of the underprivileged people. They might not be able to do this on their own or celebrate the ‘Eid in a grand way. With this, their talents can be discovered and the orphans will see us as their parents.
“Those who are incapable of doing certain things have the opportunity of mixing and interacting with others. We are happy to identify with them,” he submitted.
Reaching out to the needy reduces crimes – Aminah Muhammad
Also speaking at the event, Hajia Aminah Muhammad, MD/CEO of AIMS Media Company Limited said *that the concept is Eid-ul-Adha get-together for orphans and children with special needs* – not clear.
“Alhamdulillah we are fulfilled and the children are also happy. We appeal to corporate organisations and even individuals that are even more buoyant than corporate organisations to reach out to the needy in our society. It’s just for us to be a little bit selfless, not to think of ourselves alone. We should think of those who will also need our assistance.
“So, when those who have give to those who don’t, there will be less crime in the society, there will be peace in the society and there will be peaceful co-existence for all. So, I encourage everybody to always look out for those who don’t have and give without them asking”, Hajia Aminah concluded.
Guests in pictures
‘Muslims and political participation’
As Nigerians approach election year, Scholars at the event called on Muslims to actively participate in politics with the purpose of choosing the right leaders into different elected offices.
The chairman, Board of Directors, Aims Media Company Limited, Dr. Ahmed Tunde Popoola enjoined electorates to choose competent and God-fearing leaders who have visions for the country, adding that religion or ethnicity should not be deciding factors.
“I will want us to look out for the leader that can take us to the promise land, the land of prosperity, security, peace and the land where employment will be for everyone, the land where people will be able to go about their duties without fear or favour. A land full of milk and honey. Therefore, we should not apply sentiment, emotions, tribalism in all our decisions when it comes to making our choices, the choice we should make should be the choice of those who will represent us well.”
Speaking on apathy towards politics among Nigerians, he urged every adults to be fully involved in politics and have active participation.
“There are two levels of active participation. First, you can contest election into any elective post and if you don’t even want to do that, then you should come out to vote. If you don’t come out to vote, then you contribute to what we call unpopular government because it’s only those who vote that will be counted.
“So, you cannot sit at home and be doing analysis on television and expect to produce good leadership. If you want good leaders, then you will have to go and register first, collect your voter’s card and then you are empowered.
“Luckily for us, we practice democracy in Nigeria, which means we have the right to choose people who will represent us where we are not operating an oligarchy or a monarchy where someone will just impose somebody on us. Since we have that privilege to choose who will represent us, then you cannot complain if you don’t come out.
“I urge all Nigerians, especially those that have never voted before, who always think we don’t want to be part of it or that our votes will not count. We have seen a lot of improvement in our electoral process and we’ve seen the commitment that INEC has brought to the table, even the federal government led by President Buhari has given a lot of commitment to allow them to have free hands so that people who win will be the ones declared.
“It’s left to us as citizens to go out, collect our voter’s cards and on the day of every election, even if it is local government election, we should all go out and vote for the candidates of our choices based on great ideas, leadership principles and practices they have displayed based on their experience, knowledge about them, not about any other sentiments.
Similarly, Imam Hassan Idris Tahir, the Head of Bab-es-Salam Home, while speaking on the coming 2023 election, advised everyone to relate with people, irrespective of religion, creed, race or ethnic background, with genuine love.
He also said that one thing about submission to Allah is not something that when you do, it benefits Allah, it’s something that when you do, it benefits you because whatever we refer to as Ibaadah or whatever Allah commands you to do, you benefit from them.
As the Prophet (S.A.W) says in one Hadith that; “Save yourself from hell even if it is half of a date”, so within your capacity, assist others because one thing we must understand is that Allah relates with us according to how we relate with others. If you want Allah to be merciful to you, be merciful to others. The Prophet (S.A.W) also said that “The one who doesn’t show mercy, won’t see mercy.”
“Allah helps his servant as long as his servant is helping others. Virtually, your relationship with others has a connection with how Allah also treats you.” Imam Tahir concluded.
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