BY BERNADETTE IDALU
BENIN CITY – Edo State Deputy Governor, Hon. Dennis Idahosa, has assured the Muslim community in the state of continued inclusiveness and more strategic appointments under the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo.
Idahosa gave the assurance at the weekend while representing the governor as Special Guest of Honour at the 2025 Maulid Nabiyyi lecture and prayer session, held at the Old Benin Central Mosque, Lagos Street, to commemorate the birth of Prophet Muhammad.
He thanked the Muslim faithful for their support to the administration and for speaking truth to authority, describing their role as vital to the stability of the government.
“The Executive Governor has brought a lot of positions to the Muslim community, and he will continue to do more. We will not take you for granted,” Idahosa declared.
The deputy governor also prayed for Allah’s blessings upon the community and emphasized unity across faiths, noting: “We are all created by the same God. There are no boundaries; we are all brothers and sisters.”
In his address, the Chief Imam of Benin Central Mosque and convener of the event, Sheikh Abdulfatah Enabulele, described Idahosa’s presence as historic, saying it was the first time a top government official had personally attended their Maulid Nabiyyi celebration.
Backed by other clerics, Sheikh Enabulele offered prayers for the success of the Okpebholo-led administration and pledged the community’s support.
“For this singular act that you have done to us by coming into the mosque to honour our Holy Prophet Muhammad, Allah will continue to honour you,” he said, adding: “We will stand by you and continue to support you. Call us any time you need our service.”
Two guest lecturers, Alhaji (Barr.) Al-Ameen Alao and Mallam (Alhaji) Momodu Abdul-Ganiy, spoke on the significance of Maulid Nabiyyi, highlighting the life and reformative mission of Prophet Muhammad.
They stressed that Islam is a religion of peace, urging adherents to submit fully to the will of Allah.
They further observed that insecurity in society is often the result of fraud and moral decay
