The Igbomina-Ekiti Muslim Forum (IEMF) has called for thorough investigation and profiling of alien immigrants who settle in communities in the state.
Alhaji Nasiru Ibrahim, the President of IEMF, made the call while speaking with newsmen on the sidelines of Special Reception in honour of three distinguished fathers and leaders of the community.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the honourees includes
Prof. Abdullateef Oladimeji, the Vice Chancellor of Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin , Prof. Minkail Aremu, the Provost of College of Education, Oro, and Prof. Noah Yusuf, the former V-C of Al-Hikmah University.
Ibrahim, who lamented insecurity in the state, said that profiling was necessary to identify potential security threats to the rural communities and state at large.
He said that the Forum has been interfacing with traditional rulers in Igbomina-Ekiti on how to address issues of insecurity.
“We have been in talks with our traditional rulers in our areas as to how to address the issue of insecurity regarding influx of foreigners .
“We are not going to ascribe it to a certain tribe, but all influx of immigrants needs to be really monitored.
“Of course, even our sons and daughters that are outside, who are coming back into the community, we probably tell them to take note of any suspicious behaviours .
“We are not targeting any group, but we know that insecurity is there, and we have to address it squarely,” he said.
The president of the Forum added that the communities are endowed with solid minerals and as such the association will advise the government on mapping out strategies regarding these mineral resources.
Similarly, Ibrahim commended the beneficiaries of the awards, while describing them as dedicated members of the association who contribute towards the development of their communities.
Also speaking, Retired Justice Abdulrahim Ibrahim, Justice of Sharia Court of Appeal, Kwara, enjoined Muslims to follow the injunction of the Holy Prophet Muhammad in doing good to the society.
According to him, the recipients of the awards were inclined towards Islamic tenets in their endeavors as pillars of their respective academic institutions.
He therefore advised them to do more in their commitment toward propagation of Islam and development of their community.
In his response, a recipient of the award, Prof. Minkail Aremu, of College of Education, Oro said the association has sincerity as it’s hallmark.
He observed that the tenets of the Forum was propagation of Islam and promotion of human capital of the Igbomina community and Kwara as a whole.
Minkail tasked members of the community to be committed to both education and community development.
On his part, Prof Abdullateef Oladimeji, the V-C of Al-Hikmah, commended the association, while pledging his commitment and support towards development of the community.
He called for empowerment opportunities, particularly for the Igbomina-Ekiti descendants, to reduce unemployment.
In his remarks, Prof. Noah Yusuf, the former V-C of Al-Hikmah University, who appreciated the association, commended those behind the revival of the Forum and appealed that everything must be done to ensure it’s sustenance. (NAN)
