Governor Willie Obiano has “changed Anambra State for good in just over three months in the office through his unifying actions and development efforts across many communities and we are impressed by his leadership that is why we chose to hold special prayers to mark his 57th birthday.”

This was the consensus of the Hausa Muslim community in Awka during a special Friday Juma’at prayer in honour of Governor Obiano at the Awka Mosque.

Speaking after the prayers, Alhaji Haruna Garba, Seriki of Hausa and Special Adviser to the Governor on Religion (Islamic), said: “We gathered here to pray for Governor Obiano who has proven to be of different character and is not partial. This is the first time anyone is appointed within the Muslim community to foster peace between Muslims and Christians in Anambra State and we are praying for Allah’s guidance for the governor especially today on his birthday and for peace and tranquility to reign in the state.”

Alhaji Garba emphasised the need for peaceful existence between Muslims and Christians, whom he explained are created by God to live in harmony. He condemned all forms of religious extremism and called for the respect of others, especially Christians, in their faith as indicated in the 19th Chapter of the Quoran which refers to Jesus as Prophet Issa.

In his remarks, the State Commander of National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Sule Momodu, explained that the special Juma’at started with a recital of the Quoran in supplication to Allah on behalf of Governor Obiano on the occasion of his 57th birthday, and prayers for the success of the administration, especially the activities of Operation Kpochapu, which is presently driving the security operations across the state.

On his part, the Secretary of Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board Anambra State, Alhaji Sani Ejoh, said that they appreciate the good works of Governor Obiano and had come from Onitsha, Nnewi, Ihiala to pray for him in Awka and commend him to Allah’s protection as well as thank him for leading Anambra well.

A cross-section of Muslim faithful in the state who attended prayers praised Governor Obiano for what they described as the reign of peace and stability in Anambra State.

Governor Obiano, who turns 57 today, has been on official assignment, an indication that he is having a quiet birthday.

•Photo (L-R) shows: Secretary, Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board Anambra State, Alhaji Sani Ejoh, Special Adviser on Religion (Islamic) and Seriki of Hausa Community to Governor Obiano, Alhaji Haruna Garba, praying at the Awka Mosque, yesterday.