By joshua 
By ABUBAKAR OHIDA
It was a day of celebration for Muslims in Ebiraland as Shiekh Salihu Ahmed Abere was turbaned as the substantive Chief Imam of Ebiraland. The new Chief Imam had been serving in acting capacity for years now following the death of his predecessor, Shiekh Musa Galadima.
Family, friends, Islamic clerics from within and outside Ebiraland and other dignitaries thronged the Central Mosque, Okene, traditional headquarters of the Ebira people to share in the joy of the Chief Imam.
The ceremony took place conducted shortly before Juma’at prayer and was conducted by the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, Dr Ado Ibrahim and witnessed by the the Okene LG boss, Engr. Abdulrazaq Muhammad, representatives of Kogi State Council of Ulamau and others.
In his remark during the ceremony, the Ohinoyi commended Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello for his leadership quality and appreciated him for his support in the choice of Sheikh Salihu Abere as the substantive chief of Imam of Ebiraland.
The monarch described Governor Bello as a courageous leaders, one who honours his words, noting that he shown tremendous commitment to the peace and harmony in the area.
He expressed belief that the new religious leader would be a rallying point for all Muslims and peoples of other faith in Ebiraland, stressing he has displayed the character of a great leader even while serving in acting capacity.
On his part, Chairman of Okene Local Government Area, Engr. Abdulrazaq Mohammad lauded the conduct of the tijaniyya group in the area and urged them to uphold the spirit oneness, love and peace which are the fundamentals of the Islamic.
He promised to continue to provide adequate security in the LGA in furtherance of Governor Bello’s achievements in security and general commitment to the peace, unity and harmony in the state.
In his address after he was turbaned, Sheikh Salihu Abere gave glory to Almighty Allah for making the day a reality in his life. He expressed deep gratitude to the Ohinoyi, Dr Ado Ibrahim for his support, counsel and fatherly role since he began to the Imamship of Ebiraland.
While appreciating the prayers and support of all Ebira Muslims and even beyond, the Chief Imam applauded Governor Bello for approving his appointment and assured of his readiness to serve in fairness and fear of Allah.