By Jimitota Onoyume

Chairman of the Governing Board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Barr. Chiedu Ebie,  has donated food items to the  Muslim community in Ika  area of Delta state.

His media aide , Mr Jerome Mario-Utomi disclosed this in a statement to the Vanguard, saying the gesture was in  line with the celebrative mode  of  this  year’s Eid-el-Kabir.

He said : ” The  gesture, aimed at promoting unity and shared celebration, included bags of rice, vegetable oil and live rams, distributed to both the Yoruba and Hausa Muslim communities in the area. 

“The items were handed over by Hon. Hilary Fada Ibude, Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ika South, alongside Hon. Evelyn Efeh, Personal Assistant to the NDDC boss. The distribution took place amid joyous celebrations, with beneficiaries expressing gratitude for the timely support during the festive period. 

“Speaking on behalf of the Hausa community, Sarki Hausawa, Alhaji Ibrahim Ghali, praised Barr. Ebie as an exceptional politician and technocrat who has positioned himself as a beacon of change and progress in Nigeria. He also commended Hon. Ibude for his longstanding support, recalling how he donated a borehole and generator to the Utomi Junction Mosque during his tenure as Ika South Local Government Chairman. 

“Alhaji Ghali said it was  not the first time they were receiving such kindness from the leaders. That they had  consistently shown that they care about all residents, irrespective of religion or tribe .   

“In her remarks, Hon. Evelyn Efeh explained that the donation was part of Barr. Ebie’s tradition of fraternizing with the Muslim community during Sallah celebrations. 

“She said the NDDC Chair  believed in fostering peace and harmony, and this gesture was  a testament to his commitment to inclusive development. She urged  the Muslim community to continue promoting unity and peaceful coexistence in Ika land and beyond.

“The event further highlighted the importance of interfaith solidarity in nation-building, with community leaders reiterating their appreciation for leaders who prioritize welfare and communal progress. 

“As the Muslim faithful celebrate Eid-el-Kabir, the NDDC’s gesture serves as a reminder that true leadership transcends ethnic and religious lines, fostering a society where no one is left behind.”