The managing director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku has charged Muslims in airport host communities to pray for the development of the aviation sector, promote unity and peace in order to build a peaceful airport environment.
Kuku gave the charge while hosting Muslim ummahs at the Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos and those from surrounding airport communities for Iftar dinner at the FAAN corporate headquarters.
She urged the over 300 Muslim men and women who attended the Iftar supper to be the model of good morals in their dealings both in private and in public life.
Kuku said the country is blessed with God fearing people of various religions, stressing that the fear of God would help the country make progress in all spheres.
She recalled that having been raised by a Muslim grandmother, she appreciates the critical role of a good religious upbringing in shaping the growth and development of individuals and the country.
“My grandmother is a Muslim. I was raised with her in a Muslim family, but religion does not define us. It doesn’t divide us and it doesn’t defile us. It is indeed a thing of joy that this is also the time of lent and that is to show us that despite our different religions, we’re all one.
“So, I want to use this time to appreciate the leaders here; thank you for your prayers, they are indeed working for the growth of the airports.
“The developments we have seen since we took over are partly due to your continuous prayers and supplications.
“I want you to take everybody as one; look back on your journey and use this time to think about how you can hold and take people with you on your journey, going forward,” Kuku said.
Speaking on the significance of the occasion, FAAN director of airport operations, Capt. Abdullahi Mahmood said the managing was passionate about extending her hand of fellowship to the various religious bodies in the airport communities and had chosen to have the Iftar dinner with the Muslim faithful.
“You know this month is the holy month of Ramadan; it is a month of prayers, a month of giving, a month of extending gestures to all families, irrespective of whether somebody is a Muslim or a Christian or whatever. Once you have your neighbours, your families, your friends, your co-workers, this is the time for supplication, time for sending gifts.
“So, the managing considered it significant to call on the Muslim community that are literally under her, and even the Muslim community that are within the neighborhood of FAAN, to come and sit down and have Iftar dinner with her.
“Anytime you invite somebody to your place…even if that person is your enemy, by extending that invitation, the person accepts it, there is a blessing,” he said.
