By KEMI KASUMU
The NTIC, formally known to be Turkish but now Nigeria-Tulip International Colleges has a foundation called NTIC Foundation, whose central obligation is to do the need assessment of people, near and far, and make them happy.
One of the ways it makes things happen what it calls Cow Killing at Sallah, done mainly to make less privilege family have enough meet at Eid-ul-Adha celebration. Across its branches in Nigeria, this Foundation had slaughtered 1,000 cows in the past and for several years now, it has consistently shouldered this responsibility without let.
This year, the NTIC has done it again slaughtering 90 cows and distributing same to its near and far neighbour without even letting Christians out of benefit. This, it says, is in fulfillment of its commitment to peaceful co-existence in its host countries particularly Nigeria, where inability of people of diverse ethno-religious groups have persistently failed to realise how their strength lies in their diversity.
The NTIC Foundation slaughtered and distributed this year’s 90 cows, on Sunday that was Dhul-Hijjah 10, 1440 AH, equivalent to August 11, 2019, to indigent residents of Isheri Olofin community in Ogun State where it is located, to celebrate Eid-ul-Adha.
The Principal of the College, Mr Ercan Yilmaz, said that a similar number of cows or more was also slaughtered and distributed in other zones across the country.
Yilmaz explained while addressing Journalist during the meat distribution that the intention was to make people happy on the Sallah day.
He said the event, Eid-el-Kabir celebration and the accompanied meat distribution are integral part of the various charity works which NTIC Foundation spearheads on behalf of the Nigerian-Turkish International Colleges nationwide.
“Over a decade this annual gesture has been observed and pledged to continue with meat distribution as long as it help to improve the meal of the less privilege even if its for a moment.
“You can see the similes on their faces, it shows people need succuor.Just as in previous years, we are reaching out to people of different faiths to share in the joy of the occasion; this is to enable such people participate in the festivity.
Yilmaz added that the beneficiaries of this kind act, cut across religious institutions, that included the poor in our mist,orphanages, inmates, official of government establishments, who indicated their interest,mosques, churches and physically challenged persons.
“As we have distribited for sallah, also for Christmas and Ramadan, we equally do the said.
Yilmaz said across the 10 centres in Nigeria, they have all been involved in this event, on a yearly basis reaching out to thousands of Nigerians across the faiths on Sallah celebration like this.”
The motivation for the meat distribution, Mr. Yilmaz said, was to ensure that every family, irrespective of colour, race or religion, is made happy on the occasion.
He added that coordination of the event and several charity activities of the college were taken over by NTIC Foundation six years ago.
On his part, the Chief Imam of Islamic Education and Faith Initiative, Magodo, Imam Abdusemiu Alkilany, lauded the Foundation for sustaining charitable work.
“Personally, I appreciate the almighty Allah for keeping us alive to witness another Sallah, and the NTIC for her commitment. This is their own way of preaching peace and harmony.
“I have known NTIC for the past 15 years and it is not the type that discriminates, if one a Muslim or Christian before they can benefits. They just show love he noted.
“This is a foreign institution base in Nigeria, yet they have shown great character,loveand good behaviour, which Nigerian institutions should emulate,” he said.
The Muslim cleric said there was no need to segregate between religious people as he said God is one. The challenge faced by the country, he said, is due to a shift in God’s original plan which have been politicised.
Alkilany called on religious leaders to sue for peace and preach unity among the muslims and Christians.
In the same vein, Mr Gabriel Okore, an educator, with Chrisland Schools Ltd., also commended NTIC Foundation for the kind gesture, saying that it would enable those who cannot afford to buy rams or cow to celebrate the festival due to financial constraints have memorable celebration.
”I am a friend of the college and have been coming to this event for five years now,because of the love I have for the school.
“I can testify that the gesture has been supporting so many indigent families to enjoy Sallah celebration over the years,” he noted.”
Also, some of the beneficiaries who spoke about the charitable works, residents of Isheri-Olofin, Mrs Toma Abubakar, said her household have benefited from it for two years since they moved to the area.
An elderly, woman, Sabua Idi expressed gratitude and prayed for God’s abundant blessings upon the school.
