The former Minister of Aviation, Chief. Osita Chidoka has felicitated with Muslim faithful across the country as they marked this year’s Eid-el-Fitr celebration.
Chidoka, on his social media handle, however regretted he would miss the daily breaking of fast in the homes of his Muslim friends following the Covid-19 directives.
He enjoined Muslims, and indeed Nigerians to take advantage of the celebration to draw lessons of voluntary self denial, genuine sense of sharing and the reconnection of faith through sacrifice.
He said, “This is the first year in 15 years, thanks to Covid-19, that I missed the daily breaking of fast in the homes of my Muslim friends. All of them know how much I enjoy the ramadan breaking of fast. Most of them have been to Obosi to eat the new yam as part and enjoyed Easter lunch
“From my staff at FRSC, who continue to send me kunu gyeda and masa years after I left the corps. I always appreciated their thoughtfulness.
“I take my friends to the home of my two senior friends from Edo and Kaduna whose homes are permanently open to all those who are hungry.
“What of my former bosses, in whose houses I enjoy kwose and kunu one is fulani and the other kanuri. Long after I stopped working under them I never missed a breaking of fast dinner until this year. Including the retired General who intervened at critical junctures of my public service career.
“The writer and French speaking wife of a friend always prepared for me. She made wonderful kwose and ripe plantain to go with the kunu. Every year since 2006 we had the communion of deep friendship with my family at their residence. Even after she left Abuja we broke bread a few times. I also remember the other wife whose effort at entertaining and sharing of iftar food was very engaging with the constant flow of hot kwose.
“My neighbors, Hajia who ensure I got daily supply of kunu throughout Ramadan. The supply is on even when she is not in town. The senior Advocate and his wife always spread out a feast as we enjoy the breaking of fast. I can go on and on.
“In the month of Ramadan I dont have a free day as I move from home to home enjoying friendship and observing the spirit of Ramadan. Rich and poor, friends and friends of friends alike welcome me with joy. The joy and excitement continued after I left office.
“As I observe the spirit of abstinence and free giving during the month, I struggle to learn the lesson of voluntary self denial, genuine sense of sharing and the reconnection of faith through sacrifice.
“Eid Mubarak to all our muslim brothers and sisters.”
