The Special Assistant to Oyo State Governor on Islamic Affairs, Alhaji AbdRasheed AbdAzeez, has donated 250 hijabs to Muslim women in commemoration of this year’s World Hijab Day.
The beneficiaries were Islamic organisations that included Al-Akhwaatul Muslimaat, Alhamdulilah Islamic Society and the Peoples Democratic Party’s Muslim women of Ward 8, Ibadan Northwest Local Government.
Addressing members of Al-Akhwaatul Muslimah Organisation, Oyo State chapter, who paid him a visit in his office, AbdAzeez stressed the importance of hijab as the pride of believing women.
He emphasised that the use of hijab is compulsory in Islam, while hijab sisters should avoid discriminating against those who are yet to use it “as the good character of the regular users will serve as a motivating factor for others to join them.”
The Special Assistant noted that the administration of Seyi Makinde had been fair to all religions and would continue to promote peaceful coexistence among adherents of different religious organisations.
He said the governor had done a lot for Muslims before he came into office and would not deny Muslims their entitlements now that he is the governor.
AbdulAzeez called on people, especially the politicians, to desist from campaigns of calumny and engage in constructive criticisms to enhance the development of the state.
The Amirah of Al-Akhwaatul Muslimaat Organisation, Oyo State chapter, Alhaja Bashirat Haashim, who said the visit was aimed at identifying with the special assistant and to celebrate the day, expressed confidence that the occasion would encourage more Muslim women to embrace wearing hijabs.
“The hijab is not fashion, but a dress code to encourage morals in Muslim women. The celebration is also aimed at addressing the issue of discrimination faced by Muslim women in our society on some occasions.”
According to her, wearing of hijabs has nothing to do with social vices such as the Boko Haram insurgency as believed by some people. She commended Governor Makinde for identifying with Muslims across the state.
The group also paid a similar visit to the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, Alhaja Fausat Sanni.
