Abba-Eku Onyeka
Abuja
Chief Mohammed Bawa Makama, the Village Head of Idu, the host community of the Idu Industrial Area in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has urged residents to embrace love, religious tolerance, and peaceful coexistence as they celebrate Sallah. He made the call in his 2026 Eid-el-Kabir message to indigenes, residents, youths, and religious bodies in his domain.
The traditional ruler, who also serves as Special Adviser to the National Commander of the National Community, Ethics and Values, advised Muslims and Christians to celebrate within their means and extend generosity to one another. He stressed that sharing during festivals strengthens unity across faiths.
“Let us celebrate according to what we have. Those who have enough should give to their brothers who are struggling, whether Christian or Muslim,” Chief Makama said. He recalled that Christians also share with Muslims during Christmas, and urged the same spirit of giving during Sallah.
Addressing politicians, the village head cautioned against hate speech and personal attacks during campaigns. He urged aspirants to conduct campaigns peacefully and leave the outcome to God. “If you win, it is God. If you lose, it is God. Do not go to the campaign ground and call someone a fool,” he advised.
Chief Makama appealed to government at all levels to ensure that policies and resources meant for the grassroots actually reach the people. He said many interventions stop along the way, leaving communities without the intended benefits.
On pressing needs, the village head highlighted water scarcity as a major challenge in Idu. He explained that residents have been without reliable water for about a month after pumps failed, forcing many to depend on boreholes and wells that are often far away and costly.
“Water is life. I am pleading with the Minister of Water Resources to look into our situation and ensure that when water projects are done, they reach us here at the grassroots,” he said. He noted that drilling boreholes has become expensive for ordinary residents.
On interfaith and community relations, Chief Makama expressed satisfaction with the peaceful relationship between Muslims and Christians, as well as between indigenes and non-indigenes in Idu. He said people live together without discrimination and support one another regardless of background.
He urged youths to remain good ambassadors of the community wherever they go. “Youths are the eyes, ears and mouth of the community. When you succeed outside, do not forget where you come from. Bring back what you learn to develop your home,” he said.
Turning to the Abuja Municipal Area Council, the traditional ruler commended the Chairman, Hon. Christopher Zakka Maikalangu, for ongoing efforts but called for urgent attention to Idu. He requested the construction of a functional borehole and rehabilitation of roads linking the community to the outside and to cement factories.
“I know he said the new contract will be around 2027, but I appeal that he completes the old projects first. Let him come and see the real borehole situation here. People are suffering for water,” Chief Makama stated.
He concluded by praying for peace, development, and continued cooperation between the people and government, expressing hope that their requests would be addressed to improve living standards in Idu.
