Alhaji Izudike Abass, is a Deltan, the President General of Isheagu Community in Aniocha South Local Government Area of Delta State. He is a great community leader and Muslim cleric. At present, he is the Chief Imam of Isheagu Central Mosque. He has a passion for a better society, where peace, unity and development can take place. In this interview with Ifeanyi Omenogor, he called for sustained peace in his community, Isheagu, Delta State, and Nigeria in general. Alhaji Izudike Abass also spoke on the development strides of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, the place of the youths in societal development, among other issues. Excerpt.
How is Isheagu today as a community?
Thank you for this question. Charity, they say, begins at home. To answer your question, as you can see, we are in the town, it is peaceful, the people are hardworking, law abiding, hospitable and going about their daily businesses.
As I said, Isheagu people are peace loving, and I will continue to pray for the peace, unity and development of the community.
You are the President-General of the community and also the Chief Imam of the Mosque here, how did you come by these positions?
I will give all thanks and honour to Almighty Allah, the merciful God, for making it happened. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve God and my community.
Though, it is not easy to handle such positions at the same time, but I can tell you that I am happy that Almighty Allah is giving me the wisdom, power and direction to lead the people and they are happy also.
You know as a Muslim, we believe in peace and love. These are the foundations of our faith, and I am doing my best to instil that in our community, and from my point of view, we are doing better.
Okay, as president-general, what are your achievements?
This is a good question. We have been able to ensure peace, attract more development, and redirect the activities of the youths towards positive goals for a better society and their future.
You can see that we have relative peace here because of our efforts. We discourage them from crime by introducing them to education and letting them know that there are gains in hardwork.
Also, once there are issues, we resolve them amicably as brothers and sisters. Hence I will always appeal to my people to avoid involvement in criminal acts, but engage in productive activities that can transform their lives, the community and Delta State.
You see in the mosque, we teach them to be truthful at all times as lies does not last for ever, whatever a man sows, he and his generation would reap, so, we must be truthful and obey the commandments of Allah, the peaceful, merciful and truthful God.
What can you say about the youths of your community?
They are vibrant. The youths are the bedrock of every nation. I will advise the youths of Isheagu Community to be focus and shun actions that are capable of truncating their future. They must embrace hardwork and fear Allah and obey his rules, because God hate laziness and sin.
Youths must abstain from cultism, drug abuse and other social vices, as you know drugs and cultism had destroyed many youths in society.
Now, let us delve a little into politics and Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration in Delta. What do have to say?
First of all, I want to thank the governor for his support to Muslims in the state. Under him, we have enjoyed a lot of supports and peace. He is a Christian, but he supports us particularly in times of pilgrimage and Sallah celebrations. I can proudly say that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori is a detribalized leader with interest of all at heart.
Therefore, I want to thank the governor for his development strides that cut across the entire state. He has made Deltans proud with his achievements. We appeal to him for more development in our community, Isheagu.
I can say that within the two years in office, Governor Oborevwori has proved his worth as a good leader with listening ears.
2027 elections are fast approaching, what is your take?
The governor has done a lot for the people of the state, the people of Isheagu and Deltans in general would vote for him, so that he can do more for the people.
His movement to the All Progressives Congress (APC) is a wise decision. Therefore, we will continue to support the Governor to ensure he actualize his MORE Agenda now, in synergy with Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.
We are hoping for more development in the state and we trusted him that he would deliver, seeing his giant strides within two years. We are proud of Governor Sheriff Oborewvori for doing well and launching Delta into national level.
Do you have any request from the governor?
I am appealing to the state Governor to come to the aid of the Isheagu Community by tarring more roads. With the rains coming, we urge him to help control flood; because as farmers, we lost our farm produce to flood last year, create more job opportunities for the youths and ensure security for the people.
Your final message to your people, Deltans
I urge the people of Isheagu community and Deltans to continue to live in peace, unity and love for the purpose development. They must support our governor so that he can achieve more for the state.
