By Rita Enemuru, Reporting
WARRI – In a powerful display of cross-cultural solidarity, the lawmaker representing Warri Federal Constituency, Chief Hon. Thomas Ereyitomi, has played host to Muslim residents across the three local government areas of Warri South, Warri North and Warri SouthWest at a grand Iftar gathering, donating N2 million each to ten mosques within and beyond the constituency.
Chief Ereyitomi addressing the gathering
The event, held over the weekend at Ugbuwangue in Warri, Delta State, drew a large turnout from the Arewa community and political heavyweights, transforming the venue into a vibrant celebration of shared humanity to mark the end of the holy month of Ramadan. Organisers served well-packaged meals and refreshments as the atmosphere brimmed with the spirit of communal harmony.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Ereyitomi described the gesture as an annual tradition aimed at fostering unity and giving back to society, regardless of religious or ethnic divides.
The donor, Chief Ereyitomi, and the beneficiaries at the event
“We are here to share love with one another, whether Christian or Muslim,” the lawmaker said. “We are here to also give back to society – individually and collectively – as we usually do. What we are doing here started a long time ago, and we will continue to do it for mankind.”
Chief Ereyitomi addressing the gathering
He extended warm greetings to his Muslim brethren, acknowledging their contributions to the constituency.
“I welcome our Muslim brethren. You have been good and nice in Warri Federal Constituency. Regardless of your ethnic and religious backgrounds, you have been very supportive. There is no election won in the constituency without your support and cooperation. Beyond securing your votes, we also show love during your festivities like Sallah.”
The lawmaker, who recently defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), used the occasion to rally support for his new political platform. Reflecting on the shifting political landscape, he remarked: “Last year we were in our old party, the PDP, when we last gathered. Now, we are in APC. So, we are going to come to your doorstep to ask for your support. Please open your doors for us. Vote for APC across the board – from Tinubu to Oborevwori and others. There will be no religious or ethnic discrimination.”
The Obaloye of Warri Kingdom presenting one of the cheques to a beneficiary on behalf of Chief Ereyitomi
Earlier in his address, the chairman of the occasion, Chief Francis Omatseye, who holds the traditional title of Obaloye of Warri Kingdom, praised the lawmaker’s sustained commitment to community empowerment. He noted that the annual fete exemplified the spirit of giving back to society, highlighting the inclusive leadership of the representative.
“He is a Christian, but he is a lover of Muslims in the constituency,” Chief Omatseye said, while calling on the community to continue supporting the lawmaker as elections approach.
Warri South chairman presenting a cheque to one of the beneficiaries on behalf of Chief Ereyitomi
The Seriki Hausa-Wa of Warri and Environs, His Royal Highness Alhaji Muhammed Bello, who was represented at the occasion by Adamu Muhammed, expressed deep appreciation for Hon. Ereyitomi’s leadership style, which he said resonated strongly at the grassroots level.
He thanked the lawmaker for his consistent support to the Arewa community in Warri Federal Constituency.
However, the royal father also made a passionate appeal for employment opportunities for graduates within their community.
“We thank him for his regular support to Arewa in Warri Federal Constituency,” he said. “We appeal for jobs for graduates among us. May God sustain him in all his endeavours.”
Cross section of Arewas at the event
The event, which drew a cross-section of political stakeholders and traditional leaders, underscored the lawmaker’s efforts to bridge divides and consolidate support across religious and ethnic lines ahead of future elections.
With the donation of N20 million to ten mosques, attendees described the gesture as unprecedented in its scale and a testament to the representative’s commitment to inclusive development.
A cross section of women at the gathering
As the curtains drew on the festivities, community leaders expressed optimism that such gestures would continue to strengthen the bonds of unity within the diverse constituency, with many noting that the spirit of Ramadan – characterised by charity, compassion and communal harmony – had found a worthy expression in the gathering.
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