Pass it On - Al-Habibiyyah feeding program (July 26, 2012)

July 26, 2012

U.S. Mission Nigeria Staff Volunteers Join in Building the Blocks of Compassion, Tolerance and Mutual Understanding amongst Nigerians.

Chairman of Al-Habibiyyah’s Mosque Building Committee and coordinator of the food bank feeding program, Alhaji Faruk Suleiman presenting a plaque to Charge James McAnulty.

For the second year in a row U.S. Mission Nigeria staff volunteers have participated in the Al-Habibiyyah Mosque feeding program, helping to pass out food to needy youth populations and Muslim faithful during Ramadan fast breaking.

This year’s program on July 26th was led by U.S. Embassy Chargé d’affaires, a.i.  James McAnulty with participation of about 40 U.S. Mission Nigeria staff volunteers.
 
Mr. McAnulty said the opportunity for the U.S. Mission staff to join with their Muslim brothers and sisters in the celebration of their faith is a reminder “that we are all part of a larger community dedicated to making Nigeria a better place.”

He said the Koran injunctions promoting human kindness, coexistence and community cohesion are ideals that are also held by other faiths and that should encourage increased cooperation between all groups in Nigeria.

“The U.S. Mission remains engaged with Nigerian Muslims and other communities to promote dialogue and mutual understanding, especially among Nigeria's youth,” Mr. McAnulty remarked.


He also said the U.S. Mission has come to join the Muslim faithful in breaking fast because “Good relationships depend on personal interaction.” Click here for full text of Charge McAnulty’s remarks.

Chief Imam of Al-Habibiyyah Mosque, Fu’ad Adeyemi thanked the U.S. Mission for its support to the program, created in November 2005, shortly after his return from the U.S.’s International Visitor’s Leadership Program on “Religion and Community.”   

He said the U.S. Mission Nigeria’s visit to the Mosque and participation in passing out food to the needy is part of a series of Al-Habibiyyah’s interfaith dialogue and peace building programs, which has featured participation of prominent Nigerian community and religious leaders as well as foreign dignitaries.  

Chairman of Al-Habibiyyah’s Mosque Building Committee and coordinator of the food bank feeding program, Alhaji Faruk Suleiman, said the Al-Habibiyyah society treasures U.S. friendship, and presented a plaque to Charge James McAnulty, in appreciation of U.S. Mission Nigeria’s support and regular participation in passing out food to the needy and Muslim faithful during Ramadan.  Click here for this event’s photos on Flickr.