By joshua Ohimegye Igu, Ulama, Traditional Rulers Urge Kogi Citizens To Embrace Unity, Moral Values At Hijrah 1448ah Celebration
His Royal Majesty, Alhaji Dr. Saidu Akawu Salihu, Ohimegye Igu of Koton Karfe, has called on citizens of Kogi State to embrace unity, moral discipline, and collective responsibility as the foundation for building a virile and peaceful society. The royal father made the call on Saturday during the 1448AH Hijrah celebration organised by the Kogi State Council of Ulama at the Muhammadu Buhari Square, Lokoja, an event that drew thousands of Muslims, traditional rulers, government officials, and community leaders.
Ohimegye Igu noted that Kogi society would be a better place to live if the people cohabit in peace, with love and unity. He described the rising cases of insecurity and other social vices as a decay in values, stressing that the responsibility of rebuilding moral order should not be left for government alone. He urged Islamic clerics to up their game and change strategies so that their teachings directly address the ills plaguing society. He also called on them to join forces with the state government in tackling insecurity, pointing out that until security challenges are resolved, other aspects of national life will continue to suffer.
Delivering a goodwill message on behalf of Alhaji Saleh Ahmadu, OON, Makama of Kakanda and Chairman, Trade Modernisation Project, the Agankyu of Kakanda Kingdom said the Muslim Ummah faces serious challenges that require faith, unity, and action. He observed that society is confronted with poverty, moral decline, youth restiveness, insecurity, and division, yet Islam provides the Qur’an and Sunnah as eternal guides for overcoming every challenge. He stressed that a community’s strength lies not in wealth or population but in unity, justice, compassion, and the fear of Allah, citing Prophet Muhammad SAW as the example of a leader who built a society where people of different tribes and backgrounds lived in peace and mutual respect. He called on the Kogi State Council of Ulama to continue promoting peaceful coexistence, moral discipline, and sound education, adding that traditional institutions remain committed to supporting efforts that advance peace, religious harmony, and community development. He also appealed to youths to embrace education, entrepreneurship, good character, and the fear of Allah, while rejecting violence, drug abuse, criminality, and other vices that hinder progress.
In his address, Sheikh Salman Adam, Wefi Imam of Ankpa and Chairman, Kogi State Council of Ulama, described Hijrah as more than a historical migration. He said it represents a daily personal and collective migration away from evil, corruption, greed, and lawlessness toward righteousness, integrity, and obedience to Allah. As the state steps into 1448 AH, he urged Muslims to renew their faith, purify their hearts, and rededicate their lives to worship and service to humanity. He called for good character, decent dressing and speech, and the upholding of Islamic values that promote justice, equality, and care for the poor, sick, elderly, and less privileged. Addressing insecurity, the cleric said Muslims must be their brothers’ keepers through increased prayers, vigilance, and cooperation with security agencies, while rejecting fear-mongering, rumour-peddling, and division. He charged the Ummah to let this year’s Hijrah be a migration from indifference to active responsibility, and from disunity to solidarity, so that lasting peace, security, and stability can be restored.
Sheikh Salman also prayed for families displaced by violence, orphaned children, widows, and grieving communities, asking Allah to comfort them and grant swift relief. He commended Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for his support for religious organisations and sustained efforts to ensure safety in Kogi State, praying that Allah would guide the governor and strengthen his resolve to serve with justice and compassion. The Council of Ulama also commended the administration’s efforts in addressing insecurity and prayed for continued success in promoting peace, unity, and development across the state.
The event was attended by Ejeh of Ankpa, HRH Alhaji Abubakar Sadiq Ahmad II; HRH Alhaji Dr. Usman Obaje, OON; and Ohimegye of Koton-Karfe, HRH Alhaji Saidu Akawu Salihu. The Council of Ulama wished all Muslims a happy, peaceful, and blessed New Islamic Year, 1448 AH.