FAAN MD Hosts Muslim Ummahs for Iftar Dinner, Calls for Prayers, Peaceful Co-existence
The Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs Olubunmi Kuku, on Thursday night hosted Muslim ummahs at the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos, for an Iftar dinner.
The event, which drew over 300 Muslim men and women from the airport and surrounding communities, served as a platform for reflection, prayer, and the promotion of harmony among Nigerians.
The Iftar dinner, held at the FAAN corporate headquarters, saw the Muslim faithful breaking their fast with Mrs Kuku before observing the Maghrib prayer.
The gathering was also an opportunity for private discussions between the FAAN MD and attendees, reinforcing the spirit of community and togetherness.
Addressing the attendees, Mrs Kuku emphasised the importance of prayer and unity in driving the development of the aviation sector and the nation at large.
She urged the Muslim community and Nigerians in general to continue praying for the sector’s growth while fostering peace and understanding among different religious groups.
“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 our hearts as people that reflect posterity and significance,” Kuku stated. “It is indeed a thing of joy that this is also the time of Lent, which shows us that despite our religious differences, we are all one.”
Expressing gratitude for the prayers and support from the Muslim community, Mrs Kuku noted that the progress seen in the aviation sector since she assumed office was partly due to the continuous prayers and goodwill of stakeholders.
“I want to use this time to appreciate the leaders here and thank you for your prayers—they are indeed working for the growth of the airports. The development we have seen since we took over is partly due to your continuous prayers and supplications,” she remarked.
“I want you to take everybody as one, look back on your journey, and use this time to reflect on how you can uplift others on your path going forward,” Kuku added.
The FAAN MD concluded by offering prayers for divine guidance and continued peace: “I pray that the Lord and the Almighty Allah answer all of our prayers. I pray that the Almighty Allah looks down upon us, heals us, and grants us the grace to continue living in harmony beyond this holy month.”
Also speaking at the event, FAAN’s Director of Airport Operations, Capt. Abdullahi Zubeir Mahmood, underscored the significance of the occasion, noting that the MD’s decision to host the Iftar dinner reflected her commitment to fostering religious harmony within the airport community.
“You know this month is the holy month of Ramadan—a time for prayers, giving, and extending gestures to all families, irrespective of religious differences,” Mahmood stated. “The MD considered it of great significance to gather the Muslim community under her care and even those within the neighbourhood of FAAN to sit down and share an Iftar meal.”
Quoting the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), Mahmood highlighted the spiritual blessings attached to sharing meals with others.
“The best food you will eat is the food you eat in a gathering with people—that’s where the blessing lies. Anytime you invite someone to your place, even if that person is your enemy, and they accept the invitation, there is a blessing in that.”
He added that the gathering was a testament to the sense of unity Mrs Kuku has fostered within the airport community.
“People left their homes and their families to be here, and you can see the passion and excitement. This initiative by the MD shows her dedication to building a family-oriented atmosphere within the FAAN community,” Mahmood said.
The event was widely regarded as a success, reinforcing the message of peace, unity, and understanding across religious lines within Nigeria’s aviation sector.
