Chidoka felicitates with Muslims, rues effect of COVID-19 on friendship

Former Minister of Aviation Chief Osita Chidoka has urged Muslim faithful to imbibe the lessons of Ramadan such as abstinence, charity, and communion with God for the good of humanity.

In a message issued on Monday in Awka to congratulate Muslims on the celebration of Eid-el Fitr, Chidoka said that the outbreak of COVID-19 had diminished the traditional camaraderie shared by all during the occasion.

In a message by Mr Ikechukwu Okafor, the former minister’s spokesman, Chidoka was quoted as saying: “The ongoing lockdown caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has denied me the opportunity to physically celebrate with my Muslim friends.’’

According to him, this is the first time in 15 years that he will not able to have breakfast after Ramadan in the homes of his friends.

Chidoka, who was also former Corps Marshall of the Federal Road Safety Corps, said that while he was head of the organisation, the period availed him the opportunity to travel with his Muslim friends to celebrate Eid-el Fitr in their homes.

“This is the first year in 15 years that I missed the daily breaking of fast in the homes of my Muslim friends.

“They know how much I enjoy the Ramadan breaking of fast.

“Most of them have been to Obosi to eat the new yam and enjoyed Easter lunch and I never missed breaking of fast dinner in the homes of my former bosses until this year.

“The month of Ramadan was time we moved from home to home enjoying friendship and observing the spirit of Ramadan.

“The rich and poor, friends, and friends of friends alike welcomed everyone with joy. I want to wish everyone a Happy Sallah,” he said.